Altima speedometer inaccuracy - 2002-2003

[nissanfan]

I've noticed that my speedometer is off on my 2002 Altima 2.5SE. I did speed checks at various speeds and the variance is not linear. The speed checks I did at 70mph (according to the speedometer), showed that my actual speed is 65-66mph.

My tests used construction area radar units, comparison to another family car, my GPS system and finally and most convincingly, my Altima's own computer. I set cruise on a flat area to 70mph, then reset the "average speed" readout on the dash. When the "average speed" is calculated, it is always 66 or 65mph.

I've talked to other Altima owners and not a single one said their speedometer is accurate. Many have not check and all of the ones that have checked told me they are seeing almost exactly the same results as me (both automatic and standard transmissions).

Please run a check of your own and post your results here, then report the problem to 1-800-nissan1 (647-7261). They told me that this is within specifications. (It seems the only way they will address this issue is to be swamped with calls...let the avalanche begin). As for posting here, please include your year, model (2.5, 3.5) and transmission type, as well as the results of your test.

By the way, if you think this isn't important because you are not speeding, wait until you start driving faster to compensate for the inaccuracy, then get behind the wheel of another vehicle with an accurate speedometer!

[gettintired]

I have noticed the same in my 02. Mine if off by 3 miles. I have a 2.5. Thanks for the number.

[nissan 95]

I have an 05 se and it also is off in the same way.I took it in to the dealer and they said (it was within Nissan specs) but I know its about 05 mph off.

[Vote4Pedro]

I have the same problem.. I drive an 03 altima and according the my a ticket I got and my gps it is off by like 5-6 miles when I'm at 70 and I think even more at higher speeds.. I travel an average of 100 miles a day, to work to school and all the way back home. I've had it for a year now so you can only imagine all the extra non-runned miles my cluster has counted...almost 3,000 additional "non-runned" miles added in a year... this pisses me off. sometimes I even feel like disconecting the speedometer and just go based on my gps, but the day I tryed that(took the clusters duse off) my car started messing up and shaking. Does anyone know how to temporarily turn it off lol...sshhhh!

[konsole]

Just see how fast everyone else is going and then set your cruise control for about 5 mph slower. Then you should be going the speed limit