1996 Nissan Altima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Altima › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Nissan Altima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Nissan Altima. Newest first.
Ride control IS recalling certain front strut mounts branded as gabriel ride control or arvinmeritor, p/nos. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. the affected front strut mounts did not contain a weld joint between the bearing housing and the rate plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The absence of the weld can allow the strut to come out of its mounting position under certain extreme driving conditions which could cause damage to surrounding vehicle components increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. the safety recall began on march 15, 2010. owners may contact ride control at 1-248-458-1396.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Owner complaints
92 complaints21 involved a crash5 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
Car was driving crazy and turned off in street.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Suspension
My car crashed into the back of another vehicle. I had plenty of time to stop, but my car just didn't & my airbags didn't deploy. Even before the crash, the dash lights flicker on and off, & I can barely see with my headlights! Also, my car makes loud cranking noises when I turn. Every car I see…
My car crashed into the back of another vehicle. I had plenty of time to stop, but my car just didn't & my airbags didn't deploy. Even before the crash, the dash lights flicker on and off, & I can barely see with my headlights! Also, my car makes loud cranking noises when I turn. Every car I see like mine, has a smashed up front end & has all the same issues. I can't currently afford a new car, but I'm scared to death to drive mine, but I have no choice. Help me please! Who can I contact? I strongly believe these cars are not fit for driving. I need my problems solved fast before something more serious happens! If I would have known how dangerous these cars truly are, I would have bought something else to keep myself and others on the road safe. I don't have the means at this time in my life to buy a safer and more reliable vehicle. I even had to take time off from college, because I do not have reliable transportation to get myself there. It's very devastating. *tr
- Tires · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
1996 altima left front tire separated from vehicle. *ts *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
My daughter's 1996 nissan altima developed an intermittent problem that sometimes left her stranded. when I discovered what the problem was, I wanted others to know. the problem turned out to be an intermittent electrical connection inside the fuel tank. it was burned and had actually melted the…
My daughter's 1996 nissan altima developed an intermittent problem that sometimes left her stranded. when I discovered what the problem was, I wanted others to know. the problem turned out to be an intermittent electrical connection inside the fuel tank. it was burned and had actually melted the top of the fuel tank where the connectors were. it was the two wire connector that connected directly to the electric fuel pump. the fuse was a 15 amp fuse, but the wires and the connectors looked small for that kind of current draw. this looks to me like a potential fire hazard. also, I found it interesting that the wire "pigtail" was not available from nissan as a repair part. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
I have a 1996 nissan altima gxe. the air bag system developed a problem, i.e. The indicator light would not go out - it continued to flash. upon diagnosis by the nissan service department, they determined the problem to be a malfunctioning control module. this will cause the unit to not operate…
I have a 1996 nissan altima gxe. the air bag system developed a problem, i.e. The indicator light would not go out - it continued to flash. upon diagnosis by the nissan service department, they determined the problem to be a malfunctioning control module. this will cause the unit to not operate properly. I have learned through the nhtsa website that nissan has had prior problems with these air bag systems, and my problem may be a continuation of these.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Air bag module. Light on dash started to flash . Took car to dealer ship and was told it was the airbag modular after they check out the computer. I asked the service manager if their was a recall on this and he said no. I asked if this was common and he said he had seen this before in this model…
Air bag module. Light on dash started to flash . Took car to dealer ship and was told it was the airbag modular after they check out the computer. I asked the service manager if their was a recall on this and he said no. I asked if this was common and he said he had seen this before in this model and year. The part cost over $550.00 not installed. He told me to try to find one in a junk yard, told me how to remove and install same and even offered to let me borrow the special tool needed to remove and install same. Then I was to bring back car to have the light reset, as this would deterrmine if the modular that I got was any good. If light didn't reset then that modular was not good. It was last year when the light started flashing and I have not as yet found a modular in a junk yard. *la
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
I bought my pre-owned 1996 nissan altima in november of 2000. I have been experiencing difficulty with my trunk when it rains. the rain water IS leaking into the trunk through the rear lights. I had the seal checked and that was okay. I went to trade in the car, for an upgrade, and they had…
I bought my pre-owned 1996 nissan altima in november of 2000. I have been experiencing difficulty with my trunk when it rains. the rain water IS leaking into the trunk through the rear lights. I had the seal checked and that was okay. I went to trade in the car, for an upgrade, and they had asked me about the rear lights. they had said that there was a recall because of the leaks. I was wondering if this IS true and if not, I would like to put in a complaint about them. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Re: nissan altima 1996: the catalytic converter IS too new to go bad and there are too many bad ones showing up. I had to replace it at a very high cost to me, when the vehicle was only 6 years old. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
This complaint IS on 1996 nissan altima gxe. on 9/21/03, the car failed to start in the morning even though it had no issues the night beforethe engine turned but would not catch on and ignite. on the following day, a local mechanic found the root cause to be the failed fuel pump, thereby…
This complaint IS on 1996 nissan altima gxe. on 9/21/03, the car failed to start in the morning even though it had no issues the night beforethe engine turned but would not catch on and ignite. on the following day, a local mechanic found the root cause to be the failed fuel pump, thereby explaining the symptomno fuel to the engine, no ignition. additionally and more critically, he found that the plastic housing of the power connector (power to drive the pump) was severely damagedit had melted with indications for arcs. the critical aspect IS that the burned/arc-ed side of the connector (electrical feed-through) sits inside the fuel tank and would sit in the fuel vapor when the fuel IS low in the tank. this combination of arcing and fuel vapor, I believe, constitutes a significant safety issue with potentially explosive consequences. it IS very fortunate that this potential for explosion did not materialize. however, the situation, I believe, definitely warrants further investigation by the manufacturer and by nhtsa. please contact me for further information, including the damaged parts. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a right-angled frontal collision while making a left turn. neither the driver or passenger air bags deployed.*ak *cb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
