2014 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 1,113 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 51 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 58 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchMay 28, 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Campaign 20V315000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 19, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V911000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
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.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJan 22, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
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.
These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Campaign 16V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 20, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineAug 4, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchFeb 27, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
Campaign 15V116000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMar 25, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag 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.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
208 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jul 3, 2026
As far as I am aware there are no causes to the failure but the sensor of the left panel on the driver side airbag is alerting. Nissan checked it and advised it would be @ $2000 to repair because it required the replacement of the entire driver side chair. However I am now being told that they don't have/make the replacement part(s) needed. Scouring the Internet I'm finding this complaint is pretty common considering it also happened in our 2006 Nissan Armada (no accidents).
Air bags, Jun 23, 2026
At159,000 main console air bag light came on and won't turn off.
Air bags, Jun 19, 2026
Airbag light for driver turned on and took it to the dealership to get it fixed. They fixed it but it came back on and they reset it. A few months later it turned back on and they said they couldn't fix it because that part was not available anymore.
Air bags, Apr 20, 2026
The dash indicates the driver side air bag is not operational. After the car starts, the air bag indicator stays on, indicating the driver's air bag is defective. If I were in an accident, the Nissan dealership told me the air bag would not deploy. The car was inspected by the dealer. The car has never been in an accident and the air bag has never deployed. But after the air bag sensor came on, it has been on since each time the car is started. My other car (2011 Tahoe) does not have this problem, nor do any other old cars I know of. Per an internet search, it seems there are lots of other Nissan Altimas with this problem. Nissan should fix this, it's a safety hazard for their customers.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 7, 2026
Air bag light stays on and seatbelt light comes on even when nothing is in seat.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2026
In my altima I've noticed over the few years of ownership occasionally the passenger airbag light wouldn't go off for a few minutes sometimes like it wasn't recognizing a passenger was occupying the vehicle. Then it started occasionally not recognizing the occupant, now it will not recognize an occupant and the airbag light is permanently stuck on the dash. This puts any occupant in the car at risk, when I hookup my own abs/airbag scan tool it shows no faults. It would appear to me the occupant sensor in the seat isn't functional because this is a common fault with this vehicles and it typically exhibits these symptoms. This is such a problem and replacing it is so difficult people have come up with seat sensor emulators which bypass the sensor making the system think there's always an occupant so the airbag goes off, a quick google search will show what I'm talking about. I called my local dealer sutherland nissan and they refused to help me, they said they were going to charge me a diagnostic fee and if it's anything other than the sensor I'd pay thousands, they're known for lying at that dealer so I know they'll tell me it's something else even if it isn't. So essentially I cannot have a passenger safely in my vehicle because nissan is going to make it a financial hardship for me. This is a known safety defect in this vehicle, I shouldn't be paying for anything. It shouldn't be this difficult to have a known safety defect fixed, I shouldn't have to be playing mind games with Dealership employees who are trying to steal my money and I shouldn't have to make complaints about this.
Air bags, Engine, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the air bag might deploy at any time, and that the clock spring, the steering wheel, and possibly the driver’s seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Air bags, Seats, Aug 14, 2025
Supplemental Airbag Warning Light solid red, does not go off. Occurred after oil change done at dealership 1/13/2025. Dealer found code B0020, recommended part 87650-3TD6G, seat back replacement, parts and labor for repairs $2,950.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2025
Airbag readiness lamp does not turn off, steady illumination
Air bags, Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Mar 30, 2025
Went and started my car and the air bag warning light on the dash came on. I am worried that the air bag won't deploy properly also when the lights are on dim they don't shine very good and the lens are cracked
Air bags, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring in the front driver's side seat was damaged, and the rear of the driver's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Air bags, Dec 30, 2024
When an adult is riding in the front passenger seat the airbag on the passenger turns off and on randomly while riding. If in an accident I am worried that the airbag will not go off properly. I have not contacted a dealer about this issue yet. I have not seen any other warning lights other than the passenger airbag is off.
