2018 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 225 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 11 involved a crash. 6 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
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 19V654000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
225 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Aug 25, 2026
The passenger‑side airbag warning light first appeared within the first year of ownership. During that visit, the dealership did not repair the defect. They only reset the warning light and told me it was not a problem. No diagnostic documentation or repair explanation was provided, and the underlying issue was not addressed. The warning light returned in April 2026, showing the same unresolved defect. The dealership stated the repair would cost approximately $2,000 and said neither the Certified Pre‑Owned warranty nor the extended warranty would cover the airbag system. This contradicts the nature of the failure and the prior visit, where the defect was dismissed instead of repaired. This is a repeat failure involving a federally regulated safety component. The airbag system may not deploy properly, and the vehicle has been operating with an unresolved safety defect since the initial visit. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership, and the warning lamp continues to illuminate. The defect has not been corrected by the manufacturer, despite multiple attempts to seek assistance.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 17, 2026
While driving at regular road speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic safety component failure. The primary hood latch disengaged, and the secondary safety backup latch failed to catch or secure the hood. This caused the hood to violently slam completely open against the front windshield without warning, instantly and totally obscuring forward vision while the vehicle was in motion. This failure created an immediate, extreme crash risk for the vehicle occupants and other drivers on the road. Prior to the incident, there were absolutely no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or audible symptoms indicating a problem with either latch mechanism. The failed latch mechanism and the damaged vehicle have been safely preserved and are fully available for a complete inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or reproduced by a dealer, independent service center, the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, as the failure just occurred. This vehicle model and year are direct subjects of NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 20V-315 for this exact dangerous secondary latch defect, and the vehicle suffered the precise catastrophic safety failure detailed in that federal manufacturer safety bulletin. ]
Power train, Jul 7, 2026
I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043. I was advised that even though there was a class action suit in 2022 for CVT issues, my CVT Warranty Extension expired on 12/09/2024 for this class action suit. I purchased the car in May of 2025. The dealership failed to mention the class action suit or there were problems with the transmission. Since this is a well known issues, I am requesting help with the cost of repairs.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2026
So I have the 2.5L QR25DE engine with the exact exhaust failure from campaign PC717, and I need Goodwill Assistance because the part failed identically.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2026
Transmission stopped working on me in the highway cvt code that comes up is P17f0 was in the highway going 45 mph then dropped 5 mph very dangerous. Almost crashed
Air bags, May 3, 2026
The warning light on the dash is indicating that there is a problem with the airbag. I took it to a Nissan Dealership and was told that the side airbag needed to be replaced. I was quoted $3,241.41labor only. I was told there was no recall. I certainly don't want there to be a collision and it doesn't deploy as it should. So I would like to report this issue in the event this has happened to others.
Power train, Apr 14, 2026
The problem is I have that transmission in my car that nissan was sued for . Yes I received a extended warranty 85 months or 85,000 miles . My transmission started going out as soon I rolled over 85,000. Dealer told me the warranty was no good. Now it's sitting in the yard. All I can do is make the payment. Not only am I making payments but I have to keep insurance and tags for a car I can't drive!!!! I sent nissan an email but I get no response! I desperately need help! My fiancee dream car turned into a nightmare. Thanks! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2026
In 2022, there was a recall on the hood latch system. At that time the dealership was able to spray a substance on the latch and close out the recall instead of replacing the latch. Now my car is having issues with the latch that should’ve been replaced from the start. Therefore, the solution during the recall only prolonged the issue and did not fix the issue. There hasn’t been an accident, as of now. However, this could cause an extreme situation and put everyone’s safety at risk.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2026
While driving my Nissan Altima 2018 on Sunday 2-1 the indicator light came on. I looked it up in the manual to the car and it stated it was something with the air bag. I took it to the Larry Miller Nissan Mesa AZ. Wednesday, 2-4. According to them I was told the light indicated the air bag would not deployed if I were in an accident. That is life threating. This is report I got from them: They checked for codes found code B0020-13 store din air bag followed the diagnosis procedure as per the ESM to inspect the air bag seta harness to be okay connected first step is to replace the LH side air bag module as per the DTC. They told me it would cost $3,247.44 to fix. I know there was a recall on the air bag for my make and model but unknown to me when it was posted. My car have always ran like a new vehicle to this day until this happen. It should be considered a manufacture issue and should be repaired by the manufacture.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 12, 2026
Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but yet this thing just keeps turning itself off while you're on the highway or local road... I will list when the first problem started happening and then we know when the other ones start happening consecutively afterwards.. electrical issue front passenger door will not open automatically Putting my passenger at risk
Suspension, Engine, Jan 7, 2026
NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE
Air bags, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the halogen headlights failed to function as intended and were dimmed, which reduced the visibility of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where the headlight assembly and bulbs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact learned that the headlights on Nissan vehicles were experiencing failure due to a delaminating reflector defect. The contact learned that the heat from the halogen beams was causing heat damage to the reflective surface. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The driver seat airbag module is defective and requires replacement. It is available for inspection at Northlake Kia or any authorized Nissan service center upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective driver seat airbag module may fail to deploy properly in a collision, placing the driver at serious risk of injury or death. This defect also endangers passengers and other road users in the event of an accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The defect was confirmed by Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025 during vehicle inspection. The dealership stated that the part is defective and must be replaced immediately. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Northlake Kia, an authorized Nissan service center. The manufacturer (Nissan Consumer Affairs) has been notified but has not yet provided a resolution or replacement part. There has been no involvement by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. and before thats what prompted me to bring the vehicle in to be serviced. Upon inspection at Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025, the dealership identified the driver airbag module defect. The airbag warning light was illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction in the airbag system.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2025
My Nissan Altima's power door locks failed making entry and egress sometimes impossible. While the key will unlock the driver's door, rear seat passengers have been unable to exit the vehicle without assistance due to the door being locked. Premature power door lock actuators in Nissan vehicles is reportedly a very common problem according to my research.
Air bags, Sep 25, 2025
Suddenly airbag light has steady on when start engine. Scanner shows has failed code L4 and failed to reset.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2025
I purchased this vehicle last month from Anderson in cockeysville, Md. last week the airbag light came on. I was able to take it to them today 9-15-25 where they at first told me I was over the 1,000miles warranty so I’d have to deal with it on my own. After speaking with a manager, he agreed to take it to Nissan to get a determination.
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2025
The headlights on my 2018 Altima SL are INCREDIBLY dim. I have tried two different LED manufacturer's bulbs with the same result. It is beyond dangerous to drive my car at night. Sadly, my floodlights are FAR brighter than my low beams. There are countless complaints for this issue over the past few years. It sounds like their solution was less than desirable for most customers. This should be an actual recall to ensure that the Hundreds of thousands (probably more) of the 2013- 2018 Altimas on the road are safe for the drivers as well as the cars around them. This issue is ridiculous and MUST be corrected.
Exterior lighting, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle had identical stress fractures. The fractures allowed water to enter the headlight housings. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the headlight assembly replacements were not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
There is a recall for altimas from years 2019-2021 with an issue where the engine will not start after the battery light on the dashboard comes on. After a few minutes the car will start up and ride like normal. This also happens in the 2018 model of the altima. This happened to us multiple times. The battery is good, and there is no reason for the engine not to start right aqay. Why is there no recall for the 2018 models?
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 30, 2025
The driver's side door lock actuator stopped working around June 2024. Haven't replaced it yet, but bought another part. Read where others are having same issue. Just in the last couple of weeks, around June 15th, 2025, my rear driver's side door actuator stopped working as well. I have to crfrawl in from the other side and unlock the doors. Safety issue since the doors do not lock or unlock.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2025
Anytime I pull my hood release, my hood never opens & I hear no click .
Air bags, Jun 6, 2025
The airbag light in the dashboard always stays lit. It has been worked on at the dealership multiple times and they get it to go out only for it to come back on. It’s concerning not knowing if there is a problem with the airbags itself. This has been on going for years. It started around when my car had 34000-35000 miles on it.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2025
I’ve had to replace the break sensor a few times and it’s unusual… My check engine light came on and it reads the code for the catalyst converter.., the auto part store saw a recall on this for my make and model but not seeing it here . The code was cleared and hasn’t came back on yet but I’m anticipating it will .. these two issues need to be further looked into please
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2025
Took car for inspection check engine light on will not pass mechanic said same issueue as recall PC716. Said was under recall nissan recall does not include the vin so would not repair need to add vin to recall since it is same issue. Can not drive until repaired.