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2015 Nissan Altima Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine 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.
66
Latest Jan 28, 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.
7%
of 945 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 the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Nissan Altima submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 66 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 engine

The 25 most recent of 66, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11713838
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 4, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11678217
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11674270
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
112,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 29, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11663822
Incident
May 25, 2025
Mileage
190,300 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 6, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11641102
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
EngineExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 14, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID
11630690
Incident
Dec 1, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 29, 2024

While driving down the interstate at 70 miles per hour, going up an incline, the car lost ALL power & then jerked kicking back into gear. Once off the interstate attempting to get to a safe place, it completely shut off without warning! No check engine lights or any warning lights. Just randomly shuts off. After replacing what was assumed as the mass flow air sensor ($186.00) & the crankshaft sensor ($80) it continues to have issues. The battery (new battery $220) was also replaced & the alternator checked due to randomly shutting off-which checked out to be fine. Come to find out it’s the CVT judder. After reading all the complaints, I’m confused as to why there isn’t a recall or extended warranty on the transmission. My car only has 119k miles! We should not be having issues with these transmission.

NHTSA ID
11617080
Incident
Sep 22, 2024
Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID
11570044
Incident
Aug 14, 2023
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–35 mph. The contact stated that the engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and that there was no warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID
11550671
Incident
Oct 4, 2023
Mileage
94,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 1, 2023

Vehicle has a current defected transmission that Nissan is aware off and fixed vehicles within a certain warranty period. Customers should have received letter making them aware of the defected transmission, I explained to Nissan I never received a letter. I am assuming this happened because I purchased the vehicle used, the person I spoke to from Nissan said unfortunately this happens. Nissan should be required to fix the vehicle as they failed to notify me of the defected transmission.

NHTSA ID
11535662
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
EngineSteering
Filed Jun 25, 2023

Please see this other report I filled out: 11526603. Thus far have paid about $1100 to get new, steering fluid, repair brakes, get a new battery, transmission fluid, and fuel injection service. They said this would fix the problem. The problem was not fixed. I took the car back again and they kept it several hours. Their higher level mechanic still couldn’t figure out a problem. Now, the car has a new weird noise. When I drove it this morning, it sounded like there was a motorcycle driving nearby, yet I couldn’t see one. Then I figured out, it was my own engine, making some extra noise. I’m going to try to get into a different mechanic tomorrow. God help me. So now two problems: steering and engine. I hope the car will make it to the mechanic.

NHTSA ID
11528741
Incident
May 22, 2023
Engine
Filed May 3, 2023

Exhaust manifold leak

NHTSA ID
11520251
Incident
May 2, 2023
AirbagsEngineSuspension
Filed Jul 14, 2022

My 2015 Nissan Altima, I've had it (7 years), started stopping without warning. Last week, I've had the valve cover replaced, because it was oil coming through one of the chambers of my spark plugs, I got a new battery, & I got the oil changed to make sure that everything was flowing correctly and running clean. Then it happened again. I put my car in park, I turned it off, and started again. There were no warning lights or codes that came across the dashboard. It was more frustrating because there's no warning no preparation it just does it so I did a system diagnostic ( Hitting the push to start button 5 times then hitting the door Button on the inside of the door jam 10 times then hitting the push to start button 3 times and the car will test all of the systems). My car was not running hot, there are no warning lights, you don't know when it's happening it feels like it's pulling or struggling with torque, and then before you know it you've come to a complete stop. It happened in the middle of an intersection. Multiple codes are hiding in the system, with no indications on the dash. The code discovered by my local mechanic was P7F1 (transmission code). This is based Tech Bulletin #NTB15083A. Hundreds of owners of Nissans have indicated the same issues with no resolve from Nissan or their local dealerships This is dangerous

NHTSA ID
11474013
Incident
Jul 13, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 23, 2022

At less than 68,000 miles, the timing chain started to fail. There were oil leaks reported over 6,000 miles before but dealer said it was due to the oil change, but we now know it was the valve cover gasket. Losing power due to engine failure would be unsafe given power steering gone etc...

NHTSA ID
11470711
Incident
Apr 25, 2022
Engine
Filed May 24, 2022

I'm having the same problem with this Nissan Altima 2015 that I had with my Nissan Altima 2010 where it was a recall on the CVT. There are times when I'm pressing the gas, and the car will not and I have to pull over, turn the car off, and turn it back on. When I'm at a stoplight, and I press the gas it will not accelerate with my foot all the way down on the gas. The car will then jerk, and take off really fast. There have been several times when I have almost had accidents.

