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.
Air bags, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the air bag sensor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger occupant sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam head light illumination was extremely dim, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was yet not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the Extended Coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 22, 2024
I take my wife's Nissan Altima (2015) to dealer (Jackie Cooper, Tulsa) regularly and (in 2020) asked them why the headlights were so dim. Told me there was a class action suit ongoing and that we could fix it and wait for the settlement to submit receipts, or we could wait and that they would call when the suit was settled. Was never notified by dealership that we could bring it in to get replaced. Called again to check status (10/24) I found out that the deadline is now passed and we can not get it repaired unless we pay. No dealer notification and because Nissan did not ever inform us, we now need to do it on our own. Unsatisfactory (and expensive). It is a known defect and should have been repaired when we brought it in for regular service. This car is unsafe to drive at night, but not due to anything we have done and it should be fixed since we were not notified. 2015 Nissan Altima with 74478 miles and has always been well cared for. Because this is a know problem, mileage and length of time should not have anything to do with fixing it, ESPECIALLY since they neglected to call us. It is a safety problem. My wife (the driver) is [XXX] and needs headlights that work. I never drive the car but I did last night to get gas. The lights are terrible. Dim and yellowish. I spent 80.00 on a kit to buff out the clear lens but that did little to nothing. THIS IMPACTS SAFETY AND I WANT IT FIXED!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Oct 19, 2024
My car has been to Nissan service 3 times for a faulty airbag light - it thinks the driver seat is unoccupied when it is not - that means the air bag may not activate. The dealer has been able to turn off the light but it eventually comes back on. It meets all the criteria below for the recall but the VIN is excluded. I have paid $562.02 in service fees and now they want $2,000 to replace the seat. I would like my VIN added to the recall. 2015 Nissan Altima Air Bag Recall Nissan has announced that 919 vehicles have been affected by a Air Bag recall. 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.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2024
Over the last 2 years I had both left and right side rear "lower link" suspension elements "rot out" and break while operating the vehicle. Both times leaving me stranded roadside. After the the 2nd failure I felt it couldn't be a coincidence and found Nissan has issued a voluntary action and admitted using faulty parts in Altima's between 2013 to 2018. They voluntarily extended the warranty to 10 years and unlimited mileage. They are now denying repair of my issue because I am 2 weeks beyond their arbitrary 120 month warranty extension. I say arbitrary because how can they put a time limit on parts you know to be faulty and are corroding? I have one of these known faulty parts and simply based on random circumstances mine failed 2 weeks too late. So they dodge responsibility for selling me a poor quality car? At the urging of the dealer, I escalated with Customer Satisfaction believing they would own up to this and acknowledge responsibility. Customer Satisfaction mandated I must tow the car to Nissan to confirm failure of the part - which I did at my expense. The dealer confirmed the part failure but Customer Satisfaction parroted the "denied because it was 2 weeks too late" position. I believe Nissan 1) Minimized to the NSTB the safety risk this failure poses (breaking while at moderate to high speeds and stranding people in traffic roadside), 2) Is failing to act in good faith to cover a know manufacturers defect and 3) is employing "bait and switch" tactics by telling customer to have vehicles towed to their service centers to only then deny coverage based purely on "calendar date" (in hopes of forcing a customer to pay to use their service center).
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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2024
The low beam lights on the vehicle are almost non-existent. You have to use high beams for visibility which of course comes with the risk of blinding other drivers. I’ve replaced the headlight housing and still the lighting is poor. I don’t understand why these vehicles weren’t part of a recall after the class action lawsuit showed the lighting to be faulty. This is a serious safety hazard.
Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2024
Head lights dim; can barely see at night.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 30, 2024
The low beam headlights are very dim. I’ve replaced headlight bulbs and tried even clearing headlight lens and still not good visibility
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2024
I was using cruise control on the highway. My RPMs started going up and down and my speed slowed. I took it off cruise control and the speed was irregular. The car responded slowly to my pressing the accelerator. My car started squealing and I pulled over on the turnpike. I tried to press the accelerator after I stopped but the car would not move. I was unsafe because my car was on the shoulder of a highway and it was 85 degrees. I was also unsafe because my speed was not consistent and there was traffic around me. Lastly, I had to wait an hour for a tow truck. Two mechanics confirmed that this is a CVT judder problem. There were no warning lamps and no signs of a problem before this occurred.
