2016 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 553 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 28 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 1 person died.
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 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
86 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2022
Car will not accelerate when depressing gas pedal. Will hesitate from 1 to 5 seconds. Example, driving on the freeway doing 60 mph changing lanes and lose acceleration. This happens at dead stop to 60 mph. MAJOR safety concerns. Brought my vehicle to Nissan dealership and the issue came back the next day. My vehicle is 2016 Nissan Altima
Power train, Engine, Jul 3, 2022
Vehicle jerks as RPM needle rapidly bounces between 10rpm and 40rpm when accelerating, sometimes subtle jerk when decelerating.
Engine, Jun 29, 2022
After some driving specially in hot temperature or after long distances, the engine becomes nonresponsive. Particularly when it comes to a complete stop, there is a delay between pushing the gas pedal and when the car starts to move. The delay can be as long as few seconds. This problem does not happen all the time but happens quite often in hot weather and long driving. It is very dangerous. In one occasion I was trying to make a left turn against the coming traffic, I had to make a short break for a pedestrian and then my car did not move and a fast coming traffic almost hit my car as I could not move fast enough due to the transmission delay. I took it to Nissan dealership last year. They did some minor work and it was fixed for a while but the issue is back again. I took it to Nissan dealership for repair last month but they could not reproduce the error code by just driving around for few minutes. They refused to fix it. I complained to Nissan and have talked to few representative about the safety issue I have with this car. They refused to take it seriously and they tell me that unless the dealership can produce the error code they can not fix it. This car is putting the safety of my family and myself in risk and Nissan does not care. Please let me know what I should do. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Jun 23, 2022
I have intermittent acceleration issues and high RPM revving on my car, which causes safety issues especially when making left turns across traffic. This seems to be a common problem. I have not taken to a Nissan dealer yet, but have talked to one and they say I need a new transmission probably for $6,000. I also took it to my local mechanic a few months ago but he could not diagnose anything because it was intermittent. But anyway its frustrating to have a car with known issues and well documented. I don't mind spending the $6,000 if it actually fixes the problem but based upon my research it could be many different things.
Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2022
My 2016 Altima is experiencing hesitation when accelerating, jerking and shuddering while driving. The RPMs go up but the car doesn't respond. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The car doesn't respond as it should when entering traffic (feels like the transmission is slipping) which means I have to slow down while merging into traffic on the freeway rather than accelerate. It puts myself and passengers at risk as well as other drivers. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or dealer for this issue. This vehicle only has 33,000 miles on the car but the symptom's were apparent obvious around 25,000 miles.
Power train, Engine, May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery terminal connector was too small for the battery. A connector was added. The contact called another dealer, King Windward Nissan (45-568 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96544) and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the transmission. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the hood unlatched, opened, and struck the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was cracked and was partially broken with shattered pieces falling off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's friends arrived at the scene and assisted the contact in jumpstarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood was severely bent and would not properly close. The vehicle was then taken to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. A case was opened. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his expense. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 29, 2022
The transmission has went out twice on this car within 2 1/2 years. I don’t drive it excessively. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things, at the red light it takes a long time to start moving, it’s very sluggish. It drives very slowly on highways like 20 mph and on the road. It will start off slow and then accelerate and go super fast, that really scares me. It jerks really bad and everything that causes me to have anxiety attacks, IBS etc. Its getting worst everyday. It’s a major safety hazard on the road especially for my children. My son is scared, panics and cry’s as well in the car because how it’s driving. I have a baby and an 8 year old. I’m disabled as well as my son. Can you please help I’m so scared it’s very unsafe. I have to drive to get myself to work, doctors appointments, my children to school and daycare. I hope you understand. Please investigate this. I don’t want nothing happening to me or my children or anyone else. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful day and please be safe.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 29, 2022
The transmission has went out twice on this car, this will be the second time. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things. It drives very slowly on highways and on the road. It jerks and everything that causes me to have anxiety attacks etc. 3 months after I brought the car the transmission went out and 2 1/2 years later it’s going out again. I need my car to run properly and to be safe for me and my children.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 15, 2022
2016 Nissan Altima 29,000 MILES! FAULTY TRANSMISSION! Why hasn’t a RECALL been issued? Nissan dealership informed me that I will have to replace the transmission! This will cost me $4,500.00
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2022
The car stalls out when driving. Gas is engaged but car will not move. Jerks, bumps. Within a few seconds, car resumes movements but jerks.
