1997 Nissan Altima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Altima › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Nissan Altima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 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.
Certain buckle assemblies were produced with a "buckle base" that was improperly heat treated. this can cause the "buckle base" to be brittle failing to comply to fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
Owner complaints
108 complaints31 involved a crash5 involved a fire24 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
I was hit, rear-ended, very hard and the airbag definitely should have deployed. I was making a left turn, stopped for at least 10 seconds waiting for traffic to clear and a car slammed into the back of me with no attempt to hit their brakes
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
Due to corrosion, both rear sub member and front cradle are rotting out and must be replaced. vehicle IS unsafe. once replaced, other work may be needed
- Electrical system · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle I missing and I had to file a police report for a stolen vehicle.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
The car don't start. My seatbelt shredding and I worry that my air bag won't work if my children and I got into an accident
- Service brakes
While slowing down & applied brakes at a stop sign, the car instead suddenly accelerated crossing four lanes of traffic and ultimately slamming into a tree.
- Engine · Power train
This car had been repaired almost every year since I owned this car in september 2004. Had a sudden overheat problem recently. My mechanic told me engine head gasket was damaged or wore out. Did not repair the car. The car has 131,000 miles. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
The gas pedal stiff and need to be pressed hard when starting the car and before 200 yards of driving. *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Sun visor - it keeps falling down in my line of vision. (Won't stay up at all). On drivers side. Numerous others have had this problem and it costs about $400 to replace! I think it's a manufacturers problem. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
I own a 1997 nissan altima. I have put in new headlights but they are still very very dim.. I had my lens cleaned professionally and still they are dim. I see there IS a issue with the amber thing in the headlights. IS this a factory recall? I am unemployed and on disability, so my income IS very very low. this IS extremely! *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 nissan altima. while at a red light on november 5, 2008, the passenger side door of the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle. the contact's vehicle traveled down an embankment and rolled over. she sustained injuries and the air bags failed to deploy. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 nissan altima. while at a red light on november 5, 2008, the passenger side door of the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle. the contact's vehicle traveled down an embankment and rolled over. she sustained injuries and the air bags failed to deploy. the nissan manufacturer was notified, but they have not responded in over four months. the contact was the only occupant in the vehicle and she was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash. a police report was filed. the failure mileage was 140,000. updated 05/20/09.*jb
- Unknown or other
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 nissan altima. the contact stated that his vehicle IS defective and has caused head on and side crashes. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle crashes into other vehicles head on. the cause of the crashes were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 106,000.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the right front coil spring fractured and penetrated the inner sidewall of the right front tire without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined both front coil springs were extremely…
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the right front coil spring fractured and penetrated the inner sidewall of the right front tire without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined both front coil springs were extremely corroded. the front coil springs were replaced. the vehicle was exposed to excessive road salts and extreme winter weather. the manufacturer was contacted.
- Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle had a tire rotation performed, the tire service dealer determined the rubber boots on the axle spindle had deteriorated. the vehicle was seen by an authorized dealer who confirmed the problem. the dealer replaced the rubber boots on the axle spindle and attributed the deterioration to the heat and humidity.
