Rattle Noise in Nissan Altima 2007-08 Models

by on 16. Jan, 2008 in Personal Life

I recently bought a brand new Nissan Altima 2007 2.5S. Soon after I bought it, I started to hear engine rattle at low speeds and during startup. I took the car in and I was told by the Nissan service department that it is a very common issue with Altima ’07 and ’08. They told me that they would fix it and allegedly did fix it but did they really???

Few days back, I started hearing the rattle again, the engine was too loud in the mornings during startup and I don’t think this is normal for a brand new car. I was thinking about taking the car back to the dealership but then thought I would wait until the oil change is due. But this morning, things changed, I received a mail from Nissan.

It talked about the same exact issue that I am having with my car. The stupid thing was, it said that we already did inform you about this before. No Sir! I was never informed, your service specialist said it was fixed the first time I took my car in and it wasn’t really fixed.

If you have a Nissan Altmia 2007-08 2.5SL, contact your dealer and find out when you can go to get the noise fixed. They obviously mention in the mail that only some drivers experienced it, yeah right. There won’t be this kind of an effort if only handful experienced this problem.

Nissan will install an exhaust stay bracket in your vehicle free of charge which would fix the rattle noise around the exhaust manifold heat shield. This noise supposedly doesn’t affect the engine….

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  • PX

    I have a 2007 altima and when I took it to the dealership they said the rattling noise when starting the car, is from air being in the engine. They suggested that before stepping on the brake and starting the car on a cold day, to ACC start. So push the button, you’ll hear air come out and then step on the brake and start. It helped for me. as for the rattling I hear the same thing. And I have not been able to figure it out. Well good luck on finding a solution.

  • PX

    I have a 2007 altima and when I took it to the dealership they said the rattling noise when starting the car, is from air being in the engine. They suggested that before stepping on the brake and starting the car on a cold day, to ACC start. So push the button, you’ll hear air come out and then step on the brake and start. It helped for me. as for the rattling I hear the same thing. And I have not been able to figure it out. Well good luck on finding a solution.

  • http://www.mylifedump.com/ Zahid Lilani

    I tried what you suggested but it doesn’t seem to do anything… I will be taking my altima in for replacement of heat sink ver soon….

  • http://www.mylifedump.com Zahid Lilani

    I tried what you suggested but it doesn’t seem to do anything… I will be taking my altima in for replacement of heat sink ver soon….

  • shannon

    this is an extremely common problem with 07 altimas, particularly those manufactured in the canton facility. you are definitely right that it’s not a matter of ‘some owners’; it’s more like, all owners of canton-manufactured 07s.

    i was aware of this issue when i purchased my car (i spent a lot of time on edmunds, in the nissan forums), so i’ve just been hanging around waiting for the recall letter, which did finally arrive.

    • Anthony

      Hey, I just bought a used 2007 Altima 2.5s. Was the letter you received a recall letter and if so do you have the recall number because I bought the car and 3 weeks later had to put a heat shield on it which isn’t covered in my warranty….kinda sucks and I’m hoping I can get my money back if there is a recall number. I like the car but that was a disappointment.

  • shannon

    this is an extremely common problem with 07 altimas, particularly those manufactured in the canton facility. you are definitely right that it’s not a matter of ‘some owners’; it’s more like, all owners of canton-manufactured 07s.

    i was aware of this issue when i purchased my car (i spent a lot of time on edmunds, in the nissan forums), so i’ve just been hanging around waiting for the recall letter, which did finally arrive.

  • http://www.mylifedump.com/ Zahid Lilani

    Its interesting that you have pin point information that the rattle noise is only from altimas that were manufactured in canton, I guess I should visit edmunds often :)

    I got my car fixed, things seem to be working fine now, rattle is definitely gone. I hope it doesn’t come back again. My car is only 4000 miles right now but I was wondering if this problem will come back again after few thousand miles… I hope not…

    If I ever try to sell this car, I guess if someone looks up the carfax on it, this thing will be a highlight. I have taken my car in twice before it reached 4000 and I will have to explain…

  • http://www.mylifedump.com Zahid Lilani

    Its interesting that you have pin point information that the rattle noise is only from altimas that were manufactured in canton, I guess I should visit edmunds often :)

    I got my car fixed, things seem to be working fine now, rattle is definitely gone. I hope it doesn’t come back again. My car is only 4000 miles right now but I was wondering if this problem will come back again after few thousand miles… I hope not…

    If I ever try to sell this car, I guess if someone looks up the carfax on it, this thing will be a highlight. I have taken my car in twice before it reached 4000 and I will have to explain…

  • mike

    i have a 2007 altima and this car suuuuuuuuks!

