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
391 reports, newest first.
Power train, Nov 10, 2021
The transmission seems to be going. Car will not accelerate accordingly and randomly slows down in traffic. Holding the accelerator to the floor on a small incline I could only reach 44mph. I live in an area that has no shoulders and this could be a very dangerous situation.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2021
The car delays to accelerate from a stopped position. While sitting at traffic lights you can press the gas all the way to the floor and the car will not accelerate for a few seconds and then slingshot you forward. After this happens the car will not change gears and revs to 5000 RPMs while in the middle of traffic. If you can safely pull off to the side of the road and turn the car off for a few seconds and restart it, the car resumes to function normally. This is extremely dangerous, especially when making left hand turns with children in the car. In my research, this a known problem to Nissan and there has been no recall.
Air bags, Nov 1, 2021
The system failure is the airbag I'm not sure if it is a malfunction or what. It started as staying on when I start car then would go away. Then I notice it just come up and would stay on. I made appointment for dealership to take a assessment and they would not look unless I pay ahead to have it seen. I don't feel safe to drive my vehicle that this could be a serious matter. It has been a while now about 3 months now.
Air bags, Oct 29, 2021
Hello I’m not sure how to actually go about this. Just looking for a little clarification or guidance, I purchased my 2017 Nissan Altima from a dealership March 2020. Two weeks ago the airbag popped on that it’s no longer working and I’m not understanding why I haven’t been in any accidents or anything. It doesn’t make any sense to me that I took the car to Nissan and it cost 1700 just for the part that’s not including labor. Is this happening to all Nissans and where do I go from here? That’s a lot of money just for parts.
Air bags, Oct 13, 2021, crash
1. Air Bag: Car was released from towing company to Progressive as total loss vehicle. 2. Component did not deploy when hit by an 18 wheeler. 3. Unknown, being in the crash as well as post crash visual evidence proves non deployment. 4. Total loss was declared and car was released to Progressive. 5. No warning or error was present in dashboard.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 10, 2021
I am driving for about 40min my nissan stop accelerating. I can floor the gas pedal. It will not increase speed. My speed starts to decline . I can't go faster. I have to put my hazard lights on and coast to get of freeway. No check engine lights no warning. I have taken it to nissan to get updated soft ware. Still no warnings no codes. I paid 150 for them to tell me nothings is wrong. Clearly something is wrong.
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
The transmission without any advance issue or problem began to shimmy and shake the entire car . The car slowed down to less than 10 mph while jerking forcefully . The car is and was serviced regularly at Nissan in Murfreesboro Tennessee. There was no warning. Nissan was called and they picked up car on roll back. They said transmission failed. This was at mileage less than 100,000 actual mileage was 93,404. The invoice number is 6088347/1 dated 5/16/20. This happened in traffic and is a definite safety issue. Nissan should not be permitted to continue building and selling these faulty c v t transmissions, continuing to put our life’s in jeopardy and financially devastating us. Your form will not allow us to put the date of incident 5/15/2020 the form will not change from sept 2021 you might want to fix this.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact called the local dealer, but they failed to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Sep 21, 2021
Transmission stopped working while driving the car, at relatively low mileage. No warning lights. Car would just no longer accelerate.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2021
I allege odometer tampering. I purchased the vehicle on 03/21/2021 with 74,826 miles. I found a smog document in the car which reflects the vehicle was smogged on 02/06/2021 with 75,526 miles.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Seat belts, Aug 31, 2021
I went to buckle my sons seat and as I went to tighten the belt the seat belt came completely out of buckle. And will not stop doing it everytime I go to tighten his seat its clean no debris i checked that but when i go to tighten it pops right out Its very unsafe and I fear that if a accident ever happened he could be ejected out the car now.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2021
My airbag light came on 2 weeks ago. I took it to Nissan and was told I had no error codes, but if the airbag light came back on to bring it back. The light came on again yesterday. I returned to Nissan to be informed that the airbag has to be replaced. Meaning the entire passenger seat has to be replaced because that is where the airbag is located. Nearly $2,000 to repair it. All of the 17 Nissan models have the airbag recall except for the 17 Altima which is what I have.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 8, 2021
At certain times the front impact radar will say it is blocked or not functioning. Twice it has actually applied the brakes with nothing in front of it. Now the air bag light is on and will not go off.
