Nissan Repair: cooling system, 2003 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
My daughter has a 2003 Nissan Altima.  About a week ago she noticed her rear defrost and heat was not working properly. One mechanic told her she needed to replace the radiator another said the thermostat because the leak is coming from the top.  The Nissan mechanic said with only about 65,000 miles on the car it shouldn't need a thermostat or radiator. He believed, like so many other complaints, air had gotten in and told her how to release the air. Now it has been a week and the problem has started all over again. Can you please give us your opinion? Thanks.

Answer
Marilyn,

The problem could be air in the system.  The rear defrost is electric so that should not be related.  But, if there is no heat coming out of the vents and the temperature gauge is at cold that would mean the thermostat would need to be replaced.  If the radiator was plugged up that would cause the car to run hot so that should not be a problem.  Email me back and let me know if the temperature gauge shows cold.  If it does replace the thermostat.  If not, there is air trapped in the system.