1993 Nissan Altima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1993 Nissan Altima sits mid-pack among Altima years: 150 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 319, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (36), airbags (21), and seat belts (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

150

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Altima years?

Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Altima years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Nissan Altima problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Speed Control	36	24%	new
Airbags	21	14%	new
Seat Belts	20	13%	new
Engine	18	12%	new
Electrical System	10	7%	new
Visibility & Wipers	9	6%	new
Fuel System	8	5%	new
Brakes	8	5%	new
Body & Structure	7	5%	new
Suspension	3	2%	new
Lighting	3	2%	new
Latches & Locks	2	1%	new
Tires & Wheels	2	1%	new
Other	1	1%	new
Transmission	1	1%	new
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	1%	new

Does the 1993 Nissan Altima have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E002000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2010 · 12,657 units

Defect

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

94V035000Speed ControlFebruary 28, 1994 · 206,000 units

Defect

ENGINE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIRFLOW METER/FILTER HOUSING AND SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE ENGINE AIR DUCT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL REPOSITION THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING IN THE SUPPORT BRACKET TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SLACK FOR ENGINE MOVEMENT. A RUBBER STOPPER WILL BE CLAMPED TO THE CABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CORRECT POSITION FOR THE CABLE AT THE SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE CABLE WILL BE TESTED FOR PULL OUT RESISTANCE FROM THE GUIDE IN THE EVENT THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED. THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE PULLING VEHICLE INSIDE OF GARAGE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT THE GARAGE WALL, AND WENT THROUGH THE HOUSE. NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES REPORTED.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 21, 2003 · crash

“CONSUMER HAD ACCIDENT & AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, FILLING VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE BEING ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THE VAST AMOUNT OF FUMES. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THEY NEVER HEARD OF AIRBAGS EMITTING SUCH A VAST AMOUNT OF SMOKE. ALSO, MOTORIZED SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT WHEN DOOR WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 8, 2000 · crash

“CONSUMER HAD ACCIDENT & AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, FILLING VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE BEING ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THE VAST AMOUNT OF FUMES. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THEY NEVER HEARD OF AIRBAGS EMITTING SUCH A VAST AMOUNT OF SMOKE. ALSO, MOTORIZED SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT WHEN DOOR WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 8, 2000 · crash

“OIL LEAK DEVELOPED AT ENGINE TIMING COVER. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR OVER $2000. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED BUT DENIED THERE WERE ANY OPEN SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS PROBEM AND DECLINED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR DESPITE THERE BEING A BULLETIN NUMBER NTB95058A ON THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN THE NHTSA DATABASE.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2000

“VEHICLE STALLS ALL THE TIME UNDER ANY TYPE WEATHER. J.P. THIBODEAUS AND DIAMOND NISSAN WERE'T ABLE TO DETECT/CORRECT FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1993 Nissan Altima — common questions

Is the 1993 Nissan Altima reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 150 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Altima year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1993 Altima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (36 complaints), airbags (21 complaints), seat belts (20 complaints).

Does the 1993 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Nissan Altima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Altima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Altima years to avoid are 2013, 2009, 2014, 2008, 2005, 2002, 2015, 2003, 2006, 2016, 2007, 2012, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among Altima years belongs to 2025.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1993 compare to other Altima years?

What are the most common 1993 Nissan Altima problems?

Does the 1993 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1993 Nissan Altima — common questions

Is the 1993 Nissan Altima reliable?

What are the most common 1993 Altima problems?

Does the 1993 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Is the 1993 Nissan Altima under NHTSA investigation?

Which Nissan Altima years should you avoid?

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