VehicleVerdict

2001 Nissan Altima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Nissan Altima sits mid-pack among Altima years: 202 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 321, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 7 deaths and 32 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 68 reports (34% of the total).

202

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

29

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

32

Injuries

7

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Altima years?

Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted2,976 complaints1993: 150 complaints1994: 120 complaints1995: 216 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 141 complaints1998: 141 complaints1999: 110 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 202 complaints2002: 1,321 complaints2003: 1,099 complaints2004: 334 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 1,043 complaints2007: 598 complaints2008: 1,376 complaints2009: 2,150 complaints2010: 541 complaints2011: 320 complaints2012: 577 complaints2013: 2,976 complaints2014: 1,391 complaints2015: 1,197 complaints2016: 781 complaints2017: 507 complaints2018: 320 complaints2019: 344 complaints2020: 278 complaints2021: 111 complaints2022: 52 complaints2023: 37 complaints2024: 60 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Altima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Nissan Altima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6834%
Suspension2110%
Electrical System2010%
Airbags168%
Visibility & Wipers147%
Speed Control115%
Fuel System73%
Tires & Wheels73%
Transmission73%
Brakes73%
Seat Belts63%
Steering52%
Body & Structure52%
Other52%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Seats10%

Does the 2001 Nissan Altima have recalls?

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

07E074000LightingSeptember 14, 2007 · 11,300 units

Defect

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

01V065000Tires & WheelsFebruary 23, 2001 · 21,622 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 , SIZE P205/55R16 89H TIRES. THE RECALLED TIRES ARE IDENTIFIED BY DOT SERIAL #W2 T2 VF3 XXX OR W2 T2 VF3 XXXX; WHERE XXX MAY BE 289, 299, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 359, 369, 379, 389, 399, 409, 419, 429, 439, 449, 459, 469, 479, 489, 499, 509, 519, 529, 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, 060, 070, 080, 090, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, AND WHERE XXXX MAY BE 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, AND 4500. WITH INCREASING MILEAGE, THE TIRES MAY DEVELOP SHOULDER AREA CRACKING. CONTINUED USE OF A TIRE WITH THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO EXPOSURE OF THE BELT EDGE.

Consequence

UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, A BELT EDGE SEPARATION IS POSIBLE, WHICH COULD RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE.

Remedy

BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE WILL REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH WERE INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THESE ALTIMA VEHICLES. FIRESTONE IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED FIRESTONE DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE AT 1-800-465-1904.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2001 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE 2.4 WITH 70,000 MILES. ON OR ABOUT THIS DAY MY WIFE AND 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING ON A EXPRESSWAY WHEN A ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN FRONT OF THEM. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID THE ACCIDENT. WHILE WAITING FOR THE ACCIDENT TO CLEAR THE CAR STALLED DUE TO THE #4 INTAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 19, 2007 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 15MPH SUDDENLY VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER WENT OFF THE ROAD TRYING TO VEER TO LEFT, AND VEHICLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE STOPPED ON IMPACT BY HITTING A TREE. FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS DAMAGED. OFFICER AT THE SCENE STATED VEHICLE WASN'T TRAVELING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 1, 2001 · crash

“CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE. WHEN KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, EXPLOSION OCCURRED UNDER THE HOOD. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ACID WAS DRIPPING TO THE PAVEMENT. THERE IS A DENT ON THE HOOD FROM THE INSIDE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE BATTERY LOCATION. THERE WAS ALSO ACID ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2003 · fire

“THE VEHICLE STRUCK A GUARD RAIL HEAD ON AT 65 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER A REQUEST HAS BEEN MADE. *JB THE CONSUMER WANTED TO BE COMPENSATED BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. *TC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 14, 2004 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING DUE TO THE LINKAGE BREAKING OFF. THE CONTACT REPLACED IT AND IT BROKE AGAIN DURING A SNOW STORM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 16, 2009

2001 Nissan Altima — common questions

Is the 2001 Nissan Altima reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 202 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Altima year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2001 Altima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (68 complaints), suspension (21 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2001 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.