Air bags, Aug 27, 2024
Air bag light will not go out. Looking to see if there is any recall for airbags. No accidents or impact to vehicle. Light came on about two weeks ago
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Aug 21, 2024, crash
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE VERY BAD LOW BEAM LIGHTING AT NIGHT. ITS SO TERRIBLE THAT ITS LIKE HAVING NO LIGHTS ON AT ALL AND RIDING WITH THEM ON CONSTANT HIGH BEAMS HAS RESULTED IN ME BEING PULLED OVER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BY POLICE BUT ITS ALSO UNSAFE TO ALL OTHER DRIVERS I PASS. THE LOW BEAMS WERE WHY I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN NOV OF 2023. THAT RESULTED IN ME GOING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT HITTING A TREE HEAD ON. FROM THAT ACCIDENT I ALSO LEARNED THE AIR BAGS WERE FAULTY BC THEY DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. I WAS ONLY INJURED WITH A FEW SCRAPES, BRUISES AND ALOT OF SORENESS BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE. I HAVE THE PHOTOS FROM THAT WRECK THAT SHOWS THE DAMAGE BUT ALSO HOW THE AIR BAGS DIDNT DEPLOY AS WELL. I PLAN TO LOOK INTO WHAT OTHER ACTIONS I CAN TAKE AGAINST NISSAN SINCE THEY KNOW THESE ARE ISSUES AND HAVE NOT FIXED THEM. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER OF 2015. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN THIS OCCURED BC I COULD NOT SEE BC OF THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS. I WAS ONLY GOING MAYBE 5 MPH. 10 MPH TOPS. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH QUESTIONS.
Power train, Aug 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Air bags, Aug 16, 2024
Air bag light came on about 3 weeks ago. Called dealership and they say no recalls. Says to bring car in and it will take 3 to 4 days to run diagnostics. I am a single car family and would need to get a rental for those 3 days. I am on a fixed income. Why 3 days just to run diagnostics
Power train, Aug 13, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate and respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle hood was opened by the slipstream and opened beyond the hinge's normal open position. The contact stated that the hood was damaged, and the windshield was cracked. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a body shop and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the hood was damaged, but the windshield was not damaged. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a body shop or a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front headlights were dim and failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that in the past five years the headlights had been replaced two times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. Additionally, the contact was informed that a previous warranty for the repair had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to immediately start after being driven for more than one hour. Additionally, while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not properly accelerate and shuddered while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the CVT was faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Air bags, Jul 17, 2024
Airbag light displayed on Dashboard There has been 3 airbag recalls for 2015 Nissan Altimas, my vin number was not on the Nissan Safety Airbag Recall notification Vin number Recall list. I notified Nissan Consumer Reports on July 5, 2024. Nissan representative, Nissan will not assist with the cost of replacing the Airbag or parts and labor associated with the airbag because of my vin number, limited warranty and mileage of my vehicle.
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
AUTOMAKER REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CVT RECALL.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 5, 2024
Upon entering highway and reaching 75 mph, vehicle pulled hard to right.I made a correction to keep vehicle in center lane of a three lane highway. Shortly after I made the first correction, the vehicle again pulled rather aggressively to the right, I again made a correction back to maintain center of lane. After making second correction, I noticed my steering wheel very off center to maintain vehicle tracking straight in the lane. (Steering wheel indicating a left turn to maintain a straight track). Simultaneously, the vehicle traction control indicator illuminated on the drivers display. I quickly checked my tire pressures to rule out a flat tire. I pulled off to the shoulder of the highway, as the vehicle was getting more difficult to control in a straight line. Not noticing any obvious damage and the need to vacate the highway environment, I illuminated my hazards and drove approximately 5-10 mph to the next exit 1/8 mile away. Arriving in a safe location, I again exited the vehicle to inspect all four wheels at which time I observed the right rear tire angled inward at a harsh angle. Upon further inspection, the right rear lower suspension control arm had broken free at the bushing and angled the coil spring downward at an angle. The vehicle was not able to be driven and subsequently towed via flatbed 45 miles to my auto repair facility.
Visibility/wiper, May 23, 2024
RIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL NOT MOVE, CANNOT SEE DUE TO CLOUDY HEADLIGHT LENSES, HOOD OF CAR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Visibility, May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a gunshot-like sound came from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon pulling back the sunroof shade, several glass pieces fell from the sunroof. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the independent mechanic could not repair the sunroof. The vehicle was then taken to a Nissan dealer who then referred the contact to a Chevrolet dealer. The vehicle was taken to Monument Chevrolet (3940 Pasadena Fwy, Pasadena, TX 77503), and the contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle would be a ten-year-old sunroof found at a junkyard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Power train, May 16, 2024
Vehicle has problem accelerating after a stop, this doesn't flash codes and so dealer claims vehicle is okay to drive... upon asking in forums this is a common issue relating to the Step Motor and has been replicated across various model years with varying mileage. This issue has been happening for approx the last 60k miles and the dealer cannot replicate.
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2024
I wasn't aware of the recall on my 2015 Nissan Altima headlights. The headlights on my vehicle are so dim, I am unable to drive at night. I was told the recall has expired for this function, which I never received any notification of the recall. This is very disturbing to know that a recall expires and I do consider this a safety hazard due to not being able to see while driving at night. Can someone please assist me with this recall. I would really appreciate any help due to the fact, it's very expensive to replace a recall item to my vehicle.