2016 Nissan Altima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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
- Powertrain (other)23132.7%
- Engine8612.2%
- Driver assistance7610.8%
- Airbags709.9%
- Exterior lighting425.9%
- Electrical415.8%
- Interior & seats334.7%
- Fuel system304.2%
- Body & structure284.0%
- Steering162.3%
- Visibility121.7%
- Suspension121.7%
- Brakes111.6%
- Other / unspecified81.1%
- Seat belts50.7%
- Transmission30.4%
- Tires & wheels10.1%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2016 Nissan Altima has approximately 68,900 miles. When I am stopped and press the gas pedal, the vehicle sometimes hesitates before it begins moving. It does not accelerate normally, which is dangerous when I am pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, or making a turn. At other times while driving, the vehicle will not accelerate properly and appears to become stuck in a low gear. The engine RPM may rise to approximately 4,000, but the vehicle does not shift or increase speed normally. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it may temporarily make the problem go away, but it can happen again without warning. There is currently NO CHECK ENGINE light or other warning light that has ever come on. So I had the auto parts store attach an OBD-II scanner and the ONLY error code was P0776. This prompted me to research further and that is when I learned of the CVT issues with Nissan. Because the loss of acceleration and failure to shift are intermittent, I cannot predict when the vehicle will hesitate or fail to respond. I am concerned that I could be struck by another vehicle if this happens while entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or attempting to maintain speed.
My daughter was driving down the road and came to a 2-wayy stop. Went to pull out and the car stalled and started shuddering. On down the road leaving a red light it did the same thing and not wanting to really go.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Delayed gear change from 1st to 2nd/delayed acceleration 1-5 seconds mid-traffic because the car overheats soon after driving which causes the car to not properly accelerate causing more RPMs than necessary during longer drives with frequent stops (within urban/suburban areas).
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond while the engine was running. The contact stated that the vehicle responded and returned to normal functionality after depressing the accelerator pedal several times. The contact stated that the failure was more evident while driving in cold weather. No warning light was illuminated. 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 84,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2016 Nissan Altima has approximately 68,900 miles. When I am stopped and press the gas pedal, the vehicle sometimes hesitates before it begins moving. It does not accelerate normally, which is dangerous when I am pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, or making a turn. At other times while driving, the vehicle will not accelerate properly and appears to become stuck in a low gear. The engine RPM may rise to approximately 4,000, but the vehicle does not shift or increase speed normally. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it may temporarily make the problem go away, but it can happen again without warning. There is currently NO CHECK ENGINE light or other warning light that has ever come on. So I had the auto parts store attach an OBD-II scanner and the ONLY error code was P0776. This prompted me to research further and that is when I learned of the CVT issues with Nissan. Because the loss of acceleration and failure to shift are intermittent, I cannot predict when the vehicle will hesitate or fail to respond. I am concerned that I could be struck by another vehicle if this happens while entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or attempting to maintain speed.
Icc stopped working
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is an active recall for the generic 2016 Nissan Altima OCS sensor, but it does not apply to my specific VIN apparently. This sensor is a problem with other vehicles of the same year, make, and model, but I am apparently on the hook for almost $1000 repair cost because the recall did not extend to my VIN. Again, same year, make, model, and issue as other 2016 Nissan Altimas, but the recall did not extend for some reason.
Upon impact driver's side and passenger side airbags did not deploy.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal headlight failure, and it was determined that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
The headlights on this vehicle are very dim because of a defect by the manufacturer. The inside of the headlight has delamination and causes the lights to be very dim which is a hazardous situation when driving at night. A recalled was issued, but has since expired. Dealer wants to charge over 1800 to replace both headlights.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water leak...from trunk and sunroof....electrical problems airbag light on and off.....sensor issues i paid out of pocket.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 43,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 68,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am experiencing an issue with the airbag light on my 2017 Nissan Altima S model, which is showing code B0020. This airbag code indicates a problem with the passenger side airbag system, typically caused by damaged wiring, a malfunctioning seat sensor, or a loose connector beneath the driver's seat. The repair quote from my local Nissan dealership ranges from $1728 to $3500, depending on the faulty components and the labor required for installation. This is a recognized problem for Nissan, and their failure to address it raises significant concerns regarding safety. Currently, I am uncertain about how to proceed with the repair due to the high costs involved.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 18V915000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, others also smelled the odor. The contact stated while driving approximately 65MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 45 MPH with other vehicles behind. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lunged forward causing the contact to quickly depress the brake pedal. 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 13,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Delayed gear change from 1st to 2nd/delayed acceleration 1-5 seconds mid-traffic because the car overheats soon after driving which causes the car to not properly accelerate causing more RPMs than necessary during longer drives with frequent stops (within urban/suburban areas).
