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: electrical system
55 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 11, 2026, crash
My car was hit and airbags did not deploy from driver side. The front driver side of my car is totalled. Not sure what force of an impact is needed for airbags to deploy but if my driver side tire rod broke and tire came off is this not sufficient force. This 2015 Nissan Altima has had many recalls. The last one was my front driver side head lamp almost caught on fire but mechanic found everything burned and melted because of electrical issue which was a recall. With my luck the recall expired apparently because it happened after the fact when it was no longer covered. I called and basically I was told too late. Now my airbags did not deploy.
Electrical system, May 29, 2026
The contact purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2026
Low beam headlights delaminated so there is not enough light to see safely at night. I replaced the entire headlight units after just replacing the bulbs to see if that would fix it
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2025
Engine light comes on i get it checked out every time is the same issue saying it's "mass air flow" it's now the 4th time i switch the piece and the car keeps on leaving me stranded now it's lead to a computer problem various mechanics have told me this particular model of year has allot of issues with this I'm not sure why there hasn't been a recall yet
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
i am original owner. Twice now in the early morning I have found my trunk automatically opened with out reason. I thought maybe i did it by mistake but i clearly did not after 2nd time. Never has this happened in my life to any of my cars. After looking online I found other owners also experienced same occurrence with this 2015 Altima. I understand it could be anything, bad battery in hand clicker, faulty electrical switch, etc. I located the on/off switch in the glove compartment and turned it off. Now, i just have to remember to turn it on/off all the time so i don't find the trunk opened again. I could get my car stolen if i leave my car out side and go out of town. 1) if there is a recall to get this electrical fixed, please let me known. Thank you
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2024
While driving down the interstate at 70 miles per hour, going up an incline, the car lost ALL power & then jerked kicking back into gear. Once off the interstate attempting to get to a safe place, it completely shut off without warning! No check engine lights or any warning lights. Just randomly shuts off. After replacing what was assumed as the mass flow air sensor ($186.00) & the crankshaft sensor ($80) it continues to have issues. The battery (new battery $220) was also replaced & the alternator checked due to randomly shutting off-which checked out to be fine. Come to find out it’s the CVT judder. After reading all the complaints, I’m confused as to why there isn’t a recall or extended warranty on the transmission. My car only has 119k miles! We should not be having issues with these transmission.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2024
I have a issue with my vehicle going into LIMP MODE due to a safety issue with the TCM loosing programming with the transmission. This is a BIG SAFETY as I'm on the Hi way. Car will go from 75 mph down to 20mph and can cause for severe car accident. I spike to your warranty department and they gave me the run around. I gave them Info in reguards to a Campaing ID# Which is a clear issue that these NISSAN CARS are still having. A recall was terminated in late 2016, yet a bulletin was posted online of it being active as of 1/ 2017 still. I was told that it's MY PROBLEM NOW AND MY ISSUE TO HAVE NISSAN CHARGE ME FOR A REPROGRAMMING of the TCM when Clearly this issue is still present in. Vehicles in 2024. Many of times I came close to averting a major accident due to car loosing communications with TCM. AGAIN this is very unfair as to how a dealership can brush this SAFETY ISSUE UNDER THE RUG BY SIMPLY TELLING A NISSAN VEHICLE OWNER, SORRY RECALL WAS CLOSED, AFTER LESS THEN A YEAR OF FINDING OUT THE ISSUE ON A CAR. NISSAN must want someone to end up DEAD in there cars due to a TCM MALFUNCTION WITH TRANSMISSION SO THEY CAN BRING THIS TO LIGHT AGAIN. THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS STILL OUT THERE ON THERE FORUMS AND STATES NOTHING ABOUT WARRANTY, MILAGE OF VEHICLE OR ANY TIME FRAME, YET DENY THAT THE ISSUE STILL EXIST IN THERE VEHICLES. I HOPE YOU ALL CAN INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND HAVE NISSAN CORRECT THERE WRONGS AND NOT ALLOW SOMEONE TO DIE ON ANY AMERICAM ROAD DUE TO THERE NEGLECT OF A STILL PERSISTANT ISSUE...
