1996 Nissan Altima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 40%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,075miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Nissan Altima, 40% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,075 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10081181, filed 2004-07, 82,150 miles“Air bag module. Light on dash started to flash . Took car to dealer ship and was told it was the airbag modular after they check out the computer. I asked the service manager if their was a recall on this and he said no. I asked if this was common and he said he had seen this before in this model and year. The part cost over $550.00 not installed. He told me to try to find one in a junk yard, told me how to remove and install same and even offered to let me borrow the special tool needed to remove and install same. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080934, filed 2004-07, 70,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #8021515, filed 2002-10, 116,000 miles“My car crashed into the back of another vehicle. I had plenty of time to stop, but my car just didn't & my airbags didn't deploy. Even before the crash, the dash lights flicker on and off, & I can barely see with my headlights! Also, my car makes loud cranking noises when I turn. Every car I see like mine, has a smashed up front end & has all the same issues. I can't currently afford a new car, but I'm scared to death to drive mine, but I have no choice. Help me please! Who can I contact? I strongly believe these cars are not fit for driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520991, filed 2013-06“After vehicle was struck from the passenger's side, passenger's side air bag deployed and bursted from the seam, causing chemical powder to spill into vehicle, onto the face of the passenger, resulting in difficulty breathing. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #864492, filed 2000-06Related service bulletins
- 10192305Jan 27, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM)…
- 10025522Jan 27, 2014Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 3 | 10% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 11 | 5% |
| 2018 | 36 | 16% |
| 2017 | 74 | 19% |
| 2016 | 72 | 13% |
| 2015 | 177 | 19% |
| 2014 | 208 | 19% |
| 2013 | 514 | 22% |
| 2012 | 57 | 13% |
| 2011 | 22 | 9% |
| 2010 | 61 | 16% |
| 2009 | 91 | 6% |
| 2008 | 142 | 14% |
| 2007 | 63 | 13% |
| 2006 | 43 | 5% |
| 2005 | 47 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 28 | 3% |
| 2002 | 34 | 3% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 14 | 9% |
| 1999 | 13 | 15% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 35 | 32% |
| 1996 | 37 | 40% |
| 1995 | 61 | 34% |
| 1994 | 40 | 38% |
| 1993 | 19 | 16% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Altima
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology