1998 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 164,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Nissan Altima, 5% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 164,500 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.
“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“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“Since I purchased my car in 7/98, I've had to bring my car in to the service for more than 7 times. Recently, I was told by my mechanice that my coolant and the transmission are leaking. I am extremely frustrated with all the problems I've had with this car. I've contacted Nissan once, and wrote letters twice, but nothing has been escalated. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #709746, filed 1999-08“I'm afraid to drive the speed limit in my state becuse a noise is coming from the right rear of the vehicle. After purchasing this vehicle I went to the dealer and told him to listen to the noise and he said it was normal(I have the paperwork to prove that I was there). I continued to drive the vehicle and now the noise is much more pronounced. I dont know what the problem is, I am a servicemember on a tight budget, I have to drive cross country on a regular basis, and I am afraid everytime I get into this car that the wheel is going to fall off. …”
NHTSA complaint #713458, filed 1999-10“Transmission slipping, will not shift past 2nd gear, all required maintainance, services have been performed.Nissan will not help. Cost of needed repairs approx $5,000.”
NHTSA complaint #743708, filed 2001-04Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 24 | 11% |
| 2017 | 133 | 34% |
| 2016 | 235 | 42% |
| 2015 | 161 | 17% |
| 2014 | 209 | 19% |
| 2013 | 506 | 22% |
| 2012 | 149 | 35% |
| 2011 | 68 | 28% |
| 2010 | 73 | 19% |
| 2009 | 95 | 6% |
| 2008 | 80 | 8% |
| 2007 | 62 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 10% |
| 2005 | 115 | 11% |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 4% |
| 2002 | 39 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 7 | 8% |
| 1995 | 27 | 15% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Nissan Altima
19 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsTires
7 complaintsBody and structure
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