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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 391

Of the 2017 reports, 24 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train133 reports · 34% of complaints
Owner complaints391Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship3 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train133
  2. Air bags73
  3. Other or unspecified62
  4. Vehicle speed control41
  5. Engine39
  6. Electrical system27
  7. Service brakes19
  8. Exterior lighting18

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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 Owner’s 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

391 reports, newest first.

  1. Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2023

    The rear O2 sensor failed on my 2017 Nissan Altimas with only 29,900 miles on it and it cost me almost $400.00 to replace it.This is a part that should easily last for 150,000 miles. The failure of this part affects public safety by causing abnormally high emissions if not replaced. This failed component is identical to the recall issued in 2022 which covers the rear O2 sensor for 2013 - 2016 Nissan Altimas for 20 years or 200,000 miles. 2017 models should be covered under the same recall as it is the same problem and same part (even the same part number) which was covered under the 2013 - 2016 recall and I hope the NHTSA will pursue this on my behalf.

  2. Air bags, Jul 6, 2023

    The airbag light turned on and will stay on. The car was taken into the dealership for inspection and diagnose the problem. The vehicle has only 36,000 miles and it has not been involved in an accident. The dealership advised that the front driver side airbag module needs to be replaced. The price quoted for this is over $3k. The service advisor advised that even with replacing the part that we may need to replace further parts due to this problem. Nissan consumer affair was contacted, and they have denied helping with this problem due to the vehicle being out of warranty because of the age of the vehicle. Airbag may or may not deploy and that does NOT make me feel safe when driving.

  3. Air bags, Jul 2, 2023

    My nissan altime 2017 has 35000 miles on it. My car has never been into any accident. The Airbag warning light was on June 2023 and I sent it to the Cost Mesa/CA dealer to check (if there was no issue identified, they would still charge $200 for examination; but if anything need to be fixed/replaced, the $200 would go to part of the repair fee). They reported that the battery was low and caused the issue. They replaced the battery ($280) and reset the warning light. But now, one week later, the airbag warning light is on again and I will sent it to the dealer to check again. Nissan should check/recall their 2017 Alitma airbag system given some many filed reports. It is hard to not relate this airbag problem with the airbag recall on previous 2013-2016 Altima models.

  4. Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2023

    April-May, Key fob not being recognized so changed the battery in key fob 4 times. May, Driving at 55MPH on I495 beltway, pushed on gas and did not get gas. Immediately put on flasher and drifted to right curb. Dashboard was still lit. Turned the car off. Within minutes restarted the car and went where I was going. I had AutoZone run a diagnostic and they said the car was fine. Drove another couple of weeks before it happened again. This time the car would not restart and I was stopped in a very dangerous location so I had AAA tow it to my residence. The next day the car started. I drove another two weeks before reoccurring. I was able to drive it home and it has been parked. There are never any warning, check engine light, etc. A Nissan mechanic told me the symptoms I told him sounds like an issue with the sensor mobilizer. I Google searched and found a recall for the Nissan Rogue but not the Nissan Altima. I did a VIN report and it showed 0 recalls. I definitely have a serious safety issue. Without warning the car gets no response from the gas pedal.

  5. Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2023

    I got this car 2 weeks ago and 4 days after i got it, I was driving on the free way when it started lunging forward and slowing down. There was a car behind me that almost hit me because the car was malfunctioning. This problem caused danger to me and others on the road.

  6. Structure, Jun 13, 2023

    I was driving my nissan altima when the recall hood latch let my hood open.Yes my car is available for inspection. I was driving on public road when the hood open with out any warning. It stop me from see the road and cars in front of me. Yes they replaced the recalled hood latch again. They did not fix the damages that happened to my car but give me the run a round. Now my windshield is broke, both finders are damaged and the hood is dented. Sutherlin Nissan in Cherokee County is where they replaced the recall hood latch and told me to get quote from ny body shop of choosing and send to Nissan Consumer affairs and they told me that Sutherlin Nissan should have runned it thru warranty. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the hood open.

  7. Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2023

    Nissan has a very serious safety concern that if not remedied I will have to take action elsewhere. My 2017 altima lags and sputters randomly. I was almost hit today when I turned from an intersection and the car slowed down in the middle of the intersection. I demand more information about this issue and how to fix it within reasonable price range. The dealer couldn't find a problem. This is a huge problem that could cost many people their lives and money I do not have right now.

  8. Suspension, Jun 1, 2023

    Both front springs broke at 30k miles.

  9. Air bags, Seat belts, May 31, 2023

    The seat belt light stays on even when I have mines on and nobody is sitting in the passenger seat and the airbag light goes on and off for no reason

  10. Electrical system, May 23, 2023, fire

    I was at work, the car was parked and off for more than 4 hours, came out and my car was on fire. Passenger driver side, at that point me and coworkers were rushing buckets of water and dumping them on my car. The fire department investigated and it was the cooling fan wiring that caused the fire.

