RoadVitals

2014 Nissan Altima Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
298
Latest Jun 22, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
27%
of 1,113 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 Nissan Altima submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 298 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

The 25 most recent of 298, in the owner's own words

Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 22, 2026

-Upon research, it appears my Nissan has an issue with the headlight lamps that have caused the low beams to diminish over time. This is a recorded defect (class action lawsuit [XXX], et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.) of Nissan Altimas years 2013-2018. -There is a Nissan Dealership in my city I can take the vehicle to for further inspection and subsequent replacement. I would like documentation to further provide to the dealership in case there is any resistance to replacement. -The headlights are so dim I cannot see the road ~15 feet beyond me. The car's high beams, turn signals, and brake lights are all in working condition. The only thing affected are the low beam lights, which further suggest the headlight lens is not of issue. This can cause difficulty seeing at night and could prove to be a safety issue for myself and others, as well as limiting others' visibility of me. -There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior. The check engine light is not on. I have had this car in my possession and under my name for about a year and the headlights have diminished over time to an unsafe degree. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11745675
Incident
Jun 19, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 6, 2026

Headlights on Nissan Altima started to dim, even when replacing bulbs. There was a settlement to get the bulbs replaced: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11729545
Incident
Apr 6, 2026
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 21, 2026

We took our Nissan for repair of recalled Headlights and was told they had no more headlight assemblies, they have to reorder. I got on waiting list. I called a couple of times to check on headlight shipment. Theni finally went back and they told me they stopped repairing headlight assemblies. I kept getting the run around! NOW MY HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM I CAN NOT SEE ROAD AND I WORK NIGHTS. I HAVE TO GET TO MY JOB WHICH IS AN HOUR AWAY, 3 HOURS EARLY WHILE I CAN SEE ROAD. PLEASE HELP ME GET HEADLIGTS REPLACED ASAP. WEBSITE IS SAYING I HAVE "0" UNREPAIRED RECALLS THAT IS NOT CORRECT. I NEVER RECEIVED RECALL ON ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SO THAT IS UNREPAIRED AS WELL. THERE MAY BE OTHERS. PLEASE HELP!!! I HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS WORKING!!!! I HAVE HAD NEAR CRASHES BEFORE THEY TOTALLY WENT OUT. I NEED THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID
11712475
Incident
Jan 3, 2020
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 11, 2025

I am writing to formally escalate a serious safety issue with my 2014 Nissan Altima. My vehicle is affected by the known halogen headlamp delamination defect, which Nissan has previously acknowledged in a warranty extension and service campaign. Recently, because of the dangerously dim headlights, I struck a speed bump and damaged my vehicle. More importantly, I nearly hit pedestrians crossing the street because I could not see them in time. This is a life-threatening safety hazard directly caused by the defective headlamps. When I contacted my local Nissan dealer, they refused to honor the warranty/service campaign. I was told I would need to pay approximately $2,300 for repairs because the warranty extension expired in 2020. However, I did not begin noticing headlight visibility issues until 2022, well after the coverage period had ended. This demonstrates that the defect often develops after the expiration period and should still be addressed as a known, documented safety defect.

NHTSA ID
11686514
Incident
Aug 8, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 11, 2025

1. Component/System Failed: Halogen headlamp assemblies (low beams) malfunctioned due to delamination of the reflective surface, causing dimming. Available for inspection upon request. I have had the issue for years. Hard to see at night. 2. Safety Risk: Dim low beams reduce nighttime visibility, increasing risk of collisions. Using high beams to compensate may blind other drivers, creating further hazards. 3. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Not yet confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Issue matches known defect in 2013-2018 Altima halogen headlamps (TSB NTB15-111). 4. Inspections: No inspections by police, or insurance yet. I did have it inspected with the Santa Rosa California (Jim Bone) Nissan dealer inspection under Voluntary Service Campaign (PC861/PC890). That dealer said it was not bad however the headlights were bad before and after that so I believe they lied or didn’t test it correctly. That was in 2022 I believe. 5. Warning Signs/Symptoms: Gradual low-beam dimming noticed, first observed around 2017 perhaps. I just thought it was bad but it got worse. I saw in 2020 or 2021 some notice about a class action lawsuit (Suarez?) that Nissan lost so I tried to get them to fix it but they had various dates they said claims had to be done and it was confusing. I called Vallejo Nissan and they said I had to wait. Later it kept getting worse. No warning lamps; low beams too dim for safe driving, requiring high beams. 6. Description (if uncertain): Low beams are dim, compromising safe nighttime driving. Issue aligns with reported delamination defect in halogen headlamp assemblies. Exact onset date/mileage UNKNOWN. Sought dealers inspection for replacement under Nissan’s campaign but they didn’t take care of it. Nissan should be held responsible if any deaths, injuries or damages result from this issue. They should fix this asap! This is a major common issue you should already have on file.

