1997 Nissan Altima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 13%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Nissan Altima, 13% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 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.
“Rear brake lights failure- both sides- first left then right- replaced went out again soon after. Lights on heater gauges failed. Cigarette lighter female part pulls out of dash when you take the lighter out. Passenger door panel came off-keeps the doors from unlocking- tried to fix it and ended up being locked in my car in the rain for an hour. Back passenger side seat belt was jammed. Also odometer is jammed-has never been tampered with. Was bringing my husband to work and I know that it is a 10 mile drive-none of the numbers rolled over. Works when it wants to.”
NHTSA complaint #10095666, filed 2004-10“Car will not start when the temperature falls below freezing. The dealer has tried to correct the problem and on two occasions has replaced the battery and the distributor. Both did not solve the problem. I believe the problem lines with the fuel line. The dealer cannot figure out what is wrong. The second failure are the two seals on the rear tailights which have resulted in water damage to the trunk.”
NHTSA complaint #717608, filed 2000-01“Vehicle had failed to start. Had vehicle towed to garage. Was informed by mechanic, fuel plate had shorted out wires' connection. Wires were burned, and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8006713, filed 2002-04“The power socket into which the plug for cellular phone goes into, does not stay attached to the dash when unplugging the jack.the location of plug does not allow for cup holder to be used when using.”
NHTSA complaint #522143, filed 1997-09“Electrical fire in fuse box in passenger compartment, without warning. Power door locks would relock doors after manual unlock resulting in problems exiting vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #546721, filed 1997-02Related 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 1997 Nissan Altima
35 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 28, 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