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: other or unspecified
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2026
The HVAC system in my 2016 Nissan Altima produces cold air, but the airflow is not properly directed through the dashboard vents toward the occupants. Instead, the airflow is primarily directed toward the floor and windshield. This problem has continued throughout the summer of 2026. I have two children, ages [XXX] and [XXX], who ride in the vehicle. My [XXX] daughter rides in the vehicle frequently because I transport her to and from her year-round school. She has repeatedly complained about being extremely hot in the vehicle and has become visibly red and sweaty because the cold air is not adequately reaching the passenger area. My [XXX] son has also been affected by the heat. I have tried to compensate by driving with the windows and sunroof open to create additional airflow. However, this does not adequately address the problem when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. On XXX, while waiting in a drive-thru with several vehicles ahead of me and vehicles behind me, my [XXX] daughter repeatedly said that she was very hot. She became visibly red, sweaty, increasingly uncomfortable, and eventually began crying because of the heat. I could not immediately exit the line because vehicles were positioned both in front of and behind my vehicle. This incident caused me serious concern about continuing to transport my children under these conditions. I previously took the vehicle to an independent repair facility regarding the HVAC problem and was advised that this repair needed to be addressed by a Nissan dealership. I subsequently contacted a Nissan dealership regarding diagnosis and repair. This vehicle has also experienced two previous transmission failures and a prior A/C compressor failure. The manufacturer previously provided assistance with repairs involving the transmission and A/C compressor. I am reporting the current HVAC airflow failure because I am concerned about the safety consequences of conditioned air not being adequa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2026
Drivers side window & door latch does not work. door latch has to be push in after it opens the door & window will not go now.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2026
Subject Safety Defect Complaint Recall Repair Refusal and Manufacturer Delay Nissan Altima 2016 My 2016 Nissan Altima is subject to a safety recall related to the hood latch cover The hood latch cover on my vehicle is defective and stuck which caused the hood to become completely locked shut This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the hood could unexpectedly open while driving putting me my family and other road users at risk I contacted and visited two authorized Nissan dealers multiple times to have the recall repair performed Both dealers refused to repair the vehicle unless I personally opened the hood first I explained that the hood cannot be opened due to the recall related defect and that attempting to force it open is unsafe The dealers still refused to perform the recall repair I then contacted a third party service AAA but they refused to work on the vehicle stating that opening or driving the vehicle with a compromised hood is extremely dangerous and that this issue must be handled by the manufacturer and its authorized dealers I contacted Nissan North America directly to seek assistance Instead of resolving the issue Nissan has repeatedly delayed action stating that my case is still pending dealer approval I have been told many times that there would be updates but no solution has been provided I was informed multiple times that the case is delayed and that there is currently no resolution available As of today my vehicle has been undrivable for more than one and a half months due to this unresolved safety defect I am afraid to drive the vehicle because it poses a real danger to my safety and the safety of my family This situation has caused significant stress and hardship I am filing this complaint with NHTSA because an authorized dealer is refusing to perform a required safety recall repair
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2025
while driving 25mph-49mph, the hood unexpectedly opened and flew back into the windshield causing the windshield to crack/shatter. No warning lights had been illuminated. Driver pulled over safely got out of the car along with 2 passengers. Driver contacted the police and had the car towed to the nearest auto body shop. calling NISSAN on monday 9/22/25. seems like there was a MAJOR recall in 2020 (HOOD LATCH RECALL, that states the hood may open without warning while driving and could obscure the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash.)that this vehicle was not part of but exact thing happend that was stated as reason for recall.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2025
On April 15, 2025, I purchased a pre-owned 2016 Nissan Altima with just under 51,000 miles. Less than two months later, the vehicle’s transmission failed. A diagnostic revealed the issue is with the CVT transmission, a well-documented defect in many Nissan models. When I contacted Nissan to file a claim under what I thought would be warranty protection, I was denied because the extended warranty period had technically expired. However, I was not the vehicle owner during that warranty period, and the defect had not presented itself until now. I am now left to pay thousands of dollars to replace a part that Nissan has previously acknowledged as faulty. This is not simply a warranty issue—it’s a case of a known manufacturer defect causing harm to a consumer who acted in good faith. As a working-class family of six, we cannot absorb this kind of financial blow—especially when it is due to a failure Nissan has seen repeatedly in their CVT-equipped vehicles. I am requesting that the Attorney General’s office investigate this matter and advocate for Nissan to take responsibility by covering 100% of the repair costs. I honestly do not understand why this faulty transmission issue has not warranted a recall. The sudden and unexpected inability to continue acceleration is an extremely dangerous occurrence that can lead to a collision resulting in fatality or paralyzation.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2024
Headlights staying dim to the point of not being able to see after dark even after replacing the headlights
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2024
the systems I-key message is coming on because the hood latch. the recall only bent or greased the latch and didn't replace it. dealer wont take the problem.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2024
Nissan has had quite a few recalls on their hood latch. The most recent one was in 2022. My car was checked in 2022, but now two years later I’m having another issue with the hood latch. While Nissan does not want to open a recall to not lose money, there is definitely another recall issue. At the moment there are 149 hood latches on back order and no one is able to get one. There was more than one customer in Nissan complaining of a hood latch issue. I went back-and-forth with Nissan for weeks , and they just kept telling me that they cannot help me. I would have to pay out-of-pocket. if there are absolutely no hood latches available to anyone anywhere is there not an issue on the hood latch?
