Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER
0703105/01/200710021661Front brake caliper fluid residue. *kb06/15/2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
02120A11/02/200502120D10002224Antilock braking system (abs) light on and / or diagnostic trouble code for abs wheel speed sensor. *tt08/15/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES
01/11/20111100001
 I believe a recall should be placed for this problem. when the temperature falls below 10 degrees f, the brake pedal is hard and won't move therefore the brakes won't apply. this could cause a serious injury or death. it happens intermittently. since other less serious problems warrant a recall why wouldn't this? it seems to be a common problem not only on 05 models. just search the internet. *tr
01/11/2011110000
 I believe a recall should be placed for this problem. when the temperature falls below 10 degrees f, the brake pedal is hard and won't move therefore the brakes won't apply. this could cause a serious injury or death. it happens intermittently. since other less serious problems warrant a recall why wouldn't this? it seems to be a common problem not only on 05 models. just search the internet.
07/05/20121380001
 I bought a car, sold as is, because the dealership advertised the car saying everything under the hood is in perfect working condition. this was my first time buying a car and they took advantage of it. the car is missing 2 lug nuts on the front driver side, and back passenger side wheel(i don't know how the car passed inspection) it was sold to me with no transmission fluid, when i put some in it began to leak badly(i have pictures) the very next day after purchasing the car i noticed a knocking noise in the engine and everytime i started the car it began to shake for about 10 seconds. everyday the cars engine would make new noises, by day four the car wouldn't start. day five it started up but it was overheating within 5 minutes of being on(i didn't know how to read the hot/cold gauge yet being that this was my first car) i tried taking it back but the dealership will not take it back. i took it to a mechanic, they said the transmission is leaking severly, the head gasket is overheating and its warped 4.0.. its missing lug nuts, the brakes are bad, and has moisture in the oil. i stopped driving the car unless it was a emergency and while i was on the freeway oneday, the car began to shake violently and started to jump back n forth and i couldn't press the gas because it would not go. i could have been killed on the freeway. i just recently took it to another mechanic shop called arrow's transmission. they declared the entire engine a total fail and unsafe. *tr
07/05/2012138000
 I bought a car, sold as is, because the dealership advertised the car saying everything under the hood is in perfect working condition. this was my first time buying a car and they took advantage of it. the car is missing 2 lugg nutts on the front driver side, and back passenger side wheel(i dont know how the car passed inspection) it was sold to me with no transmission fluid, when i put some in it began to leak badly(i have pictures) the very next day after purchasing the car i noticed a knocking noise in the engine and everytime i started the car it began to shake for about 10 seconds. everyday the cars engine would make new noises, by day four the car wouldnt start. day five it started up but it was overheating within 5 minutes of being on(i didnt know how to read the hot/cold gauge yet being that this was my first car) i tried taking it back but the dealership will not take it back. i took it to a mechanic, they said the transmission is leaking serverly, the head gasket is overheating and its warped 4.0.. its missing lugg nutts, the brakes are bad, and has moistier in the oil. i stopped driving the car unless it was a emergency and while i was on the freeway oneday, the car began to shake violently and started to jump back n forth and i couldn't press the gas because it would not go. i could have been killed on the freeway. i just recently took it to another mechanic shop called arrow's transmission. they declared the entire engine a total fail and unsafe.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
01/14/201295200
 The car was parked in a driveway for 6 hours in 10 degre weather. it was required to move the car to allow another vehicle to leave when the nissan was driven forward to re-park the vehicle and the brakes were applied the peddle was rock hard and no brakes were available causing a collision with a garage door. the dealership diagnosed the problem as a vacuum valve, integral with a vacuum hose. the dealer tested the car at 7:30am on 1/16/2012 when the car had been sitting for over 24 hours in 23 degree weather, the brake pedal was hard (however not rock solid) once the pedal was pumped twice the brakes worked accordingly. the theory was the valve was not functioing in the cold weather. the dealer tested the theory by removing the faulty part and placing it in the cold weather for approximatley 30 minutes and reinstalled part back intot he car and created a similar scenario where the brake pedal was hard with limited brakes (temperature was 22 degrees). the part has been replaced and appears to have solved the issue. i am dissapointed that the nissan altima can potentially have brakes in extreme cold weather as i live in a cold climate.
