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Vehicle safety record

2000 Nissan Altima Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 176 complaints about the 2000 Nissan Altima with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (56) and the electrical system (35). Those complaints describe 27 crashes, 5 fires and 25 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in September 2007 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1999 has 96 and the 2001 has 168.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Altima year, for its age

#62 most complained-about 2000 vehicle

Complaints
176
Recalls
2
Crashes
27
Fires
5
Injuries
25
Deaths
0

Most common 2000 Nissan Altima problems

Share of all 176 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2000 Nissan Altima recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: headlights

07E07400011,300 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Tires: tread / belt

01V06500021,622 vehicles affected

The problem
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 [redacted] or w2 t2 vf3 [redacted]; where [redacted] 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 [redacted] 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.
The risk
Under these circumstances, a belt edge separation is posible, which could resulting in the loss of tire pressure.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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176 complaints about the 2000 Nissan Altima

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.

AirbagsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. While driving approximately 40 mph, both the driver and passenger air bags deployed, without warning or impact. The contact stated that the driver's air bag struck her in the face. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb and destroyed the transmission and the passenger side seat belt. The contact stated that the air bag indicator flickered on and off prior to the failure. There were no injuries. The contact drove the vehicle to her home. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10903163
Steering

I parked my car at my home on 5/6/16. On 5/7/16 I got in my car to go grocery shopping and it would not start. I got a jump start, replaced to fob battery, replace the car battery, had a locksmith to test the fob. To no avail, so I research my vehicle and found that this was a recall, but since has expired. I purchase my car 9/2013. As I was researching a notice that when the vehicle reacher 84,000 the steering wheel locks. I had my car told to a nissan dealer and was told it would be $1,050. To repair it. It...

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happens so often that they stock the part. I have read 364 complaints asking for nissan to recall this problem. It is not fair to us as consumer to have to pay for this because this is happening in hundreds of vehicle. I have been without my car for 6 days now and nissan consumer affairs said they would have to do research and will notify me by 5/13/16 which will be 8 days. I can't afford a $1,000 to pay for something that is no my fault. I have own a nissan maxima and never had a problem, but since this event. I will not buy another one. This is from complaints.Com website: their cars. Read more 8.6 Pretty bad typical repair cost: $935.00 Average mileage: 84,085 miles total complaints: 323 complaints please help me in resolving this problem. Thanks, [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10864430
Fuel system

CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. FUEL PUMP ISSUES

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10850558
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemLights

Gauges shut off, freeze, and advance while in motion, confusing the drivers. Causing unknown speed, gas, temperature, and others metering. This is happening since I bought the car. Sometime work fine. Most of the time gages are down.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10819197
SteeringAirbagsEngine & coolingCrash1 injury

I was driving home from work. Got. Rearended I hit the car in front of me. I was stopped at a light. The airbag did not deploy. I suffered a head injury. Broken spine. Car was destroyed only thing left was were I was sitting. And the passenger seat. Now nissan murano 2005 has faulty airbag too. Light on and flashing. Vehicle. Rendered unsafe to operate vehicle. Nissan has ongoing problems with their airbags and wont help consumers fix the problems. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Air bags · EngineNHTSA 10693746
LightsAirbagsBody, doors & structureCrash2 injuries

Traveling w/ flow of traffic when turn head for split second not realizing the vehicle ahead of me stalled, so she had no brake lights or flashers, nevertheless I slammed into the that vehicle in front of me. I hit wrapped myself around the steering wheel and my head flew over the steering wheel and back unto the seat. But never did the airbag deploy to hold me in place. My injuries where shortness of breath, since my chest and neck were bruised. My arms were difficult to move. My head was pounding along with my jaws in pain. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 10659288
Engine & cooling

Went out for dinner and noticed nothing unusual. On the way home, "check engine" light came on and engine began to run rough. Then, 200 yards from home, "check engine" light began flashing and engine roughness increased to shaking. Codes read: "knock" and "cylinder 4 misfire". If this had happened in heavy traffic or on one of the bridges that we frequently use, my wife and I both would probably be severely injured, if not dead! The onset was rapid! Guess I was not lucky enough to escape this much-stonewalled...

