1993 Nissan Altima: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 122 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The automatic seatbelt door latch has failed driver door does not lock or shut properly, nissan no longer manufacture this part, reason car is over 10 years of age, this is however a safety issue and a liability issue, this part (driver and passenger side) should be available and should be manufactured for safety of the passengers. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vapor canister failed and would no longer capture and recycles gasoline from the fuel injection system. This also causes fumes to get into the vehicle interior rendering the vehicle inoperable in cold or wet weather. The vehicle was taken to the contacts personal mechanic. The mechanic was unable to locate the part needed for repairs and was advised by an aftermarket parts shop that the part was no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they did not have the parts for the failure. They offered her no further assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 nissan altima. While driving at any speed, the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly and suddenly. The contact must quickly depress the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, but she believes the failure is due to a manufacturer defect. She called the manufacturer and was informed that there was no recall that applied to her vehicle. The current and failure mileages were unknown.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“1993 altima, door latch failure which causes a problem for the automatic seat belts (passenger side door latch) nissan no longer makes this latch,(the sensor that operates the belts are built together inside the latch) its a safety problem or issue and needs to be corrected., ps I have replaced the latch with a 94 altima latch, but it does not operate the automatic seat belt., the reason I replaced the passenger door latch because the door would open at will. The latch failed! *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2008
“After the vehicle has been turned off, both rear windows open from the up position to half way down. This has happened more than once. One time, the car was stolen. Teenagers gained access to the interior of the car through the rear windows that had automatically opened after the driver had shut them and locked the car. While the car was in possession of the teens, it was involved in 2 hit and run accidents, driven 300 miles in 2 1/2 days, before the teens were arrested. Vehicle bought at auction 6 months prior with 67,076 miles. Manufacturer not notified. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2005
“Dt: the caller said the engine support frame member rusted from the inside. He took the vehicle to a car wash, and when he sprayed the support the paint was washed away, and it blew a hole in the frame member. Car was purchased at an auction, and the manufacturer has not been contacted yet.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2005
“Dt: nissan altima 1993. The consumer stepped on the accelerator and the pedal dropped completely to the floor. The engine continued to rev upwards of 85 mph. The accelerator pedal mount had broken away from the firewall of the vehicle. The consumer reached down and pulled the pedal up by hand and slowed the vehicle down. The consumer called the manufacturer, and was told that they would have to bring the car in, and pay to have it fixed. *ak *sc *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2005
“Recall campaign 94v035000 concerning throttle linkages and control. While pulling into a parking space vehicle commenced to accelerate. No other incidents were reported. Consumer found this recall information on NHTSA website. The dealer or a repair shop had not inspected the vehicle at this time.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2005
“Today vehicle experienced sudden uncontrolled acceleration due to throttle cable being pulled out of place while driving. I contacted nissan usa and they are attempting to decline repair of vehicle due to 1) age of vehicle 2) recall work previously done. Unfortunately the prior recall work was performed incorrectly per nissan bulletin 94v-035 ntb -- brackets to prevent throttle cable movement are located incorrectly. Vehicle requires new throttle cable and recall repair to remedy this situation. Nissan usa is not acting in good faith to quickly repair this vehicle which is currently unsafe to operate.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2005
“When driving in cold weather vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
ENGINE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIRFLOW METER/FILTER HOUSING AND SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE ENGINE AIR DUCT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPOSITION THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING IN THE SUPPORT BRACKET TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SLACK FOR ENGINE MOVEMENT. A RUBBER STOPPER WILL BE CLAMPED TO THE CABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CORRECT POSITION FOR THE CABLE AT THE SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE CABLE WILL BE TESTED FOR PULL OUT RESISTANCE FROM THE GUIDE IN THE EVENT THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED. THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Altima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1993 Nissan Altima reliable?
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Nissan Altima. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Nissan Altima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 122,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Nissan Altima have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.