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
The worst 1997 Nissan Altima problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags35
- Electrical14
- Brakes9
- Body8
- Engine8
- Seat belts8
- Transmission8
- Suspension7
- Visibility6
- Acceleration5
- Fuel system5
- Tires5
- Lights4
- Wheels2
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Nissan Altima
Recalls 1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is 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."
- 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.
Recall number 96V185000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Nissan Altima 53
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (drift) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
- Silicone-based lubricant or grease CAN damage electrical components service information
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Intelligent key replacement or swapping between vehicles
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Wheel bearing collision damage
- Strut and shock absorber replacement guidelines
- Voluntary service campaign F04 automatic transaxle solenoid valve assembly
1997 Nissan Altima fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-21 | 26-28 | 21-24 |
What 1997 Nissan Altima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
Vehicle I missing and I had to file a police report for a stolen vehicle.
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
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.
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.
The gas pedal stiff and need to be pressed hard when starting the car and before 200 yards of driving.
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.
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!
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.
Compare the 1997 Nissan Altima
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1997 Nissan Altima
Is the 1997 Nissan Altima reliable?
Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 1997 Nissan Altima, fewer than a typical Altima model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Nissan Altima?
Airbags, with 35 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is electrical (14).
How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan Altima have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
What year does the Nissan Altima have bad airbags?
The Nissan Altima model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (514 complaints), 2014 (208 complaints) and 2015 (177 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Nissan Altima get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Nissan Altima range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-21 city and 26-28 highway.
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