10/01/20111
 2005 nissan altima 2.5. consumer writes in regards to problems with brakes *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was difficult to stop and the problem typically occurred in the morning time and in the driveway on extremely cold days. *jb
06/01/2011305/21/2011
 2005 nissan altima. consumer states several problems with vehicle to include brakes, trunk leak, relay switch *tgw the consumer stated when he purchased the vehicle, it had been traded two days prior, and the safety inspection had not been performed. the dealer told the consumer, he could keep it over the weekend and bring it back the next business day for the safety inspection so they could repair any problems. when the consumer arrived home with the vehicle, he noticed a cover for the seat belt connector was not attached and there was standing water in the spare tire wheel well. the consumer was informed the trunk problem was fixed. however, water was found in the spare wheel well again. also, the check engine light illuminated due to a faulty gas relay switch. the consumer stated two weeks later, the brakes started squealing. *jb
12/06/201056500
 In cold temperatures (20f), upon driving the car for the first time in the day, there is no play in the brake pedal and complete brake failure. after coasting to a stop and pumping the brakes several times after the car is warmed up, the brakes operate normally. repair shops have been unable to determine the cause and found no problems with the brake fluid or brake systems. this occurred three days in a row and counting.
05/16/201039000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 nissan altima. the contact stated that the air bag warning light keeps coming on for the passenger front seat. the failure has been occurring for approximately six months. the dealer was notified and explained that the repairs would be at the owners expense. the contact also stated that for the last month the brake light keeps coming on. the dealer stated that the master cyclinder was leaking into the brake booster and that nissan was aware of the failure. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 39,000. the current mileage is 44,984. rd
12/01/2007500001
 Each winter since i purchased the car, during cold weather, when car is first started, brakes do not work. it is like they are frozen and the brake pedal will not depress unless forced. once i get the pedal to go down, the pedal must be pumped numerous times to get them to work. once car is warmed, they will work. this is a 3.5 se model. the dealership cannot locate any problem. *tr
01/13/20101
 I was driving in the cold weather for about 5 min, using my brakes normally, and i went to apply the brakes on my 2005 nissan altima 3.5 se and the didn't move, once i started pumping them as hard as i could (was out of seat standing on them) they finally worked. *tr
01/13/2008360001
 During cold weather, i experienced what felt like a seized braking system. the weather was close to 0 and when i attempted to stop, the brake pedal would not depress to the floor and the car would not stop. after pressing with both legs as hard as i could, the pedal gave and the car stopped. research led me to replace the brake vacuum assist line in this and my wifes 05 altima. purchased both items through the dealer and if there is a recall on this issue, i would love a refund as nissan should take care of this issue. *tr
02/03/20091
 When the weather gets very cold the brakes on my altima 3.5 will seem to lock up and not want to let me brake. feels as if someone has stuck a brick under the pedal. i have heard many many complaints and people that have had the same problem. i would do something about this asap. i've replaced the part already for this. for the 3.5 part number is 47430-8j100. the 2.5 is 8j000. *tr
12/28/200620000409/09/2005
 I have had nothing but problems from my 2005 altima that i purchased new in sept 05. the first week i owned the vehicle my engine light came on and the vehicle was very sluggish from takeoff, i then called the dealership where i purchased the vehicle and was told that all nissan are sluggish and need to be driven to get the newness from the vehicle what kind of crap is that. about 6 months ago, i noticed that my brakes are squealing and my tires needed to be replaced, i don't even have 20k miles on my vehicle so this is very mysterious to me. nissan in my opinion does not listen to its customers and claims to be the very best towards their customers on the commercials but in reality they are just another big company making money at the expense of use to be loyal customers. every complaint on this board i can agree with which is sad for i to have experienced the seat belts, sharp bar under the passengers seat, engine and passenger seat air bag light so basically all we have is an expensive good looking non-working pieces of crap. so thank you very much nissan. signed - will never ever ever purchase another nissan in my life. *nm
10/25/200626000112/18/2005
 Dt*: the contact stated while taking the vehicle in for recall work, the dealership determined the rear brakes were corroded. the pads and rotors were replaced. the vehicle was located in a salt belt state.
05/15/200619500209/15/2005
 Dt*: the contact stated while accelerating the transmission hesitates to shift. and when it shifts, it is a rough transition. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who changed the ground wire. this did not correct the problem therefore the dealer determined the transmission needed to be replaced. also, while depressing the brake pedal the brakes squeaked and when driving at 10 mph the brakes made a squeaking noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on four occasions. the first time dust was blown off the brakes. on the second and third visit the brake pads were replace. the fourth time, the brakes were determined to be 'glazed' and nothing could be done to repair the problem.
05/01/200622000111/01/2004
 2005 altima left driver side brakes and rotors wore out at 22,000 miles. *ts *jb
10/31/20053800108/13/2005
 I purchased a 05 altima s in august and at 4000 mi the brakes started to grind and make noise, i took the vehicle into the dealer and they replaced the brakes and resurfaced the rotors. a week later the brakes began making noises again and grinding , i took the vehicle back and the dealer said that the factory said the have to show them something is wrong with the ca and that they couldn't duplicate the problem. i took the car back a week later and once again complained of the braked grinding and noise and this time i recorded the noise on my cell phone and played it for the service advisor to hear. the service manager told me that if it was dangerous it would be making the noise all the time an that everything looked fine. i called the manufacturer and filed a complaint and was advised to take the car to the purchasing dealer, or another dealer to get a second opinion as they purchasing dealer tends to take care of their babies i stated that that should be a company policy for nissan not a dealer policy and that i am scared to drive the vehicle as brakes are a required safety feature. *nm
05/02/20051106204/28/2005
 Since i got the vehicle i had problems with it. the vehicle does not want to turn on, the key does not turn i have to jiggle with it so it can turn on. the brakes are making a lot of noise at least that is what i think the noise is .for the time i have had the vehicle there is no reason for it to be doing what it is doing i don't want a car like this that is the reason i got a new vehicle to have no problems and that is all its given me. *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
01/08/2006102/28/2005
 I was driving about 10-15 mph. i was approaching a stop sign and i tried to apply the brakes. my brakes and steering wheel locked up and my car swerved to the left and hit a parked vehicle. my car was towed to the dealer and still remains there.
08/28/200524189103/01/2005
 Dt: the caller's vehicle was accelerating from a stop light going 10 mph when it stalled. she could not get it started ,and had to have it towed to dealer. the battery light and the brake light came on. when she called the manufacturer, she was told she could drive the vehicle. there was no other indication that this was going to happen. dealer has vehicle now and will call her when they have check it. manufacturer was contacted and will call her back. *ak
04/06/20051
 Driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor, and steering column locked up. driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. no injuries to report. driver took the vehicle to the dealer. *ak
07/09/20044000105/12/2004
 While driving on the highway at 70 mph consumer slammed on the brake pedal in a panic situation and brakes locked up, causing the vehicle to skid. vehicle skidded 15 feet before coming to a complete stop. dealership indicated that tires had flat spots because of this incident. also, the torque converter was locked up. this failure was likely to recur if the brake pedal was depressed in a panic situation at speeds of 35 mph or faster.*ak when applying vehicle brakes in a panic the torque converter locked up and caused the vehicle to lose power. the consumer was unaware that this was a characteristic of the vehicle. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
12/28/20071
 The brakes on my 2005 nissan altima needed to be completely replaced due to wear for the second time in only 60k miles. the first time was at 25k and i was surprised because i have never had problems like this on any vehicle i have owned. *tr
02/27/200724000105/15/2005
 We own a 2005 nissan altima with 24,000 miles. while on vacation last february 2007 and we heard this noise coming from the back of the car. had no warning before this. if we had we would have left this car home. we live in rochester, ny. the noise started in winchester,va. since to us it was still a new car we did not think anything about it. we drove to savannah, ga. since the noise was getting worse we took it to a nissan dealership. they told us that road salt had rusted the left side rear caliper. we had a very mild winter in 2005-2006 and 2007 winter started off very mild/ he stated that the left side rear brake pads , no problem with the right rear brake. pads and rotor)and left rotor wore out. they cleaned both rear calipers,resurfaced right rotor, replaced rear pads and left rear rotor. it cost us $309. we feel that this was a defective part not wear and tear. the car has not been abused since i am the one that drives it most. nissan states that since we did not do the 15,000 warranty check they can not help us. we also found out that rear brakes should get at least 60,000 miles. also when we asked a close relative who was a service manager for nissan he consulted another person who said that since the repair was done in a different warranty zone than were the car was purchased that would be difficult to follow up. to me that makes no sense since car mishaps can happen anywhere. we feel we have a legitimate gripe and should get reimbursed from nissan. one of the reasons we purchased this car was that consumer reports gave the braking system a very good rating. *tr
05/06/200615642110/16/2004
