NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Nissan Altima. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The passenger seat airbag detection system consistently mis-characterizes whether a passenger is in the seat. The vehicle should have been covered under the 2016 recall - before I owned it. The website doesn’t show any outstanding recall items, but the problem persists.
The hood to my car randomly unlatched and smashed my windshield while I was going 30mph.
I made a left turn out of my work parking lot and felt a clunk. Shortly afterward, the car started shaking violently at about 10 mph. I relocated it to the Nissan dealer near my workplace and they discovered the rear lower link/control arm was fractured from rust deterioration. I was advised that they had previously had an extended warranty for that item. I told them i was never made aware of that warranty and reached out to Nissan. They told me that because I “failed” to keep track of my warranty i was out of the window on that repair being covered. I asked how i was to know about the issue if not for the part snapping? He insisted that they sent notices (to the address i lived at when i purchased the car in 2015). He then advised that since work was already started on the car there was likely nothing they could do to offer a goodwill adjustment since I’d agreed to the repair. He advised me that i should have called before bringing the car in (to check the status on a warranty i had no idea existed). I take the tollway home. 5 minutes later and i could have died.
I drove the car and 1min after it loses control and we checked it and found out the rear suspension lower control arm broke off from the subframe
At speed, my wife was driving and without warning was pulled into oncoming traffic. Thank goodness, no accident. A completely failed and broken rear control arm (photo attached). I was told Nissan offered an extended 10 year warranty for this. We were 10 months beyond that. This is no exaggeration, people will be killed because of this. The part literally separated in 2, causing the wheel to immediately slant at a near 45-degree outward angle and shoot ther car forcefully across the lane. One day prior she was on the expressway in [XXX] . I can’t imagine the outcome there. To make this an extended warranty item and not a recall to me is this agency not looking out for the citizens of this country. Nissan is protected, but that should not be this agencies mission. This should be a recall. I can’t imagine how many thousands of people are out there this very day with this suspension part right at the breaking point. We received no notice about this extended warranty, no notice that would have prompted me to have it checked out. It was an accident-bomb waiting to explode. The repair was $1500, and despite having a part Nissan themselves admit is prone to failure, they are dodging the financial ramifications of their inadequate part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that in September 2025, an unknown hood latch recall repair was performed by the dealer, but six months later, while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the hood, the hood failed to open. The contact state while driving approximately 65 MPH, the hood unexpectedly popped open. The contact stopped, pulled over to the side of the road, and closed the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,944.
I didn't have a accident or got stopped by the police. I can't see anything at night from my headlights I wasn't aware of the recall in 2022. I may have gotten a letter but I do not recall. I would not be reaching out to you all if it was not affecting my driving at night & is really bad we have a bew black top road on [XXX] I can't even see the road properly nor the shoulder but when I put on my bright lights I can and I also live off of [XXX] & there are no street lights. Could someone please assist me on this matter involving my headlights. Thank you & have a Blessed day! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The transmission failed in my 2015 Nissan Altima. The check engine light is currently on due to a defective transmission. While I understand that Nissan extended the transmission warranty by two years or 24,000 miles following a class action lawsuit, I find this coverage completely unreasonable, insufficient and irresponsible, and most importantly unsafe. My vehicle has only 83,800 miles and has been well-maintained, yet the transmission still failed. While driving in the freeway in San Diego, the vehicle suddenly lost complete transmission engagement and power. My vehicle was almost rear ended by multiple cars. The check engine light appeared after the transmission failure. A Nissan dealer later confirmed the vehicle needs a new transmission. Nissan and NHTSA should have done a complete recall after the class action lawsuit against Nissan for putting faulty transmission on Altimas 2015.
When backing out of my garage the driver's side rear lower control arm catastrophically broke. Thankfully, I was traveling at slow speed so it did not cause and accident. This is a major safety concern for other Altima drivers and the drivers and occupants of vehicles around them if this type of failure would occur at highway speeds. This is a known issue for as there was an investigation which closed last year. That is unacceptable and there should be a recall. This is a severe product defect and the manufacturer should be held responsible.
Rear lower passenger side control arm snapped
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and caused the vehicle to shift into the left lane. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and repositioned the vehicle into the intended lane, but the vehicle felt unstable as if the vehicle was driving on ice. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The contact drove to the residence. The contact’s husband reversed the vehicle into the garage, exited the vehicle and became aware that the rear passenger’s wheel was pushed into the wheel well, revealing that the rear control arm was fractured. The contact stated that the rear control arm had fractured while driving, causing the vehicle to veer into another lane. While reversing in the driveway, the control arm completely detached, and the wheel fell inward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.
