Is the 2001 Nissan Altima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Nissan Altima?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Nissan Altima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Nissan Altima

▲ Better than typical

2001 Nissan Altima
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:20.006Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 159
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2001: 159 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	125
1994	113
1995	180
1996	92
1997	108
1998	123
1999	87
2000	160
2001	159
2002	1,047
2003	883
2004	276
2005	1,091
2006	824
2007	471
2008	1,030
2009	1,547
2010	381
2011	241
2012	426
2013	2,310
2014	1,114
2015	955
2016	555
2017	392
2018	226
2019	233
2020	181
2021	70
2022	31
2023	30
2024	41
2025	6
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

38% · 61 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and engine.

CRASH

Suspension

13% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing rear and torsion bar.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Electrical system

12% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Car was parked overnight in garage. When key was turned in the ignition, explosion occurred under the hood. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and acid was dripping to the pavement.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-03

Air bags

10% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Some driver had an accident, due to a dui, and his car was straddled across the left lane and I hit it as I came around the bend at appr. 11:30 p.m. In a dark section of the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-21

The vehicle rear ended someone's van while only going 15-20 MPH. The airbag deployed and then exploded; causing 2ND & 3RD degree burns throughout my upper body.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-12

Was hit by another car and front end buckled by the crash and air bags did not deploy......front end damage was approx $5500 due to low miles was repaired although we would like to know why the airbags did not deploy?

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-25

Visibility

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and linkages.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2007-12-11Exterior lighting07E074000 Certain eagle eyes headlamp assemblies, p/nos. Ds517-B001L and DS517-B001R, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. The opticel surface of the reflector is…

Remedy: Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on December 11, 2007. Owners may contact eagle eyes at 1-800-568-1098.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileTires01V065000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with firestone firehawk gta-02 , size P205/55R16 89H tires.

Remedy: Bridgestone/firestone will replace the tires which were installed as original equipment on these Altima vehicles. Firestone is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 61 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 21 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 01V065000 · Tires
Recall 07E074000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Nissan Altima reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Nissan Altima?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Nissan Altima have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.