Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2004 Nissan Altima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Nissan Altima based on all problems reported for the 2004 Altima.
On 2/5/08 we started our 2004 Nissan Altima and had no power steering. Upon observation the serpentine belt was not turning. We had the car towed to the mechanic and found that the bolt on the main pulley on the crankshaft had fallen out and the pulley had fallen off of the crankshaft. Had this occurred while driving down the interstate at 65mph, the results could have been horrific possibly leading to fatalities.
My vehicle started to have a hard shift while I was riding down the beltway. The car would shift so hard that it felt like someone had hit my car from behind. Approximately two weeks later the "service engine soon" light came on. I took it to sheehy Nissan of waldorf and had the car repaired. That cost me around $170. 00. About two weeks later the hard shifts were back. One and a half months later my "service engine light" comes back on and this time my car will not start. I was literally stuck until I was informed that eventually the computer will click and let the car start. I eventually got the car to start and took it to the Nissan dealer. I was informed that the crankshaft position sensor was bad. I have to pay another $230. 00. To get my car back. The problem is that they have recalled this same problem on the 2002 and the 2003 Nissan Altima but not on the 2004.