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
553 reports, newest first.
Seat belts, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about the diagnostic fees. The contact stated there was an extended warranty related to the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 96,200.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 9, 2022
I just purchased this vehicle with 93,000 miles and good condition. A warning or indicator light never comes on but sporadically I will be driving around 40-50mph & if I let off of the gas something happens where no matter how hard or fast I press the accelerator the car looses power. I can press the accelerator all the way to the floor & still not speed up. The car will slowly decrease speed until about 30mph or either I have to take my foot off of the accelerator totally & press hard about 1/4 on the accelerator to regain power. It feels like the pressure behind the accelerator disappears when all of this happens. There is no dimming of lights or anything obvious. It happens when my Mom drives also. I have lost power trying to pass a car or turn with oncoming traffic ahead. It scares me.
Air bags, Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer cleared and reset the air bag sensor however, after several months the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced; however, due to the cost for the repair the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,547.
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.
Power train, Jan 24, 2022
I was on the highway taking my newborn and my 2 year old home when the car was not going very fast when I went up a hill. I wasn’t sure what the issue was so I proceeded to drive my car the next day. I was driving at towards and intersection and my car did not stop at a red light, at a 4 way intersection. At this point my car did not signal a check engine light so I had no idea what the issue was. I put my car in park at the nearest parking lot and my check engine light came on. My check engine light is on at only 99,000 miles. I had my transmission fluid flushed and changed, the vehicle was running completely fine with no issues, 2 days later it was running as if the transmission had no fluid in it. The Nissan dealership said that the vehicle had internal damage to the transmission.
Air bags, Jan 21, 2022
Airbag light came on dashboard all of a sudden there was recall before with airbag I called Nissan is doing nothing that issue thanks please help
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2022
Low beams are extremely dim after bulb replacement. Dealership confirmed known issue. I hit debris in roadway due to low lighting causing damage to my undercarriage. No lamp warnings.
Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2021
I just purchased the car , they won’t service the car under there warranty so I decided to search the vin to find there is unresolved recall with the vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph when the head lamps had failed. The contact stated they now had to drive with the high beams illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who were unable to identify a failure. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the way the head lamps were made the halogen head lamps lacked a sealant to protect the head lamps from the heat of the vehicle causing them to fade over time. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 16, 2021
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT SHINE TOO WEAK . i REPLACED BULBS AND NOTHING IMPROVED. i SPOKE WITH REPAIR FACILITY AND SAID HEADLAMPS MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO KNOWN ISSUE INVOLVING PROJECTOR IN HOUSING FAILING. ONLINE REASEARCH CONFIRMS KNOWN ISSUE. i ALMOST CRASHED INTO PEOPLE AND A CAR TONIGHT DUE TO ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2021
Converter in transmission gave out and shot metal shreds into transmission and I had to replace the transmission
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2021
Delayed acceleration issue. I am stopped at a light or in traffic and I press on the gas to go and it does nothing at all. This is occurring at various intervals...it just happens. I have been stopped to cross intersection and when light turns green, the car does not go at all for several seconds, 6-10 seconds. No warning lights are on. I have read this is a known problem for Nissan and there is no recall or action taken on their part. How many people have to be hurt or potentially killed before action is taken. I have taken it to the dealer and they cannot reproduce problem because it does not happen all the time and their is not error or warning code.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Oct 19, 2021
The transmission has fail it accelerates on its own,jerking,hesitated
Power train, Oct 18, 2021
Starting at around 80k miles I noticed a bit of jerking and stalling while driving with no warning indicator and got it checked out 2 times and was told it was a battery issue and bought a new battery. After the battery replacement I noticed it was still continuing but I was not getting the transmission issue on the reader until one day I was completely stalled in traffic with my newborn baby and tried to floor the accelerator but was slowly moving that it triggered the check engine light and finally the transmission error came up on the reader. Nissan is fully aware of the ongoing issues with the CVT transmission and will not extend the warranty to cover their defective CVTs. The transmission has been replaced by my own extended warranty at the Nissan dealership but I am still experiencing the same jerking and slight stall when I accelerate.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 13, 2021
I have had this 2016 Nissan Altima SR for the past 5 years (1st owner) and it just began giving me acceleration issues about 2 months ago. At random times, while at a stop, reversing, doing a u-turn or changing gears, I step on the accelerator and it will not move. I have pushed all the way down on the accelerator and it won't budge for about 10 seconds, until then, it will just throw itself at a really high speed. There is no warning or light on the dashboard stating something is wrong. It does it at random times. There have been numerous times were I have been put at risk of a car accident because of this issue. Once, I was at a green light waiting to make a left, and when I had a chance to turn before the oncoming cars, I went for it, only to have the accelerator not work and go REALLY slowly (as if it was on neutral). At that speed, I was midway and the oncoming car was honking at me as it was getting closer. I kept stepping on the accelerator and nothing would happen. Luckily, a few seconds later it threw itself to a really high speed and I was able to make it before the oncoming car hit me. I have taken it to the dealer, only to find out I would be charged $169 for a diagnostics test and even then they wouldn't guarantee anything because it doesn't have any kind of warning light on the dashboard. The dealer then stated it could possibly be the transmission or throttle body. How is it possible for me to waste so much money on something the dealer itself is so unsure of the results? How can they guarantee they can fix the issue without happening again and possibly getting into an accident? I have heard of other Altima owners who have been told it is the transmission and they change it, only to have the same problems all over again. This issue really needs to be looked at before it gets more serious and cause devastating accidents. Thankfully it has not done that to me on the fwy yet.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 6, 2021
For the past two years I have been experiencing dim headlights. I have had them change twice and still cannot see 5 feet ahead of me. I was unaware that this could be a common problem with this model. Also, the passenger air light stays on even when no one is sitting in the seat. this problem started about six months ago. Now I think the transmission maybe starting to slip.
