2015 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 953 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 46 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
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
Structure, emergency, escape/egress/exitDec 19, 2018
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.
If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.
Campaign 18V915000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJan 18, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V040000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperNov 5, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V733000 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
Representative owner complaints: air bags
177 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Oct 19, 2022
On my 2015 Nissan Altima, the SRS warning light came on and my dealership advised me that there is an OBD error code of B0028-13 for the Passenger Seat OCS. Upon researching recalls for my vehicle, I discovered several NHTSA Campaign Numbers, including 15V681000 and 16V244000, which appear to cover this problem with 2013-2016 Nissan Altimas. However, when searching my VIN for recalls, I get a zero. I'm trying to learn why four model years of Altimas are covered for this problem, but mine doesn't seem to be. Thanks for any guidance.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2022
My airbag light stays on with or without people in the seat. Vehicle has 120,000 miles.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag sensors had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Air bags, Sep 2, 2022
Passenger airbag repeatedly registering a warning light despite multiple attempts by mechanics to fix the issue. The light will usually go off briefly after attempted repairs (long enough for car to pass inspection, for example) but turns back on once the car is driven only a short distance. Unclear whether the problem is a sensor issue alone or whether the airbag is actually nonfunctional. Problem has existed since July 2022; it is currently the beginning of September.
Air bags, Aug 29, 2022
Airbag light ON permanently all of the sudden on the dashboard. If the airbag system is not working properly it puts me and my passengers at risk of serious injuries if they don't work properly. No one has checked it since it appeared Aug 1, 2022. No warnings before it showed. Just one morning the light went on.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2022
I own a 2015 Nissan Altima, which I purchased in 2019 from the prior original owner. Recently, approximately 2 weeks ago, my airbag indicator turned on on my dashboard and has stayed lit ever since. I took it to a Nissan Dealership in Orlando, Florida and was provided with an estimated invoice for $2,500. I happened to learn online that Nissan had a recall campaign involving this same issue. I also learned that during the recall campaign, Nissan alerted its customers as follows: -This safety defect can KILL or seriously injure you or your passengers -All safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealerships -Replacement parts are available for all affected Nissan vehicles -A FREE loaner car, towing service or mobile repair in select locations may be available to assist with any inconvenience this repair may cause -Contact your local authorized dealer or call 1-888-546-1048 now to schedule your free recall repair I called the aforementioned phone # for Nissan and was told that this is a closed campaign. My concern is that despite the closure of the campaign, this serious safety issue has arisen for me. So, my call was escalated to the Nissan Consumer Affairs department at 800-647-4261. I was told that recalls are VIN specific and that according to Nissan's system, the VIN for my vehicle was not part of the recall campaign. I was told that I may contact you, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to report my safety concern. Can you help me with this? I need to have my car repaired and I would like to have Nissan pay for this serious safety issue.
Air bags, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2022, crash
I HAVE BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS AND AIR BAG HAVE NEVER EXPLODED. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE BEEN TO NISSAN SEVERAL TIMES.
Suspension, Air bags, Engine, Jul 14, 2022
My 2015 Nissan Altima, I've had it (7 years), started stopping without warning. Last week, I've had the valve cover replaced, because it was oil coming through one of the chambers of my spark plugs, I got a new battery, & I got the oil changed to make sure that everything was flowing correctly and running clean. Then it happened again. I put my car in park, I turned it off, and started again. There were no warning lights or codes that came across the dashboard. It was more frustrating because there's no warning no preparation it just does it so I did a system diagnostic ( Hitting the push to start button 5 times then hitting the door Button on the inside of the door jam 10 times then hitting the push to start button 3 times and the car will test all of the systems). My car was not running hot, there are no warning lights, you don't know when it's happening it feels like it's pulling or struggling with torque, and then before you know it you've come to a complete stop. It happened in the middle of an intersection. Multiple codes are hiding in the system, with no indications on the dash. The code discovered by my local mechanic was P7F1 (transmission code). This is based Tech Bulletin #NTB15083A. Hundreds of owners of Nissans have indicated the same issues with no resolve from Nissan or their local dealerships This is dangerous
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jul 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH at night, the visibility of the roadway was difficult to see due to the low-beam headlights not providing adequate illumination. The contact used the hi-beam headlights for better visibility while driving. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Air bags, Mar 29, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a vehicle had failed to yield into oncoming traffic which resulted in her hitting the side of other vehicle at an angle on the front passenger side bumper. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy upon impact. No medical attention was given at the scene and a police report was not filed. The contact's vehicle was towed to an independent body shop where it was deemed a total loss. The contact sustained injuries days after the accident and was treated at local hospital. A CT scan and X-ray showed that the contact suffered a concussion. She also experiences pain to her upper and lower back as well as neck but had yet to receive an official diagnosis for that. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V911000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximatley165,000.
