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
1,113 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2023
The headlights are so dim that I have to use bright lights to see.
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.
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.
Suspension, Jul 12, 2023
Vehicle brought to independent mechanic to investigate popping/creaking sounds from driver's side rear (DS-R) wheel area. While test driving to investigate, the mechanic indicated that the DS-R lower control arm experienced complete failure (rusted through/snapped).
Exterior lighting, Jul 1, 2023
When driving at night or low light areas headlights are very dim. The road in front of vehicle is very dark I have use high beams to see.
Suspension, Jun 28, 2023
While driving the Nissan Altima listed about my daughter began to experience severe vibration to the steering. It was so bad she had difficulty keeping the car on the road and was able to pull into a parking lot. After being reviewed by a repair center it was determined that the lower control arm on the drivers side was broken and caused the upper control arm to be damaged. It was further found that the passenger side rear lower control arm had a crack approx. 75% through. The repairs cost me over $2,200.
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.
Steering, Jun 23, 2023
I have hard control the vehicle when turning is seem the vehicle want to pull ether to right or left when a making a turn Work was done on the vehicle the steering Power Steering Rack and Pinion Was change is the same problem again The lower control harm was change
Steering, Jun 22, 2023
I was driving to work. 2 minutes after I exited the expressway, my car made a popping sound and I was unable to control or steer my car properly. I later found out that the control arm on my car was broken. If it broke 2 minutes earlier, I would've crashed my car on the expressway and I could have lost my life and/or endangered the life of others. Nissan apparently had an extended warranty on the control arm. There should've been a safety recall instead!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2023
I just bought a 2014 Nissan Altima as is from a Nissan Dealer. As the car warms up I'm getting carbon monoxide fumes coming into the car. Car was purchased at Nissan dealership as is! I took it to an auto shop and according to the computer it doesn't show any dash light warnings and cannot find the source of the problem. The car cost me $23,000.00! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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).
Suspension, Jun 8, 2023
Rear lower control arm broke from mount. Broke just before reaching a secondary rd with a speed limit of 55
Exterior lighting, May 31, 2023
I tried to have my headlights replaced in 2020 but they told me to wait there was a lawsuit going about this. After it was resolved I had to go online and fill out some info to get on the list. Then I was told they had to order headlights for me. I had to call Nissan corporate office to get on the list. But still my headlight are not fix because they do not have headlights for me.
Air bags, May 23, 2023
Air bag warning light came on, took car to Nissan dealer who checked into this issue. We are told airbag is fine, however, the device that would inflate it is defective and that it would cost me $1300 to replace the defective part. This car has never been in a wreck and I feel that the manufacture should replace a defective part of an item that has never been deployed. Or at the very least meet this original owner somewhere in between.
Suspension, May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while going over a bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger’s side front lower control arm needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Suspension, May 2, 2023
On our 2014 Nissan Altima, the left rear lower control arm broke apart and the right rear lower control arm was badly cracked; both are integral parts of the suspension. This happened on a 350 mile trip to visit my father, driving at top speeds of 70 mph, 80 miles of which were on a two-lane highway. I was fortunate to be driving only 15 mph and just a few blocks from my destination when the rear end "fish-tailed" with no ice or rain on the road (it didn't totally break through until I was in my dad's driveway and backed up to put the car into his garage on a flat surface in order to jack it up to see what the problem was). I had heard no unusual noises, nor did any warning lights appear. The car was towed using a dolly system, since it was no longer drivable, to an auto mechanic shop. If I had been driving any faster and this part gave way I (and my dog who was not restrained in any way) could have veered into oncoming traffic, or gone into one of the many deep ditches where the highway is built up through a large bog, or off a 120 foot high bridge into the Duluth Harbor, which could have resulted in severe injury or death to myself, my dog and others. The mechanic verified that Nissan has a "service agreement" instead of a full-on recall of these defective parts for cars driven in the "salt-belt" regions of the USA, WI and MN being two of those states. Because of this issue, I had to stay an additional week in order to have our car completed for driving. As of today, we have sent a reimbursement form and all pertinent information to Nissan. My husband and I strongly feel that Nissan should have sent out notices to all owners of these vehicles with this potentially deadly defect. We do not understand why there has not been a full recall!
Suspension, Apr 17, 2023
rear control arm rusted , broke off
Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors intermittently failed to open as needed. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger's side seat belt sensors failed to chime when the seat belts were not securely fastened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
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.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to determine the air bag failure, however, while the contact was getting their transmission repaired they noticed the air bag warning light was no longer illuminated. Approximately 2 months after the repair the air bag warning light had illuminated again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
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.
Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2023
These lights are so dim, even after switching bulbs it’s like I have 2 iPhone flashlights on the front of my car, I can’t see anything at night without using my brights. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost crashed due to low visibility from these dim head lights. I think they have delaminated. No specific date of incident, everyday it’s an issue
Suspension, Feb 2, 2023
I was merging on to I-94 from Grand Avenue in Gurnee, IL. I felt the rear end of my car hop. One merged, I noticed my steering was at 2:00, vs straight. After exiting expressway and hitting bumps in the road, I noticed my car "floated". Parked the vehicle and went to work. Left early to avoid traffic. Made it 1/4 mile and the car had a horrible hop to it. Parked the car to investigate. The rear control arm was completely rusted through and broken. I called the Nissan Dealership after reading there is a campaign to replace these under "warranty". Apparently this is an issue with 2013-2018 Altimas in areas where is salt used to help clear roadways in the winter. The dealership has my vehicle now and called to tell me the other one was bad as well. I could have seriously hurt or killed others or myself. This should be a recall and not an extended warranty. I received notification about the hood latch recall, nothing about a campaign regarding the rear control arm.
Exterior lighting, Jan 30, 2023
The reflecting mechanism in the headlamps are causing the headlights to display a dim light. It makes it difficult to be able to see past about 5ft and extremely difficult to see at night, the vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and an auto shop. The problem started a couple months ago but there was no indicator or warning before the problem occurred.