1996 Nissan Altima

92 federal complaints (117 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 44 service bulletins
See all 34 model years of the Nissan Altima →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
92
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
38
Electrical system
11
Engine & cooling
10
Power train
9
Speed control
7
Brakes
6
Glass & wipers
5
Lighting
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 23 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 4 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 6 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 77 of 92 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

38 complaint records1 fire report20 crash reports
"WHILE TRAVLING AND WHEN MAKING A SHORT STOP AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. PLASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Electrical system

11 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"DISTRIBUTOR LEAKED ENGINE OIL INTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, WHICH RESULT IN COMPLETE DISTRIBUTOR FAILURE WHILE DRIVING..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

10 complaint records1 fire report
"THE REPAIR PERSON SAID THIS PART IS TOO NEW TO GO BAD AND THERE ARE TOO MANY BAD ONES SHOWING UP. THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 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.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-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.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE 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.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT 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.
Show 39 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING 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.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: 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. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
EquipmentSERVICE 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.
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
EquipmentNissan 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.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
Service BrakesSERVICE 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.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
Service BrakesIf 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.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB
NTB-09-129
Sep 2010
EquipmentNISSAN: 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...
NTB-09-030
Apr 2009
Electrical SystemNISSAN: 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. *PE
99022
Oct 2005
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99022C
Aug 2003
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99053B
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON NISSAN REVISED TPS ADJUSTMENT PROCDURE. *SLC
NTB99022B
May 2001
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB01023
Apr 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST CONNECTOR. *SLC
NTB99022A
Aug 1999
Seat BeltsCONCERNS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE STOPPER BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99005A
Jun 1999
Service BrakesKEY VALUE BRAKE PAD SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT
NTB99005
Mar 1999
Service BrakesSERVICE INFORMATION ON KEY VALUE BRAKE PADS. *TT
NTB99003
Mar 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING COOLANT LEAKAGE FROM INTAKE COLLECTOR HOSE FITTING. *TT
NTB98021A
Feb 1999
Electrical SystemVEHICLE WITHIN VARIOUS VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT MISFIRE OR RUNNING ROUGHLY DUE TO SPARK PLUG WIRE(S). *TT
NTB98099
Dec 1998
Unknown Or OtherEXHIBITING A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ON AND A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0136 STORED IN THE ECM. *TT
NTB98024A
Aug 1998
Unknown Or OtherVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DTCS P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732 OR P0733 WITH NO DRIVEABILITY INCIDENTS. *YC
NTB98061
Jul 1998
Air BagsINFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT PANEL INSPECTION AFTER PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION. *TT
NTB98055
Jul 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4DL01D0WC150648 MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *YC
NTB98036
May 1998
VisibilityHVAC BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. *YC
NTB97090
Jan 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE EXPERIENCING EXHAUST ODOR. *YC
NTB97007A
Jan 1998
EquipmentVEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4BU31D - VC138483 MAY EXPERIENCE POOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE. *YC
97111598012A
Nov 1997
WheelsSERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REAR WHEEL ARCH CORROSION REPAIR. *YC
NTB97028
Apr 1997
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR P0731, P0732 & P0733 (A/T SIGNALS) WITH NO DRIVEABILITY INCIDENTS. *JD
NTB021
Mar 1997
StructureREAR DOOR PARTITION SEAL. *JD
NTB97007
Jan 1997
EquipmentPOOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE- LOW PRESSURE GOES INTO VACUUM. *JD
NTB97002
Jan 1997
Air BagsREPLACEMENT BRACKETS FOR THE 1994-97 ALTIMA PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NISSAN PARTS SYSTEM. *JD

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →