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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,113

Of the 2014 reports, 51 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 58 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernExterior lighting299 reports · 27% of complaints
Owner complaints1,113Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Exterior lighting299
  2. Power train209
  3. Air bags208
  4. Suspension132
  5. Other or unspecified82
  6. Engine77
  7. Electrical system71
  8. Steering58

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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 Owner’s 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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: electrical system

71 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2026

    Hi, my name is [XXX] . I rented a car through [XXX] , and I need to report serious mechanical issues. All of the spark plugs are not secured, as they are missing screws, and oil is present. The only reason i know is because of the check light engine being on one minute and off the next. I chose to get it looked at and when being examined it was a noticed Additionally, the cooling reservoir tank is missing its top, leaving the system exposed. Please advise on next steps as soon as possible, as this is a safety concern. Thank you.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  2. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2026

    We took our Nissan for repair of recalled Headlights and was told they had no more headlight assemblies, they have to reorder. I got on waiting list. I called a couple of times to check on headlight shipment. Theni finally went back and they told me they stopped repairing headlight assemblies. I kept getting the run around! NOW MY HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM I CAN NOT SEE ROAD AND I WORK NIGHTS. I HAVE TO GET TO MY JOB WHICH IS AN HOUR AWAY, 3 HOURS EARLY WHILE I CAN SEE ROAD. PLEASE HELP ME GET HEADLIGTS REPLACED ASAP. WEBSITE IS SAYING I HAVE "0" UNREPAIRED RECALLS THAT IS NOT CORRECT. I NEVER RECEIVED RECALL ON ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SO THAT IS UNREPAIRED AS WELL. THERE MAY BE OTHERS. PLEASE HELP!!! I HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS WORKING!!!! I HAVE HAD NEAR CRASHES BEFORE THEY TOTALLY WENT OUT. I NEED THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU!

  3. 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.

  4. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Dec 27, 2023

    I was driving on the freeway and my hood popped up and smashed my roof and everything inside the ceiling onto my lap. The lighting and visor broken. Roof and hood damaged. I luckily survived this. I am leading this car. I took it to Nissan when this happened. They said they’d fix it but it’s been months and now no answer.

  5. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2023

    Head Lamps (Lights) stop working properly. New ballast and lights where installed after detected the Malfunction and still no lighting. I no longer can see when I'm driving at night. Yes vehicle have been inspected by police and dealer.

  6. 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.

  7. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2023

    My Altima is 9 years old now and I know things go bad overtime but my headlights are so dim I can’t see 2 feet in front of me at night snd it’s very very dangerous. I know Nissan had s class action and I was signed up and even had an appointment to fix but sadly my husband got shit while driving home from work in Chicago, he survived thankfully but the next several months revolves around him and doctor appointments, surgeries,etc… and I missed my slot. I think it’s very unfair because these we’re getting dimmer and dimmer since 2016-2017 with the past 3 years so fin you can’t see at all. I’m so afraid I’m going to be able to see and hurt someone badly, and that would kill me in itself!! I personally am not financially able to replace these yet bc it’s pubs 1500-3000 to fix if need be. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

  8. Electrical system, Feb 28, 2023

    Information entertainment system is completely inoperable. no backup camera or navigation or audio. Screen is black no power. without cameras there is safety risk to those near vehicle. Dealer quoted nearly $200 to look at it and run a diagnostic. we declined this offer but am willing to have it inspected. There are no messages or warning lamps on now or prior. it is unknown what caused this failure. all fuses are in tact. Thank you.

  9. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2022

    I was driving on a street single line and my car just automatically stopped and didn't want to turn on it cranks but don't want to turn on I got scared because the cars behind me almost hit my car but I turned on my emergency lights and they when around me

  10. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2022, fire

    • Fuel and Electrical system failure • Vehicle caught fire on I-10 in Grandbay, Al while driving. • No • There was a police report filed and a claim filed with my insurance company but I only had liability. • All the lights on dash came on prior to the car catching fire. I have suffered total loss!!!

  11. Electrical system, Jul 14, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she noticed that the display screen and instrument panel were blank. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer needed to be updated with new version software. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the software update was only compatible with 3-G network not 5-G network. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

  12. Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2022

    BOUGHT CAR LAST YEAR NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY ISSUES A YEAR AND SOME MONTHS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES GOT OIL CHANGED THEY TOLD ME TRANSMISSION ISSUE CAME ON THEIR COMPUTER . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISSAPPEAR THEN REAPPEAR GOT DIAGNOSTICS DONE AGAIN ITS BEIN READ AS A CVT JUDDER GOT SENT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS ALL SAYING CVT JUDDER I SEARCH ONLINE AND ITS SAYING ITS A COMMON ISSUE WITH NISSANS FROM 2013 TO 2017 WHY IS THERE NO RECALL IM BEING TOLD TOTAL TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION IS 6,000 DOLLARS IS REDICULOUS

  13. Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2022

    The air bag light came on, on November 2021, and stays on all the time. When I took the car to the dealer to check what was wrong with it I was told the airbag might not deploy in case of impact. The car is less than 8 years old, but I was told it was not under warranty and there was no recall for that. I was told they had to replace two parts: 98820-9HN9ASensor-Side AIRBAG Center and 87650-9HP3ABack Assembly Front Seat, for a total cost of approximately $2400, but the parts were not available. The money was refunded to me three months later and the parts have not been replaced. I do not feel safe driving the car around; unfortunately it is the only car I have. The car is available for inspection upon request.