NHTSA ID
11466005
Incident
May 3, 2021
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 19, 2022

For the last few days my car has been hesitant to accelerate. At low speed acceleration it jerks a few times then the rpms go way high and is slow to shift & accelerate. It is automatic. This problem has been gradually increasing over past 2 years. I did take it to a dealership when the hood latch was replaced due to recall this year and they just suggested I drain/replace the transmission fluid in hopes that it fixes the acceleration issues. They already knew when I went into the dealership that it wasn't in warranty anymore and because I couldn't afford to fully fix the problem they just brushed me off. This isn't a safe car anymore to drive. I have 2 children and this is our primary vehicle. I just know whatever this issue with the transmission and power train stuff is not safe and it's only a matter of time until something major brakes down, I just hope it does not clunk out on us to where we wreck. These power train/transmission issues have started affecting the cruise control, air flow of the car, and possibly affecting the sensors which then could be another ordeal with electrical issues. NISSAN WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE TRANNY/POWER TRAIN > EXTEND THE WARRANTY OR FIND AND FIX THIS ISSUE I bought the car in 2018 with less than 20,000 miles and have done regular maintenance, new tires every year, oils changes, replacing air filters and wipers, replacing brake pads, ive had to replace the brake booster already and flushed the whole brake system because of this acceleration issue I figured the brakes causing the lag but this car is just falling apart these past 2 years, rust on the trunk near the silver trim has caused the trunk to open on its own and the back-up camera feels like its slowly going out, the headlights are too dim to drive at night(even the brights now are dim), the rear passenger window just dropped down one day off the roller and I can't get the window back up and stay on the roller. Problem after Problem. Safety concern after safety concern.

NHTSA ID
11465245
Incident
May 17, 2022
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2022

My transmission has went on my car. I’ve only had my car for 3 years. The car isn’t that old..while driving on the highway my car stopped and would not shift gears.I took my car to Nissan they claimed to fix the problem but my car stopped on me once Again while driving. The dealership fixed sensors in the engine. After the problem was not fixed the said it was my transmission. This is a safety issue and could have caused a accident. Other Nissan drivers are having this same issues..this is happening to multiple Nissans around the country. There should be a recall opened on the transmissions. Why should we the customers hav to pay for faulty transmissions.

NHTSA ID
11462578
Incident
Apr 22, 2022
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 22, 2022

On my 3rd transmission since March 2021 1st one was April 2nd one was June Then car was in shop for over 2 months drive it for 1 week 3 transmission was put in November so yeah this car is bad also corp wont help not even anything after a manager called me a crazy [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11448440
Incident
Jan 13, 2022
Driver assistanceEngineSteering
Filed Oct 19, 2021

Twice now when I have gone to pull out my car has died on me with no warning.The first time was in Aug,2021 the next was in Sep or Oct 202. I have also noticed that when I'm driving and not accelerating (like going down a hill) then start accelerating the car will sputter like if it's not getting gas. It is really scary when it has died on me pulling out I've almost got hit by other vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11437336
Incident
Aug 28, 2021
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2021

I was in turning lane and when traffic cleared enough to turn I pushed gas, and nothing happened it was just idle, no rpm, no movement let go of gas pushed again barely moved and then didn’t go anywhere. Oncoming traffic at that point was approaching then it engaged and was fine! It did it two more times as I was sitting at light and once while just driving

NHTSA ID
11422460
Incident
Jun 26, 2021
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2021

WHEN I TURN MY CAR ON AND THE WHOLE TIME IT IS RUNNING THERE IS A NOISE UNDER THE HOOD SOUNDING. YOU CAN NOT HEAR IT FROM INSIDE BUT WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE YOU CAN MOST DEFINITELY HEAR IT AND TELL THE CAR IS ON DUE TO THE NOISE.I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A FAN NOISE DUE TO MAYBE LEAVING THE AC ON BUT EVEN WITH IT OFF AND JUST TURNING ON THE CAR YOU CAN HEAR IT. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT TO MY KNOWLEDGE OR ANY FENDER BENDERS AT THAT. ALSO SOMETIMES AFTER SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND IT'S MY TURN TO GO I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS (NOT HARD) AND IT GOES UP TO LIKE 3/4 RPMS AND IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO DROP DOWN TO REGULAR RPM WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID
11413474
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2020

WELL I BOUGHT MY 2015 ALTIMA A YEAR AGO AND NOW IT TRIES TO OVER HEATED, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH, AND WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE IT WILL MOVE BUT AFTER I THROW IT IN DRIVE I LOSE ALL POWER WITH ACCELERATION THE CAR ON JUST NO REV OR ANYTHING

NHTSA ID
11365808
Incident
Oct 22, 2020
Mileage
104,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2020

CAR RANDOMLY STALLS AND STUTTERS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. CAN CLEAR CODE BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS COMES BACK. HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH, SOMETIMES DAYS IN A ROW.

NHTSA ID
11363754
Incident
Oct 10, 2020
Body & structureEngine
Filed May 15, 2020
Crash reported

HIT BACK OF CAR AT RED LIGHT. AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11324718
Incident
May 15, 2020
Mileage
45,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2020

DRIVING AT 45 MPH AND THE TRANS WENT OUT. ONLY 81K MILES ON THE CAR

NHTSA ID
11322137
Incident
Apr 24, 2020
Mileage
81,000 mi

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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Data sources

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