1993 Nissan Altima Problems
- Complaints
- 122filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 122,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Nissan Altima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended or uncontrolled engine acceleration traced to throttle cable and accelerator pedal mounting problems, and a separate cluster of complaints about the automatic seat belts and air bag deployment. Many reports come from vehicles with well over 100,000 miles, and some drivers describe the throttle cable pulling loose or the pedal breaking away from the firewall without warning.
- Vehicle speed control
Throttle cable pulls loose or sticks, engine revs
- 22 complaints (18%)
- median 145,000 mi at 12.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2017
Complaints describe the engine revving on its own, sometimes while shifting into reverse, pulling into a parking space, or driving at highway speed, with the throttle cable reported to have pulled out of its housing or become stuck. Several owners say the pedal dropped to the floor or the accelerator felt stuck and they had to reach down and pull it up, shift to neutral, or shut off the ignition to slow the car. Some report that recall 94V035 repair work was performed but the cable later pulled out again, and a few say the dealer declined further repair because of the vehicle's age or because the recall had already been applied. Reports span roughly 100,000 to 250,000 miles and appear in both older and more recent filings.
What to check: Ask whether recall 94V035000 was performed and inspect the throttle cable, its brackets, and the pedal mount at the firewall for looseness or rubbing; work the pedal by hand with the engine off to check that it returns freely.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10111246, filed 2005-02, 122,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108437, filed 2005-02, 122,000 miles - Seat belts
Automatic seat belt locks, jams, or does not retract
- 18 complaints (15%)
- median 175,000 mi at 18.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2016
Owners describe the motorized shoulder belts tightening on their own while driving or when a door opens, failing to retract when the door opens, or jamming so an occupant cannot get out. Some reports involve belts that stayed tight after a collision or a belt that had to be cut to free a child, and others say a door latch tied to the belt system failed and the part was no longer available. Reported from low mileage up to about 240,000 miles, with several filings on vehicles past 100,000 miles.
What to check: With the door open and closed, watch the shoulder belt travel and check that it releases cleanly; test the manual release and the buckle, and ask whether the door latches that control the belt have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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!”
NHTSA complaint #10224322, filed 2008-04, 205,000 miles“My automatic seat belts stopped working. According to my owner's manual there is a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. I took the car to my local deal. They refused to service the car. I called Nissan USA and started a claim. I took the car back to the dealer, and again they didn't want to service the car. The service manager even stated that I'm not going to do a diagnostic because I already know what the problem is, and will relay this information to Nissan USA, (I have it on recording). …”
NHTSA complaint #10821512, filed 2016-01, 145,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag does not deploy or warning light stays on
- 19 complaints (16%)
- median 133,500 mi at 16.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2017
Complaints describe frontal and rear-end collisions in which the driver's air bag did not deploy, while other reports mention the air bag warning light flashing repeatedly and needing dealer attention. A few owners describe deployment in a side impact or partial deployment, and one report notes a large amount of smoke filling the cabin after deployment. Mileage is often not stated; where given, reports cluster around 100,000 to 170,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the air bag warning light goes out after the self-check; ask whether the system has been scanned for stored codes and whether the air bag module has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1993 Nissan Altima was struck while parked. Body shop & insurance estimator indicate vehicle that hit the parked Altima was traveling faster than 35 MPH. The passive restraints (seatbelts) failed to lock in place, and the driver-side airbag was not deployed. The Altima was struck in the rear, driver-side quarter panel/bumper - area surrounding fuel cap. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037008, filed 2003-09, 99,000 miles“Consumer had accident & air bags deployed, filling vehicle with smoke. Vehicle seemed like being on fire because of the vast amount of fumes. Dealer was contacted, and stated they never heard of airbags emitting such a vast amount of smoke. Also, motorized seat belt didn't retract when door was opened. Conusmer had hard time trying to get it out.”
NHTSA complaint #861926, filed 2000-05 - Engine cooling
Engine stalling, rough idle, and no-start
- 14 complaints (11%)
- median 35,000 mi at 12.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2005
Owners report the engine quitting while driving, idling very low or rough, and sometimes taking a long time to restart, with dealers in some cases unable to reproduce or identify the cause. A few reports tie stalling to fuel pump or fuel injection problems, and some describe stalling in cold weather. Reported from about 35,000 miles upward, with several complaints noting cold or wet conditions.