Air bags, Mar 15, 2022
I was driving when the hood opened a little bit. I pulled over so I can shut the hood and once I closed it, the airbag light came on. I took my car to get the airbag light diagnosed and I was told I would need to replace the airbag sensor as well as the whole driver airbag. My dealership did not have the ETA of the airbag for replacement. They first appeared back in December, I figured the light would go away by itself since nothing really happen other than me closing the hood.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2022
Brought car to Nissan Dealership and diagnostic reports air bag driver side needs to be replaced. No specific incident occured to prompt the light to be on it just came on one day.
Air bags, Feb 3, 2022
Airbag light came on in September 2021.Took to dealership on October 5, 2021. They ran a diagnostic test and charged me $160 to tell me that code B0020 Aide Airbag Module Left Side is open. I purchased extended warranty when car was purchased new. Platinum plan $2098. Nissan is unwilling to do anything to help with airbag situation even though they have a very long history of airbag issues. They quoted $1900 for the repair. Extended warranty company does not cover any repairs on safety equipment!!! How can this be? Nissan encouraged me to purchase extended warranty because, and I quote “the sensors and all of the electronics are very expensive to replace if something goes wrong”. So I fell for it. Is there anything you can do to help. The car is 7 years old and I really don’t want to spend $1900 on this. Right now I can’t drive it, or sell it and it won’t pass inspection. Do I have options? Thank you for any help or suggestions.
Air bags, Jan 23, 2022
The air bags were repaired ( non-accident related ) and now the airbag light has come back on.
Air bags, Jan 17, 2022
There is no incident. My airbag light is on and the dealership does not know what the issue is. It's been on over 2 years. First they said it was the airbag module then they said it was the seat. They want over $1000 to fix it. I contacted Nissan and they said since it was not a recall it was my responsibility. It passes inspection so I am leaving it and only hope the airbags deploy if I have a wreck.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 5, 2022, crash
Got hit in a magor accident airbags did not deploy on side or driver front or side and lighting on automatic handle lights wetw out reverse drive the lettets on handle think there wad a defect
Air bags, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that with a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat, the “Passenger Air Bag Off” warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Air bags, Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving with a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag warning light illuminated with the “Air Bag Off” message displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that the air bag switch needed to be reconnected. The switch was reconnected to attempt to fix the failure however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 13, 2021, crash
Involved in +$6,000 not at fault front end crash on 9/29/2021 in Tampa Florida. Aggravated previous knee problems. Vehicle is currently at Caliper Collision in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Insurance involved. Air bag failed to go off. All front end safety sensors failed to work. Previously vehicle was taken to dealer to have forward collision/emergency braking fixed after light on dash was on. Was told it was fixed.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2021
The passenger air bag light is showing off, cannot get it to reset by the switch or turning the car off.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 24, 2021
Airbag sensor warning lamp is on. Has happened in the past as well but Nissan fixed it since there was a recall. Now the car is outside the warranty, Nissan does not want to fix their defected airbag components/sensors and is asking for $1700 to start with a replacement part on the back of the driver seat and does not even guarantee the fix, they say more diagnosis/repairs might be needed after the first fix. I need help. Nissan North America refused to help and told me if I want I can reach out to NHTSA since there is no recall at the moment. The air bags will not work in the event of a crash and my wife drives this car everyday with my 2 little girls. Can NHTSA help with this safety issue? I purchased this car brand new from Nissan, I am the only owner and this car has never been in an accident.
Air bags, Aug 11, 2021
Air bag light stays on doesn't blink...got diagnostic done it read B0020-13 front seat ..now light still come on
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2021, crash
I was driving and the vehicle started to accelerate on its own as I proceeded to press the brakes the vehicle got faster
Air bags, Jul 15, 2021
Driver's Air Bag light came on, staying on. I took it to the dealer on appointment. After having vehicle 2 days, they were unable run diagnostic tests, too busy. I was told to bring it back next week. It seemed that he was hesitant to proceed because of the probability of not easily finding the problem even with diagnostics. I called another dealer and he patiently explained the numerous tests involved in tracing down the problem only to often not identify the exact problem resulting in additional costs to the consumer sometimes at great expense. He did say the air bag will not deploy if the warning light is engaged. I feel this is a safety defect that should be recalled. The manufacturer should ensure that their repairman have the ability to quickly identify the source of the problem. At present this is not a recall item. I am reluctant to proceed with repairs that have so many unknowns yet also afraid to dirve the vehicle in its current state.