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
The car stalls/shuts down while driving and while idle. I’ve had the alternative replaced 3 times within 2 years. After about 8-10 after having the alternative replaced it starts to stall/shut down again. There is definitely an error with the alternator system in these cars. Avd a recall needs to be assessed.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2024
I was driving today 3/2/24 and speed was about 40-50 and suddenly/randomly the vehicle would do a jerk once it got to about 50 and the rpm’s would jump up between 2-3 and quickly drop back down to normal. I was not pressing the gas hard or a lot just lightly and also the jerking would happen if I was going down in speed from like 60-50 it would randomly jerk again and rpm’s would increase and go back down. Would do this off and on. No check engine lights or any lights what so ever we’re out up on the dash either which made it odd that my car was acting up. My vehicle only has 59,300 miles and has been serviced strictly at dealer for oil and transmission and I have been told that Nissan and their CVT transmissions are no good and transmissions can suddenly “die” on you for no apparent reasoning. Online searches let me to forums that discuss this being a common issue although Nissan has never done any form of recalls. This poses a safety concern in that the car is jerking and rpm’s go crazy for a moment. My vehicle also after being stopped at a traffic light today did not want to accelerate and “go” when I pressed the gas. I creeped up to 20 mph while rpm’s increased and then all of a sudden the car jerked and I was back in motion. I have owned my car since brand new and never have I had any issues.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 22, 2023
Car will either not start or heists to start code with check engine light is P0340 for camshaft position sensor I have already replaced this once before 2yrs ago it should not need to be replaced again so soon. I have read online where others with same make and model cars having similar issues and their cars stalled while driving mine hasn't as of yet, but could when I take to mechanic shop. This is a major safety problem. There has been a recall but not for my year model car and needs to be fixed for more cars are having similar issues and is a major concern. Please look more in to this thank you.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2023
He
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023, crash
Shaking upon acceleration
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2023
Hood flew open smashing windshield while driving on the highway. Windshield, hood & both front fenders damaged
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2023
I have the 2016 Nissan Altima with only 128000 miles and the transmission went out on a exit highway and all of a sudden I no power. I could have gotten killed and not been able to write this. It scared me because I almost didn't have time for the cars that were headed towards me. No it didn't happen and its a big what if but Nissan knows the CVT transmission are going out and costing us Thousands ( $5000 ) to be accurate and who's got that kind of money to fix it. I'm devastated because its my only car and I just don't have that kind of money. When I bought this car $128000 in December 2021 I had no idea what I would have to face so if this helps anyone , like me , to check to see if it has the CVT transmission before they buy it because it could get someone killed. thank you , [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2023
2016 Nissan Altima SR has a delayed acceleration issue that nearly caused me to be broadsided while making a left turn. The issue has been ongoing for years and when taken into the dealership they claimed to not be able to reproduce the failure. This is because the issue is sporadic and unpredictable when it may occur. There are many forums I have found identifying a great deal of others experiencing the same failure. This needs to be corrected by Nissan.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2023
Transmission went out at 59000 miles
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2023
UNKNOWN
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2022
My CVT transmission failed on my 2016 Nissan Altima. I almost had an accident on the expressway. These transactions fail often on these Nissans. My warranty has expired. Nissan refused to compensate me. There needs to be a recall on them.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2022
Delayed acceleration when placing foot on gas pedal , eventually acceleration completely went out, took car to dealership to get fixed was told cvt transmission needed replacement in order to fix problem, got replaced lasted about 3 weeks and vehicle again is delaying in acceleration when gas pressed down
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2022
My vehicle stalls whenever I am stopped, and will not move , then it accelerate really fast, sometimes it loses speeds in which I can not accelerate the vehicle. I have taken this vehicle to 3 mechanical shops and no can tell me what the problem is. I have had this problem since I purchased the vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2022
The car hesitates accelerating. After coming to a complete stop, when the gas pedal is pressed, the car will not go. This happens after in town driving for about 20 min or so when it stops and goes, stops and goes. The gas pedal will be pressed and the rpms will be going up but the car just sits there until all of a sudden taking off. No warnings appear. I explained issues to service techs at Nissan and they were able to replicate it and attempted to repair but it is doing it again less than a month later. It has been very dangerous especially when trying to merge into oncoming traffic.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2022
My 2016 Altima is experiencing a sporadic delay when accelerating from a stop. It won’t rev or do anything for a couple of seconds no matter how far down the pedal is. Then all of a sudden it’ll go. There is no check engine light and no codes. If I turn the car off, it’s like it resets and has more power afterwards.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2022
My car only have 85000 mile on it and it jerks sometimes and was told it was a Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance and after doing research a lot of people transmission are doing the same thing. Nissan should be made to fix the problem
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.