RoadVitals

2015 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.
953
Latest Sep 18, 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.
51

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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.

270
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The headlights are so dim we cannot see safely at night, we have had everything professionally cleaned and installed new super bright bulbs, it has made zero difference. Does someone really have to die for this to be taken seriously? There was a huge lawsuit apparently but we never heard about it and missed the window!

NHTSA ID 11765361 · filed Sep 18, 2026

The headlights are dangerously dim. There has been a class action lawsuit for these specific makes and models for the reflectors in the headlights being damaged over time, resulting in the entire headlight assemblies needing replaced.

NHTSA ID 11757201 · filed Aug 15, 2026
All 270 reports naming exterior lighting →

Airbags

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

177
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car was hit and airbags did not deploy from driver side. The front driver side of my car is totalled. Not sure what force of an impact is needed for airbags to deploy but if my driver side tire rod broke and tire came off is this not sufficient force. This 2015 Nissan Altima has had many recalls. The last one was my front driver side head lamp almost caught on fire but mechanic found everything burned and melted because of electrical issue which was a recall. With my luck the recall expired apparently because it happened after the fact when it was no longer covered. I called and basically I was told too late. Now my airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11763563 · filed Sep 11, 2026

A vehicle airbag light is staying on which indicates my airbags will not work this is a common problem in a 2015 Nissan Altima SL but it is not showing up as a recall on my certain vehicle. This recently started happening at 114,000 miles. When the light first came on it would go on and off at different times it would not be every single time I started the car but now it will not shut off

NHTSA ID 11763283 · filed Sep 10, 2026
All 177 reports naming airbags →

Powertrain (other)

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

158
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Subject: Dangerous Transmission Failure in 2015 Nissan Altima While my 2015 Nissan Altima has always exhibited questionable performance—including abnormal acceleration, hesitation during throttle response, and mismatched RPMs relative to acceleration—the transmission has now begun to severely slip. I have also experienced sudden loss of power, pronounced shuddering, and complete power failure while driving. On multiple occasions, these issues have placed me in dangerous driving situations. It is important to note that I have regularly maintained the vehicle and kept it in mechanically decent shape throughout my ownership. I believe it is critical for other drivers to be aware of these ongoing problems, especially since Nissan appears to be avoiding responsibility for manufacturing such faulty powertrains. New car buyers and those purchasing used vehicles are becoming victims of this defective transmission, which poses a serious risk to passengers, drivers, and others on the road.

NHTSA ID 11744010 · filed Jun 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11719400 · filed Feb 20, 2026
All 158 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Engine

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

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 28, 2026

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 · filed Aug 4, 2025
All 66 reports naming engine →

Suspension

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

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The passenger side rear spring mount/Lower Control Arm separated at the weld and failed at highway speed. Control of the vehicle was momentarily lost and I was able to safely pull to the side of the highway to await a tow truck. Vehicle is not drivable. Mechanic confirmed it was an "Insufficient Weld" consistent with a safety bulletin that expired less than a year ago. Nissan corporate would not assist in getting this repaired, but stated I could pay to have it towed to them for a customer-paid diagnostic.

NHTSA ID 11761208 · filed Sep 1, 2026

The rear lower control arms (lower links) on my 2015 Nissan Altima are actively cracked and broken at 91,359 miles. An authorized Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the severe structural failure on video, explicitly stating it is an immediate safety hazard. However, the manufacturer is refusing to repair this dangerous manufacturing defect under Campaign PC690 due to an expired calendar date, forcing an unstable, hazardous vehicle back onto public roads where I transport my children. Nissan chose not to notify owners of this defect by mail, and the dealership network actively delayed my scheduling for weeks. The vehicle is completely unsafe to operate.

NHTSA ID 11761086 · filed Aug 31, 2026
All 64 reports naming suspension →

Body & structure

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

58
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The hood to my car randomly unlatched and smashed my windshield while I was going 30mph.

NHTSA ID 11727833 · filed Mar 29, 2026

Got the recall about the hood latch took it to Nissan and had it fixed. My hood latch isn't staying latched now it pops up as I'm driving. and at times the hood latch won't let you open it . Something is wrong with it or the Nissan dealership in Erie Pennsylvania don't know what they are doing.

NHTSA ID 11712358 · filed Jan 21, 2026
All 58 reports naming body & structure →

Electrical

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

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car was hit and airbags did not deploy from driver side. The front driver side of my car is totalled. Not sure what force of an impact is needed for airbags to deploy but if my driver side tire rod broke and tire came off is this not sufficient force. This 2015 Nissan Altima has had many recalls. The last one was my front driver side head lamp almost caught on fire but mechanic found everything burned and melted because of electrical issue which was a recall. With my luck the recall expired apparently because it happened after the fact when it was no longer covered. I called and basically I was told too late. Now my airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11763563 · filed Sep 11, 2026

The contact purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was

NHTSA ID 11740805 · filed May 29, 2026
All 55 reports naming electrical →

Interior & seats

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

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11722292 · filed Mar 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11699221 · filed Nov 13, 2025
All 53 reports naming interior & seats →

