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.
Engine, Sep 3, 2022
The torque converter in my 2014 Nissan Altima S locked up according to the inspection done by my local Nissan dealership. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my passenger was put at risk as my car stalled while pulling into the center median lane of a busy street. My problem has been confirmed by the inspection done by my local Nissan dealership. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident.
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2022
My head lights are very dim and they often causes me to run off the side of the road and I can't see objects until they are right up on me.
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.
Suspension, Aug 31, 2022
2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BROKEN REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, DUE TO IT BEING A KNOWN DEFECT.
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.
Seat belts, Aug 21, 2022
Left rear seat seatbelt latch will not lock. Tried middle seat position belt tongue in the left rear latch and confirmed the latch does not engage.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
Defective headlamps that delaminate and result in dimming of the low beam headlights. Driving at night is hazardous. My car failed headlight inspection at dealership on 5/07/22. Claimed that my car was not reflected in the system as one eligible for free replacement under the class action lawsuit depsite the fact I followed all instructions. Furthermore the dealerships do not have the headlights in stock and are on backorder. They cannot give a date when they will be in. And the cost is $1400!!!!! I fear this car and other Nissan cars with dimming headlights are accidents waiting to happen. I limit my driving at night and use high beams when possible. I am a senior citizen with vision issues. Please advise. Thankyou. Denise Puttre deniseputtre@gmail.com 508-446-0939
Suspension, Lane departure, Aug 5, 2022
Was driving then noticed car made awkward movements the steering wheel started to turn sideways. Blind spot warning light then came on. I pulled car off street into safe area then noticed rear driver side wheel caved in and rear lower controll bar broken
Air bags, Jul 25, 2022, crash
In a front end collision going over 65 mph my airbags did not deploy. Car was not drivable and was totaled.
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. While in reverse, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 117,081.
Suspension, Jul 19, 2022
Rear left lower control arm broke while vehicle was in motion almost causing a loss of control. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop for inspection and repairs
Suspension, Jul 17, 2022
Left rear lower control arm broke alsoknow asl link arm right rear lower link arm has cracks
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she noticed that the display screen and instrument panel were blank. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer needed to be updated with new version software. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the software update was only compatible with 3-G network not 5-G network. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Suspension, Jul 9, 2022
Was going into the turn lane and heard a thunk. Around 35mph. After turning I noticed my car wasn't driving straight. Looked under my car and found the lower control arm broken. Was rusted out.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2022
BOUGHT CAR LAST YEAR NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY ISSUES A YEAR AND SOME MONTHS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES GOT OIL CHANGED THEY TOLD ME TRANSMISSION ISSUE CAME ON THEIR COMPUTER . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISSAPPEAR THEN REAPPEAR GOT DIAGNOSTICS DONE AGAIN ITS BEIN READ AS A CVT JUDDER GOT SENT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS ALL SAYING CVT JUDDER I SEARCH ONLINE AND ITS SAYING ITS A COMMON ISSUE WITH NISSANS FROM 2013 TO 2017 WHY IS THERE NO RECALL IM BEING TOLD TOTAL TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION IS 6,000 DOLLARS IS REDICULOUS
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.
Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2022
Light is dim, tried to replace bulb several time. Please see Suarez vs. Nissan North America
Air bags, Jun 14, 2022
Airbag warning light in instrument panel is illuminated red and does not go off. I was told by my Nissan dealership this is not included in the recall for the passenger side airbag problem that I had previously. My vehicle has not been in any accident that would have caused the airbags to deploy and there has not been any type of water damage that could have damaged the sensor to the airbag.
Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2022
The car has dangerously dim headlights. I can barely see ahead of me at night. I live in Florida and was driving in the rain at night (not by choice) and I had to go extremely slow because I could not see a thing. I contacted the dealer but they said I do not qualify for the headlight recall and I recently got the car serviced and my headlights passed inspection. However, I’ve read many complaints online from other owners with dim lights that Nissan dealerships are passing.
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.
Suspension, May 28, 2022
Rear left lower control arm broke due to severe corrosion. Causing loss of control of car and almost a bad accident
Suspension, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right. The traction control warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the passenger's side lower control arm had fractured and the driver's side control arm was corroded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2022
I own a Nissan Altima 2014 SV 4 cylinder. While driving the car stops moving and it just relies on momentum, the gas pedal stops functioning. This has happened to me multiple times I then have to turn off the car and turn it back on so it can work and it does the same thing again. I stepped on the gas pedal all the way to the floor and it doesn't respond. I started doing research and I ran into this website where people are suffering from the same problem and it has put my life and multiple people's lives in danger. These cars all range in year but the make and model is the same, Nissan Altima. I saw some posts that stated that they had the same problem with very low mileage on their vehicles. I took it to the dealership they weren't able to fix it and they gave it to me back malfunctioning and with the same safety issue and the check engine light on. I would kindly ask that this department gets involved immediately. The dealership wanted me to pay a diagnostic and refused to check the car unless I purchased new battery car terminals. I ended paying for a service I didn't need to get a car that was still malfunctioning. I refused to pay for the diagnostic after a 20 minute discussion they decided not to charge me but I had to fight for the fee to be waived. The problem is the car is still undrive-able.Here are other stories from other people with the same exact issue. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t63248_ds999189
Suspension, May 16, 2022
Rear control arm fell off while driving.