  14. Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2021

    Many people complain about the sunroof leaking and the compressor. This will be the second time having issues with compressor. It effects my defrost which can be a serious safety hazard. Water accumulates in the floor boards and the headliner which causes mold and mildew which leads to respiratory issues. I paid 1200 to replace the compressor one year ago and not I am having the same issues. I see many people talk about this issue online. Standing water on the floor boards and air does not cool.

  15. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2021

    When I bought the car the headlights were dim they driver side headlight keeps burning out they said it wasn't covered under the warranty whatsoever but yet you can't see at night to drive if it is dark I cannot drive my car never have been able to since about it but yet Nissan says nothing's wrong with it hit the repairs on me this is not the first time I've made a complaint about this but it does no good

  16. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2021

    Low beams are too dim while driving at night they look like they are practically not even on at all.

  17. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2021

    ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING.. REPLACED CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, REPLACED THROTTLE BODY, SPARK PLUGS, SAME PROBLEM.

  18. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2021

    HOOD LATCH DEFECTIVE THEY STATE RECALL BUT NO REMEDY AND CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING LOCKING ME IN CAR IN MIDDLE OF ROAD OR INTERSECTIONS

  19. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 11, 2021

    DRIVING AT NIGHT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE WITH MY KIDS HOME I'M A SINGLE PARENT THE HEADLIGHTS MAINLY LOW BEAMS ARE VERY VERY LOW YOU CAN EVEN TILL THEY ARE ON THE POLICE PULLED ME OVER AND MADE A JOKE SAYING I WOULD BE BETTER OFF USING TWO FLASHLIGHTS CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE PROBLEM OR HELP I ALMOST WAS IN A ACCIDENT WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR IS THE LOW BEAMS THE HIGHBEAMS I'VE HAD TO RESORT TO PUT A FOG LIGHTS ON MY CAR THANK YOU PLEASE RESPOND

  20. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 15, 2020

    I OWN A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA, OVER THE TIME OF OWNERSHIP I HAVE NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS GETTING DIMMER AND DIMMER, I ASSUMED IT WAS THE BULBS AGING AND REPLACED THIS ON 02/15/2020. THE NEW BULBS (SILVANIA SILVERSTARS) WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BRIGHTER. THERE WERE NOT MUCH BRIGHTER. LATER WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SUGGESTED NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBALLIES AS THE CHROME PAINTING ON THE INSIDES OF THE LENSES HAS FADED AND AS A RESULT IS NOT REFLECTING MUCH LIGHT ONTO THE ROAD. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS REPAIR WAS 800$. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED IN THIS MATTER AND AS A STUDENT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS TO HAVE LOW BEAMS THAT ARE SO DIM THEY DO NOT EVEN APPEAR TO BE ON AT NIGHT. GOOGLING THIS ISSUES SHOWS MANY FORUMS WHERE PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE I WAS HAVING WITH NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES FIXING THE ISSUE

  21. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2020

    WHERE THE MILEAGE SCREEN IS IT KEEPS BLINKING ON AND OFF AND STAYS BLACK OUT MAJORITY OF THE TIME I CAN'T SEE MILES AND I CAN'T SEE WHAT THE GEAR IT IS IN ON THE DASH BOARD . WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE REACH OVER 95-100 THE DASH BOARD STARTS TOO LIGHT UP AND BLINK LIGHTLY TOO SEE THE MILES MY CAR HAS IT IS A WIRE ISSUE AND SHORTAGE SOMEWHERE ON ELECTRICAL PART . SECOND ISSUE IS THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY ON THE HOOD LATCH AND NISSAN DEALER TELLING ME THEY CAN NOT FIX IT UNTIL THEY HAVE A SOLUTION MY HOOD WILL NOT LATCH SO I AM DRIVING AROUND WITH A HOOD THAT CAN FLY OPEN AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT ANY MINUTE AND BEING THERE A RECALL NISSAN IS GONNA BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DAMAGES

  22. Electrical system, Jan 29, 2020

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT, THE HEADLAMP WOULD FAIL TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. (PIAZZA NISSAN OF ARDMORE LOCATED AT 265 LANCASTER AVE, ARDMORE, PA 19003, (610) 649-4400), WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,852.

  23. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 4, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY BY UNLOCKING AND LOCKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE DOOR OPENING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

  24. Electrical system, Oct 15, 2019

    THE ECM MAHESH THE ENGINE LIGHT GO OFF EVERY MONTH!!

  25. Electrical system, Oct 6, 2019

    HEADLIGHT ARE VERY DIM AT NIGHT . WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING WITH THE LOW BEAM LIGHT YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT . I CONTACTED NISSAN THEY INFORM ME THAT THIS ISSUE WOULD BE INVESTIGATED HOWEVER THEY STILL HAVEN'T CONTACTED ME BACK . I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT MULTIPLE TIME , ALSO I HAD THE HEADLIGHT RESTORATION . HOWEVER THAT SILL HAVEN'T RESOLVED THE ISSUE . I AM AT THE CONCLUSION THAT A ACCIDENT WILL TAKE PLACE DUE TO THE HEADLIGHT BEEN VERY THIN YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT IS IN FRONT OF YOU ONCE YOU ARE DRIVING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN WILL TAKE SOMEONE LIFE.