Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down the street at about 15 miles an hour and my tire on the passenger side turned out word and then hit a car on the side of the road. Upon further inspection I realized that the car had come apart at the control arm , at the hub and the transaxle had separated as well. Found these parts at the place I park in front of my house and the other one about 50feet from where the car came apart.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact released the accelerator pedal and the vehicle came to a complete stop without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake axle and sway weldings failed, and the lower control arm fractured. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle's repairs were not covered under warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000. Updated 01/06/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that there was a loud noise underneath the vehicle and it swayed while being driven, especially around a curve. There was also a burning odor coming from the vents inside the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
While driving 65 to 75mph, vehicle started drifting to the left, consumer corrected, but vehicle kept pulling to the right, vehicle then rolled over 1 1/2 times, the tie rod had snapped, strut assembly broke, and cv joint separated, housing broke from metal, roof caved in, trunk smashed into, and pushed rear seat inward killing 3 passengers, fire department cut 5 passengers out, 2 were injured, the vehicles structure kept buckling and collapsing inward.
Consumer was traveling 15mph suddenly vehicle pulled to the right. Consumer went off the road trying to veer to left, and vehicle kept pulling to the right. Vehicle stopped on impact by hitting a tree. Front right passenger's side was damaged. Officer at the scene stated vehicle wasn't traveling too fast according how air bag deployed. Consumer was waiting for insurance adjuster to inspect vehicle.
My 2001 Nissan Altima gxe/le car has a problem with its suspension. It makes a crunching/rattling noise. My car has been to 2 Nissan dealers a total of 9 times. In all it has been out of service for 17 days. They have replaced many suspension parts. But the problem still remains. I have contacted the manufacturer several times with my complaints via phone and letters. I have also demanded a refund under the california lemon law. But Nissan of north America has refused. On March 2002, I filed a complaint with the bbb auto line program. Once the bbb auto line reviewed my complaint they contacted Nissan. We had a Nissan dts person inspect my car. I test drove with him and he verified my existing suspension problem. I agreed to give them one more chance to fix my car on April 12, 2002. The dts person ordered both front struts and springs replaced again. …
Left rear of vehicle started making a crunching/rattling noise over even the slightest bump. Dealership determined it to be noisey swaybar link. This happened because bushing pushed out apparently. They had to install a washer on swat bar bushings retainer. Not sure if this could have been a potential safety hazard where I could of lost control of vehicle. I found this bad because car is new and only 2 months old and I drive all highway interstate miles. No side/off roads with major bumps to knock this out. Hopefully prob won't happen again.it is a concern since veh is new and there was no extremely rough driving done with vehicle.
On 9/17/03 I had four p205/60r15 uniroyal tour tr tires placed on my 2001 Nissan Altima. Within one week two were replaced because of vibration. @ two weeks ago I had the tires rotated. The rear tires were placed on the front. Immediately vibration and pulling to the right was noticed. Again two new tires were placed on the vehicle. Again the pull to the right. The front tires were moved to opposite sides and the pull was to the left. A new tire was placed on the vehicle and it stills pull to the left. The car is in alignment. I would think there is a defect in these tires. I have notified uniroyal of the same by email.
My car has a defect with its suspension both front and rear. I have taken my car for service to 2 different dealers for repairs. It makes a loud crunching,rattling and squeaking noise from the front and rear suspension. While driving over the slightest bumps on the road. Infact it has been to the dealer for repairs 8 times in all it totals 14 days out of service. As of now the problem still remains after the dealer has replaced numeros parts. They are aware of the existing problem but cannot fix it.
A rattling noise is apparent from the rear of the vehicle, especially when going over bumps. My mechanic indicated the read stabilizer bar has a TSB that an improper sealer or brushing was used when the car was made, however I now have 57,000 miles on the car that is 3.5 years old, I.e. Out of warranty therefore I am responsible for a manufacture defect.
Suspension complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Nissan Altima, 13% of the model year's 159 complaints. The component named most often is rear (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Nissan Altima suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2001 Nissan Altima, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Altima suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 169,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 3 deaths to suspension 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.