What to check: Ask for any service history on the fuel pump, ignition components, and crank sensor, and take a cold start test drive that includes idling in gear to watch for a rough or dropping idle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Got very rough idle speed when start. The whole car was shaking. But the problem goes away when push the gas pedal or in driving. The dealer said the fuel injection system failed to work. This vehical has only run 82000 miles. Should the fuel injection fail?”
NHTSA complaint #724448, filed 2000-06“Problem starting vehicle, it would idle erratically and very low, sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Then while driving the car lost power and caught very erraticlly making it impossible to control my speed. Several websites identify the crank angle sensor”
NHTSA complaint #718045, filed 2000-01
Buying note. Given the age of these vehicles, have a mechanic inspect the throttle linkage, pedal mount, and automatic seat belt operation before purchase, and confirm whether recall 94V035000 was completed. Records of fuel pump campaign work are also worth asking about, since parts availability is a recurring theme in owner reports.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 122 consumer complaints for the 1993 Nissan Altima. 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 8% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 122,000 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 20 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Vehicle speed control34 28%
- Air bags19 16%
- Seat belts19 16%
- Engine cooling16 13%
- Fuel system8 6.6%
- Electrical system7 5.7%
- Body and structure7 5.7%
- Brakes6 4.9%
- Exterior lighting3 2.5%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Equipment (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Tires (2), Other or unknown (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10125896, filed 2005-07, 175,000 milesAir bags: “While parked, vehicle was hit in the rear quarter panel and the air bags did not deploy, also while at body shop seat belt sensor was damaged, dealer replaced seat belt sensor, however when consumer picked up vehicle, the air bag light was on.”
NHTSA complaint #898665, filed 2001-11Seat belts: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10563964, filed 2014-02, 243,000 milesEngine cooling: “This problem began with the car stalling at stop signs. The first time this occured the car stalled out and ran really rough. There was lots of white smoke coming from the exhaust. I took the car in to thomas Nissan and told them what had happened. I was told that they put the car on the diagnostic machine and the problem was the spark plugs. They changed the plugs and the car didn't stall any longer but it ran sort of jerky. It progressed from there to stalling at each and every stop. It soon began to stall when ever I slowed to make a turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #702358, filed 1999-01Mileage when problems were reported
8% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 106,000 and 168,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 Nissan Altima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Nissan Altima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima / Stanza FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Altima / Stanza FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V035000Feb 28, 1994Vehicle speed controlCovers: Nissan Altima 1993–1994
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…
Recall details for the 1993 Nissan Altima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE94035Seat belt lock-upClosed · Apr 26, 1994
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657Feb 22, 2023Wheels. WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021Suspension. STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Altima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 3,522 | 2 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 15,073 | 1 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 30 | 65,200 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 30,300 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 42,897 | 2 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 182 | 34,000 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 234 | 18,074 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 393 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 555 | 58,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 955 | 57,000 | 10 | 5 | 31 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 1,114 | 64,150 | 8 | 5 | 31 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 2,313 | 64,750 | 12 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 426 | 75,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 242 | 72,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 1 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 381 | 53,128 | 3 | — | 23 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,547 | 78,931 | 4 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,030 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 26 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 471 | 61,765 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 824 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,091 | 86,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 276 | 73,480 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 883 | 84,900 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,047 | 88,164 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 159 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 160 | 83,500 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 87 | 99,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 123 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 92,420 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 92 | 84,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 180 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 106 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 122 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Altima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Nissan Altima?
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended or uncontrolled engine acceleration traced to throttle cable and accelerator pedal mounting problems, and a separate cluster of complaints about the automatic seat belts and air bag deployment. The issues reported most often: Throttle cable pulls loose or sticks, engine revs; Automatic seat belt locks, jams, or does not retract; Air bag does not deploy or warning light stays on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA recorded 122 consumer complaints for the 1993 Nissan Altima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Nissan Altima is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 34 complaints (28% of the total), followed by air bags with 19.
Has the 1993 Nissan Altima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Nissan Altima (Altima / Stanza, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Nissan Altima reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 122,000 miles and the middle half falls between 106,000 and 168,000 miles; 8% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.