2017 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 391 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 24 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 23 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 6, 2025
Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.
Power train, Engine, Oct 30, 2025
Check engine light came on at approximately 96,000 miles in which vehicle would have a delayed acceleration upon stepping on gas pedal or going up hills. Took it to 3 different mechanics including Nissan dealer and all confirmed a CVT failure and need a replacement. Nissan of America is refusing to help even after there have been documented lawsuits and known issues with the CVT failing. This is unsafe and a recall is needed not just an extended warranty that doesn’t help consumers who are over the 7 years but still under 100,000 miles like me.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. I couldn't accelerate pass 35-40 mph when I was driving. Thankfully it was bumper to bumper traffic.
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed.
Engine, Jul 19, 2025
2017 Nissan Altima with CVT transmission losses acceleration while driving.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine and oxygen sensor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the oxygen sensor warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken for an oil change and the certified mechanic determined that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the #4-cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized, and the contact used a key to unlock the gear shifter. The contact also became aware that the oil level was continually low. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic again, who tested the cylinders and diagnosed and determined that the cylinders had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Engine, Jun 5, 2025
I need to preface this by stating I fundamentally don’t understand how an issue that directly results in the failure of inspection which dictates road safety/emissions quality and was identified by two mechanics as a part known to fail cannot be under a recall. The part addressed is #14001-3TA1E but more specifically it is an issue with the value position sensor. It is a small part which dicates whether the Swirl or tumble control activates which triggers the P2004. If you look up the code it’s common side effects are as follows: Decrease in low-end engine torque: You may notice a decrease in acceleration, particularly at low RPM levels. Engine surging or sputtering: The engine may run unevenly, particularly when starting up. Sluggishness: The vehicle may feel less responsive to the throttle. Difficulty reaching higher speeds: You may find it challenging to accelerate quickly or reach your desired speed. Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly and potentially stall at low speeds or while idling. 2. Decreased Fuel Economy: The IMRC system's primary function is to optimize the air/fuel mixture for different driving conditions. When it's not functioning correctly due to being stuck open, it can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 3. Check Engine Light (CEL) Illumination: The Check Engine Light (or Service Engine Soon Light) will likely illuminate when the P2004 code is triggered. This is often the first indicator that something is wrong. 4. Potential for Severe Engine Damage: This is the most critical side effect. If the hardware for the IMRC butterfly valve plates becomes loose and falls into the engine, it can cause severe engine damage or even engine failure. This being said you would think it would be an easily replacable part. Not in the slightest you have to buy an entire manifold 1300 msrp through nissan with no gurantee of it fixing the light. I have had instances of stalling / sluggishness since it has come on. This seems imparitive to vehicle safety.
Engine, May 11, 2025
CVT Transmission issue. This Car has delayed acceleration.
Engine, May 5, 2025
Car loses acceleration while driving. Problems with CVT engine
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
I was driving my vehicle, and the vehicle had a unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while exiting a car wash, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC code: P0130 (Oxygen Sensor). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 4, 2024
Engine control unit failure
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, inadvertently shifting between gears, and then lost motive power. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,960.
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
The CVT transmission stopped working there was no warning or anything it just stopped. There was no warning light or anything, we took it to a mechanic and they confirmed that the transmission went out. I called the dealership where i bought it and they said they can’t do anything and i have no warranty. We were driving on the interstate and it just randomly stopped working which was incredibly dangerous.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Power train, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure continued and became persistent. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was almost rear-ended by a semi-trailer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed 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 108,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving on the highway, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and then independently decelerated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact then stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the gear shifter failed to engage. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Jun 30, 2022
Transmission failure at 78,000 miles.
Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact 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 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Jan 19, 2022, crash
The transmission on my 2017 Nissan Altima is stalling. It stall when I accelerate and in the middle of driving. This is a safety issue and has caused me to be in a recent accident.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2021
Transmission problems Brake system is horrible, constantly have to replace brakes and rotors Powertrain and other problems I've made several complaints to Nissan, I have put so much money in this car! Compressor went out almost 7 months after I purchased this car. I would give Nissan a 0 rating on the 2017 Nissan Altima
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was slow to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The rpm increased to 4,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,700.
Suspension, Engine, Mar 9, 2021
ALL THE SUDEN I WILL START MY CAR AND GIVE IT GAS AND WILL NOT MOVE AS IF IT WAS BEING FORCE TO RUN. THIS HAS HAPPEN MANY TIME AFTER THIS DAY.
Engine, Feb 14, 2021
CAR STOPPED WHEN ON STOP LIGHT WAS IN MOTION AND NEVER CAME BACK HAVE TO TOWE THE CAR . SOME TIME IT START AND SOMETIME NOT . SO IT'S SCARY IF YOU PRESS THE BRAKE AND STOPS AND SOMEONE FROM BEHIND CAN HIT YOU .
Power train, Engine, Dec 27, 2020
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP IN EARLY 2019. WENT TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP QUOTED US $5600 FOR THE REPAIR OF A REBUILT. WE LOOKED AT THE ERROR CODE AND SAW THAT ALL OTHER YEARS AND MODELS HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE EXACT SAME ERROR. NISSAN TOLD US THEY WOULD GIVE US "ASSISTANCE" AT 60%, WHICH STILL WAS OVER $1600 EXPENSE, FOR A CAR JUST 2 YEARS OLD. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK IT RIGHT BACK. NISSAN INFORMED ME IT WAS A FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR. COST ANOTHER $800. WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 9, 2020
I WAS DRIVING MY 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE WHEN MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE OR GO. AS I'M ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, MY GAUGES ARE JUMPING BUT STILL NO MOVEMENT. EVENTUALLY AFTER ME TRYING PARK/NEUTRAL, THEN BACK IN DRIVE, IT JERKED INTO GEAR. ONCE IN GEAR, MY RPM GAUGE STARTED SURGING UP AND DOWN, CAR JENKINS OUT OF CONTROL. I COASTED TO A NEARBY STORE WHERE MY DAD TOWED TO HOME, TO CHECK IT OUT. ATTEMPED TO TRY AND TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, AND IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME EXACT THING. NISSAN HAS PUT A FAULTY CVT IN THE 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO NO ONE.