1997 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Nissan Altima: 1 recall, 108 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V185000 · 1996 · 36,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Suspension Equipment recall #10E002000 · 2010 · 12,657 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (35): the most common themes are fails to deploy (13).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), door / lock issues (3), fire / smoke (2).
- Other / unknown (9): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (8): the most common themes are door / lock issues (3).
The 1997 Nissan Altima has 108 owner complaints, ranking #25 of 34 Altima model years for complaints (well below the 455 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 92,419 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (92 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (123 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Nissan Altima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Nissan Altima, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (35), electrical (14), other / unknown (9).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Nissan Altima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.