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: structure
63 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 21, 2020
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 20V-315, STATING THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. LETTER INDICATES A REMEDY EXPECTED IN THE MID-2021 TIMEFRAME. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE AS THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE AND HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE SINCE AT LEAST 2016.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE HOOD OF THE CAR FLEW OPEN DAMAGING BOTH FENDERS. HOOD WAS CLOSED BUT THE LATCH DID NOT SECURE CAUSING IT TO FLY OPEN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2020
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GYM WHEN MY CAR HAD A FUNKY SMELL, SO I STOPPED AT A FRIENDS HOUSE, I OPENED THE HOOD AND IT TURNED OUT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH MY TIRES, BUT THE SMELL WENT AWAY, AS SOON AS I GOT BACK INTO MY VEHICLE A D I DROVE MAYBE A QUARTER MILE AWAY I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN MY HOOD SUDDENLY POPPED OPEN, EVEN THOUGH I MADE SURE IT WAS CLOSED, THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME AND EVER SINCE THEN I BEEN AFRAID OF OPENING THE HOOD TO EVEN CHECK ON ANYTHING. *TR
Structure, Jun 29, 2020
THE HOOD OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THE HOOD STRUCK AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD, DAMAGED BOTH FENDERS AT THE TOP AND OBSCURED THE DRIVERS PATH.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF 50 MPH AND MY HOOD FLEW OPEN. I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TRY AND PULLOVER WITH NO VIEW OUT MY FRONT WINDSHIELD. THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY HOOD AND SURROUNDING AREA DUE TO THIS MISHAP. I AM AFRAID TO EVER OPEN MY HOOD IN CASE IT DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY AGAIN. I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2019. I HAD MY SON IN THE CAR WITH ME AT THE TIME. *TR
Structure, Engine, May 15, 2020, crash
HIT BACK OF CAR AT RED LIGHT. AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD LATCH DETACHED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE HOOD TO IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD SUSTAINED A CRACK IN THE CENTER AND SPREAD TO BOTH SIDES OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THE HOOD WAS ALSO DENTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V029000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 19, 2020
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. IT RAINED AND THE WATER FLOODED IN THROUGH SOME DRAIN. NOW THE VEHICLE HAD 2 INCHES OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, FRONT AND BACK. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY ARE NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE IS DEVELOPING MOLD AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IT IS NOT SAFE TO SIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IS A MAJOR HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS MANUFACTURING ISSUE BUT THE DEALERSHIP IS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE ME PAY FOR REPAIRS SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Structure, Jan 17, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HOOD FLEW UP ONTO MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING... I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE HOOD IS LATCHED SHUT.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2020
I TRIED TO RELEASE THE HOOD BY WAY OF PULLING THE INTERIOR LATCH, IT DID NOT OPEN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN THE NEXT DAY. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND PRESSED ON IT (TO BE SURE IT WAS CLOSED) AND DROVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION. I WAS DRIVING 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE HOOD LET GO AND HYPEREXTENDED AND FLEW UP IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS UNABLE TO SEE ANYTHING.
Structure, Dec 9, 2019
MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. I'M ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND LOCKED. THE INITIAL ISSUE HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED AND ALARM WAS ENGAGED. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THE ALARM WENT OFF. IT ALSO OPENS WHEN CAN IS ON AND LOCKED.
Structure, Sep 25, 2019
ONE DAY MY HOOD LATCH CAME OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND NOW IT WON'T EVEN OPEN UP AT ALL
Air bags, Structure, Aug 9, 2019
TAKATA RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT. SOMEONE BACKED INTO MY FRONT BUMPER & DROVE AWAY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE PICTURES STATE FARM. I HAD THE BUMPER REPAIRED, THE COLLISION COMPANY TOLD ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER TO SEE WHY THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. SERRA NISSAN TOLD ME I NEED A NEW AIRBAG
Air bags, Structure, Aug 3, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. HOOD RELEASE LATCH DOES NOT WORK, IT PULLS BUT THE HOOD DOES NOT POP.
Structure, Jul 10, 2019
THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR CANNOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. HAVE TO LET WINDOW DOWN TO GRAB THE OUTSIDE HANDLE IN ORDER TO OPEN THAT DOOR. REPORTED IT TO DEALERSHIP. NO RECALL ON VIN..THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. THE DOOR MIGHT OPEN WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION.
