1999 Nissan Tsubame

Introduction:

The 1999 Nissan Tsubame was a compact car available with either a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle was praised for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and spacious interior, but criticized for its lack of performance and subpar handling.

Engine

1.6-Liter Engine

• Knocking/Piston Slap:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise originating from the engine, most noticeable during acceleration or cold starts.
  • Solution: Piston and piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8-Liter Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine coolant and/or oil leaking from the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping, or a lack of engagement from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Belt Slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power or jerking during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the CVT belt and pulleys.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Corrosion:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise and vibration from the front suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, and battery warning light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on or intermittent flickering.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from the heating or air conditioning system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to lock or unlock the doors using the power locks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per actuator
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Nissan Tsubame is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has a few common issues that can be costly to fix, particularly with the engine and transmission. The most severe issues are the piston slap in the 1.6-liter engine and the CVT belt slippage, which can lead to major repairs or replacement. Other issues, such as strut mount corrosion and electrical component failures, are less severe but can still be inconvenient and costly to repair.