1998 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
14 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (14)
Your engine started making a metallic whining noise and clicking sounds during a long drive. After you performed routine maintenance, your lower timing chain snapped, causing significant engine damage. The failure was caused by a piece of plastic from the timing chain guide breaking off and jamming the chain, while the chain tensioner was also severely worn. Repairing the broken timing chain, oil pump, chain guides, and related components required replacing multiple engine parts.
Parts you may need:
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Your check engine light came on, and you experienced problems with your gas tank where gasoline would spill out when you tried to fill it up. The oxygen sensor needed to be replaced to address the check engine warning. The fix will likely involve replacing the oxygen sensor and inspecting or repairing the fuel tank filler system to stop the spillage.
Parts you may need:
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CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. IT INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. DEALER HAD VEHICLE ON 3 DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES, AND IT JUST SHOWED THAT #4 CYLINDER NEEDED SERVICING. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS HAD BEEN CHECKED A NUMBER OF TIMES AND STILL NOT REPAIRED.*AK
OIL SLUDGE IN ENGINE.
VEHICLE HAS NO POWER WHEN DRIVING, CANNOT ACCELERATE CORRECTLY OR SPEED UP WHEN CONSUMER WANTS TO. CONTACTED THREE DEALERSHIPS,AND ALL THREE THEY COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ROTTEN EGG/SULFUR SMELL EMITTED FROM EXHAUST. FIRST SERVICE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE WAS TO REPLACE THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A "FIX" AVAILABLE. A WORKAROUND TO AVOID THE SMELL IS TO BURN PREMIUM GASOLINE. PREMIUM GASOLINE DOES ELIMINATE THE ODOR, BUT THE MANUAL SAYS I NEED TO BURN GAS RATED AT 87 OCTANE. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BURN PREMIUM FUEL, WHICH IS MUCH MORE COSTLY, TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM TO BE A ENGINEERING DEFECT, AND WANT THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. *AK
I OWN A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. ABOUT A WEEK AGO THERE WAS HEAVY FLOODING
IHAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE MY SERVICE HAD BEEN DONE ON ALL OF MY COMPLAINTS AND HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION.
PISTON FAILED. MJS
BRACKET BOLT IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS MISSING. YH
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
VENT CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY FAILURE.
ENGINE SKIPS WITH STRONG JERKING WHEN MODERATELY ACCELERATING.
OWNER STATES WHILE ACCELERATING ENGINE MISFIRES, CAUSING POOR PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE. DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND NO FAULT CODE. *AK