1998 Nissan Altima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 15%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,995miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Nissan Altima, 15% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,995 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“Gas spills back out of tank when putting gas in tank. Have to fill tank very slowly. Was told that the evaporator control valve is problematic in Altima from 1997. This has resulted in the engine light coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #10182054, filed 2007-02“While attempting to fill the gas tank the automated pump will stop. When the attendant does it manually gas will shoot out all over, creating a fire hazard. As the gas is put in slowly by the attendant the hose leading from the pump to my gas tank vibrates violently.”
NHTSA complaint #10045143, filed 2003-10Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2020 | 7 | 4% |
| 2019 | 13 | 6% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 17 | 4% |
| 2016 | 30 | 5% |
| 2015 | 28 | 3% |
| 2014 | 25 | 2% |
| 2013 | 49 | 2% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 7 | 2% |
| 2009 | 11 | 1% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 9 | 2% |
| 2006 | 32 | 4% |
| 2005 | 35 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 50 | 6% |
| 2002 | 56 | 5% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Nissan Altima
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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