Power train, Engine, Jan 31, 2022
Acceleration from stand still occasionally does not occur. This causes us to press harder on the acceleration pedal and suddenly the car accelerates with high RPM. There is no check engine light. This is particularly at risky when left side turns at traffic signals are made. The problem has not been reproduced but has happened occasionally and usually turning off the engine completely and restarting the car results in the resolution of the issue temporarily. Car has not been inspected by anyone so far.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 73 MPH, the RPM began to raise and lower quickly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the right side of the road and turned off the ignition. The contact stated he waited around 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle but continued to experience the failure while driving to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 10, 2021
I have jerking in what I believe to be the transmission when accelerating.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 9, 2021
Stopped propelling the car. Might be a transmission problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2021
On june 10,2021 i had to put my car in the shop bc the engine was running poorly. My car stalled on me at intersection and didnt want to pull. I was in panic thinking a car was going to hit me. Luckly i was able to get it to pull to the nearest vacant lot. I immediately stopped and let all moving traffic clear the way. Then i got my car to go and i had to gain enough speed to make it over the overpass without stalling again. When i finally got tje car home my husband had it put in shop tw next day. Mechanic hooked it up to a machine and the codes for transmission popped up. My life was at risk as i had no oter choice but to play rush and roulette. Li
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 8, 2021
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, AN WHEN I WOULD START FROM 1ST GEAR MY VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE WHEN TAKING OFF. I HAD TAKEN IT IN TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM TAKE LOOK AT IT. THE TECH HAD TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE HAD THEM LOG THAT INFO. NOW IT'S FUTURE AND THAT PROBLEM HAD ESCALATED TO WHERE IT STILL DOES THE SHAKING BUT ALOT WORSE. NOW IT DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. AT THE TIME OF ME DRIVING THE VEHICLE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE HAD SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AN IT SEEMED AS IT CAME OUT OF GEAR AN DROPPED TO A LOWER GEAR ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 19, 2021
ENGINE RPM IS UNCONTROLLABLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 87781 MILES NO PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS FAILURE BECAUSE I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS MANUFACTURER FAILURE I HAVE EXCEEDED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY BY 3K MILES AND NOW I'M IN A BAD POSITION TO DEAL WITH THIS,I STILL OWE ON THIS CAR.THIS IS VERY SHAMEFUL FOR LETTING NISSAN GET AWAY WITH THIS DEFECT,NOW WE THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO PAY.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Dec 2, 2020, crash
I HAVE A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. FIRST: I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH A REGULAR TRUCK HAULING AN ENCLOSED TRAILER DROVE OVER A LARGE PIECE OF PLYWOOD ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH IN FRONT OF ME (ALSO GOING ABOUT 70 MPH) CAUSING THE PIECE OF PLYWOOD TO RAISE OFF OF THE ROAD AFTER HE CLEARED IT AND IT FLEW INTO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND BOUNCED UP ONTO THE HOOD AND THEN HIT THE ROOF BEFORE FLYING OFF OF MY CAR. DURING THIS PROCESS, PIECES OF THE PLYWOOD BECAME STUCK IN THE GRILL AREA OF MY CAR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THANKFULLY, BUT I AM CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SECOND: I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE JULY OF 2019. OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN I PRESS THE GAS, THE RPMS RISE BUT THE TRANSMISSION TAKES A BIT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR CAUSING A LAG IN ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT IF I AM AT A LIGHT OR A STOP AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE SPORT, IT DOESN'T DO THIS. I HAVE GOTTEN IN THE HABIT OF SHIFTING INTO THE SPORT MODE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT. THIRD: MY DAUGHTER WAS HIT TODAY BY A TRUCK CROSSING LANES TO TURN IN FRONT OF HER. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT APPX 35 MPH. THE TRUCK HIT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AREA, DESTROYING MY HEADLIGHT, BUMPER, AND GRILL. IT WAS HIT HARD AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING HER TO BOUNCE FORWARD AND SMACK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM CONCERNED NOW ABOUT THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS AND AM MORE WORRIED THAT THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES. I LOVE MY CAR, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE VERY SAFE AT ALL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 22, 2020
WHEN EVER I'M AT A LIGHT TO LONG, THE CARS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE, OR I'M IN THE DRIVE THRU THE CAR TAKES A COUPLE SECONDS TO ACCELERATE. I'VE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY UPDATED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 12, 2020
TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT AT 53,000 MILES. THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY EVEN THOUGH RPM IS REVVING THERE IS NO POWER TO THE CAR. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN MAKING TURNS OUT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE WHEN YOU GO TO TURN CAR LOSES POWER SO YOU CAN EASILY GET T- BONED.THE CAR HAS EVEN TURNED OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LOSING ALL POWER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES.
Engine, Aug 17, 2020
2016 NISSAN ALTIMA-MY PROBLEM IS THIS: IT RUNS GREAT WHEN I CAN GET IT TO RUN.THEN AFTER SITTING FOR A LITTLE BIT, I GO OUT AND PUSH THE BUTTON-ITS COMPLETELY DEAD! I GIVE IT A JUMP THINKING MAYBE ITS THE BATTERY-NOPE-STILL DEAD. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP-THEY HAD IT FOR A WEEK NO PROBLEM-THE VERY NEXT DAY IT WAS DEAD!!THERES NOTHING-NO CLICKING OR ANYTHING.I AM HEADING BACK TO DEALERSHIP TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO.IT HAPPENED TO ME ONCE AT THE GAS STATION BUT LUCKILY IT WORKED WHEN I GAVE IT A JUMP.I WAS JUST CURIOUS TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM. I AM OVER 60 YRS OLD WOMAN-THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS NOT JUST FOR ME BUT ANYONE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 8, 2020
AFTER STOPPING AND GOING A DECENT AMOUNT (SUCH AS A DRIVE THRU) THE CAR HAS A DELAY OF SHIFTING GEARS AND STARTING TO MOVE AFTER COMPLETELY STOPPED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THE RPMS WILL GO SIGNIFICANTLY UP BEFORE INCREASING SPEED. IT WILL DO THIS ON SLOW OR FAST ROADS.
Power train, Engine, Jul 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHERLIN NISSAN VERO BEACH LOCATED AT 946 US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32962. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE CVT VALVE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2020
WHEN VEHICLE IS IDLE OR AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHILE USING CELL PHONE USB CORD AND A/C ON, THE VEHICLE HAS A DELAYED RESPONSE TIME WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO REGISTER THAT I'M PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE MOVING. *TR