Model year guide

1997 Nissan Altima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 24 on record.

1997 Nissan Altima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Nissan Altima at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints117
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$682

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Nissan Altima recalls 3

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #10E002000 · 11/02/2010

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Fix: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #96V185000 · 10/10/1996

CERTAIN BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WERE PRODUCED WITH A "BUCKLE BASE" THAT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CAN CAUSE THE "BUCKLE BASE" TO BE BRITTLE FAILING TO COMPLY TO FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Nissan Altima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1997 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1997 Nissan Altima worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$682
High
$900

From 11 comparable 1997 Nissan Altima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,750
Fuel only$13,750
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record

Trims
GXE · XE (1997.5) · GLE · SE
Engines
2.4L

1997 Nissan Altima vehicles on record

1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D0VC254948 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D6VC128884 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31DXVC228972 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D8VC204427 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D3VC112013 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D1VC123995 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D0VC232657 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D6VC270572 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D5VC267355 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31DXVC179384 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D8VC254194 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D6VC212770 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D6VC189393 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D7VC249407 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31DXVC128063 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D5VC256730 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D5VC211366 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D4VC192969 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GLE1N4BU31DXVC138317 1997 Nissan Altima GLE1N4BU31D3VC141737 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D4VC133288 1997 Nissan Altima XE (1997.5)1N4BU31D7VC214267 1997 Nissan Altima 1997 Nissan Altima GXE1N4BU31D7VC238326 1997 Nissan Altima SE1N4BU31D3VC252546

Other Nissan Altima model years

2025 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993

1997 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1997 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Nissan Altima?

Based on 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, air bags, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Nissan Altima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Nissan Altima at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 1997 Nissan Altima worth?

Comparable 1997 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $500–$900, typically around $682 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.