  • mike

    i have a 2007 altima and this car suuuuuuuuks!

  • laura

    I have been dealing with this for a year! i have had four new heat sheilds put on and mine! is still knocking!!!! i filed a complaint with b.b.b. and we are going before the arbertration board this month! if this dont work we will be getting a att. fed up!!!!!!!

  • laura

    I have been dealing with this for a year! i have had four new heat sheilds put on and mine! is still knocking!!!! i filed a complaint with b.b.b. and we are going before the arbertration board this month! if this dont work we will be getting a att. fed up!!!!!!!

  • Troy

    wow, my girlfriend brought this car and has the same issue. Keep us updated Laura.

  • Troy

    wow, my girlfriend brought this car and has the same issue. Keep us updated Laura.

  • http://www.mylifedump.com/ Zahid Lilani

    sorry to hear your story Laura, I hope the issue gets solved and you can get over with this nightmare.

    Are you going into arbitration because of the lemon law?

  • http://www.mylifedump.com Zahid Lilani

    sorry to hear your story Laura, I hope the issue gets solved and you can get over with this nightmare.

    Are you going into arbitration because of the lemon law?

  • brooke

    I have an 07 altima and I have had a knocking noise since I bought it. I have taken to the dealership several times and they act like I’m crazy and say they don’t hear what I am hearing. I hear it daily, but I had given up on getting it fixed. I’m glad to know that I am not the only one hearing this noise. Is this coming from the heat shield? I don’t know what to do to get my dealership to something about it!

  • brooke

    I have an 07 altima and I have had a knocking noise since I bought it. I have taken to the dealership several times and they act like I’m crazy and say they don’t hear what I am hearing. I hear it daily, but I had given up on getting it fixed. I’m glad to know that I am not the only one hearing this noise. Is this coming from the heat shield? I don’t know what to do to get my dealership to something about it!

  • Jerry

    I have an 07 Altima and have been having “the rattle” ever since 4000 KM. The car has been back 3 times now and they say they cannot duplicate the noise. This rattle occurs when the engine is started at warmer tempuratures. It definately sounds like a noisy lifter but the dealer thinks I’m crazy. If anyone else thinks it sounds like a lifter let me know or if anyone has had this problem fixed.

  • Jerry

    I have an 07 Altima and have been having “the rattle” ever since 4000 KM. The car has been back 3 times now and they say they cannot duplicate the noise. This rattle occurs when the engine is started at warmer tempuratures. It definately sounds like a noisy lifter but the dealer thinks I’m crazy. If anyone else thinks it sounds like a lifter let me know or if anyone has had this problem fixed.

  • http://www.mylifedump.com/ Zahid Lilani

    brooke:
    Rattle noise isn’t exactly a knocking noise, you only feel it at low speeds and when the car is not warmed up.

    Jerry:
    To duplicate this noise, the car has to be left at the dealership overnight. Try doing that!

  • http://www.mylifedump.com Zahid Lilani

    brooke:
    Rattle noise isn’t exactly a knocking noise, you only feel it at low speeds and when the car is not warmed up.

    Jerry:
    To duplicate this noise, the car has to be left at the dealership overnight. Try doing that!

  • Mai

    Hi Brooke & Jerry,
    I had the same rattle noise like you both having when i bought my 07 Altima. However, i did get a letter from the Nissan Corporate about the “rattle noise” problem in November 07. so i called my dealer and they replaced the heatshield something in the vehicle. So my car seems fine for now.Also, just an FYI. The Altima07 has a new recall going on right now. below is the link about the recall. I will bring my car in tomorrow and hopefully they replace the air filter for my car.
    http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/07/recall-nissan-issues-recall-on-140852.html

  • Mai

    Hi Brooke & Jerry,
    I had the same rattle noise like you both having when i bought my 07 Altima. However, i did get a letter from the Nissan Corporate about the “rattle noise” problem in November 07. so i called my dealer and they replaced the heatshield something in the vehicle. So my car seems fine for now.Also, just an FYI. The Altima07 has a new recall going on right now. below is the link about the recall. I will bring my car in tomorrow and hopefully they replace the air filter for my car.
    http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/07/recall-nissan-issues-recall-on-140852.html

  • chon

    I have a Altima 07. Rattle noise comes from the CVT transmission. You’ll be able to hear it when you are driving at very low speed. It is something similar to a manual shift car when you are driving in 4th position while driving at 30mph. Actually there is information on the web regarding to getting used to CVT transmission, definetly feels and creates rattle noise sometimes

  • chon

    I have a Altima 07. Rattle noise comes from the CVT transmission. You’ll be able to hear it when you are driving at very low speed. It is something similar to a manual shift car when you are driving in 4th position while driving at 30mph. Actually there is information on the web regarding to getting used to CVT transmission, definetly feels and creates rattle noise sometimes

  • matt kinarney

    had same rattling noise problem on 06 altima. finally got fixed when nissan installed a brand new engine in car. the problem was that the engine was not holding the oil.

