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: other or unspecified

82 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2025

    Sept 1 2025 hood latch failed causing hood to fly open to full vertical position causing body damage to both fenders and completely taking away visibility of roadway. Latch was replaced by Nissan dealer in 2022 for recall. Nissan dealer verified failed component and replaced at no charge but NISSAN USA would not repair body damage.

  2. Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 20, 2025

    My son purchased a used 2014 Nissan Altima 4 months ago from a dealership. He noticed it shuttering, delayed acceleration and not having power as well as a noise from the transmission. It had no check engine light but the code P17F1 CVT Judder came up. We looked for recalls and there have been so many on 2014 Nissan Altima's. His VIN number didn't come up for a recall. He paid $6000 for the car and only had it for 4 months, now he is out of a car. The dealership basically said its out of our hands. We can't afford to take it to a transmission shop and have them work hours on it. It is very unsafe to drive and I am concerned what he is going to do. Is there a chance that NIssan would help in this case? It is unfair that he has the issue that so many were recalled but for some reason not his. If you have advise please help. Thanks

  3. Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2025

    Airbag readiness lamp does not turn off, steady illumination

  4. Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2025, crash

    I just bought auction, Door was crash, I had it fix Wheel sight now are good. My name is [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  5. Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2024

    The left rear arm snapped completely and is now dangling along with the spring link and other parts connected to it. The car is not drivable and I have to have a on-site mechanic come out to fix it. I had been driving the car on the highway the day it happened and luckily made it back to my house, then about 20 minutes later I had to go back out but when I put the car into reverse and started backing down the driveway a loud snap followed by scraping metal occurred. Now the car is stationary on the curb. The right rear arm's condition is also bad, showing signs of snapping in the near future as well. My mechanic along with research I've conducted has informed me that this is an extremely common problem with nissan sedans that happen frequently. I had insurance on this exact part of the car but it unfortunately expired May of this year. I filed a claim with Nissan directly and they proved to serve no help. If the rear arm had snapped just a little bit earlier in the day when I was on the highway it would have most likely resulted in major accident that would have left me injured.

  6. Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2024

    Unknown

  7. Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2024

    My Nissan Altima would not accelerate properly. I was told that to drive the car could put me at risk as the car might totally stop. The dealer diagnosed that the CVT transmission failed. It cost over $5,000 to replace the transmission. 1. Is there any recourse as a consumer? 2. I understand that Nissan has been involved in several class action lawsuits, but I don't know what happened. Is there agency that can help me with information?

  8. Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2024

    Dealership never contacted me after recall stated they didn't have part available.

  9. Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2024

    The rear lower suspension link on our car cracked and completely separated causing the car to be un-drivable. My husband was pulling out of a parking lot with our son and my son’s friend [XXX] and [XXX] old) and the car started fishtailing. We were lucky this happened at a very low rate of speed. The next day my husband would have been on a highway and I’m sure we would be talking about injuries or worse instead of just a tow. Nissan knew about this issue but failed to tell their customers directly of the issue. They extended the warranty to 10 years and unlimited miles but DID NOT inform owners of the defect, warranty extension OR the ability to get it fixed (and Nissan admitted to this that they didn’t have to tell customers). They told us that in midwestern states (we are in Illinois) the rear lower link could rust quicker with the salt and break. There were no warning signs of the issue that we noticed and no one mentioned any issues when we’ve had it in the shop. Nissan however only agreed to pay half of the cost to fix it since we are 4 months past the date of the extended warranty. This is a problem that should have been communicated to us in the first place so we could have had it fixed before it completely separated. The regional specialist who made this decision was completely uncaring when expressing concerns of how this could have had a much worse outcome. We asked for towing to be re-imbursed and for a rental car and both were denied. Rental car we were told was at the dealerships discretion to which they said they would need to get approval from the person who told us the dealership decided that. So we have been without our car for 2 weeks now having to juggle around 2 kids and their activities and our own jobs. We are very lucky that this issue known to Nissan didn’t end in a far worse outcome with injuries to my family. Unfortunately we don’t have the invoice for the repair cost yet as it’s still in the shop. They said it would be around $500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  10. Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 22, 2024

    The hood of my car flew up while I was driving and hit my windshield

  11. Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023

    I was driving for approximately one hour on Interstate 95N. In heavy traffic, but still at speed limit. Then exited onto Rt. 40 N. For about 10 minutes. When I turned onto the back road to my destination, my car instantly started swerving all over the road. I had to immediately pull off into the grass to get off the road. I had to be towed. The driver side rear control arm broke completely in half. It is severely rusted. I had to replace both sides, because the other side is rusted also. I was lucky it didn't happen moments earlier while driving at a high speed on the highway. I would most likely have lost control of my vehicle. And in heavy traffic, it's very likely that other cars would have been in danger due to the failure of my car. I saw that there was a recall on the 2013 Nissans, and I believe that 2014 owners also should have been made aware of the rust issues. I have only had my car for about 2 years bought from Carvana. I had a hood latch recall, but I honestly feel my life and others could have been horrifically affected by this, the use of inferior materials or lack of protective coating or whatever the cause. I have never seen a car under ten years old corroded like this.

  12. Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2023

    While driving, the car began to hesitate and studder during acceleration. I had to stop at a red light. Once I began to drive again the car shut off and the engine and battery icon came on. I was able to start the car again and move out of traffic. However, the studdering/hesitance continue. I called AAA to complete a battery and diagnostic test which they found no problems with battery, cables, alternator, etc. I was told to contact the dealer and report it. I contacted Nissan and was told there’s no recalls.

