RoadVitals

2014 Nissan Altima Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
1,113
Latest Aug 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
60

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Nissan Altima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

298
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

-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 · filed Jun 22, 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 · filed Apr 6, 2026
All 298 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

208
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

As far as I am aware there are no causes to the failure but the sensor of the left panel on the driver side airbag is alerting. Nissan checked it and advised it would be @ $2000 to repair because it required the replacement of the entire driver side chair. However I am now being told that they don't have/make the replacement part(s) needed. Scouring the Internet I'm finding this complaint is pretty common considering it also happened in our 2006 Nissan Armada (no accidents).

NHTSA ID 11748214 · filed Jul 3, 2026

At159,000 main console air bag light came on and won't turn off.

NHTSA ID 11746053 · filed Jun 23, 2026
All 208 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

206
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After a month of purchase this car from a buy here pay here lot they offer no help my transmission slipping going cost about $4000 to get repaired

NHTSA ID 11730054 · filed Apr 8, 2026

While driving, my transmission stopped accelerating, and started making a scraping/ticking noise. The car almost cut out in traffic, nearly causing a rear end collision!

NHTSA ID 11626226 · filed Nov 19, 2024
All 206 reports naming powertrain (other)

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

132
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear lower control arm broke while driving on interstate car darted to the left but control was maintained

NHTSA ID 11755804 · filed Aug 9, 2026

Right rear lower control arm fully broke while traveling 35 mph and going around a curve. The car immediately pulled hard right into the adjacent lane. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in that lane at the moment. I have contacted the dealership. This issue is addressed in Service Bulletin NTB21-045. However, the local dealership will not cover repairs because the car has been in service for over 10 years.

NHTSA ID 11755429 · filed Aug 7, 2026
All 132 reports naming suspension

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi, my name is [XXX] . I rented a car through [XXX] , and I need to report serious mechanical issues. All of the spark plugs are not secured, as they are missing screws, and oil is present. The only reason i know is because of the check light engine being on one minute and off the next. I chose to get it looked at and when being examined it was a noticed Additionally, the cooling reservoir tank is missing its top, leaving the system exposed. Please advise on next steps as soon as possible, as this is a safety concern. Thank you.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11733632 · filed Apr 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the air bag might deploy at any time, and that the clock spring, the steering wheel, and possibly the driver’s seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11684513 · filed Sep 2, 2025
All 80 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi, my name is [XXX] . I rented a car through [XXX] , and I need to report serious mechanical issues. All of the spark plugs are not secured, as they are missing screws, and oil is present. The only reason i know is because of the check light engine being on one minute and off the next. I chose to get it looked at and when being examined it was a noticed Additionally, the cooling reservoir tank is missing its top, leaving the system exposed. Please advise on next steps as soon as possible, as this is a safety concern. Thank you.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11733632 · filed Apr 24, 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 · filed Jan 21, 2026
All 73 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

58
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, the Altima’s rear control arm and suspension links broke due to corrosion resulting in loss of safe control of the vehicle. Nissan is aware that this is a problem with this year and make vehicle. They issued an extension of the warranty for this issue. This should be a mandatory recall for safety concerns, not simply a warranty extension. This is a very dangerous issue that can lead to serious injury! Very upset that money is valued over human life. When these parts fail, the vehicle is not safe.

NHTSA ID 11671557 · filed Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that both front suspension control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,333.

NHTSA ID 11644483 · filed Feb 24, 2025
All 58 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

52
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 27, 2023

The hood latch recall was done June 2022, but it became malfunction 1 year after recall was done. When driving, the hood flies up and almost hit the windshield. Luckily I didn't drive on the highway. Called the dealer and said it was out of the warranty which is 1 year or 10000 miles after the recall. Why this important parts have so short warranty. The hood can't be open when I closed it after the incident . And the dealer said it will cost $500 to open and fix them.

NHTSA ID 11560176 · filed Dec 14, 2023
All 52 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear lower control replaced on recall repair. Dealer diagnosed front control arm needed repair but refuse to complete repair. I paid out of pocket for front. When both front and rear control arm should have been replace under recall

NHTSA ID 11619584 · filed Oct 13, 2024

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11546732 · filed Sep 26, 2023
All 45 reports naming driver assistance

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Supplemental Airbag Warning Light solid red, does not go off. Occurred after oil change done at dealership 1/13/2025. Dealer found code B0020, recommended part 87650-3TD6G, seat back replacement, parts and labor for repairs $2,950.

NHTSA ID 11680685 · filed Aug 14, 2025

Drivers side seat heater switch caught fire and burned winter jacket sleeve. Fire was extinguished before car was lost.

NHTSA ID 11630176 · filed Dec 11, 2024
All 45 reports naming interior & seats

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with TSB: NTB21-045a. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,000.

NHTSA ID 11747794 · filed Jul 1, 2026

On 5/17/21 I had just left Walmart in Abington on my way to pickup my glasses. After picking up my glasses i felt wobble in the driver's side rear tire. I pulled over on Pine St. and checked the lug nuts on each wheel. Everything seemed okay. I then noticed a traction sign on the dashboard. I put on my hazard lights and drove home approximately a mile or two. When I got home I backed the car up and when I got out I notices the rear wheel drivers side bending inward at the top. I had Westgate Towing tow it after approved by AAA to Bourne's Auto for repair where i had bought the car and purchased a repair/warranty contract. Nothing was covered. No rental for a week. Paid almost $911.47 for the repair. Worried it could happen on other side. Diagnosis: Left Rear Lower Control Arm & Lateral Arm and Alignment needed.