Power train, Air bags, Oct 5, 2021
Transmission seems to get stuck and not want to move at times. Airbag light on dash and some times shows pass air bag light off when there is a passenger in the seat.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021
My would stall at every stop I made. Would barely pick up speed. My first experience with it was on the highway and I had to put my hazard lights on and turn my car on and off to get it on the side of the road. I then called a Nissan dealership to see what’s wrong but they told me I needed a whole new transmission Was just recently informed that transmissions are prone to fail online. I purchased this car in April 2020 it’s only September 2021. But most definitely there needs to be a recall I could’ve been hit seriously.
Power train, Engine, Sep 10, 2021
I have jerking in what I believe to be the transmission when accelerating.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2021, crash
Upon arriving to my grandson's daycare, I applied by brake and put my car in park and suddenly my car accelerated at a fast speed. My car moved forward across an area that the children are usually playing in, but because it was raining they were inside. Thank God! I can't even imagine what would have happened. My car finally stopped because I was trying to avoid the daycare's shed, but hit the corner of the shed and this stopped the car. The air bag did not deploy as well. I am thankful to be alive and unharmed, but most thankful that no one else was harmed. My husband took photos of the brake marks on the pavement and grass and of the vehicle after collision with the shed and showing it was in park.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2021
My problem: While i was leaving work returning to my apartment my car (2016 Nissan Altima S ~ 2.4L, 4 cylinder, 75k miles, Black) was operating fine nothing out of the ordinary. As I approached a stop sign and stop my car it was still acting normal. However, as i accelerated to take my turn i notice that my car wasn’t moving normal it didn’t accelerate pass 15 mph but the RPM was going up it went up to 5k RPM with no speed change it felt like i was on neutral. (No, I wasn’t in neutral) it was on D i even placed the car in Ds to see if the problem was only on drive but the same problem occurred on Ds. As soon as i noticed that the car wasn’t accelerating and after the person who was driving behind me got mad i moved my car to the break down lane. I powered cycled the car (turn it off and back on) and it was functioning correctly. My friend had the same problem occur to his car which is Answer to Question: 1)I don’t know which specific part is the problem. I do know this isn’t the first case the same problem occurred on a 2015 Nissan Altima S i have a 2016 Nissan Altima S. This happened to the other car a few months prior to the date of my incident which happened August 30, 2021 at approximately 5pm. Yes, it’s available for inspection upon request. 2)My safety was put at risk because I couldn’t accelerate properly to turn my car so I basically slowly cruised into traffic luckily i was able to steer to the side of the road. 3)No, it has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The problem is it happened suddenly with no warning of any problems. I only have 75k highway miles on the car with no lights, no accidents, only 5 years old and is in great shape. What makes it difficult to be reproduced is the fact that the problem randomly occurs and when the car goes through a power cycle the problem disappears and reoccurs randomly. 4)There were no warning lights and no problem prior to the car and it first occurred August 30, 2021 at approximately 5pm.
Power train, Aug 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and deceleration. The contact had to place the key fob next to the push to start button to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact had to use a screwdriver to shift the gear shifter from park to drive, or into reverse. The vehicle also stalled after stopping at a stop sign and then lunged forward to accelerate. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was over the mileage warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021
I was driving the car was driving fine. No indicator lights came on to warn me. I drove to my cousin house. And when I turned the car off my doors didn’t unlock like they usually do. I tried to turn the car back on I wouldn’t do anything. The whole time my windows was up. I was stuck in the car . I had to climb out through my trunk. That is dangerous.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2021
This vehicle is a 2016 Nissan Altima with only has 36,000 miles. When driving this vehicle and stopping at a stop sign or traffic light the vehicle will not accelerate for a 10-30 seconds. No engine code or check engine light. This has happened two times when my wife drove the car and one time when I drove it. My wife will not drive this car anymore because she does not feel safe in it. She fears she will be rear ended or hit trying to make a turn. I talked to my local Nissan dealer today 8/19/2021 while having the hood latch recall done. The dealership didn't know anything about this problem with this or other Altimas but said it could be the valve body in the transmission ( without looking at the car, just my conversation) MMMMMMM. The dealership said they would charge me $130.00 to do a diagnostic check but without a check engine light it would not show anything and of course the car was doing fine when I went to there. This problem is sporadic and you don't know when it will occur again and can be very dangerous. I have looked at chat forums on google and see this is a big problem with Nissan Altimas of this model year generation. Thank you for your time.