- Air bags
Complaint regarding the repairs of the air bag system on the 1997 nissan altima.*mr the air bag light flashed on the dash. while doing internet research the consumer came across two service bulletins for air bags. the consumer contacted someone about these service bulletins and was told that the…
Complaint regarding the repairs of the air bag system on the 1997 nissan altima.*mr the air bag light flashed on the dash. while doing internet research the consumer came across two service bulletins for air bags. the consumer contacted someone about these service bulletins and was told that the work could be done on the vehicle until 12/31/04. the vehicle was taken to the dealer prior to this date but they refused to repair the vehicle free of charge. *nm
- Tires › Sidewall
Michelin hydoedge p215/60r15 tire had a blowout while driving on I75 neaar fort myers. inside sidewall blew on rear driver's side.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
The air bag light all of a sudden started blinking while the ignition IS on. I took the car to the dealer and they said needed new air bag controller. when I got in the car the light stopped flashing, I spoke with service rep and he said that the light will come on again and they have a report detailing the code from the computer. *nm
- Air bags
On 10-12-04 my daughter was involved in an accident, where she had failed to stop quick enough at a red light. there where three cars ahead of her at the red light. she was going approx. 10 miles per hour and hit the car in front of her which lead a chain reaction involving the other two cars.…
On 10-12-04 my daughter was involved in an accident, where she had failed to stop quick enough at a red light. there where three cars ahead of her at the red light. she was going approx. 10 miles per hour and hit the car in front of her which lead a chain reaction involving the other two cars. the air bags deployed and she lost control of the car. she was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. she was treated and released. there was not damage to her car and little damage to the the others cars. the police at the scene questioned why the air bags deployed at such a low speed. My concern and question are the same. why would the air bags deploy at such a low speed and perhaps cause more trauma and injury. the insurance companies will be investigating this as well.*ak
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Seat belts › Rear/other · Unknown or other
Rear brake lights failure- both sides- first left then right- replaced went out again soon after. Lights on heater gauges failed. Cigarette lighter "female part" pulls out of dash when you take the lighter out. Passenger door panel came off-keeps the doors from unlocking- tried to fix it and ended…
Rear brake lights failure- both sides- first left then right- replaced went out again soon after. Lights on heater gauges failed. Cigarette lighter "female part" pulls out of dash when you take the lighter out. Passenger door panel came off-keeps the doors from unlocking- tried to fix it and ended up being locked in my car in the rain for an hour. Back passenger side seat belt was jammed. also odometer IS jammed-has never been tampered with. Was bringing my husband to work and I know that it IS a 10 mile drive-none of the numbers rolled over. works when it wants to. *nm
- Air bags
Air bag light continuously blinks while driving. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Dealer replaced the complete air bag system on driver side. *Ak the panel was replaced as well. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Foia FWD fm webmaster request copy of all information, documents, photos, diagrams, notes, consumer complaints test results, nhtsa findings for the right front passenger airbag on the 1997 nissan altima.*mr *cb *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My 97 nissan altima(milelage: 66K) runs perfectly expect that occasionally once I press the brake tightly and the car stop totally, the car accelerates suddently and rush forward, I have to repress the brake very quickly to stop it again. since this january it happened twice. First time I…
My 97 nissan altima(milelage: 66K) runs perfectly expect that occasionally once I press the brake tightly and the car stop totally, the car accelerates suddently and rush forward, I have to repress the brake very quickly to stop it again. since this january it happened twice. First time I almost hit the car in front of me and I thought the reason IS that I didn't press the brake tightly. For the second time, I was quite sure I pressed the brake firmly and stop at a stop line, but suddently the car rushed out and crashed in another car. I've already had a brake system check and couldn't find any problem. I paid more than $2,000 for the car I crashed but I feel very underserved, and I don't know where to complain. And also I hope my case could supply some useful information for your database, that's the reason I write to you. thank you so much! sincerely, li qiang . *ak
- Air bags · Seat belts › Front
My son was in a head on crash in my vehicle. He was traveling approximately 30 mph when he hit the back of another car. His air bags did not deploy nor did his seatbelt lock. His chin hit the steering wheel. His head and hand both went into the windshield which IS cracked. He was driving a 1997 nissan altima. I also have photos of the car and the windshield.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight assembly has becomes cloudy and makes the lights very dim and hard to see with at night.*ak
- Air bags
While waiting for a red light to change to a green light, consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end and side impact accident. Both impacts were about 35 to 45 mph, and neither of the air bags deployed. A police report was issued. *ph *mr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
A malfunction within fuel injection system caused vehicle to catch on fire. *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.
- 10178242VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY Service Campaign ID # P8119 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P8119. Discard all previous versions of NTB98-049.
- 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.
- 10012843Auto-dimming electrochromic (ec) mirror diagnosis.
- 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.
- 605769Information regarding vehicles with mil 'on'; diagnostic trouble code p0100 (mass air flow sensor) stored in ecm.
- 605768Some vehicles may exhibit mil 'on'; diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0130 and / or p0136.
- 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.
- 603261Information on F04 automatic transaxle solenoid valve assembly.
- 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.
Every Nissan Altima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.