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: exterior lighting
299 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Sep 7, 2026
My 2014 Nissan Altima has experienced loss of visibility from the headlights significantly to the point of feeling unsafe driving at night. I believe the cause of these issue is due to degradation of the reflective coating within the headlamps. New bulbs installed have not improved the quality of the headlights performance leading me to believe this is caused by a fault of the headlamp assembly itself.
Exterior lighting, Jun 22, 2026
-Upon research, it appears my Nissan has an issue with the headlight lamps that have caused the low beams to diminish over time. This is a recorded defect (class action lawsuit [XXX], et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.) of Nissan Altimas years 2013-2018. -There is a Nissan Dealership in my city I can take the vehicle to for further inspection and subsequent replacement. I would like documentation to further provide to the dealership in case there is any resistance to replacement. -The headlights are so dim I cannot see the road ~15 feet beyond me. The car's high beams, turn signals, and brake lights are all in working condition. The only thing affected are the low beam lights, which further suggest the headlight lens is not of issue. This can cause difficulty seeing at night and could prove to be a safety issue for myself and others, as well as limiting others' visibility of me. -There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior. The check engine light is not on. I have had this car in my possession and under my name for about a year and the headlights have diminished over time to an unsafe degree. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2026
Headlights on Nissan Altima started to dim, even when replacing bulbs. There was a settlement to get the bulbs replaced: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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!
Exterior lighting, Sep 11, 2025
I am writing to formally escalate a serious safety issue with my 2014 Nissan Altima. My vehicle is affected by the known halogen headlamp delamination defect, which Nissan has previously acknowledged in a warranty extension and service campaign. Recently, because of the dangerously dim headlights, I struck a speed bump and damaged my vehicle. More importantly, I nearly hit pedestrians crossing the street because I could not see them in time. This is a life-threatening safety hazard directly caused by the defective headlamps. When I contacted my local Nissan dealer, they refused to honor the warranty/service campaign. I was told I would need to pay approximately $2,300 for repairs because the warranty extension expired in 2020. However, I did not begin noticing headlight visibility issues until 2022, well after the coverage period had ended. This demonstrates that the defect often develops after the expiration period and should still be addressed as a known, documented safety defect.
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2025
1. Component/System Failed: Halogen headlamp assemblies (low beams) malfunctioned due to delamination of the reflective surface, causing dimming. Available for inspection upon request. I have had the issue for years. Hard to see at night. 2. Safety Risk: Dim low beams reduce nighttime visibility, increasing risk of collisions. Using high beams to compensate may blind other drivers, creating further hazards. 3. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Not yet confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Issue matches known defect in 2013-2018 Altima halogen headlamps (TSB NTB15-111). 4. Inspections: No inspections by police, or insurance yet. I did have it inspected with the Santa Rosa California (Jim Bone) Nissan dealer inspection under Voluntary Service Campaign (PC861/PC890). That dealer said it was not bad however the headlights were bad before and after that so I believe they lied or didn’t test it correctly. That was in 2022 I believe. 5. Warning Signs/Symptoms: Gradual low-beam dimming noticed, first observed around 2017 perhaps. I just thought it was bad but it got worse. I saw in 2020 or 2021 some notice about a class action lawsuit (Suarez?) that Nissan lost so I tried to get them to fix it but they had various dates they said claims had to be done and it was confusing. I called Vallejo Nissan and they said I had to wait. Later it kept getting worse. No warning lamps; low beams too dim for safe driving, requiring high beams. 6. Description (if uncertain): Low beams are dim, compromising safe nighttime driving. Issue aligns with reported delamination defect in halogen headlamp assemblies. Exact onset date/mileage UNKNOWN. Sought dealers inspection for replacement under Nissan’s campaign but they didn’t take care of it. Nissan should be held responsible if any deaths, injuries or damages result from this issue. They should fix this asap! This is a major common issue you should already have on file.
Exterior lighting, Jun 10, 2025
My headlights are so dim, that I’m forced to drive with my high beams at night or not drive at all. I’ve replace the bulbs and there has been no improvement.
Exterior lighting, Jun 6, 2025
The headlights are extremely dim due to Nissan's design flaw. There was a settlement in 2022 to have these replaced for free. However, the Nissan dealership conveniently passed my headlights (as well as many others, as stated in online forums), and we were unable to qualify for the replacements despite the lights being so dim that I had to switch to my high-beam lights in many situations. Now, after the settlement has expired, Nissan has failed my headlights and is asking for $1360 to replace the assembly. I find this action from Nissan to be in bad faith.
Exterior lighting, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were significantly dim. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in Nissan Campaign Number: PC807. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment could not be scheduled due to the pandemic. The contact stated that upon contacting the dealer later, the dealer informed the contact that the warranty extension had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The contact stated that he had installed an additional light bar on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting, Apr 4, 2025
Hi. 2014 Nissan Altima S Problem is whith Low Beam light. At dark time this are no lighting enough putting in risk driving at night time.
