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, Nov 20, 2023
My headlights that came on the vehicle are designed to where you can’t see more than 3ft in front of the car at night. There is a class action lawsuit out over these very headlights. I applied and was approved for headlight replacement but Nissan for some reason can’t fix my issue. I am unable to drive my vehicle at night out of fear that i may injury myself, others or even worse while behind the wheel of this specific vehicle. I just wanted this on record so that my insurance company is off the hook if an accident occurs. These headlight are absolutely 100% useless!!!
Structure, Nov 7, 2023
Hood latch will not release. Suspect the latch or components under the hood, similar to other Nissan Altima's that were recalled for same issue, failed similarly and now repairs and or quick access to engine bay in the event of an emergency is impossible without first repairing the latch and components involved. Called Nissan dealership they said some Nissan Altima's had been recalled for the same issue, but not mine. No indication of failure until owner attempted to open the hood. Hood had opened up till the last service at a Nissan dealership. Scheduled repair at a Nissan dealership at my own expense since it isn't covered under recalls like other Nissan Altima's.
Wheels, Nov 7, 2023
Driving to work and the car started acting like there was a flat tire and was difficult to steer properly. Pulled over to find that the back left wheel is crooked. Looked underneath and the arm to the wheel is completely broke. Looks to have rusted out and broke completely.
Power train, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle later failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,287.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2023
The left and right rear control arms both snapped. The right one has been repaired and the left one is in the mechanic shop to be worked on next week. The right rear control arm snapped while I was driving two months ago. The left rear control arm snapped while I was driving last night. Both times the car was violently shaking and pulling left and right off of the road and into the other lane. The vehicle was only inspected by the mechanics that have worked on it and myself. The warning lamps turned on immediately but not before the arm snapped and the shaking began.
Air bags, Oct 29, 2023
B0020 code, LH airbag deployment control subfault
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Oct 28, 2023
My low beam headlights very low ,so low seems like they aren't on,have to drive with high beams on, there was a recall in 2022, that I wasn't made aware of also the control arm front driver and passenger side is cracked and my car has never been wrecked. Brought it brand new off the Nissan dealership lot. Had issues from the start with the interior they call themselves fixing ( but did not).
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–35 mph. The contact stated that the engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and that there was no warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Oct 18, 2023
This is my 3rd Altima. The first 2 were amazing. This 1 is not. I bought it used from Shift.com with 73k miles on it. About 6-8 months later I started feeling something wrong in the steering. The shop I took it too said the lower control arms were in the rear were corroded and the bushing were going bad. Tried to get it repaired thru the extended warranty I paid extra for but that was a nightmare and we ended fixing it ourselves. Something was still wrong. I put new tires on it, still wrong. Changed out the struts on front and shocks on rear, new control arms,, bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods. New brake pads and rotors. Then I bought custom wheels and another set of new tires for it. Took it and had an alignment done. The shop said everything looked good. Not long after it started drifting all over the road and I started hearing a whining noise. The next shop said the electric hydraulic power steering pump was going bad. Again the warranty company only allows the shop to call in and handle any repair claims and then they make them sit on hold forever. This is my only transportation and I can't wait for it to break in order for the warranty to repair it. In the meantime trying to figure out what to do the car is getting harder to drive straight down the road. I turned left thru an intersection and ran over the center median blowing out a tire. In 2 other occasions I hit my new wheels on the curb because the steering wheel has excessive play in it. We ended up changing the power steering unit without help from the warranty. After some research I had the lower steering shaft replaced also. The entire suspension has been replaced(front struts 2x) and it only has 115k miles on it. It's had 3 alignments in 2 years and yesterday the man at Les Schwab said the rack and pinion has some play in it. As well as the upper steering shaft needing to be replaced also. Oh and the CVT transmission is now leaking.