  • matt kinarney

    had same rattling noise problem on 06 altima. finally got fixed when nissan installed a brand new engine in car. the problem was that the engine was not holding the oil.

  • Madeha F

    We just purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima and i am wondering if you or anyone you know have experienced any issues with this car. A bit anxious to know….

  • Madeha F

    We just purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima and i am wondering if you or anyone you know have experienced any issues with this car. A bit anxious to know….

  • http://www.mylifedump.com/ Zahid Lilani

    Madeha, some Altima ’07 and ’08 models have a engine rattle noise at low speeds and when the car starts. This is due to the heat sink. After I bough my car, i noticed this noise within few hundred miles and got it fixed. The good news is, Nissan does acknowledge the problem and is willing to fix it.

  • http://www.mylifedump.com Zahid Lilani

    Madeha, some Altima ’07 and ’08 models have a engine rattle noise at low speeds and when the car starts. This is due to the heat sink. After I bough my car, i noticed this noise within few hundred miles and got it fixed. The good news is, Nissan does acknowledge the problem and is willing to fix it.

  • Cedric

    ok thank God, i found this blog! I thought i was crazy or just over reacting. The same damn annoying noise is happening with my new 08 altima. I noticed it early on. The car is only 7000 km.

    It’s the loudest when the engine is still below warm temp. and while driving between 0 and 40 km/h
    I am not sure if i should take it in or not… It’s a lease and covered by warranties and maintenance service.
    Any advice?
    I am also worried they might just say they don’t hear anything and send me off.. to avoid the work.

  • Cedric

    ok thank God, i found this blog! I thought i was crazy or just over reacting. The same damn annoying noise is happening with my new 08 altima. I noticed it early on. The car is only 7000 km.

    It’s the loudest when the engine is still below warm temp. and while driving between 0 and 40 km/h
    I am not sure if i should take it in or not… It’s a lease and covered by warranties and maintenance service.
    Any advice?
    I am also worried they might just say they don’t hear anything and send me off.. to avoid the work.

  • Karen Cissell

    When did you receive this letter. I have the same problem with my 07 Altima and have been getting the runaround at the dealership and Nissan Customer Service. They both told me it was because I used and “aftermarket” oil filter at a speedy oil change, well I have changed my oil at the dealership since still have the problem with no resolution from Nissan. I have 45,000 miles and of course the service reps never hear it rattle – it seems to be getting worse and it rattled going down the road for about a mile in warm weather. Please send a copy of the letter stating this by e-mail so I can take it to the dealership and get this problem resolved with costing a fortune since I my warranty has expired. Thanks so much. Karen

  • Karen Cissell

    When did you receive this letter. I have the same problem with my 07 Altima and have been getting the runaround at the dealership and Nissan Customer Service. They both told me it was because I used and “aftermarket” oil filter at a speedy oil change, well I have changed my oil at the dealership since still have the problem with no resolution from Nissan. I have 45,000 miles and of course the service reps never hear it rattle – it seems to be getting worse and it rattled going down the road for about a mile in warm weather. Please send a copy of the letter stating this by e-mail so I can take it to the dealership and get this problem resolved with costing a fortune since I my warranty has expired. Thanks so much. Karen

  • http://www.carpartswholesale.com/brand/pulstar.html Pulse Plugs

    Hopefully this issue has already been resolved. I have the same problem with my Dad’s Altima and visited forums and yahoo answers to find what’s the right thing to do about it and it seems that the rattling sound seems like a bug to all Altima’s.

  • http://www.carpartswholesale.com/brand/pulstar.html Pulse Plugs

    Hopefully this issue has already been resolved. I have the same problem with my Dad’s Altima and visited forums and yahoo answers to find what’s the right thing to do about it and it seems that the rattling sound seems like a bug to all Altima’s.

  • Tracy

    I just bought an 08′ S. I’m hearing a rattling noise when I turn on the AC. Does this sound familiar to anyone.

  • Tracy

    I just bought an 08′ S. I’m hearing a rattling noise when I turn on the AC. Does this sound familiar to anyone.

