2004 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 276 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Nissan Altima, 4% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 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.
“The power steering last week has started to tighten up in places. While turning the wheel, there is a hard spot that the wheel seems to get stuck or catch at. I took it into a mechanic and he informed me that the steering rack would most likely need to be replaced. I did more research about this problem and it seems to be a common issue in Nissan Altima vehicles. The mechanic also told me his 2003 Altima had to have the same repair last year about this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10520616, filed 2013-06, 125,800 miles“My Nissan is doing the same thing with the steering column that Nissan just recalled 2002-2004 frontier and xterra vehicles over 600,000 vehicles were recalled in the us. (this recall does not include my Altima) the steering column shaft and joint has corrosion this is causing the steering wheel to not operate correctly. Apparently my vehicle was made in the same place that the recalled vehicles were made. So why is mine not recalled. I searched online Nissan help and was told the parts price is about $129.00 but apparently in york pa it is $227.00 for the part and another $115.00 labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10693830, filed 2015-03, 56,000 miles“I have a 2004 Nissan Altima 2.5s, I have been having steering problems and have had 3 mechanics look at it and cannot figure out what is wrong with the steering. When I take turns it is really tight, I have to pull the steering wheel back myself. I tried emailing Nissan of north america, they did not respond, there should be a recall for this problem many people have this problem from what I reading online. There has to be a way to fix this problem, please help me find a way. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide. …”
NHTSA complaint #10401512, filed 2011-05, 49,000 miles“Its an accident waiting to happened, its hard to turn the steering wheel left or right,even when changing lane at low speed like 20 MPH,it required effort to turn the steering wheel,the binding forces was intermittent at certain steering wheel position,Nissan should recall this(48080-8j000 lower steering u_joint),before someone have a deadly accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10702268, filed 2015-03, 98,000 miles“The vehicle makes a clunking sound and power steering ?sticks? When turning the wheel. Though no accidents, there have been near misses due to me not being able to turn on time. This problem is extremely dangerous and should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10513708, filed 2013-05, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10043773Mar 22, 2012Nissan: altima, maxima, quest; power steering hose service part change. The hose now comes without the pressure sensor. Do not damage the pressure sensor upon removal or…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 20 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 3% |
| 2015 | 48 | 5% |
| 2014 | 58 | 5% |
| 2013 | 94 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% |
| 2009 | 859 | 56% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Nissan Altima
109 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
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 29, 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