The 59 complaints paint a pattern of serious engine system failures in 2007 Altimas, with engine fires being the most severe. Multiple owners report black smoke from vents, flames under the hood, and complete vehicle destruction—sometimes at very low mileage (3,000–7,000 miles). Several fires occurred after uncontrolled acceleration, stalling, or the engine continuing to run after the key was removed. Nissan issued recall PE07-026 for air filter–related fires and 07V267000 for engine cooling issues, but owners report the recalls were not universally applied or properly communicated at time of purchase.
Excessive oil consumption is widespread, with owners reporting black smoke on startup, low oil levels despite recent service, and knocking noises from depleted lubrication. The oil cooler assembly is a frequent culprit, leaking progressively from minor drips to critical loss. One parts manager confirmed seeing the same issue across multiple vehicles. Warranty and extended-warranty denials are common, with dealerships citing out-of-warranty status or vehicle "neglect" (even when an owner was a Nissan pre-delivery technician).
Engine stalling, uncontrolled acceleration, and carbon buildup (especially in hybrids) appear repeatedly. Owners describe sudden loss of power on highways, jerking at low speeds, and RPMs fluctuating wildly. Some stalls occur before fires; others strand drivers in traffic. Repair costs when covered range from $2,000 to $5,000 for transmission or engine replacement. Serpentine belt failures and starter button sticking also emerge, though less frequently. Across all failures, owners report denied coverage once the vehicle passes warranty mileage thresholds—sometimes by just 1,000 miles—despite evidence that Nissan was aware of the defects.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine fire during operation
Engine compartment fires occurring without warning during normal driving, ranging from low speed to highway speeds. Several narratives report black smoke from vents, flames under hood, and complete vehicle destruction. Some occurred at very low mileage (3,000-7,000 miles).
When: As low as 3,000-7,000 miles; some after 50,000-70,000+ miles. Can occur within minutes to hours of initial symptoms.
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke from hood, engine compartment, or AC vents; Uncontrollable acceleration or engine stalling before fire; Engine continues running after key removed; Flames visible under hood; Car fully engulfed in flames within minutes
Codes mentioned: 07V267000, PE07-026
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destruction in most cases; no repair possible. One narrative mentions air filter assembly, cover, and airflow sensor replacement cost $888.19 for smoke condition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall PE07026 issued but documented as not comprehensive; some vehicles with identical failure causes were excluded from recall. Recall 07V267000 (engine and engine cooling) mentioned but buyers not always notified at time of purchase. No permanent fix offered for some related carbon buildup issues.
Excessive oil consumption and leaking
Engine burns or leaks oil at abnormal rates, ranging from slow drips to rapid loss, with risk of fire if oil level drops critically. Owners report oil cooler assembly failures and low oil warnings despite recent services.
When: Can start as early as 40,000 miles and continue throughout vehicle life. Leaks sometimes begin as minor drips and worsen over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Black or blue smoke from exhaust on startup or during driving; Low oil level despite recent service; Visible oil drips or puddles under vehicle; Oil pooling in engine bay; Burning oil smell; Check engine light illumination (P0420, P0300 codes mentioned in one narrative)
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler assembly replacement cited at $888.19 in one case; owners report being charged $107.07-$70 for inspection without warranty coverage. Some repairs performed; others denied by dealer as out-of-warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Oil cooler assembly failures documented; Nissan issued recall in 2007 but owner states she was denied coverage after recall closed. TSB NTB10-009 mentioned for seized exhaust sensor. Field rep denied warranty claim citing vehicle neglect (tire condition, unwashed car) despite pre-delivery technician expertise. Extended warranties often refused to cover.
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving at various speeds, sometimes with violent jerking and inability to restart. Owners stranded on highways and in traffic.