NHTSA ID 11418805 · filed May 27, 2021
All 28 reports naming brakes

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The hood of my car flew up while I was driving and hit my windshield

NHTSA ID 11590221 · filed May 22, 2024

The visibility of the headlamps at normal brightness are very dim. I have read about numerous lawsuits regarding this, including a class action, but when I have gone to the dealer with the information postcard that I received in the mail, I am told by Nissan that I am "outside of the window" to have them replaced with newer brighter lamps. Per the website for the class action lawsuit, it should be for 2013-2018 Nissan Altimas ([XXX], et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., Case No.[XXX]) http://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/ I feel that Nissan is avoiding this issue, although there are MANY Nissan Altimas that have headlights that are not hardly bright at all. I personally had at least one issue with a deer strike that I believe could have been prevented if my headlights worked properly. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11484741 · filed Sep 15, 2022
All 25 reports naming visibility

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

It smells like gas when I start the car. It's also wasting alot of gas. I have to put gas every couple of days. I spend more money putting gas. The steering and suspension and the tires keep giving me problems to where the brakes locked up on their own and now it drives really bad especially on the freeway. The steering wheel moves alot when I'm on the freeway sometimes feel like I'm loosing control of the car. The gas pedal gets stuck and the gear shift gets stuck in park. I have to use a nail filer the metal ones and push and hold the shift lock for it to move into gear. The car keeps saying Key not Detected even tho it's in the car with me. I just got the car from a small dealership in pomona in April of 2023

NHTSA ID 11545947 · filed Sep 22, 2023

I just bought a 2014 Nissan Altima as is from a Nissan Dealer. As the car warms up I'm getting carbon monoxide fumes coming into the car. Car was purchased at Nissan dealership as is! I took it to an auto shop and according to the computer it doesn't show any dash light warnings and cannot find the source of the problem. The car cost me $23,000.00! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11528284 · filed Jun 22, 2023
All 25 reports naming fuel system

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, the Altima’s rear control arm and suspension links broke due to corrosion resulting in loss of safe control of the vehicle. Nissan is aware that this is a problem with this year and make vehicle. They issued an extension of the warranty for this issue. This should be a mandatory recall for safety concerns, not simply a warranty extension. This is a very dangerous issue that can lead to serious injury! Very upset that money is valued over human life. When these parts fail, the vehicle is not safe.

NHTSA ID 11671557 · filed Jul 7, 2025

Rear passenger wheel has been rattling for a year. While driving (right now), car began to fishtail going approx 35mph. Was able to pull off and avoid accident. Upon examination, described wheel is no longer facing forward and is facing inward. Likely that the rear controller snapped. There is a service campaign for this exact issue. Nissan is no longer covering the cost of this repair which is insane given that I was never notified of this issue.

NHTSA ID 11670334 · filed Jun 30, 2025
All 15 reports naming other / unspecified

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag light stays on and seatbelt light comes on even when nothing is in seat.

NHTSA ID 11729699 · filed Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors intermittently failed to open as needed. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger's side seat belt sensors failed to chime when the seat belts were not securely fastened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11516927 · filed Apr 13, 2023
All 10 reports naming seat belts

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered uncontrollably and stalled. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle 20 minutes later, the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the highway; however, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to Young's Cheltenham Auto Service, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance in covering the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered because Nissan TSB Number: NTB17-039K had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11637254 · filed Jan 21, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WITHOUT WARNING. HAMILTON NISSAN (1929 DUAL HWY, HAGERSTOWN, MD) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SEIZED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000. *TT UPDATED 9/18/18*JB

NHTSA ID 11053873 · filed Dec 11, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY, LOST POWER, AND SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. .....UPDATED 10/13/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND SOON AFTERWARDS, IT BEGIN TO JERK AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO A CERTAIN SPEED, EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, AS SOON AS THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/18/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10893214 · filed Aug 4, 2016

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA SV FROM BAKER NISSAN NORTH IN HOUSTON, TEXAS (19630 NORTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77065 (281) 890-5656). MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TWICE (REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AND NOW HAVING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN) AND I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. THEN TO TOP IT OFF I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND HAVE PURCHASED A TOTAL OF FOUR CARS FROM THIS DEALERSHIP NOW. I FILED A CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORT WITH NISSAN CORPORATION AND HAVE YET TO HEAR SOMETHING. I ALSO CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE IN CHARGE SUCH AS THE GENERAL MANAGER AND THEY INFORMED ME TO CONTACT THE CONSUMERS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WITH NISSAN CORPORATION. THEY SAID THEY HAVE A CHAIN OF COMMAND TO FOLLOW AND THAT WOULD BE MY BEST BET OF GETTING THE SITUATION RESOLVED. I WOULD LIKE THIS SITUATION TO BE INVESTIGATED AND JUSTICE. I DO NOT SPEND MY HARD EARNED MONEY TO HAVE A CAR THAT IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND COULD PUT MY LIFE AND OTHERS IN DANGER. IT COMES DOWN TO THE FACT THAT THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND I SHOULD BE GIVEN BRAND NEW TRANSPORTATION OR THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD PURCHASE THE CAR AND PAY OFF THE LOAN AND LET ME TAKE MY BUSINESS ELSEWHERE....... I ALSO HAVE COPIES OF MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS FOR DOCUMENTATION PURPOSES.....THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON. *TR..UPDATED 11/05/15 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AC WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THEN COOL AIR AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. UPDATED 11/25/15.*JB *DT *AS

NHTSA ID 10759327 · filed Aug 25, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NEW 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA CAME EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMA H426 P215/60R16 94T TIRES. TIRE BLEW ON FREEWAY GOING 55MPH WITH LESS THAN 16,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP THUS FAR CLAIMING IT IS A TIRE MANUFACTURING ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10680566 · filed Feb 2, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .