Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
490–25K
8325–50K
17350–75K
15775–100K
200100–150K
65150K+
727 reports with mileage · 156 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 450 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports13 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
883 reports
90,000 miles · Nov 3, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE/REPAIR ON THIS CAR IS LINKED TO RECALLS, BUT NISSAN IS DENYING THIS & REFUSING TO HELP. THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS BUT EVERYTHING THAT'S FAILING IS RELATED. IT HAS DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC W/ MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE & NO ON…
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EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE/REPAIR ON THIS CAR IS LINKED TO RECALLS, BUT NISSAN IS DENYING THIS & REFUSING TO HELP. THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS BUT EVERYTHING THAT'S FAILING IS RELATED. IT HAS DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC W/ MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE & NO ONE FROM NISSAN IS CONCERNED!!!! BUTTERFLY SCREW/VALVE ISSUES, CAM/CRANK SHAFT ISSUES--RELATED TO ENGINE COOLING, HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION; ALTERNATOR FAILING; OIL LEAKING
NHTSA ODI #10923988
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AN MY 03 NISSAN DIED AN WOULD NOT START BACK IT DOESN'T TURN OVER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10920176
131,000 miles · Oct 24, 2016
EngineStructure
THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTED OUT, JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, GIVE IT A FEW MORE MONTHS. I CAN BECOME FRED FLINTSTONE AND START PUSHING MY CAR AROUND WHEN THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSOR GOES OUT AGAIN. BOTH SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL HAD NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TODAY AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS F…
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THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTED OUT, JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, GIVE IT A FEW MORE MONTHS. I CAN BECOME FRED FLINTSTONE AND START PUSHING MY CAR AROUND WHEN THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSOR GOES OUT AGAIN. BOTH SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL HAD NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TODAY AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR YOUR CAR. THAT'S INTERESTING WHEN YOU CAN'T GO ANYWHERE AND YOU ARE SITTING AT A LIGHT WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND YOU. THAT'S WERE MEET THE FLINTSTONES COMES IN, USING FOOT POWER TO MOVE THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10918678
152,134 miles · Oct 18, 2016
Engine
I HAVE HAD MY CAR SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING OTHER CARS TO REAR END ME. THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. EVERY YEAR I HAVE HAD TO BUY A NEW CAM SHAFT SENSOR SINCE THE INSTALL OF THE NEW ENGINE THAT WAS PUT IN BY NISSAN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAM SENSOR BUT MY CAR IS NOT …
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I HAVE HAD MY CAR SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING OTHER CARS TO REAR END ME. THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. EVERY YEAR I HAVE HAD TO BUY A NEW CAM SHAFT SENSOR SINCE THE INSTALL OF THE NEW ENGINE THAT WAS PUT IN BY NISSAN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAM SENSOR BUT MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THAT RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10916709
50,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
Structure
FLOORBOARDS ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU. IT IS MY 82 YEAR OLD MOTHERS CAR, WHICH SHE BOUGHT NEW. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND TAKEN CARE OF METICULOUSLY BY ME AND IS IN MINT CONDITION. NO RUST WHAT SO EVER ON THE CAR (EXCEPT THE FLOORBOARDS) AND HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10916523
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2016
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEAD INJURIES, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER RESTRAINT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEAD INJURIES, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER RESTRAINT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND EXTENSIVE INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED AWAY BY AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10911353
130,000 miles · Sep 19, 2016
Structure
RUSTING UNDERCARRIAGE ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE
NHTSA ODI #10907972
310,000 miles · Aug 10, 2016
Suspension
RACK AND PINON MAKING NOISE HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT
NHTSA ODI #10894914
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2016
Structure
FLOORBOARD IS RUSTED THROUGH
NHTSA ODI #10894157
110,000 miles · Aug 1, 2016
Unknown Or Other
PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PANS, DUE TO RUST/CORROSION HAVE FAILED. THIS APPEARS FROM ON LINE RESOURCES TO HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURING FLAW OF 2002 - 2006 ALTIMAS. A RUSTED THROUGH FLOOR PAN CERTAINLY AFFECTS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CAR AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS. ROAD OBJECTS OR PASSENGERS FEET COULD …
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PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PANS, DUE TO RUST/CORROSION HAVE FAILED. THIS APPEARS FROM ON LINE RESOURCES TO HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURING FLAW OF 2002 - 2006 ALTIMAS. A RUSTED THROUGH FLOOR PAN CERTAINLY AFFECTS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CAR AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS. ROAD OBJECTS OR PASSENGERS FEET COULD EASILY PUNCTURE THROUGH WHAT IS REMAINING OF THE FLOOR BOARDS. IRONICALLY, I REMEMBER HAVING AN ISSUE SIMILAR TO THIS ON A 1979 CHEVETTE. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS WOULD HAVE ELIMINATED SUCH A DESIGN FLAW IN MORE RECENT AUTOS. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OLDER SUCH A SUBSTANTIAL FAILURE IN SUB BODY STRUCTURE SHOULD NOT OCCUR.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
RQ06001 · Engine Stall - Crank Position Sensor
Opened Feb 22, 2006 · Closed Jul 18, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.
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