When: Failures reported from very low mileage (under 10,000 miles) through higher mileage (146,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at 5-65 mph without warning; Jerking or shuddering before stall; Loss of acceleration capability; Engine won't restart after stalling; RPM fluctuation (going up and down uncontrollably); Check engine light illumination; Gray or black smoke from hood after stall
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported $5,000 transmission replacement after hole found in engine; another mentions engine seizure requiring full replacement. Most cases untreated; vehicles towed or abandoned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denied transmission repair claims citing warranty expiration (customer one thousand miles over limit). Field rep attributed carbon buildup to normal operation despite vehicle age (3 years, 45,000 miles). No TSB or recall issued for many stalling complaints.
Carbon buildup in engine (primarily hybrid models)
Deposits accumulate on exhaust valves and inside cylinder head, causing engine shuddering, vibration, rough running, and noise. More prevalent in hybrid Altimas. Requires cylinder head or engine component replacement.
When: Documented as early as 3 years old with under 45,000 miles; carbon builds up progressively.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock or rap when cold; Shuddering and vibration at highway speeds affecting vehicle control; Engine runs rough or hesitates; Loud knock or tapping from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement required in one case; another required replacement of engine parts. Dealers report high cost but exact amounts not stated in most narratives. One owner states repair was performed but recurrence expected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan aware of problem and provided dealership with repair instructions but no permanent solution exists. Dealers instructed that carbon buildup will likely reoccur and parts may require replacement again. No recall issued.
Oil cooler assembly leak (cracked assembly)
Oil cooler assembly develops leaks causing engine oil loss. Located under engine, leak begins as drips and worsens over time. Parts dealer reports seeing pattern in multiple vehicles of same make/model.
When: Failures reported starting around 50,000-76,000 miles, progressive from minor drips to substantial leaks.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil drips under vehicle when parked; Visible oil leak with no source readily apparent; Knocking noise from engine when oil depletes; Leak continues after initial repair (recurrent failure noted)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler assembly replacement cost varies; one owner reports paying full cost out-of-pocket. Failure recurred after repair in one documented case. Multiple owners cite $700-$2,000+ for complete repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts department acknowledges seeing same issue on multiple vehicles; Nissan refuses to issue recall or warranty coverage once initial warranty expires. Extended warranties also refuse coverage. Owner who worked at Nissan plant as pre-delivery tech disputes company's neglect defense.
Engine misfiring and RPM fluctuation
Engine misfires, hesitates during acceleration, and RPMs rise and fall uncontrollably without driver input. Car becomes undrivable and unsafe in traffic.
When: Failures occurring as early as 7,000-20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled RPM fluctuation (RPMs going all over the place); Jerking or hesitation during acceleration; Inability to accelerate past 20 mph despite pedal input; Car slowing and speeding on its own; Rattling noise heard before failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports $2,000 cost to fix; owner denied Nissan warranty coverage citing mileage overage (1,000 miles beyond limit). Transmission replacement attempted in one case ($5,000) but did not resolve stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denied warranty repair; customer advised extended warranty did not cover and mileage threshold (over 1,000 miles) made repair owner's responsibility. Customer states Nissan knew of issue and should have notified of extended warranty availability.
Exhaust manifold cracks and exhaust leaks
Cracks develop in exhaust manifold allowing carbon monoxide and exhaust gases to enter cabin via HVAC system when vehicle is stopped and running. Also increases emissions. Related to SULEV emissions system.
When: Recall issued for 2007-2008 SULEV models; owner attempted repair through dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Carbon monoxide fumes in cabin when parked with engine running; Holes and cracks in manifold visible on inspection; Increased exhaust smell in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Recall covered under warranty; service cost not charged but dealership refused to perform work citing scheduling and staffing issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for SULEV emissions alternative 2007-2008 Altimas (exhaust manifold replacement). However, dealership service manager disputed recall application despite owner having documented recall notice.
Uncontrolled acceleration
Engine accelerates on its own without driver depressing accelerator pedal, occurring at stop lights or during normal driving. Vehicle races to high RPMs and becomes difficult to control.