  11. Power train, May 19, 2023

    The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the transmission had a defective solenoid. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

  12. Other or unspecified, May 11, 2023

    Nissan of Cerritos knowingly and with malice sold me a defective car. The car has a delayed acceleration issue. It is the most helpless feeling to be in such danger everyday due to this ongoing CVT defect. My life and passenger lives is in danger because I never know when the issue will occur.

  13. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2023

    My car is periodically not accelerating at a stop when I push on the gas pedal.

  14. Exterior lighting, May 5, 2023

    Headlights are continuing to get Dimmer. I was never notified by Nissan regarding the replacement campaign

  15. Power train, Apr 24, 2023

    CVT Transmission issues The car looses power starts high RPM and will not shift then accelerator fails to respond altogether causing car to suddenly slowdown in traffic. This is second time this has happened; first occurrence was on 3/27/22. the dealership reprogramed the cars computer that time. 4/23/23 This time I had to have the car towed back to the dealership.

  16. Power train, Apr 11, 2023

    Transmission jerk and stalling

  17. Air bags, Mar 31, 2023

    Air bag light continues to turn on, possibly making side air bag inoperable. The dealership tells us that dirt or debris getting under the front seat can cause the airbags to malfunction.

  18. Power train, Mar 23, 2023

    The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while making a left turn and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

  19. Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2023

    I was driving my 2017 Nissan Altima SV, today on 3/3/23, and had just got on to a busy highway. I had my foot on the gas pedal trying to get to 60 mph. However, the car wouldn't accelerate past 40mph and was making a humming noise, even as I floored it. I looked to see if the car was in another gear but it was in drive. I had to pull the to slow lane and try to find a place to turn off. I came to an intersection where I had to stop, and again, couldn't accelerate to the 60mph that other traffic was traveling. It would only go about 40mph. People were changing lanes to pass me in busy Friday afternoon traffic. I finally found a shopping center to stop as I didn't want to get on the freeway to get home. I stopped the car but ended up eventually getting on the freeway and didn't have the problem again for the 15 miles. No check engine light came on at all during the acceleration problems. I have been researching the problem and the car may have gone into limp mode. I am taking the car to the shop tomorrow. I don't drive the car a lot, and it doesn't have a lot of miles on it, so I'm very surprised and terrified now to drive the car. I've been reading people with Altimas saying they have had a hard time getting a diagnosis for this problem because it doesn't occur sometimes at the shop. It's distressing to think this problem may come and go and I could be in 70mph traffic on a busy freeway, which I often am. I have not been in an accident, so no inspections until tomorrow when I go to the mechanic. This if the first time this has happened and I had no indication there could be a problem. I have barely been driving my car for the past two years as I have been working remotely. I bought Nissan 100% because it had a good reputation, but now I'm reading about this weird and potentially deadly problem.

  20. Air bags, Feb 28, 2023

    Passenger Air Bag light is on and is available for inspection. Concern: Safety of Passenger if air bag will not deploy. A Nissan dealership twice turned it off but the light keeps returning. Originally Nissan said the sensor was unplugged. The second time they didn't comment but the light was off when car was returned to me. I was happily not charged on either visit. The light first came on in January 2021 and I had less than 28,000 miles on the car and my car has never been in an accident. Please note there was a recall for a faulty air bag sensor on 2016 Nissan Altimas. My Altima was on the assembly line in 2016 but is a 2017 model. I requested help from Nissan's home office but was directed to your website. Since my car was on the assembly line in 2016, why isn't it included in the recall? Nissan will not honor the recall for my car.

  21. Air bags, Feb 19, 2023

    Air bags have stop working

  22. Power train, Feb 8, 2023

    From a stop the car is delayed when trying to drive for 5 secs then takes off like a slingshot. I see a lot people have been complaining about this issue with no resolve. Last Nissan I will ever purchase.

  23. Air bags, Feb 1, 2023

    The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the warning light was reset; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the diagnostic codes were cleared, and the vehicle was test driven; however, the failure persisted. A Nissan warranty inspector recommended the replacement of the front driver's side air bag module, the driver's air bag and the air bag sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the warranty unless the driver's side air bag module completely failed. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

  24. Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2023

    Headlights are dim. I am aware that there is a settlement in place where Nissan extended the warranty to 6 years. My car is in this warranty period. The headlights are dim and getting worse, I have taken it to the Nissan dealership and they test them and note that there is not a problem, but it is difficult to drive at night and it is a safety issue.

  25. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2023

    After stopping at red light, Vehicle could not go more than 10mph. Stop the vehicle, turn off and restarted, now Vehicle could not go further or reverse. Luckly, at the intersection, i did not get into accident. My Altima is at 65000 miles. Nissan Altima CVT had an issue and need to recall for this fix. I saw Nissan did recall up to 2016 Altima, some reason, they did not include 2017 Altima. Please take a look into 2017 Altima data from Repair and Dealers shop to find out how much consumers are paying out and got into safety issue.