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
Power train, Jul 14, 2021
MY 2017 ALTIMA SR IS AGAIN EXPERIENCING A DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. IT REVS UP TO ABOUT 3500-4000 RPM’S FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN THE PEDAL IS. ONLY GETS UP TO ABOUT 20 MPH THOUGH. THEN IT WILL FINALLY 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. THIS HAPPENED 14 MONTHS AGO AS WELL. I HAD TO SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS OK AFTER THAT. NOT EVEN 18,000 MILES LATER AND IT IS DOING IT AGAIN.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the hood could not be opened. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA recall campaign number 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2021
Had to replace rear brake pads at 21,100 miles…very odd to have to replace at such a low mileage. Also, the major issue I’m having is with water leaking into my car…the dealership first said they thought it was due to clogged sunroof drains….they were wrong…took it back after issue still happening, and now they are saying that the sunroof drains are deformed…the water is coming in from under the dash onto the passenger side of the floor and going to the back. Also, leaking from the top edge onto the passenger seat. There also is some water on the driver seat, and the driver’s seatbelt feels damp. Under both the passenger & driver’s seat there is rust….this car was brand new when I got it. The car has heated/power seats. I’m concerned that this water damage may cause other issues down the road..including safety issues. Rust and mold are not good. There also is a bad odor.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2021, crash
1).Sometimes I can smell exhaust gas inside the car room like in my previous car Nissan Maxima SE 2008, which is extremely dangerous. 2).The rear camera works no so well - sometimes rearview disappearing completely. Also, approximately a year ago, I received a letter regarding Nissan Altima SV 2017 recall(s). I contacted several different Nissan dealers in Miami but nobody knows about the recall. Could you explain please what is going on with recalls? Thanks.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2021
Speakers randomly stop working during a drive. No longer will come. Back on. As well as the door button to unlock the vehicle on the door handle on the driver side doesn't work at all and constant stereo issues. Stereo doesn't always provide connected devices current song playing.
Structure, Jun 22, 2021
Car was parked luckily but when door was shut the sunroof exploded like a volcano
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2021
While driving, my car seems to lock up, for instance, I was driving down the highway, doing 70 mph, and my car suddenly locked up, slowing me down to 55 mph within seconds, before it finally unlocked. Also, while I was breaking, the car accelerated, almost shooting me through a stop sign.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2021
Car purchased 5/21/2021 Experienced delayed acceleration twice after stopping, after approximately 2-4 seconds vehicle picked up momentum..Approximately 7days later engine light came on. 6/5/21 tool vehicle to Auto zone for diagnostic check received code P0776. Then took it took certified mechanic 6/7/2021 received same code report stating that belt is worn in the transmission and will eventually fail.
Power train, May 1, 2021
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY VEHICLE HAS LONG DELAY, EVEN WITH PEDAL PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, AN INTERMITTENT DELAY AT A FULL STOP, WHEN TAKING OFF VEHICLE HAS A 5 SECOND DELAY, GURGLING SOUND COMING FROM TRANSMISSION DURING IDLE, RPMS REV WAY HIGHER THAN THEY SHOULD WHEN ACCELERATING, JERKING FROM TRANSMISSION WHEN AT A SLOW ACCELERATION THROUGH PARKING LOTS AND SUCH, DELAYED ACCELERATION ALSO CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE A WRECK, PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC AT A SLOW ROLL BECAUSE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO AND THEN VEHICLE TOOK OFF FULL SPEED