 I had noticed a grinding noise coming from the rear of my vehicle; i brought my vehicle to the nissan dealer where it was purchased to have them take a look at it. the technician told me that the rear brake pads were stuck inside of the caliper slides and were not releasing from the rotor. they recommended repairs costing ($320 + tax). the service technician then advised me that this shouldn't happen to a 1 1/2 year old car w/ 15,600 miles on it and he would see if the manufacturer would cover the charge for the repair work needed. nissan declined covering the repairs at that time and i couldn't afford to fix it right then and there. in august of 2006, i brought the car to another repair facility to have repairs done at the cost as 338.37, which included tax. taking into account the age and miles on the car, the nature of the problem w/ the brakes and the service technicians statement, this obviously seemed to be a manufacturer's defect which i should not have to incur the cost of to correct. i submitted a letter with the receipts for the work done and the original invoice from the dealerships service department to nissan two times over a 3 month span before i got a response from their consumer affairs department. their response was, one, i already got the work done so there is nothing they can do now and secondly these are all wear and tear items. i was advised being that i live in upstate ny and the vehicle is exposed to snow and salt in the winter this could happen. my argument was i've lived here my whole life and have never put these items on a vehicle w/15k on it. needless to say they refused to rectify the situation and my opinion now of nissan as a manufacture is very poor, their customer service is awful and obviously they make a poor product that should not be sold in states where there is snow as their product is not made for its intended use in these areas. i will never buy a nissan product again and would advise my friends and family of the same. *jb
03/01/200619000108/24/2004
 In march 06 i brought my 2005 nissan altima, which i bought brand new, in for an oil change at 19,000 miles when my mechanic stated that my rear brakes were worn. i then brought it to my dealer and the too stated that my rear brakes were prematurely worn, the pad down to the metal more so on the passenger side,they don't know why but warranty would not cover it. after numerous phone calls to nissan of america and my dealer i had to pay $260 for rear brakes. now its december and 10,000 miles later and the rear brakes are grinding again. i brought it back to the dealer and they stated again that they were worn and would replace just the right rear pads and resurface the rotor. i said there must be something wrong and they stated that there wasn't anything wrong and again the don't know why the brakes were worn. they just said that altimas go through brakes faster. i don't buy it. i have a call into nissan now, maybe this time they will do something. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
12/28/20071
 The brakes on my 2005 nissan altima needed to be completely replaced due to wear for the second time in only 60k miles. the first time was at 25k and i was surprised because i have never had problems like this on any vehicle i have owned. *tr
02/27/200724000105/15/2005
 We own a 2005 nissan altima with 24,000 miles. while on vacation last february 2007 and we heard this noise coming from the back of the car. had no warning before this. if we had we would have left this car home. we live in rochester, ny. the noise started in winchester,va. since to us it was still a new car we did not think anything about it. we drove to savannah, ga. since the noise was getting worse we took it to a nissan dealership. they told us that road salt had rusted the left side rear caliper. we had a very mild winter in 2005-2006 and 2007 winter started off very mild/ he stated that the left side rear brake pads , no problem with the right rear brake. pads and rotor)and left rotor wore out. they cleaned both rear calipers,resurfaced right rotor, replaced rear pads and left rear rotor. it cost us $309. we feel that this was a defective part not wear and tear. the car has not been abused since i am the one that drives it most. nissan states that since we did not do the 15,000 warranty check they can not help us. we also found out that rear brakes should get at least 60,000 miles. also when we asked a close relative who was a service manager for nissan he consulted another person who said that since the repair was done in a different warranty zone than were the car was purchased that would be difficult to follow up. to me that makes no sense since car mishaps can happen anywhere. we feel we have a legitimate gripe and should get reimbursed from nissan. one of the reasons we purchased this car was that consumer reports gave the braking system a very good rating. *tr
05/05/200732000205/09/2005
 Complete brake job required at 56,000km. new rear rotors & pads, new front pads. did not bother with nissan service. earliest i have ever replaced brakes in an automobile. very light highway driving.*ak
03/01/200619000108/24/2004
 In march 06 i brought my 2005 nissan altima, which i bought brand new, in for an oil change at 19,000 miles when my mechanic stated that my rear brakes were worn. i then brought it to my dealer and the too stated that my rear brakes were prematurely worn, the pad down to the metal more so on the passenger side,they don't know why but warranty would not cover it. after numerous phone calls to nissan of america and my dealer i had to pay $260 for rear brakes. now its december and 10,000 miles later and the rear brakes are grinding again. i brought it back to the dealer and they stated again that they were worn and would replace just the right rear pads and resurface the rotor. i said there must be something wrong and they stated that there wasn't anything wrong and again the don't know why the brakes were worn. they just said that altimas go through brakes faster. i don't buy it. i have a call into nissan now, maybe this time they will do something. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
12/28/20071
 The brakes on my 2005 nissan altima needed to be completely replaced due to wear for the second time in only 60k miles. the first time was at 25k and i was surprised because i have never had problems like this on any vehicle i have owned. *tr
02/27/200724000105/15/2005
