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: suspension
64 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Oct 28, 2023
My low beam headlights very low ,so low seems like they aren't on,have to drive with high beams on, there was a recall in 2022, that I wasn't made aware of also the control arm front driver and passenger side is cracked and my car has never been wrecked. Brought it brand new off the Nissan dealership lot. Had issues from the start with the interior they call themselves fixing ( but did not).
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Oct 18, 2023
This is my 3rd Altima. The first 2 were amazing. This 1 is not. I bought it used from Shift.com with 73k miles on it. About 6-8 months later I started feeling something wrong in the steering. The shop I took it too said the lower control arms were in the rear were corroded and the bushing were going bad. Tried to get it repaired thru the extended warranty I paid extra for but that was a nightmare and we ended fixing it ourselves. Something was still wrong. I put new tires on it, still wrong. Changed out the struts on front and shocks on rear, new control arms,, bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods. New brake pads and rotors. Then I bought custom wheels and another set of new tires for it. Took it and had an alignment done. The shop said everything looked good. Not long after it started drifting all over the road and I started hearing a whining noise. The next shop said the electric hydraulic power steering pump was going bad. Again the warranty company only allows the shop to call in and handle any repair claims and then they make them sit on hold forever. This is my only transportation and I can't wait for it to break in order for the warranty to repair it. In the meantime trying to figure out what to do the car is getting harder to drive straight down the road. I turned left thru an intersection and ran over the center median blowing out a tire. In 2 other occasions I hit my new wheels on the curb because the steering wheel has excessive play in it. We ended up changing the power steering unit without help from the warranty. After some research I had the lower steering shaft replaced also. The entire suspension has been replaced(front struts 2x) and it only has 115k miles on it. It's had 3 alignments in 2 years and yesterday the man at Les Schwab said the rack and pinion has some play in it. As well as the upper steering shaft needing to be replaced also. Oh and the CVT transmission is now leaking.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2023
I was driving along on slightly rough pavement and the car sort of twitched in the rear end and then every few rotations of the rear wheel, the car shuddered-accompanied by a grinding noise. Then I noticed, that to continue in a straight line, the steering wheel was about 30 degrees, clockwise, to the right of center! I managed to limp on down the shoulder of the road at 10 mph and made it the mile and a half to my house. I thought a wheel bearing had failed, but when I took off the driver's side rear wheel, I discovered that the lower control arm was rotten with corrosion and rust and had collapsed. I searched online for the broken part but, fortunately, found out that Nissan had extended the manufacturer warranty due to pressure from NHTSA. I had the undriveable vehicle towed to the local Nissan dealer (Matthews) and they fixed the car- SAME DAY, NO APPOINTMENT, NO CHARGE. AND they took care of the hood latch recall at the same time. I still can't believe I have my car back, and functional, in what would be considered-in the car repair business- as the 'blink of an eye'. All's well in Vestal, NY. Thank you, NHTSA.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2023
Rear Control Arm broke while driving on the highway. We are lucky the car did not crash and cause serious injury to myself and others.
Suspension, Sep 7, 2023
Right rear control arm broke while driving down the road causing the car to lose control. Appears to only have very small contact points to the bushing.
Suspension, Jul 5, 2023
Passenger side rear lower control arm snapped when backing my car out of the driveway. Through inspection looks like driver side is starting to crack. There are recalls on the USA for this problem up to 2013 and in Canada for 2013 and 2014.
Suspension, Jun 12, 2023
A- arm on rear suspension rusted out.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Apr 3, 2023
My car only has 36,400 miles. I went for an oil change at a third party garage and was told my front control arms are cracked and need to be replaced. I went to the dealer who confirmed this and also said there was a recall on the rear control arms. I have talked to numerous mechanics who said that the control arm should not be failing at 36,400 miles. I contacted Nissan asking them to help me with the cost of the front control arms since they are failing at such low mileage. They are not willing to do anything. I feel like the front should be replaced by the dealer.
Suspension, Mar 25, 2023
The right rear lower control arm broke away from where the bushing is. It was the innermost bushing towards the center of the vehicle. It appears the metal is rather thin and rusted away. While driving, loss of control happened. With a bit of occasional snow on the road it was really bad as the car went from tar to a later of snow. The tire sat a bit sideways
Suspension, Feb 5, 2023
On 7/22/2022, our 2015 Nissan Altima began to shake heavily while being driven at approximately 30 mph. Please note that our 16 year old newly licensed son was driving the vehicle when this occurred. The traction control light came on and the vehicle was unable to be driven safely. Thankfully, he was able to get to the side of the road and we were able to have the car towed to our mechanic. It was determined that the driver side left rear lower control arm had completely broken off due to corrosion. Pictures attached. The left rear control arm was replaced by our mechanic. On 2/3/2023, our 2015 Nissan Altima was being driven at approximately 30mph by our 16 year old son when he reported a knocking sound and the car began to shake. He reported the traction control light came on and he had to maneuver the car to the side of the road. Photos attached. The car needed to be towed to our mechanic as it was unsafe and unable to be driven. It was determined that that the passenger side right rear lower control arm had completely broken off due to corrosion. The car is currently waiting to be repaired.
