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.
Steering, Jun 12, 2023
My 2015 Nissan Altima started having some steering issues over the 2022-2023 winter. It seemed a bit stiff, but I thought it was from the snow tires I had just had placed. When it continued after change over in the spring to regular tires, I took it in and they said I had low power steering fluid. They replaced it for around $100 and it was working fine. they said there was no leak in the steering fluid, however. Since they replaced the steering fluid, (over the last month), the steering intermittently will completely go out for a few seconds the car will start pulling to the side, and I will have to crank on the wheel, and then it self resolves. I took it into Boucher Nissan in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They went over it for about an hour and they said they couldn’t find any problems. This is happened two times again over the last couple of weeks. It is also starting to sound like the engine is almost going to give out at times. I don’t know what to do because if it’s intermittent, how are they going to fix it? I could take it to another mechanic, but he may not find it either. I’m a bit scared to drive and driving slowly.
Suspension, Jun 12, 2023
A- arm on rear suspension rusted out.
Exterior lighting, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated driving 35 MPH, the headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the warranty for the headlights had expired but provide no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Exterior lighting, Jun 1, 2023
My 2015 Nissan Altima head lights are too dim. It is hard to see 50 feet in front of me unless i use my high beams. I bought this vehicle brand new in May 2015, the issue started in 2017.
Exterior lighting, May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front headlight bulbs became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the headlight bulbs; however, the failure reoccurred several times. The manufacturer was contact but provide no assistance. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Visibility, Structure, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the door panels, and the sunroof was leaking water and the floor panel would be drenched with water. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof drain to be drained. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact had the vehicle repaired a third time. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, May 3, 2023
Exhaust manifold leak
Other/i am not sure, May 2, 2023
The carseat tilts over when the vehicle makes a turn.
Structure, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the sun visor independently lowered, obstructing the contact’s view. The contact attempted to place the sun visor back in the upright position but was unable to. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was a normal occurrence. The sun visor had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the illumination from the headlights were extremely dim, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the headlight assemblies was faulty and need to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. UPDATE 06/01/2023- copy of reimbursement claim ,notice of class action settlement, and quality action notice sent.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Apr 3, 2023
My car only has 36,400 miles. I went for an oil change at a third party garage and was told my front control arms are cracked and need to be replaced. I went to the dealer who confirmed this and also said there was a recall on the rear control arms. I have talked to numerous mechanics who said that the control arm should not be failing at 36,400 miles. I contacted Nissan asking them to help me with the cost of the front control arms since they are failing at such low mileage. They are not willing to do anything. I feel like the front should be replaced by the dealer.
Exterior lighting, Apr 1, 2023, crash
Very dim headlights which create issues in less than ideal nighttime conditions.
Suspension, Mar 25, 2023
The right rear lower control arm broke away from where the bushing is. It was the innermost bushing towards the center of the vehicle. It appears the metal is rather thin and rusted away. While driving, loss of control happened. With a bit of occasional snow on the road it was really bad as the car went from tar to a later of snow. The tire sat a bit sideways
Structure, Mar 24, 2023
When driving the car the hood flew up damaging the hood, windshield, and corner of the top fenders
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2023
Left headlight not working
Power train, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle started to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the contact was unsure what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2023
In 3 different occasions in this same particular order my car would start to slowly loose acceleration of only letting me drive to 10mph before lights on dash would come on such as ps,abs,traction control ect. Then my radio would shut off followed by my whole dashboard before completely the whole vehicle would completely shutdown on me and I could not start up again. I replaced the battery and put in a new alternator, but continued doing the exact same issue. I took it to a mechanic and he determined that for whatever reason the new alternator was not sending out the power and replaced it again and have to reprogram the entire computer because it was sending all kinds of codes that had nothing to do with my vehicles issue. He also noticed the continues whining sort of whistling noise coming from the powersterring as I have read in the past that people have that same problem on this particular model. As of this moment its been about 1 month and has not yet stalled on me for now, but it is very dangerous when this happens in the middle of the street or highway when your running at a certain speed and cannot control your steering since its powersterring.
