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: power train

209 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Suspension, Power train, Apr 8, 2026

    After a month of purchase this car from a buy here pay here lot they offer no help my transmission slipping going cost about $4000 to get repaired

  2. Power train, Jan 21, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered uncontrollably and stalled. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle 20 minutes later, the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the highway; however, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to Young's Cheltenham Auto Service, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance in covering the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered because Nissan TSB Number: NTB17-039K had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

  3. Power train, Nov 19, 2024

    While driving, my transmission stopped accelerating, and started making a scraping/ticking noise. The car almost cut out in traffic, nearly causing a rear end collision!

  4. Power train, Mar 5, 2024

    My 2014 Nissan transmission failed at 95,000 miles in less than 10 years. I had to get it replaced. It failed at the middle of an intersection. Multiple people have had the same problem with this model Nissan.

  5. Power train, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Sep 26, 2023

    Unknown

  6. Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2023

    It smells like gas when I start the car. It's also wasting alot of gas. I have to put gas every couple of days. I spend more money putting gas. The steering and suspension and the tires keep giving me problems to where the brakes locked up on their own and now it drives really bad especially on the freeway. The steering wheel moves alot when I'm on the freeway sometimes feel like I'm loosing control of the car. The gas pedal gets stuck and the gear shift gets stuck in park. I have to use a nail filer the metal ones and push and hold the shift lock for it to move into gear. The car keeps saying Key not Detected even tho it's in the car with me. I just got the car from a small dealership in pomona in April of 2023

  7. Power train, Sep 16, 2023

    Metal shavings detected in transmission oil (under code P17F1) - car only has 90,000 miles. Dealership quoted $5,760 to fix. This is a common problem with the make/model and should have been recalled. Current extended warranty only covers 5 years, previous models' (Nissan altima 2007-2010) extended warranty for this same issue covered 10 years.

  8. Power train, Sep 15, 2023

    transmission failed twice. first time i would have to floor the gas for the car to accelerate. i took to dealer, warranty was still active and transmission was replaced. again, about 13 or 14 mo later the transmission failed again. i had it replaced again. i have receipts for all work. the car has been driving fair the last 12 months.

  9. Power train, Jun 26, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to exceed 40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed across three States to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

  10. Power train, Mar 20, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle jerked and experienced a delay while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

  11. Vehicle speed control, Power train, Jan 20, 2023

    The contact owned a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated and was slow to respond while continuing to jerk. The RPMs revved up and was fluctuating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the warranty coverage was denied due to the transmission fluid not being flushed and replaced. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and later sold. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

  12. 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

  13. Power train, Sep 16, 2022

    The vehicle jerks and stutters while accelerating. In some cases it can lose power completely, which is extremely dangerous when driving at any speed, but particularly on the highway. I’ve also researched this issue online and it is a well known transmission defect with Nissan CVT transmissions and many people have experienced the same issue. I’d be shocked if nobody has been injured or killed.

  14. Power train, Aug 31, 2022

    Transmission failure. Car will not move/accelerate/change gears. This u expected defect can take a driver by surprise and cause them to lose control or hit by other moving vehicles. Inspection will have to be done at the car site.

  15. Power train, Aug 25, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

  16. Power train, Aug 19, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and then stalled. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking and shuddering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,123.

  17. Power train, Jun 3, 2022

    The contact's fiancée owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was making abnormal roaring and whining sounds. An unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

  18. Power train, Apr 28, 2022

    I bought a used 2014 Nissan Altima on/around April 13th 2022. Two weeks later my transmission gave out with barley any warning. I was driving to pick up my daughter after work when I noticed some delayed shifting. Assuming it was the car needing transmission fluid, I drove home and had planned to take the car to get it serviced at the dealership where I bought it the next day. When I left my house with my daughter the next day I got maybe 10 miles from my house when the transmission completely failed and the engine light came on. I was stalled in the middle of the road, with no working gears. The dealership I bought the vehicle from towed the car and put me in a loaner for two weeks. No clue on the price of repairs or if I’ll even be able to afford it.