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2023
My vehicle headlights are very dim when driving. I have replace the bulbs and still it is very dim when driving at night. I did not receive a recall for the headlights for my vehicle and when I called the dealership, they said that I received an extension, but I don’t recall getting one. Now that my headlights are very dim when driving at night I’m very concerned for my safety and I had asked them if they would honor the recall and they told me no. because I received an extension. Not sure exactly what that means. Either way there was a recall and I would like to drive in the evening, knowing that I am safe because my headlights are working properly.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2023
I was driving along on slightly rough pavement and the car sort of twitched in the rear end and then every few rotations of the rear wheel, the car shuddered-accompanied by a grinding noise. Then I noticed, that to continue in a straight line, the steering wheel was about 30 degrees, clockwise, to the right of center! I managed to limp on down the shoulder of the road at 10 mph and made it the mile and a half to my house. I thought a wheel bearing had failed, but when I took off the driver's side rear wheel, I discovered that the lower control arm was rotten with corrosion and rust and had collapsed. I searched online for the broken part but, fortunately, found out that Nissan had extended the manufacturer warranty due to pressure from NHTSA. I had the undriveable vehicle towed to the local Nissan dealer (Matthews) and they fixed the car- SAME DAY, NO APPOINTMENT, NO CHARGE. AND they took care of the hood latch recall at the same time. I still can't believe I have my car back, and functional, in what would be considered-in the car repair business- as the 'blink of an eye'. All's well in Vestal, NY. Thank you, NHTSA.
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds at night, the headlights were extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2023
Rear Control Arm broke while driving on the highway. We are lucky the car did not crash and cause serious injury to myself and others.
Air bags, Sep 25, 2023
Engine light & air bag light is on. The problem has not been confirmed. I have had the engine light fixed before and it still isn’t fixed correctly.
Structure, Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the hood opened unexpectedly. The contact steered to the side of the road where the passenger slammed the hood down to latch the hood securely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the hood latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure caused damage to the fenders and the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Suspension, Sep 7, 2023
Right rear control arm broke while driving down the road causing the car to lose control. Appears to only have very small contact points to the bushing.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood opened abruptly and hit the windshield. The windshield cracked and the hood was damaged. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,126.
Power train, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
Vehicle has a current defected transmission that Nissan is aware off and fixed vehicles within a certain warranty period. Customers should have received letter making them aware of the defected transmission, I explained to Nissan I never received a letter. I am assuming this happened because I purchased the vehicle used, the person I spoke to from Nissan said unfortunately this happens. Nissan should be required to fix the vehicle as they failed to notify me of the defected transmission.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2023
Transmission codes showing check engine light , CVT transmission
Vehicle speed control, Jul 21, 2023
The gas petal broke while accelerating to get on the highway. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to move out of harms way. I was shocked to find out the gas pedal was plastic. It was the original gas pedal provided by Nissan and I am the original owner.
Exterior lighting, Jul 15, 2023
Low beam headlights too dim to Light road. Must use high beams to see at night Nissan will not replace for free. I see there was a settlement but date has passed and I was never notified. The headlights defect is very dangerous
Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the low beam headlights were extremely dim. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were too dim to safely drive at nighttime. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs twice, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist in replacing headlamp housings. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Suspension, Jul 5, 2023
Passenger side rear lower control arm snapped when backing my car out of the driveway. Through inspection looks like driver side is starting to crack. There are recalls on the USA for this problem up to 2013 and in Canada for 2013 and 2014.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 4, 2023
Received recall for dim headlights. 2016. Took to dealer for repair as it said. They did not have parts said to check back later. Called several times same story. Have since been in for service and get same story. Regular headlights so dim have to drive with bright lights on in dark. A safety hazard for sure in country.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 25, 2023
Please see this other report I filled out: 11526603. Thus far have paid about $1100 to get new, steering fluid, repair brakes, get a new battery, transmission fluid, and fuel injection service. They said this would fix the problem. The problem was not fixed. I took the car back again and they kept it several hours. Their higher level mechanic still couldn’t figure out a problem. Now, the car has a new weird noise. When I drove it this morning, it sounded like there was a motorcycle driving nearby, yet I couldn’t see one. Then I figured out, it was my own engine, making some extra noise. I’m going to try to get into a different mechanic tomorrow. God help me. So now two problems: steering and engine. I hope the car will make it to the mechanic.