2004 Nissan Altima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 12%of 276 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Nissan Altima, 12% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nissan Altima just died on the highway without warning. The vehicle was rear ended and we had to be taken to the hospital. We both sustained multiple surgeries and was admitted for about a week. Called nissanusa to inform them, but they don't care. There were suppose to get back to us and nobody did. Very disappointed in Nissan. They are crap cars!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10470659, filed 2012-08, 10,000 miles“Car was stalling 2 days ago shut it off and drove away just fine not even 4 hours later my fiance was driving the car home he came up around a hill /bend on a city street the car locked up on him along with the oiil brake and battery light the breaks wouldn't do anything car wouldn't stop he ended up going head on into a tree in the neighbors yard. Car is completely totalled. There was a malfunction in the car somewhere and I believe the security of the car or the ECM is what locked it up on him there was no steering in the car as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11084423, filed 2018-04, 240,600 miles“My 2004 Nissan Altima simply shut off while driving about 60 miles an hour and the 'check engine' light came on and stayed on. When I tried to restart it, it acted like there was no 'spark' but it did turn over. After a little cool down, it cranked as normal. Several times after this, while either driving or stopped at a light it would shut down just like turning off the switch. After several tries it would start normally. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224452, filed 2008-04, 91,687 miles“The vehicle kept showing codes p1148, p1278 and p1279. Took it to Nissan dealer several times and they changed maf sensor, all oxygen sensors, fuel system cleaning but the code kept showing up. The vehicle finally shut off on the parkway without warning and we were rear ended. Luckily we were only two in the front of the vehicle and had to be taken to the hospital. We both have suffered serious injuries from this accident. The Nissan Altima is a death trap. Nissans is a bad company....beware!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10468515, filed 2012-07, 80,000 miles“I was driving down the interstate going 60-65 MPH, with my girlfriend and my newborn daughter. The check engine light came on, the car shut off and the engine stalled with a river of traffic surrounding around me. After about 10 minutes the car finally started back up & ran fine. A few days later the car became harder to start and the engine shut off on the interstate once again. I got the engine code, checked out and it was p0340 (cam shaft position sensor). Upon further research I noticed that this is a very common nationwide problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533581, filed 2013-08, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE 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…
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE 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…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT 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.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
- 10020932Nov 1, 2006Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0300, stored and ignition coils blistered.
- 10017563Jun 29, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) stored p0444, p0447, p0605, p1122, p1444, p1490.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 37% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 21 | 30% |
| 2020 | 46 | 25% |
| 2019 | 58 | 25% |
| 2018 | 37 | 16% |
| 2017 | 27 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 71 | 6% |
| 2013 | 159 | 7% |
| 2012 | 44 | 10% |
| 2011 | 32 | 13% |
| 2010 | 74 | 19% |
| 2009 | 466 | 30% |
| 2008 | 90 | 9% |
| 2007 | 37 | 8% |
| 2006 | 72 | 9% |
| 2005 | 97 | 9% |
| 2004 | 32 | 12% |
| 2003 | 89 | 10% |
| 2002 | 77 | 7% |
| 2001 | 19 | 12% |
| 2000 | 25 | 16% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 14 | 13% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Nissan Altima
109 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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