1999 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
8 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (8)
Your engine is stalling unexpectedly when you come to a stop at red lights and stop signs, and it happens randomly without warning. This creates a safety hazard since your car could suddenly lose power in traffic and be struck from behind. The dealership has had your car for 3 days this week but hasn't been able to fix it yet. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the idle control system, fuel delivery, or ignition system to prevent the stalling.
Parts you may need:
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Your car's intake manifold gasket has failed, which seals the connection between the intake manifold and engine. This can cause coolant or oil leaks, rough idling, or overheating issues. The repair will involve removing the intake manifold and replacing the worn gasket.
Parts you may need:
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Your check engine light has been on for about 2 years, and you've noticed fumes coming from inside the car at times. Research suggests the intake manifold gasket is leaking, which is a known problem on 1998-2001 Altimas. The fix involves replacing the intake manifold gasket, though some owners report it fails again after replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine is idling very roughly and feels like it might stall, causing the whole car to shake. You'll also notice shaking during acceleration and sluggish performance. Your check engine light has come on indicating a misfire in cylinder #4, which many owners report is caused by a faulty intake manifold gasket. Replacing the intake manifold gasket should resolve the rough idle and acceleration issues.
Parts you may need:
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE RPM'S AUTOMATICALLY INCREASED TO 8000. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED FOR THE RPMS TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A LOCAL MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO WHILE PUTTING GAS INTO THE FILLER NECK THE GAS PUMP SHUT OFF WHICH CAUSED GAS TO SPLASH ONTO CONSUMER. *NLM *TS
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. YH
EXHAUST FUMES COME IN THROUGH CAR DURING ALL SETTINGS OF HEAT, RECYLCLED AIR, DEFROSTER. SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS, SEWAGE, EXHAUST, GAS. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER TWICE AND TALKED TO NISSAN AND BBB AUTO LINE WITHOUT SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. I HAVE USED A HIGHER OCTANE GAS AS THE DEALER RECOMMENDED AND IT DOESN'T HELP. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NISSAN KNOWS THERE'S A PROBLEM BUT DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. NISSAN DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. *AK