Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I stopped my car at the base of my driveway and put the gear shift lever on park to check my mailbox. I left the car running while I did that. As I glanced at my mail, the car slowly rolled up my driveway (no one was in the car, and the gear shift lever remained in park) and crashed into a large tree about 40 feet beyond my driveway. When the tow truck driver pulled my car back onto the driveway, he said that the shift lever was still in park. I suspect that my car was a "victim" of NHTSA campaign id number 94V165000.
Vehicle jumped into drive and accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly, causing a colli sion which resulted in minor injuries. Air bags did not deploy. A recall has been issued on the vehicle. However, the owner of this vehicle was not notified. Manufacturer has been notified.
The dfective transmission cooling hose clamp broke, causing the transmission fluid to spray into the exhaust manifold and cause a fire. Consumer states that after the engine was turned off, the transmission fluid drained into the street and the fire went out.
Vehicle was mistakenly put into neutral instead of park position, allowing vehicle to roll into a pole at approximately 2-3 MPH upon impact dual airbags deployed, causing severe injuries to the driver. Airbags deployed without warning and less than 3 MPH.
My Altima was purchased in January, 2002 with about 67,000 miles on it, and it is a 1995 model. I have had to take it in more than seven times and have paid at least $2,000. My main complaint is that I have had to go in three times to repair my gear shift. It repeatedly locks into the park position and in order to turn the car on, you have to put it in neutral then start it. Whenever that has happened, my brake light stops working also. I do not know how I get from place to place safely when my brake lights go out. I am not able to drive around without brake lights, therefore, I lose money because my work requires that I travel by car on a daily basis. The mechanics keep repairing the same electrical fuses, which must be faulty because whenever they are replaced, the gear shift works and the brake lights work. …
Vehicle has remote lock on starter,( if payment is not made on due date). One week after purchase, remote lock failed. At attempt to repair it was made 3 times, since then other electrical parts have failed and/or failing. Air conditioning has failed, windows and door locks have haphazderly worked off and on. Radio doesn't work since repairs have been attempted. Transission shift doesn't work properly. Have to go to accessory put shifter in neutral to start vehicle. When in park start will not engage. There are no rubber boots on cv joints. Dealer claimed the vehicle was never wrecked or had any major repair work done. Dealer had warranty on vehicle, then sold business, full coverage insurance was required for warranty to be in effect. New dealer is not honoring warranty and the vehicle is falling apart.
Could not shift into reverse. Vehicle could only move in a forward direction. Vehicle could not engage overdrive. Engine revved at 4000+ at 30mph. Engine light came on. Vehicle was towed to courtsey Nissan of plano tx. Immediately. Service manager indicated that no recalls for this problem were ever issued. Solenoid r, carrier assembly and gasket were replaced. Service mgr. And technician confirmed this was a failure of the transmission system with no known cause. Basically , they could not or would not explain why this happened.
Consumer was driving at approximately 70-75 MPH and passing a truck when vehicle ran over a puddle of water and it splashed onto motor, causing vehicle to shift into low and wheels locked up. Consumer ran off road, but was able to drive home in low gear for 30 miles. Dealer could not determine cause. Consumer states the next day, vehicle shifted okay.
The first problem was the transmission which by the dealership that serviced my car said is unsual. Then on about a month later this part known as a distributor component failed. I have spent over $2500.00 on repair cost in the last two months. I am sure something this is not normal.
Consumer complained there was slipping of the transmission and the vehicle would not shift. Transmission was replaced. The torque convertor was replaced also. The gear shift release button is not operable.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
The shift lever lock plate, which prevents the shift lever from being inadvertently moved from park to drive or neutral position, can be broken by the transmission shift position pin.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket to prevent the shift position pin from breaking the shift lever lock plate.
Transmission complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Nissan Altima, 15% of the model year's 180 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Nissan Altima transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 94V-165 (gear position indication (prndl), Sep 2, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan Altima transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.