  • Ayaan

    i have nissan altima 08 2.5s got only 900km’s on it. i dont hear any rattling sound but i do hear one when i start a car after a long stop like 5hrs… after putting the car on ‘D’ and when i press on the gas i hear a thuggg sound from front and then i goes fine all the way. anybody familiar with this???

  • Ayaan

    i have nissan altima 08 2.5s got only 900km’s on it. i dont hear any rattling sound but i do hear one when i start a car after a long stop like 5hrs… after putting the car on ‘D’ and when i press on the gas i hear a thuggg sound from front and then i goes fine all the way. anybody familiar with this???

  • Cedric

    Tracy:
    I have the exact same problem. The rattle is there without the AC but when i do turn on the AC the rattling goes up. I am scheduled for a service check… i am going to talk to them and update the post here. I have a good friend at their service garage.

  • Cedric

    Tracy:
    I have the exact same problem. The rattle is there without the AC but when i do turn on the AC the rattling goes up. I am scheduled for a service check… i am going to talk to them and update the post here. I have a good friend at their service garage.

  • Jeffrey Gagne

    Well, we found the problem to the rattle oncwe and for all with my 2007 Nissan Altima. It is a major bearing problem in the engine, not my heat shield. Sounds just like the heat shield rattle but they inspected mine, and was perfect. I brought it and left it with the dealership[ over night and they started and heard the noise, they advised me that it is a knocking coming from the beaing. Let me know if you want to know more

  • Jeffrey Gagne

    Well, we found the problem to the rattle oncwe and for all with my 2007 Nissan Altima. It is a major bearing problem in the engine, not my heat shield. Sounds just like the heat shield rattle but they inspected mine, and was perfect. I brought it and left it with the dealership[ over night and they started and heard the noise, they advised me that it is a knocking coming from the beaing. Let me know if you want to know more

  • Jan F

    Yes Jeffrey please let me know what the results are. Mine is 07 2.5 and I have cold start rattle as well. Not when warm just cold. Thought it was like timing chain guide I have been starting to try different oils to stop it. warranty is done I think as 62000km on odometer now. janforster1@gmail.com

  • Jan F

    Yes Jeffrey please let me know what the results are. Mine is 07 2.5 and I have cold start rattle as well. Not when warm just cold. Thought it was like timing chain guide I have been starting to try different oils to stop it. warranty is done I think as 62000km on odometer now. janforster1@gmail.com

  • Jeffrey Gagne

    Sorry about my last post spelling errors. But in regards to the dealership, they are idiots. They blamed the rattle noise on myself not changing the oil. Never in my life have a I heard about an engine turning bad after a month without a oil change. Second, they told me they checked the heat shield and everything was fine and that it is my fault. I’ve been checking the internet for this problem and it is happening to many people everywhere who owns this car {Dealerships don’t know how to fix it, and they are extremely stupid}

    I got fed up, as yesterday, when starting my car, the noise was unbelievably bad. I proped the car up on jacks and went to work. My heat shield near the cat was loose and I tightened them up myself. The problem that I notice is that when the car is cold, the heat shield shrinks causing the bolts to loosen, so, as to when the car is started, it rattles to a point of expanding from the heat, stopping the rattle noise. SO, if you want to resolve this problem once and for all, do it yourself. I hate to say it but the dealerships know nothing of what they are doing and I am logging a full complaint again the dealership and logging a complaint against Nissan as I finally resolved the problem myself. Any questions, let me know.

    {Dealerships are f&*ing idiots}

  • Jeffrey Gagne

    Sorry about my last post spelling errors. But in regards to the dealership, they are idiots. They blamed the rattle noise on myself not changing the oil. Never in my life have a I heard about an engine turning bad after a month without a oil change. Second, they told me they checked the heat shield and everything was fine and that it is my fault. I’ve been checking the internet for this problem and it is happening to many people everywhere who owns this car {Dealerships don’t know how to fix it, and they are extremely stupid}

    I got fed up, as yesterday, when starting my car, the noise was unbelievably bad. I proped the car up on jacks and went to work. My heat shield near the cat was loose and I tightened them up myself. The problem that I notice is that when the car is cold, the heat shield shrinks causing the bolts to loosen, so, as to when the car is started, it rattles to a point of expanding from the heat, stopping the rattle noise. SO, if you want to resolve this problem once and for all, do it yourself. I hate to say it but the dealerships know nothing of what they are doing and I am logging a full complaint again the dealership and logging a complaint against Nissan as I finally resolved the problem myself. Any questions, let me know.

    {Dealerships are f&*ing idiots}

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