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nissan manufacturing defect that I have learned about only from the multitude of online information. Until it happened to me, it would not have occurred to check into it, with no communication from nissan. Maintenance and all fluids are up-to-snuff. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10567804
Electrical systemCrash2 injuries

I just bought a 200 nissan altima. I was driving to hilton head and 2 hours into the trip the cruise control went off and then the air bag light came on. I kept giving it gas and it just started slowing down. We got hit from behind and spun around. I broke my nose and my girlfriend broke her hip in 3 places.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10542439
SuspensionBrakes

I put my foot on the brakes after I started the car and when the brake pedal went to the floor, I realized my brakes were not working. I later had the car checked and learned that the bracket on the strut assembly that secures the brake hose separated from the strut when the spot welds failed. Subsequently, the unsecured brake hose was punctured because of contact with moving parts. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Service brakesNHTSA 10508419
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact stated that while traveling 40 mph the contact noticed that the temperature was almost at max. The vehicle began to run rough and smoke started to emit into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the engine was not the original equipment and there was no coolant. As a result, the engine over heated causing the engine block to crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10478121
Engine & cooling

My 2000 nissan altima idles rough and the engine shakes. My mechanic ran a diagnostic test and said cylinder 4 was misfiring and the only way to correct it was to change the intake manifold gasket. The price: $1500. This seems to be a common problem because I see the same complaints from 98-01 altima owners. The mechanic, said this was common problem with these cars. He also said changing the gasket will fix the problem. Why isn't nissan forced to recall this issue? Someone needs to do their job and look at this issue. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10461178
SuspensionBody, doors & structure

The car front end has been making strange noises, I took the car to a nissan dealer on may 15,2012 for oil change and inspection. The dealer found out that the car is unsafe to drive because the left front strut tower is separating from the car. I was very shocked to know that because the car didn't have any accident or hit. I made an internet search for recalls, I found that all the models of 1995 till 1999 have recalls regarding the front strut. I noticed that the strut tower on right side started cracking and...

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rusting too. The dealer told me that they can't fix it and I have to take my car to a body shop to repair it. This is a very dangerous defect and nissan should be responsible for it. P.S. I have made a report by phone and the reference # [[redacted]]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).*Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10459057
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact was driving 45 mph when the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were unknown.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10457162
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact was driving 2 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted after the failure occurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing nor was the manufacturer notified. The vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unknown. The failure and current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10453766
SteeringSuspensionWheels & tires

On 3/5/2012, I had a vehicle safety inspection. Excessive play in the front end was noted. I took my car to monro muffler where the vehicle was placed on a lift and the underside inspected. It was determined that the subframe was so badly corroded by rust that the frame had perforated and broken away from the suspension. There are holes throughout as well as breakage and weakening. Monro muffler recommended I contact nissan consumer affairs which I did. I explained the situation to nissan stating the extent...

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of the damage. I was directed by nissan to take the vehicle to a nissan dealer for a diagnosis which I did. Nissan of dartmouth, ma confirmed monro muffler's diagnosis and quoted a minimum $2,300 to repair both the front and rear subframes. Beverly bansek of nissan called me back to inform me that nissan would do nothing for the repair. I asked for a supervisor and I was then contacted by the regional supervisor of nissan, vaughn francis who, after reviewing my claim again, stated that nissan would do nothing for me and that the disintegration of the subframes was due to a lack of owner maintenance rather than a defect in workmanship. Vaughn francis then stated that there was no need for me to call nissan again as I would only get him and the answer would be the same and that my only option was to contact the bbb autoline dispute resolution division at 1-800-955-5100 which I have done. Two nissan dealerships state there is no owner maintenance recommended on the subframes of nissan's vehicles. It is my belief that the failure of the subframes is due to excessive corrosion of the subframe which has lead to perforation possibly from the inside out and because this is an issue of workmanship, nissan should be investigated for a possible safety related defect resulting from inadequate manufacturer's corrosive resistant protection and/or subframe design.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 10453063
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

While going 75mph on cruise control all of a sudden all the gauges (rpm, mph, fuel, engine temp) dropped down to zero. Only the cruise control lights remained on. All while a combination of #'s and letters came up on the odometer (even the odometer went blank). It was a shock and I did not know how to react to this. My first reaction was to turn off the cruise control via the buttons on the steering wheel, as soon as I did it this caused all the gauges to come back to life including the odometer. Very weird issue. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10441217
Fuel systemElectrical system

