1997 Nissan Altima Suspension Problems
10 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Suspension Recalls (1)
SUSPENSION
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.
Owner Complaints (10)
Your car's rear sub-member and front cradle are severely corroded and rotting, which makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. Both parts need to be replaced, and additional repairs may be needed once those are completed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your rear suspension control arms failed while driving at 65 mph on the freeway, causing the vehicle to sway violently left and right. You nearly lost control but managed to safely pull over. Both upper and lower control arms need replacement, with repair estimates exceeding $800.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car wobbles and shakes when driving at highway speeds (65-70 mph), especially when hitting small bumps or road obstructions. The Nissan dealership replaced all the struts, but the wobbling continued. When you contacted Nissan years later, they said you'd have to pay for further diagnosis and repairs.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While your car was parked in the driveway, the right front coil spring broke and punctured the inner sidewall of your right front tire. A repair shop found that both front coil springs were extremely corroded, likely from exposure to road salt and harsh winter weather. Both front coil springs were replaced to fix the issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
During a tire rotation, a service dealer noticed the rubber boots protecting your axle spindles had deteriorated. An authorized Nissan dealer confirmed this issue and replaced the boots, attributing the damage to heat and humidity exposure. The rubber boots help protect the axle joints from dirt and moisture.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
SUSPENSION CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING 50MPH. I TOOK MY SUV INTO THE SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. THEN THEY CALLED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE LONG AND SHORT ROCKER ARMS FOR MY REAR SUSPENSION AND THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS PRETTY DRASTIC CONSIDERING I HAVE ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK ON HIGHWAY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I CHECKED FOR A RECALL MY MY VEHICLE AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY LUCK. BUT DID FIND A REPORT OF THE SAME INCIDENT. APPLICATION EQ-8007455-YN.PDF. *AK
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF REAR TIRES CAUSED POOR VEHICLE CONTROL, AND RESULTED IN A NEAR ACCIDENT. ALSO, TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
REAR STRUTS LEAKING. *YC
SQUEAKING NOISE IN LOW-SPEED CONDITIONS.
WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID ON WET SLICK ROADS, WENT OUT OF CONTROL. ONCE CRASHED INTO CURB, CAUSING INJURY AND FRONT END DAMAGE. NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM.