1996 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%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 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Nissan Altima, 8% of the 92 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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 2000-10“Had car two months, experienced transmission slippage, took car to dealer 3 times couldn't find problem, finally transmission shifting solenoid replaced. Con tinued to experience transmission slippage. Returned car to dealer no trouble codes found, wouldn't act up. Finally transmission drive gear failed, returned to dealer. Needs new transmission, used transmission installed. Two blocks from dealer at gas pump car fails to start, shifter linkage not properly adjusted. Returned to dealer. Next morning noticed puddle under car, transmission fluid. Returned to dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #732289, filed 2000-09“I am aware of tech. Safety bull. Ntb 96-009; 009a; 009b. Transmission failed 3 times. Each time it would not shift into reverse and neutral gear was a forward gear. Drive gears were not correct, often neutral. 1st 2 times, problem corrected itself after about 1 hr. Dealer refused to deal with problem until 3rd failure, claiming they needed to see the actual problem before dealing with it. They did inspect car after 1st failure but found nothing. 3rd time they did line and pressure (?) tests, which they could have done 1st two times but did not. Transmission failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #707511, filed 1999-06“Man-tran: when shifting into 3rd gear, will automatically go into 5th gear, a transmission part was put in backwards at manufacturer, nearly caused accident”
NHTSA complaint #986464, filed 1996-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 24 | 11% |
| 2017 | 133 | 34% |
| 2016 | 235 | 42% |
| 2015 | 161 | 17% |
| 2014 | 209 | 19% |
| 2013 | 506 | 22% |
| 2012 | 149 | 35% |
| 2011 | 68 | 28% |
| 2010 | 73 | 19% |
| 2009 | 95 | 6% |
| 2008 | 80 | 8% |
| 2007 | 62 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 10% |
| 2005 | 115 | 11% |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 4% |
| 2002 | 39 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 7 | 8% |
| 1995 | 27 | 15% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Altima
37 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 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 31, 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