1999 Nissan Altima Problems
- Complaints
- 87filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles, 30 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in 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 1999 Nissan Altima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about airbags that did not deploy in a crash, and about brakes that squeal, vibrate or need early pad and rotor work. A second, quieter theme is rubber and glass: original-equipment tires cracking or separating, and sun visors or sunroof glass failing. Many reports come in at low mileage for the airbag and brake items, while the engine, fuel and structure complaints cluster well past 100,000 miles.
- Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a crash
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 75,500 mi at 7.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2018
Complaints describe front impacts at speeds from about 15 to 45 mph where neither front airbag deployed. Several owners say the vehicle was totaled or that occupants were hurt, and a few note the airbag warning light was on before the crash. Dealers generally did not give a clear explanation; one owner says the manufacturer took the airbags away for testing and stopped communicating afterwards. A separate report describes both front airbags deploying while turning into a parking lot with no impact. Reported across a wide range of mileage and vehicle age, from near-new cars to examples past 150,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light is currently off and whether the system has ever been serviced or inspected. A pre-purchase scan for stored airbag fault codes is worthwhile on a car this age.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“(1) I turned left into a parking from sitting still in a turn lane. Approx. 3 car lengths into this parking lot both of the front air bags deployed in my automobile. There was no impact. The police were notified and their response was that because there was no vehicle damage etc. There wasn't anything for them to do. They then referred me to this site to fill out a complaint. (2) all three occupants had to be seen in the er. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114175, filed 2005-03, 80,000 miles“To whom it may concern: I was in a terrible car accicent on 11/1/00. Neither airbag deployed and I had damage on all four sides of the vehicle. The worst of the damage was in the front ... The front of the car was gone down to the engine. This vehicle never drove well during the rain. In an ironic way, I am happy to know I am not the only one this has happend to. …”
NHTSA complaint #740434, filed 2001-02 - Brakes
Brake squeal, pulsation and early pad wear
- 7 complaints (8%)
- typically at 1.5 yrs old
- filed 2000–2002
Owners describe consistent squealing when stopping, steering wheel vibration and brake pedal pulsation, and warped rotors that came back after a resurfacing or replacement. Several say pads were worn out within roughly 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Dealers commonly told them the noise was normal or that the brakes were adjusted correctly, though some performed pad replacement and rotor resurfacing as paid work. Reported both on nearly new vehicles and on cars past 100,000 miles, often in the first year of ownership.
What to check: Listen for squeal or grinding on a test drive and feel for pedal pulsation under firm braking. Ask for brake service records, since rotors that were resurfaced once may need attention again.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been having a squealing brake for the past couple of months. Throughout the entire day, my brakes would make a shrilly noise whenever I braked (at least 4 or 5 times throughout the day). I took my car to the mechanics and had a brake inspection done. The mechanic said my brakes are brand new... So I went to the Nissan dealer in cerritos. They informed me of a memo that Nissan had sent out to its dealers regarding brake noise, claiming that it was normal to have some noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #718058, filed 2000-01“Experienced steering wheel vibration and brake pedal pulsation while braking. I had the dealer replace the braking system at 20,000 miles at a cost of $1,050.37. We are now experiencing the same problem. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769645, filed 2002-11 - Tires
Original tires cracking, splitting or blowing out
- 9 complaints (10%)
- typically at 2.7 yrs old
- filed 2000–2002
Complaints describe circumferential cracks where the tread meets the sidewall on all four tires, tread separating from the carcass, and tires that would not hold air. Some owners report a blowout or shredded tire while driving, including a tire that failed after the car bumped a curb. In several cases the tires carried very low mileage, and owners say the tire maker offered only partial help. Most reports came in on original-equipment tires at low mileage, often within the first few years of ownership.
