1997 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Nissan Altima, 7% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 miles. 1 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.
“This car had been repaired almost every year since I owned this car in september 2004. Had a sudden overheat problem recently. My mechanic told me engine head gasket was damaged or wore out. Did not repair the car. The car has 131,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10523112, filed 2013-07, 131,000 miles“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“When traveling at 40 or more vehicle would downshift unexpectedly. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #888500, filed 2001-05“Car bucks at all speeds, all gears, all weather conditions. Has been examined by lang's auto (r5674) and bob sharp Nissan in wilton, ct. Neither could idenitify problem on computer output, but multiple mechanics could feel bucking. Bucking is significant and jars persons in the car. Nissan dealer had the car for three weeks and finally gave it back reporting they could not idenitify problem or fix it. Suggested premium gas and dry gas which we have done and it has not helped. This has been a problem for the last several months. …”
NHTSA complaint #726419, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10178242Jul 21, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY Service Campaign ID # P8119 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs…
Transmission 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 1997 Nissan Altima
35 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
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 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