  13. Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2022

    Sat 12/3/2022 ~2:15PM Hood latch failure resulting in the hood flying open while driving. (See NHTSA Recall 20V-315). *********************************** History: Thu 12/1/2022: Same Nissan service center (Delaney Nissan State College PA) that performed the hood latch recall repair did some additional work/maintenance on the vehicle that would have had them opening the hood. July 2021: Delaney Nissan State College PA performed the hood latch recall (Nissan # R21A6) *********************************** Driving hi-way speeds (55-60 mph) on Sat 12/3, the hood flew open, slamming back to the windshield, including damaging the roof. My wife was in the passenger seat and my adult daughter was in the backseat. No injuries, no damage to anything other than the car I was driving. Note: Neither my wife nor I noticed any hood vibration while driving, which might indicate that the hood was not seated fully/correctly. Car was taken to Delaney Nissan's extension body shop (Delaney Collision Center State College PA). The Collision Center did two things: 1: Inspect the hood latch mechanism for failure 2: Assess / estimate the damage. Wed 12/14, the Collosion center said 1: it "was not a faulty latch". They used a screw driver to verify the primary latch although they did say the secondary latch was in need of maintenance, needing lubrication and showed signs of corrosion. 2: $8,068.48 damage Note: I do have photos, that I will have to dig out and upload if you need them.

  14. Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2022

    I’m reporting that all four locks on the car doors inside simultaneously broke one by one in the same way clearly this is an manufacturer issue and unsafe and doesn’t allow passengers to exit vehicle from the inside.

  15. 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!!!

  16. Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2022

    The right rear suspension rusted from the frame of the car ,making the car unable to drive!

  17. 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.

  18. Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 17, 2022

    Latches, locks, linkages, hood. Recall number 372379

  19. Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2022

    I WAS DRIVING AS WE WERE GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE HOOD POPPED UP AND WE PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY ANS NOTICE IT WAS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CORNER TOP OF THE HOOD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE WITH RECALL ON AUGUST 30,2021 AND REALIZE NO ONE CALLED BACK SO, I STOPPED IN AND THEY TOLD ME THE BODY SHOPS WERE ALL FULL AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO MY CAR UNTIL 9/22/21 BUT I STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER EVERY TIME EMAIL HIM HE WOULD SAY THEY STILL OVERWHELM DONE TO STORM THAT OCCURS IN NEW JERSEY IN SEPTEMEBER SO I NEEDED MY CAR BECAUSE THE WARRANT HAD RAN OUT SOI COULDN'T GET A LOANER. SO I TOLD THEM I CAN'T LEAVE MY CAR UNTIL I WAS SURE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE BODY SHOP INSTEAD OF IT SITTING THERE. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DO THE RECALL UNTIL REPAIR ON THE HOOD HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE SO HAVE NOT RETURNED YET SO NOW IM WONDERING IF CAN GET TAKEN CARE OF AT THE DEALERSHIP NEAR HOME BRIDGEWATER NJ DEALERSHIP.

  20. 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.

  21. Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2021

    I am trying to ship my vehicle from Grafenwoehr, Germany (military base) to Colorado, United States. I have the safety recall for my hood but none of the dealerships near me, can help me fix the issue so I can ship my vehicle back to the states. I was told I need some documentation saying this. So I can ship my vehicle. Can i get help please.

  22. Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2021

    I've been to two different Nissan service dealerships with the past month and neither have been able to fix the hood latch recall from May 2020.

  23. Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2021

    Twice in 2 months my hood popped opened while driving on the interstate with my family in the car. The second time it popped open I was in the HOV lane which consisted of only one lane so it was quite the scare especially because there was no where safe that I could pull over. I took it to the car dealer shortly after the incident occurred and they maintenance the secondary hood latch but never did anything to the primary hood latch which should have never had opened especially while I was driving. I put in a claim with Nissan regarding the primary hood latch disengaging on its own two times in 2 months. I specifically told them numerous times that I do not feel safe driving my car anymore in that I would like to be financially compensated because now I have to go out and purchase another vehicle. I explained to them that I did not plan on buying a new car especially because my Nissan only had 77,000 MIles on it and was paid in full. I had also told them that I'm on a fixed income and having to purchase a new vehicle along with taking on car payments would cost me and my family a tremendous financial hardship. As of today Nissan has not done anything to compensate me. They are saying that I must have accidentally disengaged the primary hood latch both times the hood popped open.

  24. Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2021, crash

    While driving my car the component snapped/popped and caused me to lose control of my car and crashing into a curb in front of a pole. No warning lights came on prior to this happening. I have reached out to the manufacturer with no satisfactorily acceptable resolution. Currently I am in the hospital. The police was on the scene and the vehicle was towed to my residence due to being inoperable. I am physically, mentally and emotionally affected by this matter. Consumer stated she noticed a campaign but not a recall and her VIN was not included.

  25. Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2021

    MY NISSAN IS A 2014 AND ONLY HAD 59,000 MILES ON IT. MY TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY SHOT AND THIS IS UNHEARD OF. IT'S A CVT MADE FROM NISSAN AND THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THIS SITUATION SO NOW I AM OUT $2600-$4100 BECAUSE NISSAN HAS DECIDED IT DOES NOT WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND CREATE A RECALL.