 We own a 2005 nissan altima with 24,000 miles. while on vacation last february 2007 and we heard this noise coming from the back of the car. had no warning before this. if we had we would have left this car home. we live in rochester, ny. the noise started in winchester,va. since to us it was still a new car we did not think anything about it. we drove to savannah, ga. since the noise was getting worse we took it to a nissan dealership. they told us that road salt had rusted the left side rear caliper. we had a very mild winter in 2005-2006 and 2007 winter started off very mild/ he stated that the left side rear brake pads , no problem with the right rear brake. pads and rotor)and left rotor wore out. they cleaned both rear calipers,resurfaced right rotor, replaced rear pads and left rear rotor. it cost us $309. we feel that this was a defective part not wear and tear. the car has not been abused since i am the one that drives it most. nissan states that since we did not do the 15,000 warranty check they can not help us. we also found out that rear brakes should get at least 60,000 miles. also when we asked a close relative who was a service manager for nissan he consulted another person who said that since the repair was done in a different warranty zone than were the car was purchased that would be difficult to follow up. to me that makes no sense since car mishaps can happen anywhere. we feel we have a legitimate gripe and should get reimbursed from nissan. one of the reasons we purchased this car was that consumer reports gave the braking system a very good rating. *tr
05/05/200732000205/09/2005
 Complete brake job required at 56,000km. new rear rotors & pads, new front pads. did not bother with nissan service. earliest i have ever replaced brakes in an automobile. very light highway driving.*ak
05/06/200615642110/16/2004
 I had noticed a grinding noise coming from the rear of my vehicle; i brought my vehicle to the nissan dealer where it was purchased to have them take a look at it. the technician told me that the rear brake pads were stuck inside of the caliper slides and were not releasing from the rotor. they recommended repairs costing ($320 + tax). the service technician then advised me that this shouldn't happen to a 1 1/2 year old car w/ 15,600 miles on it and he would see if the manufacturer would cover the charge for the repair work needed. nissan declined covering the repairs at that time and i couldn't afford to fix it right then and there. in august of 2006, i brought the car to another repair facility to have repairs done at the cost as 338.37, which included tax. taking into account the age and miles on the car, the nature of the problem w/ the brakes and the service technicians statement, this obviously seemed to be a manufacturer's defect which i should not have to incur the cost of to correct. i submitted a letter with the receipts for the work done and the original invoice from the dealerships service department to nissan two times over a 3 month span before i got a response from their consumer affairs department. their response was, one, i already got the work done so there is nothing they can do now and secondly these are all wear and tear items. i was advised being that i live in upstate ny and the vehicle is exposed to snow and salt in the winter this could happen. my argument was i've lived here my whole life and have never put these items on a vehicle w/15k on it. needless to say they refused to rectify the situation and my opinion now of nissan as a manufacture is very poor, their customer service is awful and obviously they make a poor product that should not be sold in states where there is snow as their product is not made for its intended use in these areas. i will never buy a nissan product again and would advise my friends and family of the same. *jb
03/01/200619000108/24/2004
 In march 06 i brought my 2005 nissan altima, which i bought brand new, in for an oil change at 19,000 miles when my mechanic stated that my rear brakes were worn. i then brought it to my dealer and the too stated that my rear brakes were prematurely worn, the pad down to the metal more so on the passenger side,they don't know why but warranty would not cover it. after numerous phone calls to nissan of america and my dealer i had to pay $260 for rear brakes. now its december and 10,000 miles later and the rear brakes are grinding again. i brought it back to the dealer and they stated again that they were worn and would replace just the right rear pads and resurface the rotor. i said there must be something wrong and they stated that there wasn't anything wrong and again the don't know why the brakes were worn. they just said that altimas go through brakes faster. i don't buy it. i have a call into nissan now, maybe this time they will do something. *nm
05/28/200623000012/28/2005
 2005 nissan altima with 23,000 miles and no prior brake or rotor problems was in need of new rotors and were not able to be turned. never turned before. suggested by nissan dealer to have maintenance check in spring and fall to prevent from happening again. nissan paid for rotors this time but made it clear they would not pay if it were to happen again. *jb
09/07/20050007/16/2005
 I have a nissan altima se-2005-in the last 2 weeks, the dealer, nissan, has had my car 2 times-1st time steering wheel shimmied at 40 mph when decreasing speed and was told warped rotors???-2nd time was noise from first time when the dealer turned the rotors??? this is unacceptable as the car only has 12,000 mi on it - i have never had the rotors turned at such a low mileage-3rd trip to dealer on this issue will result in manufacturer, where ever located, hearing me from maryland at the dealership, in addition to steps taken to ensure my safety with nissan accountable for all costs incurred. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
02/15/200750750307/24/2004
 My 2005 nissan altima 3.5l looses it's brakes in cold weather. the nissan dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty brake booster. that did not fix the problem. nissan know wants to replace the braking piece by piece with my money and time. *jb