NHTSA ID
11679798
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 10, 2025

My headlights are so dim, that I’m forced to drive with my high beams at night or not drive at all. I’ve replace the bulbs and there has been no improvement.

NHTSA ID
11666177
Incident
Jun 1, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 6, 2025

The headlights are extremely dim due to Nissan's design flaw. There was a settlement in 2022 to have these replaced for free. However, the Nissan dealership conveniently passed my headlights (as well as many others, as stated in online forums), and we were unable to qualify for the replacements despite the lights being so dim that I had to switch to my high-beam lights in many situations. Now, after the settlement has expired, Nissan has failed my headlights and is asking for $1360 to replace the assembly. I find this action from Nissan to be in bad faith.

NHTSA ID
11665287
Incident
Jun 3, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed May 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were significantly dim. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in Nissan Campaign Number: PC807. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment could not be scheduled due to the pandemic. The contact stated that upon contacting the dealer later, the dealer informed the contact that the warranty extension had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The contact stated that he had installed an additional light bar on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11660417
Incident
May 12, 2016
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 4, 2025

Hi. 2014 Nissan Altima S Problem is whith Low Beam light. At dark time this are no lighting enough putting in risk driving at night time.

NHTSA ID
11652780
Incident
Apr 4, 2018
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Mar 30, 2025

Went and started my car and the air bag warning light on the dash came on. I am worried that the air bag won't deploy properly also when the lights are on dim they don't shine very good and the lens are cracked

NHTSA ID
11651607
Incident
Mar 29, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 6, 2025

Low beam headlights produce very little light. They do not illuminate the road, a safety hazard. Driving full time high beams is the only way to drive this car at night, a safety hazzard.

NHTSA ID
11646749
Incident
Mar 6, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 29, 2024

My headlights have not been working for about 2 years. It’s $1200 to get them fixed and I heard there had been a rebate if you pay for it Nissan will reimburse you but there’s no way I can pay $1200 for headlights. My family elderly and I have spent a lot of nights heading to an hospital with dim lights. I was working where I got off at 10pm but had to quit. I’ve been pulled over for three times for my headlights. Although I really think it’s the part behind the headlight they said was bad. You can’t drive safely at night. Nissan please fix!!!

NHTSA ID
11622560
Incident
Jan 20, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 14, 2024

The projector housing in my headlights has been determined to be defective and Nissan was sued because of this. However I have dim headlights on my vehicle which will cost me $1200 to replace and Nissan has told me that I am no longer eligible for a one time replacement. This is unfair in that I was never notified by Nissan about defective headlights which have deteriorated to a point where they are so dim it is unsafe to drive at night.

NHTSA ID
11594338
Incident
Dec 8, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 29, 2024

Headlights don't work properly. I can barely see beyond 2 cars lengths ahead of me unless using full beam. I realize that there was a voluntary recall issued in 2020, however, I am not sure that I was notified. The dealership examined car and noted the reflectors are delaminating, the pattern of which matches that of the recall. Since this is a design flaw I consider Nissan responsible and feel they should replace the headlights at no cost to me. I don't understand why the recall was voluntary and why it had a time limit. Functioning headlights are a necessity.

