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Model year record

1996 Nissan Altima recalls & problems

The 1996 Nissan Altima has 2 safety recalls and 92 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (38 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints92filed by owners
Crashes · fires20 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths13 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionFeb 11, 2010

Suspension

Recall 10E00200012,657 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
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.
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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.
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Nissan Altima 4-DR

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Altima / Stanza

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Altima / Stanza

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module382011578,075 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Starter assembly11120—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system › Radiator assembly10010—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission › Column shift assembly9000—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages7000—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Foundation components › Disc6301—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element5000—
StructureBody; Body › Trunk lid4010—
SuspensionFront; Rear › Springs › Coil springs4100—
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Tail lights4000—
Unknown or other4000—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Steering wheel/handle bar3101—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.