Rear Lower Link failure. The car has 145,XXX miles on it. I live in Wisconsin where we use Salt. I was driving the vehicle and hit a pot hole and the Driver Rear Lower Link failed in January 2026. Calling the dealer for repair I was informed of P9324 which did not cover my car. I bought replacement parts from Nissan to replace the Rear lower Links on both sides. Driver side had failed already and Passenger side was ready to fail also. I called Nissan support and I was informed that my car had a warranty extension on the Rear lower links through April 27 2025. this notice was sent to the wrong address so I was not aware of it. Also the Rear Lower link failed after the warranty extension. Nissan call person said there is nothing they can do for me. This is a know failure point Nissan know this by offering a warranty extension and P9324. All Altima's that used this same Rear lower link should have been included in P9324. Control of the car was compromised and harder to drive and not recommended with this failure. No need to reproduce failure as the part broke. No inspection besides my self as the dealer told me $500+ in labor to repair, I repaired my self. No warnings. Part can be inspected for 1 week then it will be disposed of. Pictures are attached.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Low beam headlights delaminated so there is not enough light to see safely at night. I replaced the entire headlight units after just replacing the bulbs to see if that would fix it
I was driving going 60 mph on the highway when then I felt as I was sliding on as in the rear when my steering wheel immediately shifted right hard . I was able to pull over safely without causing an accident . My steering where was a quarter turned to the right while my car was still driving straight. Due to excessive rust from an unknown source my control completely snapped in half while the vehicle was in motion.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights would independently dim. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign Number: PC861; however, the warranty had expired in March 2022. Another local dealer was contacted for a second opinion, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Right rear passenger rear tire assembly broke off from frame of vehicle
The hood latch disengaged while driving at a speed of around 35 MPH. There were no injuries reported and the vehicle was brought to Nissan for repair.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with the rear lower control arms on my 2015 Nissan Altima. The control arms have completely failed due to severe corrosion, and my vehicle is now undrivable. This failure occurred without warning and poses a significant risk to driver and passenger safety. I live in Massachusetts, where road salt is heavily used, and corrosion is a known hazard. I’ve learned that this issue was part of NHTSA investigation EA18-001, which covered 2013–2018 Altimas, but no recall was issued. My dealership denied coverage due to warranty expiration, and Nissan Consumer Affairs said they cannot guarantee a goodwill repair. I am requesting that NHTSA reopen or escalate this issue. My vehicle is immobilized, and I am left without transportation due to a known defect. I have documentation and photos available upon request.
Car began shuddering when trying to accelerate. Car periodically will stop running or not start. No dash lights came on until recently when car would not start the battery nd engine light came on This all started end of September. Has been diagnosed by Nissan Dealership with 2nd diagnosis by an automotive shop close to my home. Informed this is a known issue with this make and model. Researched online and found this the be true. I received no notification. Both came up with transmission and CVT internal problem. Safety hazard for car to die in traffic. I have cancer and heart failure which makes general mobility an issue. I can’t quickly exit the car nd get out of the way of traffic. Informed only the dealership can address the issue. Quoted $6700 to repair/replace
I am unable to see at night because my headlights are dim but keep passing inspection, and I am afraid I am going to crash... I have complained to my Nissan dealership since the recall was in effect but it has expired and I continuously pass inspection but when I drive at night I have to use high beams and can not see a thing. This is my 4th attempt for help. I almost hit a deer the other night. The lights are so dim that it seems that they are not even on..I have to turn my high beams on just to see and I was warned that I can recieve a ticket for driving with high beams on..I went to the Nissan company and they said there was nothing they could because they didn't honor the recall on the headlight assemblies anymore and I would have to pay $1500 to replace them. I'm disabled and can not afford to do that..what else can Nissan do I am getting ready to get rid of this and advise everyone of Nissan practices.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate from a complete stop and jerked. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle, and it was confirmed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 68,000.
The rear control arm corroded and disconnected from the car. While I was driving. I was backing out of my driveway and there was a loud clinking noise and I observed the drivers side control arm hanging down. And my tire is now very high in the wheel well. Thank God it did not let go while I was on the highway.