Steering

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

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upon entering highway and reaching 75 mph, vehicle pulled hard to right.I made a correction to keep vehicle in center lane of a three lane highway. Shortly after I made the first correction, the vehicle again pulled rather aggressively to the right, I again made a correction back to maintain center of lane. After making second correction, I noticed my steering wheel very off center to maintain vehicle tracking straight in the lane. (Steering wheel indicating a left turn to maintain a straight track). Simultaneously, the vehicle traction control indicator illuminated on the drivers display. I quickly checked my tire pressures to rule out a flat tire. I pulled off to the shoulder of the highway, as the vehicle was getting more difficult to control in a straight line. Not noticing any obvious damage and the need to vacate the highway environment, I illuminated my hazards and drove approximately 5-10 mph to the next exit 1/8 mile away. Arriving in a safe location, I again exited the vehicle to inspect all four wheels at which time I observed the right rear tire angled inward at a harsh angle. Upon further inspection, the right rear lower suspension control arm had broken free at the bushing and angled the coil spring downward at an angle. The vehicle was not able to be driven and subsequently towed via flatbed 45 miles to my auto repair facility.

NHTSA ID 11592539 · filed Jun 5, 2024

Out of town and control arms went while turning a corner. My steering wheel was sideways and I was going straight. There was no warning, noises or dashboard lights prior to this happening. My vehicle has 130k but well maintained. Prior to this happening I was driving on the Thruway at 65mph, this could of broke then causing a potential accident or something worse. Why wasn't there any warning lights advising of this potential problem?

NHTSA ID 11572585 · filed Feb 18, 2024
All 48 reports naming steering →

Driver assistance

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

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 29, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11653340 · filed Apr 8, 2025
All 48 reports naming driver assistance →

Visibility

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

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving at night in a poorly lit area, I could barely see. I turned on the high beam but it blinded on coming traffic. I checked into this and found out Nissan was sued for this and had a short (approximately 3 months) period when you could get it fixed for free from the dealership. No recall issued even though Nissan was well aware of this. But when I tried to get it fixed, the dealership did not have the parts. There is only one dealership in Sacramento, so by the time I could get back with them, this repair window was closed. I think this was too short of a repair time for such a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID 11686291 · filed Sep 10, 2025

The low beam headlights are very dim. I’ve replaced headlight bulbs and tried even clearing headlight lens and still not good visibility

NHTSA ID 11611808 · filed Aug 30, 2024
All 31 reports naming visibility →

Fuel system

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

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11719400 · filed Feb 20, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11672788 · filed Jul 11, 2025
All 28 reports naming fuel system →

Brakes

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

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Service brakes, hydraulic foundation components: disc: caliper The bolts on all 4 of my tires are constantly going loose and I have problems with my front brakes never lasting as long as they should and always burn out very fast.

NHTSA ID 11763140 · filed Sep 9, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11654276 · filed Apr 12, 2025
All 26 reports naming brakes →

Other / unspecified

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

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Service brakes, hydraulic foundation components: disc: caliper The bolts on all 4 of my tires are constantly going loose and I have problems with my front brakes never lasting as long as they should and always burn out very fast.

NHTSA ID 11763140 · filed Sep 9, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11695811 · filed Oct 27, 2025
All 19 reports naming other / unspecified →

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG Didn't Deploy. Seatbelt didn't hold I hit the steeling wheel injury my chest hit my head blood on the brain broke my foot. vehicle was total No

NHTSA ID 11565542 · filed Jan 15, 2024

I was on the 15 freeway going home and bent down to pick up something I dropped and hit the car that was stopped in front of me. What I remember is my glasses flying off and I hit my chest and head on the steering wheel and also broke my foot. At that time I realized that the air bag did not deploy and the seat belt did not hold me and I hit the steering wheel with full force. I spent three days in the trauma center being treated for bleeding on the brain. There was 10 recalls on this vehicle, a 2015 Nissan Altima, and 2 former owners did not carry out their responsibilities to get the recalls taken care of. Now I am suffering because the owners where too lazy to be responsable.

NHTSA ID 11562684 · filed Dec 29, 2023
All 10 reports naming seat belts →

Transmission

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11609297 · filed Aug 19, 2024

AUTOMAKER REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CVT RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11596917 · filed Jun 26, 2024

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 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING CHIME TO LATCH THE SEAT BELT DID NOT SOUND. BOTH FAILURES BEGAN WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC RESET THE AIR BAG LIGHTS THREE TIMES AND REPAIRED THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22.

NHTSA ID 10876426 · filed Jun 24, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A WHITE RESIDUE THAT BURNED THE CONTACT'S SKIN. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE AN AIR QUALITY TEST WAS CONDUCTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A COPY OF THE RESULTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. ..UPDATED 07/26/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHEMICAL OR CONTAMINANTS HAS BEEN HORRIFIC. IT BURNED OFF IN A TORNADIC MANNER, SPENT RAPIDLY IN A CYLINDER MOVEMENT, THE COLOR MIXTURE WAS MOSTLY WHITE FOG AND BLACK SPEC RUNNING THROUGH. UPDATED 08/17/16. *JB .....UPDATED 08/11/16 *BF UPDATED 10/30/2017*JS

NHTSA ID 10874888 · filed Jun 17, 2016

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS WOBBLY. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED. THE LOW-PRESSURE TIRE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHCILE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED BERTERA NISSAN (569 OXFORD ST S, AUBURN, MA 01501, (508) 832-9611) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,656. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY CRANSTON AUTO REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 11398888 · filed Mar 3, 2021

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 .