1997 Nissan Altima
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.
- Complaints
- 108
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 108 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
33% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-24
While traveling about 60MPH on the highway, without prior warning,had blown out and the dual airbags didn't deploy. The vehicle crossed the concrete median, and hit an 18 wheeler head on, the vehicle was totaled. Ts…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-10
Consumer called complaining about been involved on a colision and the air bags did not deploy. Dealer was contacted and stated that they were going to call him back never did.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-07
Electrical system
15% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Fire started by fuse box in passenger's compartment without warning. Also, power door locks malfunctioned, they would relock doors.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-18
Electrical fire in fuse box in passenger compartment, without warning. Power door locks would relock doors after manual unlock resulting in problems exiting vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-14
Also filed under Structure
Service brakes
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-12
Power train
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-03
Also filed under Engine
Structure
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing door and body.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1996-10-28Seat belts96V185000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V185000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Nissan Altima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan Altima have?
- 3 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.