1998 Nissan Altima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 11%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,833miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Nissan Altima, 11% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,833 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During cross-country trip, vehicle began emitting metallic whining noise and clicking in engine compartment, not audible from passenger compartment. When I returned home, I performed regular tune-up maintenance, checked my valve clearances and timing adjustments. Shortly after I started my vehicle again, my lower timing chain snapped. After a lengthy disassembly, I discovered that a piece of black plastic from a chain guide had broken away and fused with the chain, causing it to seize and break. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176271, filed 2006-12, 124,666 miles“Rotten egg/sulfur smell emitted from exhaust. First service performed on vehicle was to replace the on-board computer. This did not fix the problem. Took the car to another dealership and they said there wasn't a fix available. A workaround to avoid the smell is to burn premium gasoline. Premium gasoline does eliminate the odor, but the manual says I need to burn gas rated at 87 octane. I shouldn't have to burn premium fuel, which is much more costly, to avoid this problem. I believe this problem to be a engineering defect, and want the problem resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #720234, filed 2000-03“Consumer's daughter experienced numerous problems with vehicle. It intermittently stalled. Dealer had vehicle on 3 different diagnostic machines, and it just showed that #4 cylinder needed servicing. Consumer stated that this had been checked a number of times and still not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10073553, filed 2004-05“1998 Nissan Altima developed problems with the check engine light illuminated, problems with the gas tank, and the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. When the consumer attempted to fill the tank, gas would spill out.”
NHTSA complaint #10134548, filed 2005-08“Vehicle has no power when driving, cannot accelerate correctly or speed up when consumer wants to. Contacted three dealerships,and all three they could not find cause of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8017276, filed 2002-08Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 8 | 0% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 10 | 1% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 44 | 9% |
| 2006 | 189 | 23% |
| 2005 | 259 | 24% |
| 2004 | 109 | 39% |
| 2003 | 450 | 51% |
| 2002 | 594 | 57% |
| 2001 | 59 | 37% |
| 2000 | 49 | 31% |
| 1999 | 8 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 11% |
| 1997 | 7 | 6% |
| 1996 | 8 | 9% |
| 1995 | 28 | 16% |
| 1994 | 11 | 10% |
| 1993 | 16 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Nissan Altima
19 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsTires
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Nissan Altima
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology