1997 Nissan Tsubame

1997 Nissan Tsubame

The 1997 Nissan Tsubame is a compact car that was only sold in Japan. It was available with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The Tsubame was praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, but it was criticized for its lack of power and features.

Engine

• 1.5L Inline-Four

  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damage the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Piston Ring Failure: The piston rings fail, causing the engine to burn oil and lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the piston rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls:
    • None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic

  • Transmission Fluid Leak: Transmission fluid leaks from the transmission pan or lines.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission pan or lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoid fails, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
    • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter fails, causing the transmission to slip or shudder.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls:
    • None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension

  • Strut Mount Bearing Failure: The strut mount bearing fails, causing the strut to make noise and the vehicle to handle poorly.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mount bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

• Rear Suspension

  • Shock Absorber Failure: The shock absorbers fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly.
    • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator fails, causing the battery to not charge and the vehicle to stall. * Solution: Replace the alternator. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Starter Failure: The starter fails, preventing the vehicle from starting. * Solution: Replace the starter. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Recalls:
  • None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding: The headlight lenses become cloudy over time, reducing light output. * Solution: Replace the headlight lenses. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Interior

• Dashboard Speakers Buzzing: The dashboard speakers buzz at certain frequencies. * Solution: Replace the dashboard speakers. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Nissan Tsubame is a reliable and affordable car with a few common issues. The engine and transmission issues can be costly to fix, but the suspension and electrical issues are relatively minor. The interior issue is a nuisance, but it is not a major problem.