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.
Power train, Nov 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle felt as if the transmission was slipping due to the fact that the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that she contacted the dealer and was awaiting an appointment. The contact stated she had not yet contacted the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 148,800.
Exterior lighting, Nov 22, 2021
Headlights are excessively dim and do not effectively light the roadway. Replacing the bulbs does not remedy the situation.
Power train, Nov 12, 2021
This car only had 136,000 miles. The transmission failed. Research shows this version of Nissan has issues with its CVT transmission. The transmission has to be fully replaced by a new transmission costing upwards of $5,000. Based on my research multiple Nissan cars with CVT transmissions are having issues and costing owners money.
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.
Power train, Nov 9, 2021
Transmission is out and the car only has 139,000 miles on it. I'm told the cost to replace the transmission is $4,000 on average. I'm told that mechanics are seeing major issues with the CVT transmission. What can be done to help consumers with this issue during these troubling economic times?
Exterior lighting, Nov 7, 2021
The headlights on my 2015 Altima are so very dim. It is as if they are not even on. All passengers that ride in my car ask if my headlights are on when they are in the car. I started to notice this dimming about 2018/2019. I took my car to the dealership where I was told (the first time) that I must have put too bright of headlights in the unit. (Which is not the case as I know it takes H-11). The next time I took it to the dealership they told me that they are dim because my windshield has tint on it. (Which I know was not the cause as I tinted the windows and windshield shortly after purchasing my Altima). The next and last time o took it to the dealer they said it was the housing that was cloudy (from the inside of the headlight). I was told my only option was to replace the whole headlight units for about $1,300.00. That was a hard NO since I was not responsible for any of these issues. So I decided to get fog lights installed. Even looked into getting LED headlights. The LED headlights made no difference in visibility. The fog lights help very little. But a little is better than nothing. And that only cost around $200.00 at a mom and pop shop. Way more affordable than replacing both headlight units. So the shop I took my Altima to informed me that the projection piece of the headlights was the actual problem. That my only option was to replace the entire fixture. (Of course the mom and pop shop would do it for wayyyy less but still an expensive repair I didn’t want to have to do. I felt eventually enough 2015 Nissan Altima owners would complain and this would turn into a recall. My car is available for inspection, has been inspected by Nissan’s OWN certified mechanics, and then also by another shop. The visibility is so poor I’m afraid to drive at night. I’m afraid of hitting an animal or even a person! I can’t see pot holes to avoid them. And I can’t just go around driving with my high beams on! This needs fixing ASAP! Unacceptable! 2nd Nissan I have purchased
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
Power train, Oct 20, 2021
Moments car will not accelerate after stepping on gas pedal till one completely steps on it all the way down after coming to a stop. Car will roll first then jerk to accelerate after pressing gas pedal down fully. Notice the issue happens when car gets too hot from frequent stops. Had transmission flushed and it solved the issue for a bit but began again recently.
Power train, Oct 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle and switched gears to drive but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall for the transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 19, 2021
Twice now when I have gone to pull out my car has died on me with no warning.The first time was in Aug,2021 the next was in Sep or Oct 202. I have also noticed that when I'm driving and not accelerating (like going down a hill) then start accelerating the car will sputter like if it's not getting gas. It is really scary when it has died on me pulling out I've almost got hit by other vehicles.
Exterior lighting, Oct 15, 2021
The headlights on dim only project 5-10 feet, thereby forcing the driver to use bright lights at all times. This problem was first noted in December, 2018 and again the summer of 2019 when another driver used the car. I do not generally drive at night. However, other family members are now greatly concerned as the problem has only deteriorated. Headlights were restored this summer at the dealership and bulbs were replaced in September. Bulbs were then replaced with high intensity bulbs. Neither attempt to fix this problem has helped in any way.
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.
Exterior lighting, Oct 3, 2021
The low beam headlights are not bright enough to see clearly at night. Replaced both low beam bulbs with HID bulbs and they are still too dim to drive safely at night.
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the driver's side low-beam headlight was inoperable. The driver used the hi-beam headlights while driving the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,348.
Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2021
I believe the headlights need to be recalled & re-done due to you cannot see to drive the car very well at all at night. I purchased this car in April 2021 & I have had this issue since I bought this car. I have had it inspected by the dealership auto garage & they did check & said there was no recalls in the headlights so I would like the whole headlight be replaced before I have a major accident due to not being able to see the road ways at night. There are no warning lights on so this is just a poor design in the headlights! Please replace!!!!!
Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2021
Both Sun Visors have failed. They no longer hold their positions. They just droop at random. I consider this a real safety issue for the driver because the visor can droop at any time and I pair the driver’s vision.
Power train, Sep 20, 2021
My teenage daughter drives this car daily and last week upon traveling to work on the highway the RPMs jumped and her car lost acceleration and she wasn’t able to pick the speed back up. She was losing power. The car was shuddering when she was accelerating and taking off and it was jerking with gear shifting. She was almost slammed into from behind when this happened. Dealership is telling us we need a new transmission. We purchased the car in 2016 and Jan 2017 we had the transmission computer module reprogrammed at the dealership, per Nissan recommendation.
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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at nighttime, he was unable to see the road while using the low-beam headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 7, 2021
Purchased vehicle used. Test drive prior to purchase was at daytime. The first time vehicle was driven at night the low beam lights were noticeably dim. Had to switch to high beams in order to adequately see enough to safely drive. Research indicates this is a know issue with this year model.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the hood latch failed to open after multiple attempts. The contact then used a lubricant to unlatch the hood and was able to open the hood latch as needed. One day as the contact was driving approximately 25 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened without warning. The contact was able to pull over and assess the damage to his vehicle. The contact stated that the end of the hood closest to the windshield was bent towards the side which caused damage to both sides of the front quarter panels. Despite the damage, the contact was able to close the hood and drive the vehicle slowly back home. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,200.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2021
The passenger air bag light is showing off, cannot get it to reset by the switch or turning the car off.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had randomly experienced speed reduction, jerking, stalling, and excessive fuel consumption. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and alternator, but the failure continued to occur. A second independent mechanic examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the fuel system was faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the headlights low beam did not function properly, and the contact had to use the high beam to see the road ahead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the contact could not recall the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and did not provide financial aid. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 2, 2021
UNKNOWN