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2023
I have a 2015 Nissan Altima with the headlight delamination recall warranty. The dealership found that my vehicle was affected by faulty headlights. Diagnosed in May of 2022 and was told new headlights would be ordered. It is now March of 2023 and I still cannot drive my vehicle at night due to poor illumination on roadway. This concerns me as a sfety issue that they refuse to expedite, also that they admit was their issue to repair. It should not take 10months to get headlight parts into their dealership. As I mentioned the vehicle is not driveable at night safely. I ask that you look into this issue with the dealership and their lack of support to assist me as an owner. I was always told that the headlights have not come in yet and that I just have to wait. I pray they still honor the warranty work as the warranty period has expired in just waiting for the headlights to arrive. They did diagnose issue and order headlights within the warranty period. Dealership name and phone# Razzari Nissan Service Dept. Merced,CA. 95340 209-354-2400
Air bags, Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag waring light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V681000 (Air Bags) and advised the contact to contact the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 53,680.
Power train, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that there was an abnormal winding sound detected coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Wheels, Feb 23, 2023
Driving on Highway when all of a sudden i started fishtailing in both lanes, I was able to regain control after about 5seconds by slowing down , I was still having control issues until i got to a speed of 20-30 mph. Luckily i was only few hundred feet from my exit and got off and stopped at gas station. Looked underneath and noticed the lower control arm came off or broke off.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2023
I bought 2015 Nissan Altima from Cars Express on 2/17/2023. He breached verabal agreement and will not fix the safety issues. I paid him for the paint job on front bumper and paid for the paint. Witnesses that he would pay then refused pay the paint men so I paid them once vehicle was in my possession front blinkers do not work headlight out. Safety sensor is cut. Air bag light came on and says air bags not on check engine light came on.. I tried to talk to him about safety concerns and I asked to return the vehicle for full payment including the paint and paint job I already paid him. The car was a salvage rebuilt and the hood of the car needed to be aligned that wasn’t done, safety concern is hood might open while I’m driving. He defrauded/scammed me. I’m stuck with an vehicle that is not safe, he does his own repairs which he told me he takes them a mechanic. He buys wrecks and chop shop fixes them. The car was inspected on 1/14/2023 by [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2023
My car is part of the headlight settlement from a lawsuit against Nissan. I followed the settlement guidelines and took my car to the dealer for assessment. The dealer agreed that my headlights were defective and ordered the replacement set. The low beam headlights on my car are useless at night...often I have to drive with the high beams on to see anything. They are a safety hazard and I cannot believe there are not more accidents because of them. The headlights ordered for my car have not come in at this time. It has been 10 months since they were ordered. The parts department states that Nissan has been very slow to provide the numerous sets of headlights ordered by their dealership. I could replace the headlights on my own because you can buy new oem Nissan headlights online for 600 a pair. If I can buy them new online what is Nissan's hold up sending them out? In the meantime, I am reluctant to drive my car at night for safety concerns. Nissan admitted no wrong doing in the lawsuit and appear to be in no hurry to make it right.
Suspension, Feb 5, 2023
On 7/22/2022, our 2015 Nissan Altima began to shake heavily while being driven at approximately 30 mph. Please note that our 16 year old newly licensed son was driving the vehicle when this occurred. The traction control light came on and the vehicle was unable to be driven safely. Thankfully, he was able to get to the side of the road and we were able to have the car towed to our mechanic. It was determined that the driver side left rear lower control arm had completely broken off due to corrosion. Pictures attached. The left rear control arm was replaced by our mechanic. On 2/3/2023, our 2015 Nissan Altima was being driven at approximately 30mph by our 16 year old son when he reported a knocking sound and the car began to shake. He reported the traction control light came on and he had to maneuver the car to the side of the road. Photos attached. The car needed to be towed to our mechanic as it was unsafe and unable to be driven. It was determined that that the passenger side right rear lower control arm had completely broken off due to corrosion. The car is currently waiting to be repaired.
Power train, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and discovered that the transmission had completely failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.