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
953 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022, crash
I was in the left turning lane and my light was green. I looked before making the turn and I proceeded to turn into 177st on Jamaica. As I made the left turn into the lane the 2009 black Honda Accord was speeding and hit the back end of my car as I was already in the street that I was turning into and he left the scene. I called 911 and told them that the person had left the scene but within 10 minutes he returned and wanted to argue, people who saw came out in my defense and calmed him down, I then asked for documentation as the police suggested that we switch informations and he was hesitant in giving them to me so he called the police himself. When we did exchange information, his insurance and registration are in someone else’s name and they are both expired as of 2020.
Exterior lighting, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight was becoming significantly dim. The dealer was notified of the failure and diagnosed that the driver's side headlight bulb needed to be replaced. The dealer notified the manufacturer for repair assistance and was awaiting a response. The contact also notified the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 24, 2022
I'm having the same problem with this Nissan Altima 2015 that I had with my Nissan Altima 2010 where it was a recall on the CVT. There are times when I'm pressing the gas, and the car will not and I have to pull over, turn the car off, and turn it back on. When I'm at a stoplight, and I press the gas it will not accelerate with my foot all the way down on the gas. The car will then jerk, and take off really fast. There have been several times when I have almost had accidents.
Exterior lighting, May 21, 2022
I received a class action lawsuit settlement for the headlights of my Nissan Ultima when I contacted the dealership they said there is a no contest I don’t know what that means but I know I was supposed to receive replacement headlights due to my headlights being so dim It’s hard to see while driving at night and is really a safety hazard Nissan is not Honering the settlement
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 19, 2022
For the last few days my car has been hesitant to accelerate. At low speed acceleration it jerks a few times then the rpms go way high and is slow to shift & accelerate. It is automatic. This problem has been gradually increasing over past 2 years. I did take it to a dealership when the hood latch was replaced due to recall this year and they just suggested I drain/replace the transmission fluid in hopes that it fixes the acceleration issues. They already knew when I went into the dealership that it wasn't in warranty anymore and because I couldn't afford to fully fix the problem they just brushed me off. This isn't a safe car anymore to drive. I have 2 children and this is our primary vehicle. I just know whatever this issue with the transmission and power train stuff is not safe and it's only a matter of time until something major brakes down, I just hope it does not clunk out on us to where we wreck. These power train/transmission issues have started affecting the cruise control, air flow of the car, and possibly affecting the sensors which then could be another ordeal with electrical issues. NISSAN WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE TRANNY/POWER TRAIN > EXTEND THE WARRANTY OR FIND AND FIX THIS ISSUE I bought the car in 2018 with less than 20,000 miles and have done regular maintenance, new tires every year, oils changes, replacing air filters and wipers, replacing brake pads, ive had to replace the brake booster already and flushed the whole brake system because of this acceleration issue I figured the brakes causing the lag but this car is just falling apart these past 2 years, rust on the trunk near the silver trim has caused the trunk to open on its own and the back-up camera feels like its slowly going out, the headlights are too dim to drive at night(even the brights now are dim), the rear passenger window just dropped down one day off the roller and I can't get the window back up and stay on the roller. Problem after Problem. Safety concern after safety concern.
Power train, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, May 16, 2022
CVT transmission is shot. Nissan says they have "fulfilled their obligation" due to the warranty being out of date. Had a lifetime powertrain warranty with the dealership which was shut down by SOS police. Now no one is responsible for this transmission which Nissan knows is a terrible product. Lasted 6 years. There should be a recall on all of these transmissions which seem to affect the Altimas the most.
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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2022
My 2015 Nissan Altima SV begin losing power and revving up and RPMs but would not move. When I exited the interstate to see what was going on because at that time the check engine light had also come on I came to the stop sign and when I proceeded to move forward to find somewhere safe to park the vehicle would not go but the accelerator but the RPMs went up. Putting my wife's life and myself in danger of uncommon traffic because vehicle barely wanted to move I had the vehicle towed to Nissan dealership in the following morning the service manager called me and let me know that they checked out the vehicle and that it was a transmission and also the speed control sensor he said there was no recalls on it but did have three six and 12 month financing so that they can continue to do the repairs. I am currently just paid the vehicle off two weeks ago and I'm frustrated that this has happened. This was the third time this has happened to this vehicle the first two times my wife had to pull over waited close to an hour as vehicle cool down and then proceeded to continue home which was fine but these are happening every two to three months now.
