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.
Exterior lighting, May 14, 2024
I understand there was a voluntary recall and a lawsuit regarding the headlight system on Altimas between 2011-2018. I also understand we were supposed to have received a notification which we never received. We own 3 Altimas that fall into this grouping and never received notification on any of them. The 2015 Altima's lighting is pretty much non-existent. You cannot see at night and it's dangerous. Took it to Carson Nissan and although they were very nice, we were advised that we were too late and there is nothing they can do. It would be very expensive if we fixed at our expense.
Exterior lighting, May 8, 2024
I bought a used 2014 nissan altima. The dim lights do not work properly and is dangerous to myself, my familiy and to other drivers approaching me. Visibility is about a cars length, if that. The dealership i bought the car from did not disclose that there had been a lawsuit against nissan for this issue. Someone needs to issue a recall on all these models with defective headlights before someone is seriously injured and I would be surprised to find that there hasn't already been. Im making payments on a car I cannot drive at night. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!!!!!!
Suspension, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 42 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger's side upper control arm was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA19002 (Suspension). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,500.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the hood was inadvertently released, and the hood was caught by the vehicle slipstream and opened straight up. The contact stated that his daughter was able to stop the vehicle and with assistance closed the hood. The contact stated that the windshield was not damaged; however, the edges on the right and left side of the front fenders and cowl panel, where they come up to the front windshield, were bent outward. The contact stated that the hood was not able to fully open after it had been forced shut. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) completed by a dealer and related the hood failure to the previously completed recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 19, 2024
Since April 2022 we reached out to Nissan of Vacaville, Ca about the head light recall. Numerous times they've told us that the headlights were not in stock. Now in 2024 they're saying that they are no longer honoring the recall. They report that it has expired. I drive the car mostly at night and the lights do not work properly. It impairs my vision and thereby can cause a wreck that could result in injury or death.
Power train, Mar 15, 2024
While stopped at a light, pressed gas pedal and car wouldn’t go for some time. After it started going car wouldn’t shift out of first. I revved the car a few times to get it to shift then car wouldn’t shift out of second. Took into mechanic and had diagnosis around a pulley in the CVT transmission. Also was told that the mechanic sees this model many times a year for transmission issues
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2024
I have a issue with my vehicle going into LIMP MODE due to a safety issue with the TCM loosing programming with the transmission. This is a BIG SAFETY as I'm on the Hi way. Car will go from 75 mph down to 20mph and can cause for severe car accident. I spike to your warranty department and they gave me the run around. I gave them Info in reguards to a Campaing ID# Which is a clear issue that these NISSAN CARS are still having. A recall was terminated in late 2016, yet a bulletin was posted online of it being active as of 1/ 2017 still. I was told that it's MY PROBLEM NOW AND MY ISSUE TO HAVE NISSAN CHARGE ME FOR A REPROGRAMMING of the TCM when Clearly this issue is still present in. Vehicles in 2024. Many of times I came close to averting a major accident due to car loosing communications with TCM. AGAIN this is very unfair as to how a dealership can brush this SAFETY ISSUE UNDER THE RUG BY SIMPLY TELLING A NISSAN VEHICLE OWNER, SORRY RECALL WAS CLOSED, AFTER LESS THEN A YEAR OF FINDING OUT THE ISSUE ON A CAR. NISSAN must want someone to end up DEAD in there cars due to a TCM MALFUNCTION WITH TRANSMISSION SO THEY CAN BRING THIS TO LIGHT AGAIN. THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS STILL OUT THERE ON THERE FORUMS AND STATES NOTHING ABOUT WARRANTY, MILAGE OF VEHICLE OR ANY TIME FRAME, YET DENY THAT THE ISSUE STILL EXIST IN THERE VEHICLES. I HOPE YOU ALL CAN INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND HAVE NISSAN CORRECT THERE WRONGS AND NOT ALLOW SOMEONE TO DIE ON ANY AMERICAM ROAD DUE TO THERE NEGLECT OF A STILL PERSISTANT ISSUE...
