2004 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 276 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2004 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Nissan Altima has 276 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 276
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Nissan Altima?
The 2004 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and structural repairs.
- Check for any signs of structural damage or corrosion.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and structural repairs.
- Check for any signs of structural damage or corrosion.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2004 Nissan Altima are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for about half of all reports. Structural and electrical issues also appear frequently, though with lower counts. The data suggests potential concerns with the engine, body integrity, and electrical systems, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems dominate the complaint data for the 2004 model year.
- Structural issues are the second most reported component.
- Electrical faults are the third most common complaint category.
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2004 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 139 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 42 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 32 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The car has a fuel problem and crankshaft position sensor issue causing the car to die and also not start up normal idling. When I do get it to start up it idles very groggy.
The crankshaft position sensor (cps) was not responsive when the repair shop was testing the vehicle because of the "service engine soon" light came on. After a short search online they 1.) Had no signal to the cps from the pcm 2.) That there was also a voluntary recall by nissa…
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR THEN THE AXLE TWICE AND THE BRAKES THEN ETC
THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING AWAY. THERE IS A HOLE IN THE FLOOR BOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE, FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE FROM RUST. YOU CAN FEEL AROUND THE FRAME OF THE CAR AND CHUNKS OF METAL FALL OFF . THIS WAS NOTICED DURING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE . CAR WAS STATIONARY …
MY VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONT COLLISION AT 35MPH. THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THAT SEAT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
THE SOUND PACKAGING WAS PEELING ; YET TRULY THE FLOOR BOARDS ON DRIVERSIDE AND FRONT PASENGER HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF!! SO DANGEROUS! AND I HAVE HORRIBLE ALLERGIES AND THE CARPET IS FULL OF DUST AND MILDEW.
CAR WAS STALLING 2 DAYS AGO SHUT IT OFF AND DROVE AWAY JUST FINE NOT EVEN 4 HOURS LATER MY FIANCE WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME HE CAME UP AROUND A HILL /BEND ON A CITY STREET THE CAR LOCKED UP ON HIM ALONG WITH THE OIIL BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT THE BREAKS WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING CAR WOUL…
ENGINE STALLS DURING DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY. CAM SHAFT SENSOR REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE BURNED TOO MUCH FUEL TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE EXTENDED CRANK FAILED TO SPARK THE CRANK SENSOR. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE MANIFOLD, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND A COMPUTER CHIP; HOWEVER, …
I RECENTLY HAD MY CAR SERVICED AND WAS TOLD MY FLOOR PANEL HAD ROTTED THROUGH. THE CAR IS A 2004 BUT HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES, HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAS BEEN GARAGED PART OF THE TIME.ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET SHOW IT IS A MASSIVE PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS DUE TO POOR DRA…
"TAKATA RECALL"TENGO PROBLEMA CON MI CARRO DESDE Q LO AGARRE SIEMPRE FALLABA DE LO MISMO ENGINE Y HASTA AHORA SE DESCOMPUSO Y NO PUEDO ARREGLARLO Q TENGO Q HACER O SOBRE EL PROGRAMA RECALL .GRACIAS
MI CARRO TIENE PROBLEMAS CON LAS CABEZAS .Y AHORITA NO LO PUEDO USAR PORQ ESTA PARADO POR NO ARREGLARLO TODAVIA QUISIERA SABER SOBRE RECALL.GRACIAS
FLOOR BOARDS (DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDES), EXTENSIVE RUST CAUSING PIECES OF FLOOR BOARDS TO FALL OFF, OR EASILY BE REMOVED WITH HAND BY MECHANIC, LEAVING INSULATION EXPOSED ON EXTERIOR, AND HOLE UNDER CARPETING. SMELL OF GAS FUMES IN CABIN. ALSO, SQUEAKING AND CRACKING SOUNDS UNDER…
CAR DOES NOT START. ACTS LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL...MECHANIC SUGGESTING CPS VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR ONLY TEN MINUTES.. RAN JUST FINE BEFORE HAND.
PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD RUSTING. HOLE IN THE FLOOR!
RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS/PANELS UNDER VEHICLE AT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FLOOR SIDE DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. RUST STARTED AFTER 2 YEARS OF USE .VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT THE DEALERSHIP AND RUST STARTED 24 MONTHS AFTERWARDS WITH NO ACTION TAKEN BY THE DEALERSHIP OF NISSA…
THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD HAS RUSTED OUT LEAVING A 12" X 10" HOLE RIGHT IN THE AREA THAT YOU WOULD STEP INTO THE CAR. SINCE THIS IS THE AREA THAT IS REGULARLY INSPECTED DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE OIL FILTER, HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WASN'T DETECTED PREVIOUSLY TO JUST FALLING OUT…
FLOOR BOARDS UNDER THE DRIVER & PASSENGER SEATS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. CAN SEE & FEEL THE CARPET FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. IF YOU STEP TOO HARD ON THE FLOOR FROM THE INSIDE, YOU FOOT WOULD GO THROUGH AND YOU WOULD TOUCH THE GROUND.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Nissan Altima.
2004 Nissan Altima Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Altima. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 276 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (139 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (42 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (32 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 276 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2004 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.