What to check: Inspect the tire sidewalls and the tread-to-sidewall junction for cracks, and check the four-digit date code on each tire. Any original tires still fitted are well past their sensible service life.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon routine inspection of the tires, it was noted that there is a crack running around the circumfrance of all four tires where the tread meets the sidewall. This is on all four tires. Our dealer has recommended that we replace the tires before warm weather starts. We decided to investigate online to see if there was a recall on these tires. There is no recall, but there are numerous complaints listed for these firestone affinity tires for tread separation. I feel there must be a manufacturing problem with these tires. Thank you for your help. …”
NHTSA complaint #761087, filed 2002-04“Replaced the two front tires because they would not hold air for any length of time, for no apparent reason. Now I have noticed cracks near the tread area that run circumferentialy around the tire. Tread depth still is good. ( DOT number: w1un tire size: p205/60r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #731279, filed 2000-09 - Engine cooling
Rough idle, stalling and check engine light
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 110,000 mi at 9.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2013
Owners describe a rough idle that shakes the car and feels close to stalling, hesitation under acceleration, and stalling when coming to a stop at lights or signs. Complaints link the check engine light to a misfire and, in several cases, to a leaking intake manifold gasket. Some also mention exhaust or fuel odors inside the cabin. Dealers varied: some replaced gaskets or ignition coils, while others could not reproduce the stalling. Mostly reported between roughly 100,000 and 150,000 miles, with some cases around 70,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the intake manifold gasket and ignition coils have been replaced, and scan for stored misfire codes. Note any exhaust or fuel smell in the cabin during the test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 99 Nissan Altima gxe is stalling when stopping for red lights and stop signs. It does not happen consistently and I never know when it is going to happen. I am scared that it will happen and that someone may hit me from behind. I have had it at the local dealership 3 days this week and still has not been fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10521212, filed 2013-06, 143,000 miles“My Altima idles very rough, which feels as if it were about to stall. It shakes the whole car and is slow and shaking during acceleration. The check engine light came on as a misfire in cyl #4. On the internet, everyone has the same problem as the intake manifold gasket. I read this was a design flaw by Nissan and that they acknowledged it, but refuse to fix it. I now have to pay a repair shop to fix Nissan's problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10222038, filed 2008-03, 116,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Sun visors sagging and sunroof glass shattering
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 78,550 mi at 5.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2001–2006
Owners report driver and passenger sun visors that will not stay up and keep dropping into the field of view while driving, even after replacement. One owner found that visors from wrecked cars had the same problem. Separately, complaints describe the power sunroof glass breaking or shattering while driving at highway speed with no obvious cause. Visor reports came in around 68,000 to 88,000 miles; the sunroof glass reports occurred while driving at speed.
What to check: Pull each sun visor down and let it go to see whether it holds position. Inspect the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and check that it opens and closes smoothly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We own 1998 and 1999 Nissan Altima. Both Altima sunvisors ( passenger and driver side) keep falling down while driving causing safety issues. We changed visors two times and still falling down.”
NHTSA complaint #10138374, filed 2005-10, 78,000 miles“My sunroof exploded. Luckily, I had the cover closed. Otherwise, the glass would have fallen on me and may have caused and accident and even death(s).”
NHTSA complaint #10033121, filed 2003-08, 78,550 miles
Buying note. This model year draws complaints about airbag deployment, brake noise and early wear, and aging original tires, so a careful inspection of the airbag warning light, brakes and tire date codes matters more than cosmetics. Service records showing recent brake, gasket and ignition-coil work are a good sign on a car of this age.
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 87 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Altima. 30 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,500 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 26 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.
- Brakes15 17%
- Air bags13 15%
- Tires11 13%
- Engine cooling8 9.2%
- Suspension7 8.1%
- Vehicle speed control7 8.1%
- Fuel system5 5.8%
- Electrical system4 4.6%
Also reported: Seats (4), Body and structure (4), Other or unknown (3), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Wheels (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Keep having trouble smelling gas. Inside the car and fuel pump and the exhaust gas and I have small children it keeps messing with their asthma spending to much money keep getting it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11363619, filed 2020-10, 255,900 milesAir bags: “Air bags failed to deploy in a 45 MPH front collision. Nissan came and took the air bags from the vehicle for testing. Prior to testing, Nissan was friendly and helpful. After testing was completed, they will not return our calls or let us known what they found out. Communication has ceased from their end. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760744”
NHTSA complaint #10006382, filed 2002-04, 37,000 milesTires: “Tires are warrantied for 80,000 miles. We have traveled less than 1/2 of that and the tires did not pass state inspection. When we contacted firestone they had sent a memo to their dealers stating that after april 2000, the affinity original equipment tires would no longer be warranteed to 80,000 but only 50,000 miles. The affinity purchased in their stores would retain the 80,000 mile warranty. We as owners were never notified if we had we would have taken action prior to april! …”
NHTSA complaint #732296, filed 2000-09Engine cooling: “Exhaust fumes come in through car during all settings of heat, recylcled air, defroster. Smells like rotten eggs, sewage, exhaust, gas. Have been to dealer twice and talked to Nissan and bbb auto line without satisfactory resolution. I have used a higher octane gas as the dealer recommended and it doesn't help. Service manager said Nissan knows there's a problem but doesn't know how to fix it. Nissan denies there is a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #715433, filed 1999-11Mileage when problems were reported
17% of the 30 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 71,000 and 113,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 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 / 3 | — | — | — |
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 1999 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 1999 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. 26 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 1999 Nissan Altima?
Owners of this model year most often write about airbags that did not deploy in a crash, and about brakes that squeal, vibrate or need early pad and rotor work. The issues reported most often: Airbags not deploying in a crash; Brake squeal, pulsation and early pad wear; Original tires cracking, splitting or blowing out.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Altima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Nissan Altima is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 15 complaints (17% of the total), followed by air bags with 13.
Has the 1999 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 1999 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 1999 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 1999 Nissan Altima reported?
Among the 30 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,500 miles and the middle half falls between 71,000 and 113,000 miles; 17% 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.