1996 Nissan Tsubame

Introduction

The 1996 Nissan Tsubame is a mid-size sedan known for its affordability, reliability, and comfortable ride. It was offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter I4 and a 2.5-liter V6. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Tsubame received praise for its spacious interior, but it was criticized for its lack of performance and outdated exterior styling.

Engine

2.0-Liter I4

• Leaking valve cover gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the top of the engine
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Stuck thermostat
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating
  • Solution: Replacing the thermostat
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-Liter V6

• Oil pan gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the bottom of the engine
  • Solution: Replacing the oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $450
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear or not engaging properly
  • Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut mount bearing failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front end
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the rear when cornering
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not cranking
  • Solution: Replacing the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight bulb burnout
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of illumination
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight bulb
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $50 per bulb
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking the door
  • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window regulator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty rolling up or down the windows
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Nissan Tsubame is generally considered a reliable vehicle. However, it does have some common issues that owners should be aware of, particularly with the engine and transmission. These issues range in severity and cost, but most are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix.