Nissan Altima owners filed 2,684 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Nissan Altima drew the most complaints (950); across all years, owners complain most about transmission / powertrain (22% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 950 complaints, led by exterior lights (270) and 10 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Transmission / powertrain drew 590 complaints but no recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (6.0 times as many complaints), 2016 (3.5 times as many complaints), 2017 (2.5 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: automatic emergency braking / collision warning complaints came at a median 18k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 29 complaints mention a fire and 171 a crash, with 130 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Nissan Altima complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 10 recalls | 950 | Exterior lights (270), Air bags (177), Transmission / powertrain (160) median 57k mi · 46 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2016 4 recalls | 553 | Transmission / powertrain (235), Engine (86), Air bags (70) median 58k mi · 28 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2017 3 recalls | 391 | Transmission / powertrain (133), Air bags (73), Speed control / acceleration (41) median 55k mi · 24 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2018 2 recalls | 225 | Brakes (48), Electrical system (37), Air bags (36) median 36k mi · 11 crashes |
| 2019 7 recalls | 231 | Electrical system (58), Engine (48), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (41) median 20k mi · 22 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2020 6 recalls | 158 | Electrical system (42), Engine (33), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (28) median 15k mi · 15 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2021 2 recalls | 70 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (22), Electrical system (21), Brakes (18) median 45k mi · 7 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2022 no recall | 30 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (10), Engine (7), Electrical system (7) median 55k mi · 5 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2023 no recall | 29 | Electrical system (10), Engine (6), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (4) median 65k mi · 5 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2024 1 recall | 41 | Brakes (5), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (5), Steering (5) median 15k mi · 7 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2025 2 recalls | 6 | Air bags (1), Seats (1), Body structure (1) median 0k mi · 1 crash |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 37, more than the 23 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Nissan Altima problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / powertrain | 590 | 22% | 0 | 64k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Air bags | 383 | 14% | 4 | 37k mi | — |
| Exterior lights | 346 | 13% | 1 | 69k mi | Headlight replacement cost |
| Engine | 309 | 12% | 1 | 51k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 303 | 11% | 0 | 31k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Brakes | 180 | 7% | 1 | 24k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 170 | 6% | 0 | 56k mi | — |
| Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | 139 | 5% | 0 | 18k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Nissan Altima owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Transmission / powertrain
2016 Nissan Altima 2.5SR CVT transmission failure at 26K miles. While in motion going freeway speeds, vehicle suddenly loses power when attempting to maintain cruising speed and rpms fluctuated intensely up and down. Felt very unsafe while trying to pull over to the shoulder and feared other vehicles could have struck me while having no control over vehicle speed.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11203282
This car only had 136,000 miles. The transmission failed. Research shows this version of Nissan has issues with its CVT transmission. The transmission has to be fully replaced by a new transmission costing upwards of $5,000. Based on my research multiple Nissan cars with CVT transmissions are having issues and costing owners money.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11440286
None of these 590 transmission / powertrain complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
590 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Air bags
The airbag light turned on and will stay on. The car was taken into the dealership for inspection and diagnose the problem. The vehicle has only 36,000 miles and it has not been involved in an accident. The dealership advised that the front driver side airbag module needs to be replaced. The price quoted for this is over $3K.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11530718
The warning light on the dash is indicating that there is a problem with the airbag. I took it to a Nissan dealership and was told that the side airbag needed to be replaced. I was quoted $3,241.41LABOR only. I was told there was no recall. I certainly don't want there to be a collision and it doesn't deploy as it should. So I would like to report this issue in the event this has happened to others.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11735400
Related recalls: 26V526000 (2025): Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. 16V911000 (2015): If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 16V244000 (2015–2016): If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Exterior lights
Driver and passenger head lights dim, not projecting enough light to provide clear path of visibility while driving at night. Both inner bulbs have hazed over to a cloudy white, no longer clear, and not allowing light through. Brought vehicle to my local Nissan dealer, was told both headlights needed to be replaced, and the $1100.00 repair would not be covered by extended warranty.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11298819
The headlights on this vehicle are very dim because of a defect by the manufacturer. The inside of the headlight has delamination and causes the lights to be very dim which is a hazardous situation when driving at night. A recalled was issued, but has since expired. Dealer wants to charge over 1800 to replace both headlights.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11751952
Related recalls: 19V235000 (2019): If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
346 owners reported exterior lights problems; the headlight replacement cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Nissan Altima recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V526000 | 2026-08-13 | 2025 | Air bags | Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 26V023000 | 2026-01-21 | 2025 | Latches and locks | A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash. |
| 25V437000 | 2025-06-27 | 2019–2020 | Engine and cooling | Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire. |
| 23V882000 | 2023-12-21 | 2024 | Steering | A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V628000 | 2023-09-08 | 2019–2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V169000 | 2021-03-11 | 2019–2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V138000 | 2021-03-04 | 2020–2021 | Steering | A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V685000 | 2020-11-05 | 2020 | Tires | Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V570000 | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V315000 | 2020-05-28 | 2015–2018 | Latches and locks | Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 19V654000 | 2019-09-12 | 2018–2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash. |
| 19V316000 | 2019-04-18 | 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 19V235000 | 2019-03-25 | 2019 | Exterior lights | If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. |
| 18V922000 | 2018-12-20 | 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V915000 | 2018-12-19 | 2015–2017 | Body structure | If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury. |
| 17V040000 | 2017-01-18 | 2015–2017 | Latches and locks | If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers. |
| 16V911000 | 2016-12-19 | 2015 | Air bags | If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V244000 | 2016-04-26 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury. |
| 16V029000 | 2016-01-22 | 2015 | Latches and locks | If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 15V733000 | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V681000 | 2015-10-20 | 2015 | Air bags | If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger. |
| 15V486000 | 2015-08-04 | 2015 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash. |
| 15V116000 | 2015-02-27 | 2015 | Latches and locks | If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,684 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Nissan models in the index
- Nissan Rogue (4,457)
- Nissan Sentra (1,762)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.