Model year record

1997 Nissan Altima

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 141 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V185000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
36,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-10-10
Owners notified
1996-10-28

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags1865,000 mi
Air bags: frontal16
Unknown or other9106,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission5
Vehicle speed control4140,000 mi
Electrical system3140,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline3
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3
Structure: body3169,000 mi
Structure: body: door3
Suspension3169,000 mi
Tires3
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module228,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator2
Electrical system: ignition2
Engine and engine cooling: engine2
Fuel system, gasoline2198,200 mi
Seat belts2
Seat belts: front258,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Structure: body: trunk lid2
Air bags: side/window1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: ignition: switch1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1
Engine1131,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1
Exterior lighting1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights180,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1120,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Power train1131,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1
Power train: manual transmission1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seats1
Service brakes1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Steering1
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs166,122 mi
Suspension: rear1
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle147,000 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Tires: sidewall1122,900 mi
Tires: tread/belt1
Unknown164,149 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: windshield1
Wheels: multi piece1
Wheels: rim1

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.