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Mar 6, 2024
I have a expired recall that was not completed by previous owner. I called company and they refuse to fix my problem because it was expired.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2024
Transmission
Steering, Suspension, Feb 18, 2024
Out of town and control arms went while turning a corner. My steering wheel was sideways and I was going straight. There was no warning, noises or dashboard lights prior to this happening. My vehicle has 130k but well maintained. Prior to this happening I was driving on the Thruway at 65mph, this could of broke then causing a potential accident or something worse. Why wasn't there any warning lights advising of this potential problem?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the side mirrors adjuster switch was no longer operable. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic, and he replaced the passenger's side headlight bulb. The contact stated that 6 months later, the driver's side headlight became inoperable. The light bulb was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the rear passenger's side and front driver's side parking lights, and the front driver's side and passenger's side fog lights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the headlight fuses and noticed that they were in good condition; however, the contact's husband replaced the headlight fuses, but the failure persisted. The contact's husband determined that the fuse box was overloaded. The contact's husband installed a secondary fuse box under the hood, and connected some of the headlight wires, and the headlights became operable, except for the fog lights. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Feb 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2024
The Low beams on my headlights are so dim, I have a really horrible time seeing when driving home from work at night ; so bad, that my husband and son tried driving to see for themselves and now worry about me driving at night in my car. I’ve heard numerous complaints about this issue, and I thought there was a recall on this problem .
Exterior lighting, Jan 22, 2024
My car's low beam headlights go dim quickly, if work at all. The bright light beams work as should. At times I must drive with the bright beams on just to see safely. I understand there was a settlement by Nissan, however, my issue did not start until after the settlement was over. I am unable to get my headlights fixed due to the deadline. I might note, I purchased my car right before the deadline, so at that time, it was not having the issues. It is very disappointing that Nissan is aware of the issue, but due to timing of this issue, they will not replace the faulty part.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
The rear control arm on the driver side snapped while my wife was driving. Now the rear side sways
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 15, 2024, crash
AIRBAG Didn't Deploy. Seatbelt didn't hold I hit the steeling wheel injury my chest hit my head blood on the brain broke my foot. vehicle was total No
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jan 11, 2024
Air bag light on passenger side stays on and unable to drive vehicle at night due to lights being so dim
Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2024
Having issues driving vehicle at night time due to headlights being to dim. In order to drive safely i have to turn high beams on. Im concern for my family safety when driving with dim lights at night time.
Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2024
The low beam headlamps you cannot see at night when you are driving and I just bought this car and ran the VIN for recalls and it says that there is 10 recalls and one of them being problem with the low beam headlights none of these 10 recalls were fixed and I guess the date has passed and now I can't fix them I don't understand how that's fair to me when I just bought the car two three days ago and now I guess there's nothing I can do the headlamps is a severe safety issue I was told by the salesman at the Nissan car lot in Independence Missouri where we bought the car said there was Zero recalls on it
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2024
Purchased car from third party late September 2022. Immediately noticed that night driving was nearly impossible to see with headlamps on dim. Going from high beams to low beams is almost like switching to parking lamps. Can’t drive with high beams on when there’s other traffic it poses a hazard to oncoming vehicles. Took the car into Nissan dealership the following week and they told me I missed a deadline on headlight replacement coverage. Only owned the car a week at that time. I swapped out bulbs and had outer covers polished. Still can’t see to drive safely at night. Poses a huge safety risk when night driving is unavoidable. Really wish Nissan would reopen any claims for the dim lighting for those who didn’t know about it before purchasing.
Suspension, Jan 5, 2024
Rear lower control arm failed while driving. Luckily I was able to maintain control. Not sure if I would have been so lucky had I been on the highway. Car rear end was unstable and hard to control. Had vehicle towed to private repair shop then researched warranty campaign. Currently having it towed for the second time to a Nissan dealership.
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 29, 2023, crash
I was on the 15 freeway going home and bent down to pick up something I dropped and hit the car that was stopped in front of me. What I remember is my glasses flying off and I hit my chest and head on the steering wheel and also broke my foot. At that time I realized that the air bag did not deploy and the seat belt did not hold me and I hit the steering wheel with full force. I spent three days in the trauma center being treated for bleeding on the brain. There was 10 recalls on this vehicle, a 2015 Nissan Altima, and 2 former owners did not carry out their responsibilities to get the recalls taken care of. Now I am suffering because the owners where too lazy to be responsable.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the hood and the trunk unintendedly opened. Additionally, the rear driver’s side window failed to roll down as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the hood latch needed to be replaced. The hood latch was replaced. The window and trunk were not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the headlights were extremely dim. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the defect; however, the contact was informed that the part was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 3, 2023
Headlights displaying unsafe night visibility. My wife almost drove off embankment due to low visibility. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership for inspection yet. At this time my wife tries not to drive it at night. I found through my own investigation about the headlights that there had been a class action suit concerning these headlights on Nissan Altimas, but we have not received any recall notice.