1998 Nissan Altima Problems
- Complaints
- 123filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Nissan Altima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often complain about fuel backing up or spraying out during refueling, and about airbags that did not deploy in collisions. Electrical problems (no-start conditions, batteries, alternators), brake noise and pulsation, and looseness in the front suspension and steering also come up repeatedly, usually at well over 100,000 miles.
- Fuel system
Fuel spills or backs up during refueling
- 12 complaints (10%)
- median 73,990 mi at 6.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2013
Owners describe fuel backing up and spraying out of the filler neck when refueling, often after only a few gallons, so the tank has to be filled very slowly. Some say a mechanic or dealer pointed to the evaporative emission control valve or vent circuit, and some report the check engine light coming on as well. Complaints also describe fuel smell while driving and a broken fitting at the filler entry point. Reported anywhere from about 57,000 to 180,000 miles, with several owners noting it happens much more often in warmer months.
What to check: Fill the tank from a nearly empty level and watch for spit-back or a very slow fill; ask whether the EVAP vent valve or filler neck has been replaced, and scan for stored check engine codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Whenever I try to fill my gas tank, the fuel backs up after filling 2-3 gallons and spills out. This is the 2nd summer season I am having this problem. Last summer my mechanic said the tank appeared fine. I have to fill the tank very slowly and I often still experience this backsplash of fuel. This happens 70% of the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10086119, filed 2004-08, 68,450 miles“Service engine soon light came on due to sensors in gas tank. I was unable to put gas in the tank because it would spit back out. When it was taken in for service I was told that this was a very common problem and that one part alone was $300.”
NHTSA complaint #10047129, filed 2003-11, 73,990 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a collision
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 70,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2003
Numerous complaints describe front or rear impacts where the airbags did not deploy, including cases with significant front-end damage. One owner said a dealer explained the sensors sit on the frame rails rather than the bumper. A separate complaint notes the bags did deploy but the driver still struck the windshield. Reported in collisions across the model's life, with no consistent mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask for any history of airbag system diagnosis, check that the airbag warning lamp behaves normally at startup, and have a shop confirm the system has no stored fault codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car was struck by another driver while crossing an intersection. My bumper and headlights were both torn from the car, but the airbag in my Nissan Altima gxe (98) did not deploy. I was treated at an urgent care center for neck, back and arm pain that day.”
NHTSA complaint #10049467, filed 2003-12, 146,200 miles“A car ran a red light and turned in front of me I tried to stop but the car brakes locked and the car started skidding. I couldn't control the car and it skid into the rear of the car that pulled in front of me. The collision was hard enough to fold my hood in half but the airbag never deployed. I went to the emergency room with chest pain and a numb left arm and hand. The airbag failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #720848, filed 2000-03 - Brakes
Brake noise, pulsation and long stopping
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe loud squealing and a deep growling under light pedal pressure, with some owners told the rear drums were the source. Others report vibration when braking that returned after resurfacing the rotors, and a few describe the brakes locking or the pedal going to the floor without slowing the car. The dealer response in these complaints was often to clean or resurface parts. Reported from low mileage in one case (about 23,000 miles) up to around 150,000 miles, with several complaints in the 40,000 to 70,000 mile range.
What to check: Listen for squeal or grind on a light-pedal test drive, feel for pulsation through the pedal, and ask for service records on rotors, drums and pads; also have the brake fluid checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“It was a rainy day and I was following traffic, I was going about 30mph when I had to take a curve. I 'gently' hit brakes to slow for the curve when my brakes locked up sending me straight into oncoming traffic where I hit a hummer h3. Luckily neither of us were going that fast through the curve so little damage was done. But this wasn't the first time the breaks had locked up on a slippery surface, yet it doesn't occur very often, infact the ABS had check out ok a month prior. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294954, filed 2009-12, 147,769 miles“1. Was driving south on hwy 101 in california at 60 MPH. 2. Brakes failed to slow car down, only released an odor as the pads appeared to be smoldering. Accelerator appeared to be frozen and for a couple minutes actually accelerated. 3. Applied brakes repeatedly, pulled on hand brake, pressed on cruise control on off switch, pressed on cruise control cancel and set switches. Up until then the cruise control was not working at all anyway. But, it appeared that cruise control was on and non-responding to the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292115, filed 2009-11, 150,000 miles - Suspension
Front end wander and loose steering
- 8 complaints (7%)
- median 143,000 mi at 18.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2016
Owners describe the car drifting or darting left and right at highway speed, with loose or vague steering that is hard to correct. Some had alignments and new tires without a fix, and one report says an independent mechanic found a strut weld separated from its mount along with worn sway bar bushings and mounts. Another complaint notes a front coil spring that broke while the car was parked. Mostly reported between about 140,000 and 168,000 miles, typically at highway speeds.
