1996 Nissan Altima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Nissan Altima, 12% of the 92 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“I contacted a Nissan dealer parts dept. They reported to me that this is very common, and the cam sensor is now repaired in a newly designed distributor, but all the original cam sensors in the factory distributors were experiencing a high failure rate. I know of two other people who have experienced the same failure.”
NHTSA complaint #714790, filed 1999-11“I had just moved off from the light, when about half-way down the block, thick white smoke began billowing from under my hood onto my windsheild. I quickly pulled over, and abandoned the car. Because I yanked the hood release on my way out of the car, I say bright yellow flames under the side of the hood. Per the ft. Lauderdale fire dept inspector, there was an electrical short in the area of the radiator fans. That short caught the neighboring wires, radiator fan and other engine components on fire. My insurance company and the Nissan dealer repair shop all agreed that this was what happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #752196, filed 2001-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #760541, filed 2002-04“Three times in the last seven months vehicle has accelerated on its own. Nissan could not duplicate this problem. The problem started after transmission was rebuilt, and the radiator, auto transaxle assembly and throttle valve switch were replaced. The transmission was not shifting from second gear to third due to control valve assembly failure. Next, the gas pedal went to floor but the dealer could not duplicate it. However, the dealer replaced the wiring assembly. The problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #872282, filed 2000-10Related service bulletins
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE 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…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT 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.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 37% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 21 | 30% |
| 2020 | 46 | 25% |
| 2019 | 58 | 25% |
| 2018 | 37 | 16% |
| 2017 | 27 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 71 | 6% |
| 2013 | 159 | 7% |
| 2012 | 44 | 10% |
| 2011 | 32 | 13% |
| 2010 | 74 | 19% |
| 2009 | 466 | 30% |
| 2008 | 90 | 9% |
| 2007 | 37 | 8% |
| 2006 | 72 | 9% |
| 2005 | 97 | 9% |
| 2004 | 32 | 12% |
| 2003 | 89 | 10% |
| 2002 | 77 | 7% |
| 2001 | 19 | 12% |
| 2000 | 25 | 16% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 14 | 13% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Altima
37 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 Oct 30, 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