Engine light comes on i get it checked out every time is the same issue saying it's "mass air flow" it's now the 4th time i switch the piece and the car keeps on leaving me stranded now it's lead to a computer problem various mechanics have told me this particular model of year has allot of issues with this I'm not sure why there hasn't been a recall yet
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and added transmission fluid and was able to continue driving the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Vvt valve has failed twice now despite timely oil changes. This is a safety risk because vehicle will stall at low speeds like when starting at an intersection from a stopped position
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was recently purchased, and the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened unintentionally and damaged the front windshield, the front fenders, and the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the hood unintendedly opened and worsened the damage to the front windshield, front fenders, and the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the damage and would only repair the hood latch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side sun visor independently detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed sun visor. The contact was informed that the driver's side sun visor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure impaired his vision while driving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V112000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
(NOT RELATED TO CURRENTLY OPEN HOOD LATCH RECALL) I’m the current owner of a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima, a model range known for a headlight delamination defect. This issue causes the reflective coating inside the headlamp to degrade, severely reducing light output. It’s a major safety risk for drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians—especially at night. A class action lawsuit acknowledged this and led to a limited repair program. However, I—like many others—only discovered the issue after that window had closed. As a second owner, I reached out to Nissan requesting a “goodwill repair,” which they define as a discretionary repair for issues outside normal coverage. Nissan declined. I was told by Erica on the executive team that goodwill repairs are more likely if there’s a history of maintenance at a Nissan dealership. In other words, if the previous owner spent money at a dealership, Nissan would be more willing to repair a known factory defect. This policy is unfair. Routine maintenance should have no bearing on a company’s responsibility to fix a well-documented safety defect. That logic leaves many current owners—who had no control over previous maintenance decisions—without support. Over 1.5 million affected Altimas are still on U.S. roads, many now in the hands of second or third owners. These drivers may be unaware of the issue or unable to afford repairs for something that should never have occurred in the first place. I’m asking Nissan to re-open the repair program or evaluate on a case-by case basis, considering fairness and safety. This could be offered to anyone who purchased the car after the repair window. Until then, I—and many others—are left to drive with dangerously dim headlights, putting ourselves, our passengers, and the general public at unnecessary risk. This is about more than customer service. It’s about corporate responsibility and public safety.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was included in Nissan Manufacturer Recall Number: PC490. The contact was advised that a manager would reach out. However, the contact was awaiting a call from the manager. The contact was advised that the dealer was refusing to repair the vehicle, because the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,300.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the headlamps failed to provide adequate illumination. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with both headlamp assembly, observing that the headlamp assemblies had delaminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
None
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were very dim. Due to the failure, the high beam headlights were activated while driving in low light conditions. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
My regular headlights are not bright and cannot see 10 feet in front of my car without my high beams on. I have had my headlights "restored" by professionals and I can still not see in front of my car with my regular running headlights. This has now been an on-going issue and I am unable to drive at night because I cannot see in front of my car and I feel VERY unsafe in doing so. I feel like I am at risk because I cannot see unless my high beams are on and then that puts the oncoming traffic at risk as I am blinding them. I feel like oncoming traffic cannot see my normal headlights and at a risk of getting hit. I fortunately have NOT had any accidents but I cannot drive at night because of this issue. I do not feel safe for myself, my family or other drivers at this point.This has been an on-going issue that seems to be getting worse as the brightness continues to deteriorate as more time goes by.
Our Nissan Altima has been experiencing the brake lamp relay switch issue, where the brake light will be on when brakes are not pushed and causes issue with acceleration. There is an existing recall open on this exact issue for the 2013-2015 models, however when I called a Nissan Service Center was advised our VIN is not part of the recall and would not be covered. Obviously the manufacturing date for our vehicle and others likewise should be included as it is the same exact issue. This puts a huge risk that this faulty product will cause an accident when you are unable to get up to speed because of the faulty parts.
i am original owner. Twice now in the early morning I have found my trunk automatically opened with out reason. I thought maybe i did it by mistake but i clearly did not after 2nd time. Never has this happened in my life to any of my cars. After looking online I found other owners also experienced same occurrence with this 2015 Altima. I understand it could be anything, bad battery in hand clicker, faulty electrical switch, etc. I located the on/off switch in the glove compartment and turned it off. Now, i just have to remember to turn it on/off all the time so i don't find the trunk opened again. I could get my car stolen if i leave my car out side and go out of town. 1) if there is a recall to get this electrical fixed, please let me known. Thank you
Failure of Airbags to deploy after a rear end collision by another car. On 01.31.2025. My vehicle - a Nissan Altima 2015 was hit by an SUV while stopped at an intersection behind another vehicle. My Altima was thrust forward into the vehicle stopped ahead ome causing significant rear damage to the rear and front bumper, the trunk, and left tail lights. Despite the force of the collision and the resulting hit of the front car ahead, none of the Altima airbags deployed to protect me from serious injuries which can be potentially fatal. This indicates that the airbags may be faulty and non-operational. The car has been deemed a total loss and insurance has declined my claim and cannot compensate me because of limited collision coverage for the vehicle, and the offending driver fled the scene and cannot be identified. The offender almost ran me over as I tried to exit the vehicle to identify them. There are no warning lamps on the dashboard except - "trunk open" warning after the incident The police inspected the vehicle and details are in the police report attached
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt as if the vehicle was drifting to the left and was bouncing. The contact stated his son was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that his son drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact looked under the vehicle and became aware that the driver's side rear control arm was fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side rear wheel was leaning into the wheel well. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Driving down highway, hit dip at bridge seam, when the car bounce up from dip, the right rear control arm snapped in half. Car lost control to right, fortunately I was able to maintain control somewhat and avoided accident. Right rear wheel tilted at 45 degree angle. Car currently at repair shop with snapped lower rear control arm
Myn hood Latch is not operating properly. If hood is completely closed it is very hard to reopen with the latch. Apparently there was a recall but I did not receive any notice.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the key fob failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Car was driving fine went to work on January 2nd 2025 and when I went to leave I put it in reverse it went and when I put it in drive the car would not. Shift into drive . Had it taken in where they quoted me $7,776.00 For the transmission to be replace my Altima has been taken very good care of it was bought at 31k and it has 141k all high way miles. Nissan said it was under warranty and I missed it by 20k miles I was never notified of a recall on the transmission they sent out recalls for the hood latch amd a Reprogramming issue with the cvt. Prior to that. That was fixed at a Nissan dealer ship.
the headlights are very bad and have to basically drive with the high beams on in order to see because on low beam i almost ran someone over i changed the bulbs a few times but it has not improved any and while changing them that it seems as the bulb burnt something. I have been on the nissan forums and theres many complaints saying that nissan knows something is faulty and they refuse to recall and fix it
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened. The roof of the vehicle sustained cosmetic damages, causing debris to fall onto the contact's daughter while she was still driving. The contact's son was in the passenger’s seat and had to direct the contact's daughter through traffic to merge onto the shoulder safely. There were no physical injuries; however, the contact's daughter was in emotional distress due to the failure. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,180.
I can not drive at night because I can see at all and I am afraid I am going to crash..The lights are so dim that it seems that they are not even on..I have to turn my high beams on just to see and I was warned that I can recieve a ticket for driving with high beams on..I went to the Nissan company and they said there was nothing they could because they didn't honor the recall on the headlight assemblies anymore and I would have to pay $1500 to replace them. I'm disabled and can not afford to do that..please help me
My husband was pulling in a parking spot and heard a pop like noise and went out to inspect the car and saw the rear tire was falling off the car. We are told it was the lower suspension link
Headlight brightness has diminished to levels below safe operation of vehicle in darkness. Changing bulbs, adjusting beam pattern and restoring outer shell of headlight assembly did not increase brightness. Internal reflectors, which cannot be cleaned or replaced, have lost their effectiveness over time. Driver, pedestrian and all other driver’s safety are at risk. Independent observation and multiple video streaming service videos have reported similar issues. The only recourse is assembly replacement at the expense of the consumer.
I purchased my 2015 Nissan Altima in July, 2022 with 56,530 miles on it. At this date it has approximately 71,500 miles on it. I have driven it 14,970 miles in 2.5 years. On [XXX] I was driving home from Thanksgiving in East Brunswick, NJ to my home in South Philadelphia on [XXX] in New Jersey when my car suddenly began to have a slow down in ability to accelerate. I ended up pulling over after a moment of slowing down and not knowing what was happening. When I got to the break down lane, the car stalled. I ended up getting road side assistance to tow me to Ward's Automotive in Mt. Laurel, NJ, where my family and I have brought cars for many years (we used to live in Moorestown, NJ. Ward's ended up telling me the following Monday that my engine was "bad." I have no idea how my engine died after only 71,500 miles on this car! I got oil changes on it every 5,000 miles. I did report to the dealership in December, 2022 that I was hearing weird noises coming from the right front side but they told me they heard nothing. What can I do??? I am still paying for this vehicle (approx. $3,100 left on loan). I did not purchase an extended warranty when I bought it used. I have learned my lesson, but I need help understanding what rights I have. I don't know if there is any Manufacturer's Warranty on the car. Please help me! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate immediately. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with CVT judder, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,737.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026