1996 Nissan Altima: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 92 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My daughter's 1996 nissan altima developed an intermittent problem that sometimes left her stranded. When I discovered what the problem was, I wanted others to know. The problem turned out to be an intermittent electrical connection inside the fuel tank. It was burned and had actually melted the top of the fuel tank where the connectors were. It was the two wire connector that connected directly to the electric fuel pump. The fuse was a 15 amp fuse, but the wires and the connectors looked small for that kind of current draw. This looks to me like a potential fire hazard. Also, I found it interesting that the wire "pigtail" was not available from nissan as a repair part. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2005
“I have a 1996 nissan altima gxe. The air bag system developed a problem, I.e. The indicator light would not go out - it continued to flash. Upon diagnosis by the nissan service department, they determined the problem to be a malfunctioning control module. This will cause the unit to not operate properly. I have learned through the NHTSA website that nissan has had prior problems with these air bag systems, and my problem may be a continuation of these.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2004
“Vehicle was involved in a right-angled frontal collision while making a left turn. Neither the driver or passenger air bags deployed.*ak *cb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2002
“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. Nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2002
“Re: nissan altima 1996: the catalytic converter is too new to go bad and there are too many bad ones showing up. I had to replace it at a very high cost to me, when the vehicle was only 6 years old. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
“Consumer states while driving the airbag sensor light illuminated. Took to dealer and they stated that the control unit for the airbag had failed. Consumer feels unsafe, airbags may not deploy in an accident. Please provide any further information.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2002
“My engine caught fire !!!!!! And burned everything under the hood including the hood no problems prior to this at all with the car no gas leaks, nothing to indicate that this was going to happen. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2002
“Upon inspection of brake failure, it was determined that underbody corrosion penetrated the brake fluid lines causing brake failure. Further, corrosion is so pervasive the car is beyond repair. Nissan has denied any responsibility and declined any reparations.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2002
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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 ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Altima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Nissan Altima reliable?
NHTSA has 92 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Nissan Altima. The most complained-about area is air bags (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Nissan Altima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,500 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Nissan Altima have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.