2004 Nissan Altima
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
- Complaints
- 276
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 276 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 | 1,029 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,310 |
| 2014 | 1,114 |
| 2015 | 954 |
| 2016 | 553 |
| 2017 | 391 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 231 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 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
41% · 112 reportsMost commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).
Structure
15% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Electrical system
12% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was stalling 2 days ago shut it off and drove away just fine not even 4 hours later my fiance was driving the car home he came up around a hill /bend on a city street the car locked up on him along with the oiil brake and battery light the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-10
Nissan Altima just died on the highway without warning. The vehicle was rear ended and we had to be taken to the hospital. We both sustained multiple surgeries and was admitted for about a week. Called nissanusa to inform them, but they don't care.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-14
Also filed under Engine
The vehicle kept showing codes P1148, P1278 and P1279. Took it to Nissan dealer several times and they changed maf sensor, all oxygen sensors, fuel system cleaning but the code kept showing up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-31
Engine
11% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The car has a fuel problem and crankshaft position sensor issue causing the car to die and also not start up normal idling. When I do get it to start up it idles very groggy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Power train
7% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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R
2006-09-20Engine and engine cooling06V242000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor is affected by temperature variations. Under certain driving conditions, these variations in temperature can be…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. The recall began on August 21, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
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R
2007-07-16Exterior lighting07E054000 Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 315-1145L-as and 315-1145R-as, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. During production the lamp…
Remedy: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 16, 2007. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
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R
2007-09-10Exterior lighting07E063000 Certain anzo aftermarket headlights, p/n 02-az-NA02-b-a, sold for use on 2002-2004 Nissan Altima vehicles. During production the lamp housing shape deformed distorting the assembly angle of the…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant lamps. The recall began on September 10, 2007. Owners can contact anzo at 909-628-1440.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 112 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06V242000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 07E054000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07E063000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07E074000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Altima is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Altima?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Altima have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.