Seat belts, Structure, Jul 8, 2019
REAR DRIVER'S DOOR CANNOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. IT MAKE FLY OPEN WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES BECAUSE A CAR JUMP IN MY LANE WITHOUT WARNING; BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELTS DID NOT SNATCH BACK.
Structure, Mar 26, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND HOOD FLEW UP CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CAR.
Structure, Mar 19, 2019
HOOD OF THE CAR RANDOMLY POPPED OPEN. WENT TO SHUT IT AND IT FELT AS IF THERE WAS TENSION WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE. DROVE IT AGAIN AND THE HOOD POPPED OPEN AGAIN. WASN'T FULLY OPEN AS THE SAFETY LATCH WAS STILL WORKING.
Steering, Structure, Mar 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE PLASTIC CLASP THAT HELD THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. THE CLASP FRACTURED THE FLOORBOARD AND WATER LEAKED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE RAIN. THE CONTACT'S LEGS AND FEET BECAME SOAKED. THE CONTACT DRIED OFF THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT A NEARBY FUEL STATION AND DROVE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Structure, Feb 28, 2019
I JUST PURCHASED A 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SL SEDAN. WHILE TAKING FOR A TEST DRIVE AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE, MY 12-YEAR-OLD ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOW PART WAY AND HER DOOR POPPED OPEN! I HAD TO PULL OVER TO CLOSE THE DOOR. IT HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOW AND THE DOOR IMMEDIATELY POPPED OPEN. I COULD NOT CLOSE THE DOOR UNTIL I ROLLED THE WINDOW BACK UP. I LEARNED OF THE RECALL FOR THE WINDOW HITTING THE DOOR RELEASE AND REPORTED IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE CENTER WHERE I TOOK IT AS WELL AS TO NISSAN NA. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER AND A REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTED ME TODAY TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THAT NISSAN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS DANGEROUS! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO MAKE MANUFACTURERS FIX SAFETY ISSUES THAT COME UP EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN A POOL OF VINS TARGETED IN RECALL CAMPAIGNS. NISSAN KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO FIX THEM ALL, NOT JUST CHOICE ONES. ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS PROOF OF THE MALFUNCTION HAPPENING. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND REROUTED THE CABLES IN THE DOOR AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Jan 15, 2019
ON 12/30/2018 I HAD JUST LEFT THE PARKING LOT OF THE LOCAL WALMART AND WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP FOR A STOPLIGHT ON THE CORNER OF COUNTY HWY Z AND STATE ROAD 13, WAITING TO TURN LEFT. ON THE GREEN, I TURNED AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET AND MY HOOD FLEW OPEN TO THE POINT OF SLAMMING INTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND CLOSED THE HOOD AND SLOWLY DROVE HOME. WHEN HOME I CHECKED TO SEE IF POSSIBLE RECALL ON HOOD. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AFTER THE HOLIDAYS AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, THEREFORE THEY COULDN'T FIX ANY DAMAGES AND I WAS TO CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS.
Structure, Dec 26, 2018
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND RESTED ON THE WINDSHIELD.
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 13, 2018
2015 ALTIMA HAS INCURRED TWO SEPARATE WATER LEAK ISSUES WITHIN TWO MONTHS. FIRST, DIAGNOSED AS CLOGGED AC DRAIN. THIS REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF CARPET. THIS WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND, DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY FIREWALL GROMMET ON STEERING ASSEMBLY. THIS ALLOWED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF RAINWATER TO FLOOD DRIVER SIDE CARPET AND UNDER DASH ELECTRICAL WHILE DRIVING. NISSAN CLAIMS IS NOT A WARRANTY-ABLE FAILURE DUE TO "NATURE" BEING SOURCE OF WATER WHICH FLOODED THROUGH FIREWALL. DEALER STATES THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON 2013-2017 ALTIMAS NISSAN ALSO DOES NOT SEE HOW FAILURE OF FIREWALL GROMMET (S) COULD LEAD TO VEHICLES SINKING FASTER IN THE EVENT OF A WATER CRASH.
Structure, Jul 13, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON A FOUR LANE MAIN STREE I LET THE REAR WINDOW DOWN BEHIND DRIVER AND DOOR UNLOCKED AND FLEW OPEN COULDN'T CLOSE UNLESS THE WINDOW WAS PUT UP CONFUSED PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO ROLL WINDOW DOWN AGAIN WITH SAME RESULT NEXT DAY DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FROM INSIDE OR OUT
Structure, Apr 18, 2018
2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUST SPOTS ON ROOF OF VEHICLE. *LD *JS