NHTSA ID
11574765
Incident
Feb 29, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 28, 2024

Lights are very dim no matter what kind I use on my head lights low beams

NHTSA ID
11568283
Incident
Nov 7, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 12, 2024

MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I CANNOT SEE AT NIGHT WITH MY DIM LIGHTS. I HAVE TO KEEP MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON TO BE ABLE TO SEE, THUS BLINDING DRIVERS DOING OPPOSITE DIRECTION . I RECENTLY WAS PULLED OVER BY STATE TROOPER, HE STATED THAT I DIDNOT TURN OFF MY BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THEN I SHOWED HIM MY DIM LIGHTS. HE STATED, OH, I SEE.... YOU HAVE NO LIGHTING ON THE DIM LIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN ON A WAITING LIST AT WAYCROSS WALKER JONES NISSAN BACK IN 2022. I WAS CONSTANTLY CHECKING BACK AND THEY INFORMED ME THEY WERE WAITNG ON MORE HEADLIGHTS TO BE SHIPPED. WELL TODAY I FOLLOWED UP AND NOW I AM BEING TOLD, THAT NISSAN ISSUED A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON HEADLIGHTS BUT IT EXPIRED IN 2020!!!!! WHAT!!!! IVE BEEN WAITING ALL THIS TIME AND NOW WE ARE DOWN TO ONE VEHICLE, OUR NISSAN AND IT IS EXREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! I WORK NIGHTS AND HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAM WHICH IS AGAINST THE LAW!!!! WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME!! I NEED TO GET MY HEADLIGHTS REPLACED ASAP FOR OUR SAFETY AND WE HAVE A GRANDBABY NOW,,,I CANNOT AFFORD TO DRIVE THIS WAY BUT AT MOMENT, THE NISSAN IS OUR ONLY WORKING VEHICLE. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AS I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HELP SINCE 2022 AND NOW BEING TOLD I MISSED THE WARRANTY LAPSE OF WHICH I WAS NEVER TOLD THIS TILL TODAY NOW!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I NEED THIS MATTER RESOLVED ASAP FOR OUR SAFETY AND SAFETY OF OUR GRANDBABY!!!!!

NHTSA ID
11565194
Incident
May 2, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 7, 2024

Low beam lights are very low and causes poor visibility at night and in hazardous conditions such as rain, etc. I can hardly see while driving at night because of the poor and low visibility.

NHTSA ID
11564021
Incident
Dec 11, 2023
Body & structureElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 27, 2023

I was driving on the freeway and my hood popped up and smashed my roof and everything inside the ceiling onto my lap. The lighting and visor broken. Roof and hood damaged. I luckily survived this. I am leading this car. I took it to Nissan when this happened. They said they’d fix it but it’s been months and now no answer.

NHTSA ID
11562046
Incident
Apr 24, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights of the vehicle were continuously dim. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs and the headlamps were replaced; however, the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that both headlights needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10242160. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for the repairs. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11560771
Incident
Dec 1, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, at night the low-beam headlights were extremely dim. The contact used the high-beam headlights to properly see the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was recommended to replace the headlights with newer LED lights. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11554829
Incident
Nov 2, 2017
Mileage
70,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 3, 2023

The headlights of my vehicle are so dim I cannot drive the vehicle at night. This is a safety issue, why has there never been a recall on this problem?

NHTSA ID
11553478
Incident
Nov 3, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 20, 2023

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXTREMELY DIM

NHTSA ID
11545550
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 14, 2023

The lighting system on 2014 Nissan Altima completely failed to the point where we couldn't drive the vehicle at night. We were unable to see the road. While searching Internet for potential issues, we found out that Nissan settled a lawsuit regarding the issues related to failing headlight/delamination issue (Suarrez vs. Nissan, 1-855-786-0996). We were never notified of the issue or the opportunity to fix the problem. Please see your file MC-[XXX}. We were hoping to have this corrected, but Nissan refuses to cover the cost of repair, which was estimated at $1,575.58 by our local Nissan dealer. They claim that the deadlines no longer apply to our case. Any help is greatly appreciated since we are sure many other drivers are in similar situation, based on online forums and defect reporting. Thank you! “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ID
11538339
Incident
Jan 10, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 21, 2023

The headlights are so dim that I have to use bright lights to see.

NHTSA ID
11533598
Incident
Oct 15, 2018
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2023

Head Lamps (Lights) stop working properly. New ballast and lights where installed after detected the Malfunction and still no lighting. I no longer can see when I'm driving at night. Yes vehicle have been inspected by police and dealer.

NHTSA ID
11533246
Incident
Jul 6, 2023

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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