Suspension, Jan 30, 2023
I changed out my sway bar links cause I keep hearing a klunk sound ( metal on metal) and noticed how rusted and brittle the rear control arms. I'm afraid to drive the car.
Suspension, Jan 22, 2023
The left back lower control arm broke into while I was driving . There is not a recall on it yet. I was traveling over a bridge with light traffic when the traction control light came on and I was hearing a lot of noise coming from the Vechile .I turned my emergency flashers on And looked around the Vechile but did not see anything . So I drove with the flashers on to my car repairman . When he lifted the Vechile up he showed me what had happened it had rusted through. I consider myself very lucky if there had been heavy traffic I would have most likely been in a crash . The part too replace it is very hard too find .
Suspension, Sep 20, 2022
Left rear lower control arm broke while driving due to rust and cracked weld. I was lucky to be going at a slow rate of speed when it happened. The rear left tire turned inward and it was undrivable.
Suspension, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH and making a right turn, he lost control of the vehicle. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. Despite the failure, the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side control arm was fractured. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available. The consumer stated the company did have a recall and fixed the vehicle.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2022
My rear Rear Lower Control Arm are both rusty and about to break
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
Suspension, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while reversing out the driveway, the rear lower control arm detached from the vehicle. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 13, 2022
Took car in and asked Nissan dealer to inspect rear lower links as there was a creaking noise and had just received extended 10 year warranty from manufacturer on components. Said completely fine. 3 weeks later driving down the road heard a thump in back end and car became impossible to control even at less than 20 miles an hour causing it to fishtail from lane to lane. Took car back in for repair and passenger side lower link completely rusted and snapped. Drivers side was also completely corroded and upon removal was also cracked. This could not have happened in 3 weeks time if inspected and had nothing wrong. Dealer told me even though they were completely corroded, which was what the warranty stated, they could not repair until physically broken as per Nissan. Dealer has stated they have had others with issues similar to mine but manufacturer will not replace until physically broken, which then creates a serious hazard to cars occupants and others on the road. I do not feel the perimeters of this recall are at all safe, as if I had been on a major highway doing 65 with this vehicle a serious accident would have occurred.
Suspension, Dec 6, 2021
Rear passenger control arm separated from frame due to corrosion.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2021
The control arm broke due to rust. This happened while I was driving. I read that Nissan recalled 2013 and 2014 Altimas due to this exact same problem. My car is 2015 but experienced the same problem and it is very dangerous. The arm might have had a crack in addition to rust. I don’t know when the crack happened since I bought this car used. When I examined the break, the rust and crack have been there for a long time.
Suspension, Nov 12, 2021
I was driving on the freeway when the driver side rear control arm broke. Car suddenly pulled across my lane and began violently shaking. I was able to regain control and safely slow down and stop. Upon investigating, I found the left rear control arm broke at the weld joint near the base. Car was unable to drive and needed to be towed. Repair costs are pending at this time. Had there been a car in the lane next to me at the time, a collision would have occurred.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 2, 2021
UNKNOWN
Suspension, Apr 26, 2021
CONTROL ARM RUSTED AND SNAPPED AT THE CONNECTION POINT WHERE IT MEETS THE KNUCKLE ON BOTH SIDES A COUPLE MONTHS APART. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BOTH TIMES THANKFULLY ON A CITY STREET AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP FOR A MANHOLE COVER.
Suspension, Mar 11, 2021
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I FELT A SLIGHT JOLT AND IT FELT LIKE I HAD A FLAT. I PULLED OVER AND WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK AT VEHICLE I NOTICED DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS OUT OF ALIGN. I LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND I SAW THE REAR CONTROL ARM CORRODED AND BROKEN IN TWO.
Suspension, Mar 9, 2021
WIFE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKING WHILE DRIVING. TOWED TO NISSAN DEALER AND CONTACTED CORP CUSTOMER CARE. I REFERENCED NISSAN SERVICE CAMPAIGN P9324 AS PARTS FOR LISTED 2013/14 ALTIMA WERE SAME AS MY WIFE'S 15. FIRST REP DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPAIR, NEXT REP TODAY STATED WILL REVIEW. THIS NEEDS TO BE COVERED FOR ALL YEARS USING THIS PART IN AREAS EFFECTED BY ROAD SALT USE. HAD THIS BEEN AT HER USUAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC ACCIDENT WITH LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ABILITY TO STOP.