Coil springs broke. *ak
- Air bags
Air bag control unit
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When changing the vehicles gears the consumer noticed the vehicle would only go forward and not reverse due to a burned out clutch. *nlm
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
From the moment I've purchased the vehicle, I noticed that once the brakes were applied at any speed, that the brake lights flicker and do not light properly. One side doesn't light while the other side does. This event only happens when the headlights are on. There IS no problem when operating the…
From the moment I've purchased the vehicle, I noticed that once the brakes were applied at any speed, that the brake lights flicker and do not light properly. One side doesn't light while the other side does. This event only happens when the headlights are on. There IS no problem when operating the vehicle without headlights or running lights on. This seems to be a common problem as I drive for a living and notice repeatedly that this incident occurs with virtually every nissan altima that I observe on the roads. I am concerned that because of the brake light issue this might cause a following vehicle to not see the brake lights properly and strike me or I might recieve a summons or possibly fail vehicle inspection. dt
- Air bags
Consumer states while driving at any speed and with no warning the air bag light comes on and the air bag could be inoperative in the event of a vehicle accident. Dealer notified.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states that when slowing down the engine rev's really high. consumer states when pulling off vehicle will jerk like its a manual shift. please provide any further information. nlm
- Air bags
Consumer states while driving the airbag sensor light illuminated. took to dealer and they stated that the control unit for the airbag had failed. consumer feels unsafe, airbags may not deploy in an accident. please provide any further information.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
My engine caught fire !!!!!! And burned everything under the hood including the hood no problems prior to this at all with the car no gas leaks, nothing to indicate that this was going to happen. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Brakes have always squeaked excessively whether new or worn. Front defogger vents on dash separated from dash as dash continues to swell and deform over time in a premature manner I have also observed this defect on many other altimas
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Upon inspection of brake failure, it was determined that underbody corrosion penetrated the brake fluid lines causing brake failure. further, corrosion IS so pervasive the car IS beyond repair. nissan has denied any responsibility and declined any reparations.*ak
- Air bags
Airbag sensor light that IS located on dash flashes constantly when vehicle being driven. The cause IS unknown. dealer has been contacted.*ak
- Unknown or other
At first engine check light kept coming on. currently, engine check light stays on. please provide any further information. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
I have had continuous problems with the brakes squeaking on this car since I purchased it. I have had the brakes worked on on 3 occasions in a 6 month period and the brakes still squeak. I'm wondering if this IS a common problem with the nissan altima brakes or if it IS an isolated incident with…
I have had continuous problems with the brakes squeaking on this car since I purchased it. I have had the brakes worked on on 3 occasions in a 6 month period and the brakes still squeak. I'm wondering if this IS a common problem with the nissan altima brakes or if it IS an isolated incident with my car. I have had new brake pads and rotors put on...squeaked. then we changed to organic pads...squeaked. at this point, I am not sure what to do.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
I had just moved off from the light, when about half-way down the block, thick white smoke began billowing from under my hood onto my windsheild. I quickly pulled over, and abandoned the car. Because I yanked the hood release on my way out of the car, I say bright yellow flames under the side of…
I had just moved off from the light, when about half-way down the block, thick white smoke began billowing from under my hood onto my windsheild. I quickly pulled over, and abandoned the car. Because I yanked the hood release on my way out of the car, I say bright yellow flames under the side of the hood. Per the ft. Lauderdale fire dept inspector, there was an electrical short in the area of the radiator fans. That short caught the neighboring wires, radiator fan and other engine components on fire. My insurance company and the nissan dealer repair shop all agreed that this was what happened. The repairs cost about $7100 and 2 months to fix. I thank god for saving my life. I think it was a manufacturer defect that caused it. The manufacture can contact plantation nissan in plantation florida regarding this incident. I pray that nissan can use this information to help design safer cars. I just traded the car because I felt I could no believe in its reasonable safety. Please note: in four years, this was the first major problem that I had with the car.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The repair person said this part IS too new to go bad and there are too many bad ones showing up. Thankyou for your time. No safety defect listed. *Ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192192As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 632164Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631971Information on nissan revised tps adjustment procdure. *Slc
- 631766Information regarding essential tool: throttle position sensor test connector. *Slc
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
- 606182Key value brake pad service information.
- 604411Vehicle within various vin ranges may exhibit misfire or running roughly due to spark plug wire(s).
- 604302Experiencing coolant leakage from intake collector hose fitting.
- 604301Service information on key value brake pads.
- 603251Some vehicles built before 1n4dl01d0wc150648 may exhibit excessive timing chain noise.
- 602818Vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on with dtcs p0120, p0510, p0731, p0732 or p0733 with no driveability incidents.
- 602604Exhibiting a malfunction indicator light (mil) on and a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0136 stored in the ecm.
- 601863Hvac blower motor noise.
- 601717Information regarding instrument panel inspection after passenger air bag activation.
- 600624Vehicles built before 1n4bu31d - vc138483 may experience poor air conditioning (a/c) performance.
- 600364Vehicle experiencing exhaust odor.
Every Nissan Altima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.