NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10188376: 2018-2021 Nissan Altima

Official manufacturer communication context for 2018-2021 Nissan Altima, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10188376 summary graphic for 2018-2021 Nissan Altima
10188376NHTSA document ID
Warranty program / extensioncommunication type
6affected product rows
6source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

PREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION If an Applied Vehicle needs to have a front axle nut removed, for any reason, the staking of the nut into the axle keyway must first be removed. The essential tool (part number # J-52982, Figure 1) required to remove the nut staking, is called out as a Cape Chisel in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), and must be used to prevent thread damage to the axle (see Figure 2 on page 2). The Cape Chisel arrived at dealers in December of 2020. Damaged threads, due to improper removal of the stake placed in the nut, will not be covered by warranty. For information on using the Cape Chisel, refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM): Section TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT > LH/RH.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
NissanAltima2019-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
NissanKicks2018-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
NissanLeaf2018-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
NissanRogue2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
NissanSentra2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
NissanVersa2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10188376?

PREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION If an Applied Vehicle needs to have a front axle nut removed, for any reason, the staking of the nut into the axle keyway must first be removed. The essential tool (part number # J-52982, Figure 1) required to remove the nut staking, is called out as a Cape Chisel in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), and must be used to prevent thread damage.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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