Exterior lighting, May 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle previously had the headlights replaced on three separate occasions by an independent mechanic; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure and declined to perform Manufacturer Campaign Number: PC861 associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Exterior lighting, May 9, 2022
I took my vehicle in for the light delamination recall. In the last year I have had to replace my headlamps with with three different types headlights because you cannot see at night with the lights on. None of them worked. I order to see at night I have to drive with my brights on otherwise nothing is visible. The Nissan service department denied the recall stating there wasn’t an issue. But prior to my appointment they stated they were out of parts.
Engine, Apr 28, 2022
My transmission has went on my car. I’ve only had my car for 3 years. The car isn’t that old..while driving on the highway my car stopped and would not shift gears.I took my car to Nissan they claimed to fix the problem but my car stopped on me once Again while driving. The dealership fixed sensors in the engine. After the problem was not fixed the said it was my transmission. This is a safety issue and could have caused a accident. Other Nissan drivers are having this same issues..this is happening to multiple Nissans around the country. There should be a recall opened on the transmissions. Why should we the customers hav to pay for faulty transmissions.
Exterior lighting, Apr 25, 2022
HEAD LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2022
The Headlights are so dim and cause me to be unable to see the road and makes it non driveable at night time.
Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2022
Lowbeams on car are dangerous hen driven at night. Can hardly see 10 feet in front of car
Exterior lighting, Apr 7, 2022
I purchased this car second hand and the headlamps have been very dim since purchasing the vehicle. These are available for inspection. I cannot see without my bright lights on, even on moderately lit roadways. Driving with dim headlights is dangerous for me (as well as others) and driving with my brights on is dangerous to others. I received a letter regarding a class action on the headlamps and scheduled an appointment for replacement referencing the letter when I scheduled. When I arrived for my appointment I asked if I pay out of pocket and and am reimbursed? I was told no, they would do a spray test, and if failed, Nissan would replace. When I picked up my vehicle I was told the headlamps passed, to my extreme surprise. My invoice states “sprayed headlights with Nissan glass cleaner, headlight pattern ok”. No test was mentioned in the class action letter. I was told to contact 1-800-Nissan1 if I had a problem. I called and Nissan was apathetic. I called the number on the class action letter and was unable to speak to a person. This problem has been evident since purchasing the vehicle. Nissan refuses anything is wrong and my vehicle is practically inoperable at night.
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.
Power train, Mar 15, 2022
I was driving on the Chicago skyway toll bridge when my transmission went out in my 2015 nissan altima with 103k miles on it. I had it towed to the dealership where thru quoted me 5500 for a new transmission because of cvt failure. I take extra care of my vehicle and even pay for the premium oil change EVERY single time. Cvt transmission should be banned from US roads.
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.
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2022
I am not able to see the road correctly when I drive. I thought it was my vision so I bought stronger glasses but it was not working. Its the light bulb in car is soooo dim. Also the front window fogs up to the point of having a car accident. I have to have the window open and even on cold days to be able to see. If it rains I cant see at all. I have to put the AC on it so I can see. Its a nightmare to drive at night. Please help. This has been such a difficult thing to drive with at night. Thank you. I do love my car.
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were very dim, making it difficult to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the headlights were not bright enough to view the road causing her view to be obstructed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000. .
Steering, Mar 1, 2022
Steering - Rack and Pinion Issues - Struts Leaking possible FACTORY DEFECT per Dealership. It is extremely unsafe to drive with a bad rack and pinion because you no longer can control your vehicle and keep it in a straight line. There would be so much free play and your vehicle would just wander on the road. This could be fatal for you and the other drivers. The problem was confirmed by the Dealers (Alhambra Nissan Dealership in California). There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.