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the side mirrors adjuster switch was no longer operable. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic, and he replaced the passenger's side headlight bulb. The contact stated that 6 months later, the driver's side headlight became inoperable. The light bulb was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the rear passenger's side and front driver's side parking lights, and the front driver's side and passenger's side fog lights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the headlight fuses and noticed that they were in good condition; however, the contact's husband replaced the headlight fuses, but the failure persisted. The contact's husband determined that the fuse box was overloaded. The contact's husband installed a secondary fuse box under the hood, and connected some of the headlight wires, and the headlights became operable, except for the fog lights. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–35 mph. The contact stated that the engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and that there was no warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2023
Left headlight not working
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2023
In 3 different occasions in this same particular order my car would start to slowly loose acceleration of only letting me drive to 10mph before lights on dash would come on such as ps,abs,traction control ect. Then my radio would shut off followed by my whole dashboard before completely the whole vehicle would completely shutdown on me and I could not start up again. I replaced the battery and put in a new alternator, but continued doing the exact same issue. I took it to a mechanic and he determined that for whatever reason the new alternator was not sending out the power and replaced it again and have to reprogram the entire computer because it was sending all kinds of codes that had nothing to do with my vehicles issue. He also noticed the continues whining sort of whistling noise coming from the powersterring as I have read in the past that people have that same problem on this particular model. As of this moment its been about 1 month and has not yet stalled on me for now, but it is very dangerous when this happens in the middle of the street or highway when your running at a certain speed and cannot control your steering since its powersterring.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2022
The cruise control doesn’t work at all, then I’ve only had the car for always two years and the power steering is giving me issues. Also when I roll the window up or dwn the lights will flicker
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2022
The gear stick gets stuck when trying to shift gears it wont move from Parking, headlights seem to not give enough lighting when on, I have replaced the transmission after 3years of having the vehicle, I still owe on the loan and the vehicle still shakes when driving over 80mph on the freeway. I dont currently have any warning lights on the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle many times for repairs for the same complaint that the vehicle shakes when driving it and the problem still has not been resolved. I already spent a lot of money on trying to fix the problems.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2022
My car battery died as I turned off the engine in a parking lot. I was unable to unlock the electronic locks. I was stuck in my car for 20 minutes at 100 degree heat before help arrived and was able to assist. There is not a manual unlock mechanism in the interior of the car that would have helped me. I even searched online for any way to let me exit the car with no electricity. If I had been farther away, my health would’ve been very compromised- I am just lucky I did not have a child with me. As a person with multiple health issues, this scenario has me absolutely terrified.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2022
The headlights are extremely dim at night. after replacing them, it is still extremely hard to see at night which caused me to almost hit a person crossing the street
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2022
Took my car to Nissn dealership for water leak after heavy rain that could effect electrical components. Before they looked at they asked if I had a sunroof and advised it gets clogged easily with this vehicle and thats why I had water getting in my car. This is a known issue with Nissan but they dont address to consumers and. Mt car also had a mildew smell now as well
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2022
On my 3rd transmission since March 2021 1st one was April 2nd one was June Then car was in shop for over 2 months drive it for 1 week 3 transmission was put in November so yeah this car is bad also corp wont help not even anything after a manager called me a crazy [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2021
I was on the highway and my car would not accelerate at all, during up hill or flat portions of the highway . This was was super scary because I’m on the highway in Pennsylvania so there’s semi’s flying by. So I pulled off an exit turned the car off waited, unplugged the battery and after a few mins I plugged the battery in and started the car. This did not work at all, so I took a backroad home, later on the car started working correctly. I made an appointment to get the car looked at (thank goodness for extended warranties) but it happened again while I was getting on the highway, I almost got hit by a semi hauling a reefer, almost peeled myself swerved into the side of the highway. Cause a ton of traffic, cuz I could not get home any other way, so I took it in that same day freaking out cuz I almost died. The said it was a bad O2 sensor and that it was covered under the warranty. So they fixed it and everything was fine until last year I got sideswiped by this old lady in a old af Hyundai suv. And she literally took my entire front fascia so my insurance covered all the repairs and the rental I needed but once they gave it back I noticed the car was hesitating again I legit took it right back. I think I only had the car for 20mins. So they took it to a Nissan dealership so they could run their own test because the O2 seemed fine. Turns out the tranny needed an update… didn’t know that transmission could get an update like my iPhone. Anyway the car has been working perfectly fine since I did have to buy aftermarket head lights since the oem are trash and in PA there’s tons of deer everywhere. I do take very good care of my car it is currently at almost 180,000 and still runs super well. I do keep up with all maintenance since I do it myself. Haven’t had any real issues that I can’t fix. With the exception of the AC not working but the car is obviously out of warranty and I haven’t had the time to get under the beauty cover to look at it.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
Head lights, very dim/low visibility. Marker/daytime running light went out. I’ve been having to use high hi beams at nights because my low beams are very dim which can be a safety concern for other drivers as well as not being able to see more than 10 feet in front of me. The AC E knob also stays on when trying to turn it off and does not start the compressor to make the air cold
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2021
Car was misfiring for a while. Got spark plugs and coils changed. Two days after they were changed car still kept misfiring and jerking and wouldn’t change from the first gear and takes a minute to accelerate after a complete stop. Has white smoke coming from the muffler. Two days ago it stalled to start and would not drive or reverse. Dash board keeps saying system malfunction and LDW (lane departure warning) and BSW (blindspot warning) and check engine light stays on.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 4, 2021
MY VEHICLES TRANSMISSION I WAS TOLD IT HAS TO DO WITH TRANSMISSION I THOUGHT IT WAS A CV JOINT I NOT BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE WAY MORE THEN THEN THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE WOULD GET STUCK AND THEN TAKE OFF FAST ALMOST HIT SOMEONE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 17, 2021
THE HOOD OF MY CAR KEEPS JAMMING BUT HAS A WEIRD NOISE AT TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS I'M GUESSING BECAUSE NO ONE NEITHER THE CARS ARE THERE. IT'S AN EMPTY LOT.. THE LAST TIME AS I WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVY STREET THE HOOD POPPED OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY