1997 Nissan Altima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 32%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Nissan Altima, 32% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles. 23 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was hit, rear-ended, very hard and the airbag definitely should have deployed. I was making a left turn, stopped for at least 10 seconds waiting for traffic to clear and a car slammed into the back of me with no attempt to hit their brakes”
NHTSA complaint #11301549, filed 2020-01, 96,000 miles“My son was in a head on crash in my vehicle. He was traveling approximately 30 MPH when he hit the back of another car. His air bags did not deploy nor did his seatbelt lock. His chin hit the steering wheel. His head and hand both went into the windshield which is cracked. He was driving a 1997 Nissan Altima. I also have photos of the car and the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10052605, filed 2004-01, 58,000 miles“While waiting for a red light to change to a green light, consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end and side impact accident. Both impacts were about 35 to 45 MPH, and neither of the air bags deployed. A police report was issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10050087, filed 2003-12, 50,000 miles“While driving, the air bag sensor lights started flickering. The dealership indicated that is was related to a part in the computer, that needed to be replaced (part unknown). Ts the air bag sensor lights remain to flickering. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10004474, filed 2003-01, 28,000 miles“Air bag light continuously blinks while driving. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Dealer replaced the complete air bag system on driver side. The panel was replaced as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10092531, filed 2005-02, 65,000 milesRelated 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 1997 Nissan Altima
14 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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