1997 Nissan Altima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Nissan Altima, 8% of the 108 complaints for this model year. 6 of these say a crash was involved, 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 97 Nissan Altima(milelage: 66k) runs perfectly expect that occasionally once I press the brake tightly and the car stop totally, the car accelerates suddently and rush forward, I have to repress the brake very quickly to stop it again. Since this january it happened twice. First time I almost hit the car in front of me and I thought the reason is that I didn't press the brake tightly. For the second time, I was quite sure I pressed the brake firmly and stop at a stop line, but suddently the car rushed out and crashed in another car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10063633, filed 2004-03“While slowing down & applied brakes at a stop sign, the car instead suddenly accelerated crossing four lanes of traffic and ultimately slamming into a tree.”
NHTSA complaint #10825755, filed 2016-02“Airbag - driver's side airbag did not deploy in 35mph head-on crash. Driver was severely injured. Brakes - brakes did not adequately stop the vehicle in 35mph head-on crash. Driver was severely injured. Transmission - transmission constantly slips, takes few minutes to engage from reverse to drive. Engine - engine won't start at random. Dealer findds no problems. Has happened 3 times since purchased vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #700742, filed 1998-11“Was traveling 40-45mph and had tapped brakes to slow down in order to make a turn and brakes failed to slow down vehicle. Vehicle went into a tail spin. Steering wheel jerked to left & hit passenger's side. Vehicle was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #881992, filed 2001-03“The consumer has owned vehicle for only a week, and is experiencing problems with brakes pads. When applying force to the brake pedal, consumer noticed a noise. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, parts replaced. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #829084, filed 1998-10Related service bulletins
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 4 | 13% |
| 2022 | 5 | 16% |
| 2021 | 21 | 30% |
| 2020 | 18 | 10% |
| 2019 | 30 | 13% |
| 2018 | 49 | 22% |
| 2017 | 19 | 5% |
| 2016 | 11 | 2% |
| 2015 | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 | 28 | 3% |
| 2013 | 58 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 5% |
| 2011 | 12 | 5% |
| 2010 | 32 | 8% |
| 2009 | 47 | 3% |
| 2008 | 93 | 9% |
| 2007 | 70 | 15% |
| 2006 | 26 | 3% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 29 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 12 | 8% |
| 1999 | 15 | 17% |
| 1998 | 14 | 11% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Altima
35 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
10 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