When: Documented at low mileage (under 50,000 miles) to over 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to 4,000+ RPMs at stop light without pedal input; Inability to control RPMs even with brake applied; Transmission slipping feeling during acceleration event; Vehicle pulling or jerking forward uncontrollably
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealer unable to duplicate failure when brought in. Owner had to turn off engine during events to regain control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer could not duplicate failure and offered no solution. No recalls issued despite multiple complaints.
Engine mounts failure
Engine mounts deteriorate or fail, causing excessive engine movement, vibration, and noise while vehicle in motion. Warning lights may illuminate.
When: Failure mileage not consistently provided; at least one case around mid-life of vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong vibration in vehicle; Loud noise near engine during driving; Engine visibly moving while vehicle in motion; Service engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced two engine mounts. Manufacturer acknowledged they changed engine mount suppliers but stated new supplier parts also provided no solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated they no longer used original provider for engine mounts and switched to new supplier. However, new supplier parts did not resolve issue and vehicle was excluded from any recall.
Serpentine belt and pulley failures
Serpentine belt riser bolts fail or belt snaps, disabling vehicle without warning. Three bolts holding fan belt pulley tension failed in one case.
When: Documented at low mileage (3,971 miles) and mid-life mileage (77,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from engine before failure; Vehicle suddenly disabled on highway; Smoke visible under hood in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to source replacement bolts and parts for repair; one vehicle sat in shop for three weeks without resolution. Serpentine belt and riser replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives.
Catalytic converter failures
Check engine light illuminates and converter fails, causing loss of power, abnormal sulfur smell, and inability to accelerate. Nissan issued recall in 2007 but many owners never received notification.
When: Failures occurring at various mileages; owners report check engine light and loss of acceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Loss of acceleration capability (vehicle limited to 5 mph); Abnormal sulfur smell from exhaust; Potent odor and fumes in garage after converter replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Converter replacement required; one owner reported potent chemical smell requiring garage door to remain open to release fumes after replacement. Nissan had issued recall back in 2007 but owner not notified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued in 2007 but notification not received by all owners. Once warranty expired, Nissan refuses to address. Owner states intentional non-notification to avoid warranty costs.
Starter button sticking (2007 models with push-button start)
Push-button starter switch under brake pedal sticks or loses contact, preventing vehicle from starting. Initially misdiagnosed as battery problem.
When: Failure at low mileage when vehicle was new.
Symptoms owners cite: Car won't start when pushing button; Initially suspected battery issue; Button sticking under foot pedal preventing contact
Repairs/costs cited: Button assembly under brake pedal replaced; cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; repair performed by dealership.
Engine head gasket failure
Head gasket blows or deteriorates, causing smoke from engine and rapid oil consumption. Owners express concern about fire risk.
When: Documented at 47,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from hood at low speed; Rapid engine oil consumption; Owner fears fire or engine stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested possible blown head gasket but vehicle not repaired; owner concerned about risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer inspection mentioned possibility but no repair action documented.
Radiator failures (repeated)
Radiators crack repeatedly on the same vehicle. One owner replaced three radiators in four years, indicating systemic defect rather than normal wear.
When: First failure at 50,000 miles; third failure by 78,000 miles within 4-year period.
Symptoms owners cite: Water noise in dashboard; Cracked radiator confirmed by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Extended warranty covered first radiator replacement ($50 cost to owner); subsequent radiator failures replaced by dealer at customer expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced radiators but attributed to normal wear; customer disputes this claim for multiple failures in short timeframe.
Air conditioning clutch noise and failure
AC compressor clutch develops loud grinding or horrendous noise on startup, sometimes recurring after repair. System becomes inoperable.
When: Failure at 36,000 miles (after warranty expiration) and another at 44,100 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or horrible noise when starting car with AC button pushed; Excessive heat from vent near accelerator pedal without heating activated; AC stops working
Repairs/costs cited: AC repair cost $870.11; Nissan advised mechanic of service notice but no recall issued. A/C accessible only at dealership per one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan confirmed service notice exists for this problem but no recall was issued.
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.