  19. Power train, Engine, Jan 12, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the independent mechanic informed her that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the independent mechanic hard reset the code; however, while she was driving the vehicle, the ABS warning light, the brake warning light, TPMS warning light, traction warning light, check engine warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle’s computer was not communicating as designed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the CVT transmission and ECM needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would only cover 50% of the transmission repair under an unknown recall as the vehicle had been out of warranty for 5 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

  20. Power train, Oct 19, 2021

    I bought my used branded 2014 Nissan Altima 1-2 years ago and did not have any issues with it until recently. Earlier this summer I received 2 notifications for my vehicle 1.) Recall notice to Reprogram Transmission Control Module and the 2nd doc. I received was a doc. which stated Nissan had extended their CVT Transmission warranty for their 2013-2016 Nissan Altimas. Some weeks ago later I started to have issues with my vehicle as it was not driving properly. I then started contacting both my local Nissan and Corporate. Nissan confirmed my vehicle VIN was one of the vehicles with transmissions issues and that I needed a transmission replacement for a cost of $4,324.11. I then opened a case and Corporate as there have multiple complaints/class actions for the same reason and they came back and stated they could not assist because I was out of the warranty year/milage. Nissan delivered a faulty transmission which they were very aware of at some point after delivery and although my transmission held off before it completely needed to be replaced I am looking for Nissan to assist financially for a new transmission which they quoted me $4,324.11 as they manufactured and delivered a faulty transmission which is a common issue with these vehicles. There have been class-action suits regarding the Continuously Variable Transmissions (“CVTs”) in model year 2013–2016 Nissan Altima vehicles.

  21. Suspension, Power train, Sep 30, 2021

    My 2014 Nissan Altima’s transmission has to be replaced. The Nissan dealership gave me a quote of $4,093.00 to replace it. The car starts to run fine, then when at a stop and go, the car doesn’t go when I step on the gas or is delayed in going and the RPM’s are high and it feels forced. I was on the freeway and the car lost speed which was very scary because I could’ve have caused an accident. My safety and that of others was put at risk. I’ve had to stop using the vehicle until I can repair this costly issue. There were not any lights or warning messages in the car when this happened. Now that I’ve done research I know that there are many complaints and lawsuits related to the transmission issues Nissan has had for many years and they’ve done nothing about it. They should take responsibility and issue a recall on these vehicles to correct the issue.

  22. Power train, Jun 30, 2021

    The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the speedometer was increasing independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

  23. Power train, Apr 30, 2021

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RANDOM ISSUES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO EXCEED 2 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED FOR THE COMPUTER TO REBOOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER CITING A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 7 YEARS OR 84,000 MILES. O'NEIL NISSAN (849 STREET RD, WARMINSTER, PA 189740) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO DTC CODES RETRIEVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. A FIELD TECHNICIAN WAS SENT TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE FIELD TECHNICIAN HAD NOT SHOWN UP TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. MONTGOMERYVILLE NISSAN (991 BETHLEHEM PIKE, MONTGOMERYVILLE, PA 18936) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO FAILURE CODES WERE RETRIEVED. BOTH DEALERS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT OTHER NISSAN VEHICLE OWNERS HAD REPORTED THE SAME ISSUES HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD NO REMEDY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,665.

  24. Steering, Suspension, Power train, Apr 12, 2021

    VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN THE LANE I'M DRIVING IN FEELS LIKE I'M ABOUT TO BE BLOWN OFF THE ROAD I'VE REPLACED THE TIE RODS THE HUBS THE TIRES HAD MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS BUT FEELS LIKE THE SUSPENSION HAS FAILED SOME WHERE OR THE STEERING FAILED SOMETHING IS THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE WHEEL FEELS LIKE ITS SLIPPING OR HESITATION THERE'S A ITS TO THE POINT I'M GETTING SCARED TO DRIVE IT ALMOST LIKE THE FRAME IS SEPARATED OR SEPARATING SOMEWHERE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE FEELS UNSTABLE AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS IT ALMOST TO THE POINT I WANNA JIST JUNK THE [XXX] THING CAUSE NO MATTER WHAT I HAVE DONE OR DO TO IT MYSELF IT NEVER GETS BETTER PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

  25. Power train, Engine, Mar 18, 2021

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPM DECREASED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND SHUT-OFF WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FONTANA NISSAN (16444 S. HIGHLAND AVE, FONTANA, CA 92336, (909) 574-2288) WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHCILE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO HAVING A SALVAGE TITLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALERS WERE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.