What to check: Drive it at highway speed and feel for wander or a steering dead spot, then have the front end inspected for play in tie rods, strut mounts and bushings before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“It happened again on my drive to cooper hospital, the car veers all over the road, it is not a steering problem, it is underneath the car.....please help me, I will get killed in this car......it seems to want to jump to the left or right when ever it feels like it, no matter the speed. Of course it is more disturbing when one is driving on a major road like 676.”
NHTSA complaint #10853157, filed 2016-04, 142,400 miles“My car was all over the road while driving at 55, 60 MPH. It does it at slower speeds too but we were almost killed this time. It seems to want to go to the left or right when ever it feels like it. I just bought it from a private person not too long ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10851783, filed 2016-03, 143,000 miles - Electrical system
No-start or stalling electrical faults
- 5 complaints (4%)
- median 70,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2004
Owners describe the engine and all accessories shutting off while driving or at idle, then failing to restart until jumped, sometimes repeatedly even after a new battery. In other cases the car simply will not start after a short stop. Several say dealers and independent shops could not reproduce the problem or found the battery and alternator normal, though some had the computer replaced. Reported from around 55,000 to 86,000 miles, often after the car had been driven and then shut off briefly.
What to check: Ask whether the battery, alternator and grounds have been serviced, look for a history of repeat no-start repairs, and check that battery terminals and the engine computer connections are clean and tight.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car was idle at a red light when it shut down completely (engine, radio, lights, etc). It would not start again. I got a jump and it started. The next day it started fine. I let it idle for about 15 minutes and it was okay. I drove it for a few minutes and it died again. I had it towed to a repair shop. None of the diagnostic tests showed anything wrong (battery, alternator, etc. Were okay). They drove it and it did not die again. I took it to a Nissan dealer and they cannot find any problems either.”
NHTSA complaint #10093897, filed 2004-10, 70,000 miles“Several times the vehicle wouldn't start, I had to have it jump started. Usually happened after it had been driven for a short time, stopped and then tried to restart. One time it wouldn't start even with a jump. Battery was replaced and it continued to happen. Dealership could not duplicate the problem. All readings for battery and alternator came back normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10014032, filed 2003-04, 55,000 miles
Buying note. Given the age and typical mileage, have any candidate inspected for the refueling spit-back, brake condition and front-end play, and ask for records of airbag-system and electrical diagnosis; these are the areas owners most often describe.
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 123 consumer complaints for the 1998 Nissan Altima. 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 7% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 94,000 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 25 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.
- Fuel system19 15%
- Air bags15 12%
- Electrical system15 12%
- Brakes14 11%
- Engine cooling14 11%
- Suspension9 7.3%
- Tires7 5.7%
- Body and structure6 4.9%
Also reported: Equipment (5), Vehicle speed control (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Steering (3), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Exterior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Gas goes in very slowly when added to vehicle, then there is an overflow from back of pump before the tank is filled. I was told I have problem with evaporative emission control system vent control circuit.”
NHTSA complaint #10501920, filed 2013-03, 179,000 milesAir bags: “Hi! I got in a small accident. Nothing even happened to the car, it has no dents at all. It was a crash at low speed the airbags got activated anyways which would be ok if the following didnt occur. I had my seat belt on. My friend was driving my car and I was in the passenger side. All I recall is the airbag releasing and soon after having intensive bleeding all around my face. I was taken immediatly to a hospital and had to get 8 stiches in my eyelid of my left eye. Also I got several scars in my cheeks and foreheads. …”
NHTSA complaint #10045561, filed 2003-11Electrical system: “After arriving home safely from a long highway drive (7 hrs), our car sat for about 5 hours. When I started the car, I smelled smoke and heard a unusual rubbing noise under the hood. After popping the hood, I saw smoke pouring out of the alternator. I turned off the engine, went inside to get a fire extinguisher. The fire was still burning, but seemed to be inside the alternator. I extinguished it and hopefully saved serious engine damage. The car was towed to the dealer, and is awaiting service now.”
NHTSA complaint #10126110, filed 2005-06, 67,200 milesBrakes: “The front brake calipers cease up and pulls severely hard to the left into on coming traffic. The calipers lock up without applying brakes and even when the vehicle is not turned on. The consumer can smell the brakes due to being so hot. The dealer was notified. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8006464, filed 2002-03Mileage when problems were reported
7% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 146,200 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 1998 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 | 3 / 2 | — | — | — |
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 1998 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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Altima FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Nissan Altima in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 25 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 1998 Nissan Altima?
Owners of this model year most often complain about fuel backing up or spraying out during refueling, and about airbags that did not deploy in collisions. The issues reported most often: Fuel spills or backs up during refueling; Airbags did not deploy in a collision; Brake noise, pulsation and long stopping.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA recorded 123 consumer complaints for the 1998 Nissan Altima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Nissan Altima is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 19 complaints (15% of the total), followed by air bags with 15.
Has the 1998 Nissan Altima been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Nissan Altima (Altima, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Nissan Altima reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 94,000 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 146,200 miles; 7% 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.