Is the 1996 Nissan Altima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Nissan Altima?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Nissan Altima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1996 Nissan Altima

▲ Better than typical

1996 Nissan Altima
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:22.896Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 92
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

1996: 92 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	125
1994	113
1995	180
1996	92
1997	108
1998	123
1999	87
2000	160
2001	159
2002	1,047
2003	883
2004	276
2005	1,091
2006	824
2007	471
2008	1,030
2009	1,547
2010	381
2011	241
2012	426
2013	2,310
2014	1,114
2015	955
2016	555
2017	392
2018	226
2019	233
2020	181
2021	70
2022	31
2023	30
2024	41
2025	6
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

40% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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!

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-21

Also filed under Electrical system and suspension

Vehicle was involved in a right-angled frontal collision while making a left turn. Neither the driver or passenger air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-25

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-24

Electrical system

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

CRASHFIRE

Power train

9% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift assembly.

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-24

Vehicle speed control

7% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 10E002000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1996 Nissan Altima reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Nissan Altima?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Nissan Altima have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.