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
Exterior lighting, Mar 6, 2025
Low beam headlights produce very little light. They do not illuminate the road, a safety hazard. Driving full time high beams is the only way to drive this car at night, a safety hazzard.
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2024
My headlights have not been working for about 2 years. It’s $1200 to get them fixed and I heard there had been a rebate if you pay for it Nissan will reimburse you but there’s no way I can pay $1200 for headlights. My family elderly and I have spent a lot of nights heading to an hospital with dim lights. I was working where I got off at 10pm but had to quit. I’ve been pulled over for three times for my headlights. Although I really think it’s the part behind the headlight they said was bad. You can’t drive safely at night. Nissan please fix!!!
Exterior lighting, Jun 14, 2024
The projector housing in my headlights has been determined to be defective and Nissan was sued because of this. However I have dim headlights on my vehicle which will cost me $1200 to replace and Nissan has told me that I am no longer eligible for a one time replacement. This is unfair in that I was never notified by Nissan about defective headlights which have deteriorated to a point where they are so dim it is unsafe to drive at night.
Exterior lighting, Feb 29, 2024
Headlights don't work properly. I can barely see beyond 2 cars lengths ahead of me unless using full beam. I realize that there was a voluntary recall issued in 2020, however, I am not sure that I was notified. The dealership examined car and noted the reflectors are delaminating, the pattern of which matches that of the recall. Since this is a design flaw I consider Nissan responsible and feel they should replace the headlights at no cost to me. I don't understand why the recall was voluntary and why it had a time limit. Functioning headlights are a necessity.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2024
Lights are very dim no matter what kind I use on my head lights low beams
Exterior lighting, Jan 12, 2024
MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I CANNOT SEE AT NIGHT WITH MY DIM LIGHTS. I HAVE TO KEEP MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON TO BE ABLE TO SEE, THUS BLINDING DRIVERS DOING OPPOSITE DIRECTION . I RECENTLY WAS PULLED OVER BY STATE TROOPER, HE STATED THAT I DIDNOT TURN OFF MY BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THEN I SHOWED HIM MY DIM LIGHTS. HE STATED, OH, I SEE.... YOU HAVE NO LIGHTING ON THE DIM LIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN ON A WAITING LIST AT WAYCROSS WALKER JONES NISSAN BACK IN 2022. I WAS CONSTANTLY CHECKING BACK AND THEY INFORMED ME THEY WERE WAITNG ON MORE HEADLIGHTS TO BE SHIPPED. WELL TODAY I FOLLOWED UP AND NOW I AM BEING TOLD, THAT NISSAN ISSUED A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON HEADLIGHTS BUT IT EXPIRED IN 2020!!!!! WHAT!!!! IVE BEEN WAITING ALL THIS TIME AND NOW WE ARE DOWN TO ONE VEHICLE, OUR NISSAN AND IT IS EXREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! I WORK NIGHTS AND HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAM WHICH IS AGAINST THE LAW!!!! WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME!! I NEED TO GET MY HEADLIGHTS REPLACED ASAP FOR OUR SAFETY AND WE HAVE A GRANDBABY NOW,,,I CANNOT AFFORD TO DRIVE THIS WAY BUT AT MOMENT, THE NISSAN IS OUR ONLY WORKING VEHICLE. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AS I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HELP SINCE 2022 AND NOW BEING TOLD I MISSED THE WARRANTY LAPSE OF WHICH I WAS NEVER TOLD THIS TILL TODAY NOW!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I NEED THIS MATTER RESOLVED ASAP FOR OUR SAFETY AND SAFETY OF OUR GRANDBABY!!!!!
Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2024
Low beam lights are very low and causes poor visibility at night and in hazardous conditions such as rain, etc. I can hardly see while driving at night because of the poor and low visibility.
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.
Exterior lighting, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights of the vehicle were continuously dim. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs and the headlamps were replaced; however, the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that both headlights needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10242160. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for the repairs. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, at night the low-beam headlights were extremely dim. The contact used the high-beam headlights to properly see the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was recommended to replace the headlights with newer LED lights. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 3, 2023
The headlights of my vehicle are so dim I cannot drive the vehicle at night. This is a safety issue, why has there never been a recall on this problem?
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2023
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXTREMELY DIM
Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2023
The lighting system on 2014 Nissan Altima completely failed to the point where we couldn't drive the vehicle at night. We were unable to see the road. While searching Internet for potential issues, we found out that Nissan settled a lawsuit regarding the issues related to failing headlight/delamination issue (Suarrez vs. Nissan, 1-855-786-0996). We were never notified of the issue or the opportunity to fix the problem. Please see your file MC-[XXX}. We were hoping to have this corrected, but Nissan refuses to cover the cost of repair, which was estimated at $1,575.58 by our local Nissan dealer. They claim that the deadlines no longer apply to our case. Any help is greatly appreciated since we are sure many other drivers are in similar situation, based on online forums and defect reporting. Thank you! “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2023
The headlights are so dim that I have to use bright lights to see.