The fuel level is not accurate. It first started doing this telling me I had a 1/4 tank left, when I ran out of gas in the middle of an interstate. I then put gas in it and sure enough that's what it was. Ever since then the car never gives accurate readings, I can fill all the way up and it will only show that it is 3/4 full or such but never is precise. This can be a very big issue for someone that does not have a gas station nearby like it happened to me. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical systemNHTSA 10441216
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact stated that the gauges in the instrument panel would fail intermittently. Also, whenever the gauges did work, the vehicle would lose power abnormally. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10433834
Engine & cooling

Instrument cluster freezes indications for long periods intermittently. Odometer, tachometer, speedometer, engine temperature all freeze at what they were reading. This has been a repetitive, intermittent problem. Because of lack of true engine temperature reading, car was driven to overheating. Water pump failed causing the engine to overheat, blowing up the radiator and destroying the engine. *Tt

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10432974
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

While driving the dashboard goes out completely. You can not tell how fast you're going or what the rpm is or anything, including the gas gauge. When this happens, sometimes the car begins to lose power as if the gas pedal isn't working and then all of a sudden it comes back and you get propelled forward. This happens very frequently and I'm afraid that I am going to get a speeding ticket one day because there is no way for me to tell how fast I am going when the dashboard goes dead and even worse I'm afraid I'm...

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either going to lose speed and get rear-ended or gain speed and be propelled into the vehicle in front of me. I have researched this, and this is a very common problem with this year, make, and model vehicle. In all the other complaints that I have found online, they all go to the mechanics and they can not figure out the problem. I believe this is a vehicle defect and the electrical unit on the dashboard needs to be recalled and fixed before someone gets injured or killed due to this malfunction. Also, this electrical issue causes the service engine light to turn on and gives a misread when you take it in to be diagnosed.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10391388
Engine & cooling

2000 Nissan altima gxe, replace gasket on intake manifold. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10384693
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. While driving approximately 60 mph, all the gauges except the fuel gauges stopped functioning; they displayed the last reading they indicated before the failure. Approximately five minutes later, all of the gauges dropped to a reading of 0 except the fuel gauges. The contact stated that after shutting the vehicle off for a few hours, the gauges began to function properly again. The failure continued intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop but the...

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failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The last time the failure occurred, the fuel gauge also malfunctioned. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000 and the current mileage was approximately 182,000. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10372577
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact stated that the intake manifold failed after 30,000 miles. The intake manifold was replaced april 2007. The failure recurred three years later. The dealer repaired the intake manifold again at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current was 91,351.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10364972
Engine & cooling

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact stated that when stopping, the vehicle shook and made a vibrating sound. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The intake manifold had previously been replaced three years prior to the failure. The dealer stated that vacuum pressure caused the manifold to malfunction. The failure mileage was approximately 89,500. Updated 11/22/11 *cn

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10363500
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan altima. The contact stated while sitting idle at a traffic stop the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. The dealer advised the intake manifold gasket would need to be replaced. There were no recalls for the failure. The contact believed odi number 10145161(engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) is the same as his failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000 and the current was 81,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10325703

Nissan Altima: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20042765143Engine & coolingC
2003883104113Engine & coolingF
20021,062123028Engine & coolingF
20011682232Engine & coolingC
20001762275Engine & coolingC
1999964243AirbagsB
19981254172Fuel systemB
19971153316AirbagsB
1996982205AirbagsB
All Altima years

2000 Nissan Altima vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2000 Nissan Altima

Does the 2000 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 Nissan Altima: headlights (September 2007); tread / belt (February 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Nissan Altima?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (56), electrical system (35), wheels & tires (22).

How many complaints has the 2000 Nissan Altima had?

176 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 10, 2000 and the latest on September 1, 2016. Of these, 27 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 25 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2000 Nissan Altima a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 56 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Nissan Altima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?

2013 (2,315), 2009 (1,547), 2014 (1,113). See every Nissan Altima year compared.

What should I do if my 2000 Nissan Altima has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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