1994 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Nissan Altima: 2 recalls, 106 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #94V035000 · 1994 · 206,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Engine movement can be transmitted to the airflow meter/filter housing and support bracket, which is mounted in the engine air duct, causing the throttle cable housing to pull out of the cable guide. This May prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position when the gas pedal is released.
Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle is in motion, loss of throttle control could result in an accident.
The fix: Nissan will reposition the throttle cable housing in the support bracket to provide additional slack for engine movement. A rubber stopper will be clamped to the cable to maintain the correct position for the cable at the support bracket. In addition, the throttle cable will be tested for pull out…
Airbags Vehicle recall #03V150000 · 2003 · 190,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan has developed a new passenger air bag that is less powerful when it inflates in a crash to reduce the risk of air bag inflation-related injuries.
Why it matters: Nissan expects that this new air bag can help reduce the risk of air bag inflation-related injuries.
The fix: Nissan will replace the passenger air bag at no charge to the consumer. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 28, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Suspension Equipment recall #10E002000 · 2010 · 12,657 vehicles
What's wrong: 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The affected front strut mounts did not contain a weld joint between the bearing housing and the rate plate.
Why it matters: The absence of the weld can allow the strut to come out of its mounting position under certain extreme driving conditions which could cause damage to surrounding vehicle components increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 28 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (40): the most common themes are fails to deploy (13), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (3), fire / smoke (2).
- Speed control / throttle (11): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
- Engine & cooling (11): the most common themes are leaks (8), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1994 Nissan Altima has 106 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 34 Altima model years for complaints (well below the 455 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (122 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (180 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Nissan Altima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Nissan Altima, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (40), electrical (14), speed control / throttle (11).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Nissan Altima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.