Air bags, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated on the instrument panel after the vehicle was serviced for an air bag recall(recall unknown). Years later, the check engine warning light also appeared on the instrument panel, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the check engine light failure; however, the mechanic also informed the contact that the air bag warning light needed to be checked and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact called the dealer that performed the recall and informed them about the failure that occurred years prior. The contact was informed that due to the long stretch of time that had passed since the repair, the contact would have to pay for a diagnostic to be performed on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and spoke to a manager who later agreed to wave the diagnostic fee. The contact was then informed that the back seat assembly and side air bag sensor had failed; the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Air bags, Lane departure, Oct 13, 2024
Rear lower control replaced on recall repair. Dealer diagnosed front control arm needed repair but refuse to complete repair. I paid out of pocket for front. When both front and rear control arm should have been replace under recall
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 18, 2024
Components that failed: -2019 & 2023 Entire headlight assembly 2x - with continuous wiring in headlight that must be adjusted before every drive. -2021 Internal lighting to illuminate the gear shift, which no longer works. -2021 Heater constantly squeals like a pig and blows every fuse, once the several fuse boxes were located. -2017 Engine revs up to 3k-4k rpm's while driving a steady 40 mph. Car went to shop after purchase for this, which is now starting again 6 yrs later. -2022 Window tint is impossible to see through and crispy to the touch. -2017 Engine sputters and car shakes signaling that the 3k miles are almost up and it's time for an oil change. -Years ago- There was a recall for passenger airbags, which hasn't been fixed, but also isn't showing up here. -Mechanics, State Inspections etc have been done as normal.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2024
There was an airbag recall around 2016 for airbags. I took it to the dealer and they checked it out and said there was no problem. Now my air bag light stays on and the dealer says I need a new air bag in the driver's seat. Is this airbag covered under the recall?
Air bags, May 29, 2024
-The component that malfunctioned is the airbag light for my vehicle, and yes it is available for inspection upon request. -My safety and others are at risk because my airbag may not deploy if I get into an accident. -The manufacturer (at a local Nissan dealership) diagnosed the problem after an inspection, which confirmed it was an airbag light for the driver's seat airbag. There is currently a warning lamp that's turned on. After the dealership's inspection, they turned off the warning lamp, but it turned back on within a month. There were no other symptoms that could have prompted and provoked this warning lamp to be triggered.
Air bags, Aug 30, 2023
The air bag system light comes on, the code is B0020 - Side A/B module LH, and I am able to reset the system with a code scanner. The light goes out and operates normally for a few days or weeks, then without warning the A/B illuminates again for no apparent reason. I understand this is not a component problem but a wiring issue. I have read that the path the wire harness takes from the connector under the driver's seat to the side air bag device has two tight pinch point bends causing the wiring to intermittently break the connection causing the A/B light to come on and shut off the system. The fix, I understand, is to replace the driver's seat back at a cost of $1,600. Why isn't there a recall on this? From what I see on the web this seems to be a common problem to this vehicle. This is not a wear and tear issue or abuse, the vehicle owner has not done anything to cause the wiring problem. The problem was built into the vehicle when it was manufactured by the routing of the wiring. I understand the problem will continue until the wiring fully breaks inside the wiring insulation covering and it can no longer be reset. Since this is a safety issue causing the A/B system not to operate properly why hasn't there been a push to get the manufacturer to own up to the error and repair the vehicle at no cost or offer a substantial discount. I am not sure how many vehicles have been affected and many owners may have a difficult time justifying this expense to a 9 year old vehicle for an issue they had no control. Can NHTSA offer advice or assistance with pushing for owner cost relief from the manufacturer?
Air bags, Jul 25, 2023, crash
My son was involved in an accident this weekend. A car pulled out in front of him and he hit them going between 45 and 55 MPH. None of his airbags deployed in his 2014 nissan altima. He had his seat belt on, but instead of the airbag keeping him from hitting the steering wheel like it should we ended up in the ER with chest pain. Thankfully he is ok along with his passenger, but I feel the airbags should have deployed. I'm not sure who I need to speak to about this. As is can see all of the black car's airbags deployed.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 16, 2023
1. Airbag warning light is on. 2. Unable to roll down front passenger window from driver’s side master window control switch.
Air bags, May 23, 2023
Air bag warning light came on, took car to Nissan dealer who checked into this issue. We are told airbag is fine, however, the device that would inflate it is defective and that it would cost me $1300 to replace the defective part. This car has never been in a wreck and I feel that the manufacture should replace a defective part of an item that has never been deployed. Or at the very least meet this original owner somewhere in between.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to determine the air bag failure, however, while the contact was getting their transmission repaired they noticed the air bag warning light was no longer illuminated. Approximately 2 months after the repair the air bag warning light had illuminated again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2022
I have never been in a wreck or have had any reason for my airbags to not work. My driverside airbag light stays on now and my passenger side turns off randomly even when someone is sitting in it, including my 6'2, 180 lb, 16 year old son.
Air bags, Jul 25, 2022, crash
In a front end collision going over 65 mph my airbags did not deploy. Car was not drivable and was totaled.