The Lemon Index2001 Nissan Altima.
The 2001 Nissan Altima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 67 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Nissan Altima year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 159 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Nissan Altima year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 47K to 102K miles on the car (99 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 56K–100K miles
Recalls 2
- lights 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS.
- tires 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 , SIZE P205/55R16 89H TIRES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 50 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rear suspension clunk noise
- SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a…
- The 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
After having vehicle for two weeks consumer noticed a loud noise coming from left rear. Consumer had vehicle serviced at dealer. Technician stated sway bar was loose. Please provide further information.
2001 Nissan Altima owner · NHTSA complaint 891091
More owner reports
Consumer noticed the vehicle would sway in the rear and make noise. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found the rear sway bar was disjointed.ts scc
NHTSA complaint 8023642
While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. Check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Restarted the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced Spark plugs and other parts.
NHTSA complaint 10072242
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Nissan Altima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Altima year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2001 Nissan Altima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (25%), electrical (16%) and speed control (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Nissan Altima have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Nissan Altima get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Altima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,300 and 102,000 miles. The middle report was at 66,000 miles, from 99 complaints.
Does the 2001 Nissan Altima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Nissan Altima cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Nissan Altima have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Altima year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works