I have a 2016 Nissan Altima 3.5 Sr I brought into the Nissan dealership multiple times since 2022 now in 2025 at 100,000 miles to transmission is not working it's dying at intersections and oil is pouring out of the engine I was told that there was a recall that expired in April of 2023 however I was never notified about the recall despite taking my car to the Nissan dealership prior to that date no one ever said that there was a problem with the CVT I've stored my car multiple years because I'm a veteran and I had to deploy so it wasn't driven as much and now that's crossed 100,000 miles it's on its last leg this isn't fair the 2019 models are getting recalled they should fix mine I've taken care of this car and now they're trying to deny me my mobility I'm a retiree I don't have that much money the last time I took it to the dealership they said I needed a new engine never once mentioning that there were previous recalls on this vehicle. I need help.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hood popped up while driving and smashed windshield and did additional body damage. Secondary hood latch safety mechanism was non operable according to mechanic who looked at it after incident. Hood latch was replaced as part of recall in 2022. Spoke to Nissan but they are dismissing because there is no open recall and because it was already fixed. Many online comments about others dealing with this same issue of failure after repair and Nissan not taking responsibility.
Subject Safety Defect Complaint Recall Repair Refusal and Manufacturer Delay Nissan Altima 2016 My 2016 Nissan Altima is subject to a safety recall related to the hood latch cover The hood latch cover on my vehicle is defective and stuck which caused the hood to become completely locked shut This defect creates a serious safety hazard because the hood could unexpectedly open while driving putting me my family and other road users at risk I contacted and visited two authorized Nissan dealers multiple times to have the recall repair performed Both dealers refused to repair the vehicle unless I personally opened the hood first I explained that the hood cannot be opened due to the recall related defect and that attempting to force it open is unsafe The dealers still refused to perform the recall repair I then contacted a third party service AAA but they refused to work on the vehicle stating that opening or driving the vehicle with a compromised hood is extremely dangerous and that this issue must be handled by the manufacturer and its authorized dealers I contacted Nissan North America directly to seek assistance Instead of resolving the issue Nissan has repeatedly delayed action stating that my case is still pending dealer approval I have been told many times that there would be updates but no solution has been provided I was informed multiple times that the case is delayed and that there is currently no resolution available As of today my vehicle has been undrivable for more than one and a half months due to this unresolved safety defect I am afraid to drive the vehicle because it poses a real danger to my safety and the safety of my family This situation has caused significant stress and hardship I am filing this complaint with NHTSA because an authorized dealer is refusing to perform a required safety recall repair
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Diagnosed CVT failure; Nissan refuses to replace the transmission at their cost. Took the vehicle to multiple mechanics before the issue was officially diagnosed, as the issue is difficult to diagnose. When operating the vehicle, at times the vehicle will stop accelerating; driver is pressing on the accelerator and the RPMs will increase but the vehicle will not be propelled forward and the power steering is disengaged. The issue is intermittent so the driver does not when this will occur, other drivers on the road also do not know our car is stalled, and this creates a huge safety risk. Also, when stopped at a stop sign or stoplight and attempting to turn onto another street, driver will attempt to accelerate and turn and the vehicle will not move or will barely move and the power steering is disengaged. If the cross-street has traffic, my vehicle is immovable in oncoming traffic -- a huge safety issue.
Mossy Nissan El Cajon, didn't report an accident that the car was involved in prior to the sale of the car to me. This car sustained front end damage. Resulting in a repair to the frame/sway bar. Thus effecting the steering and suspension of the car. This car was repaired and paid for by an insurance company. However, Nissan didn't disclose this information, so that the end result was the sale of the car.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
while driving 25mph-49mph, the hood unexpectedly opened and flew back into the windshield causing the windshield to crack/shatter. No warning lights had been illuminated. Driver pulled over safely got out of the car along with 2 passengers. Driver contacted the police and had the car towed to the nearest auto body shop. calling NISSAN on monday 9/22/25. seems like there was a MAJOR recall in 2020 (HOOD LATCH RECALL, that states the hood may open without warning while driving and could obscure the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash.)that this vehicle was not part of but exact thing happend that was stated as reason for recall.
The driver side sun visor is easily broken. The connecting rod is hollow.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 days before the incident the check engine light came on but went off the next day. I was driving home from an overnight shift on Sunday, July 5th when I heard a loud boom the car instantly began to sound like something was dragging on the ground, the car was shifting right no matter which way I turned the steering wheel. I pulled over checked underneath the vehicle noticed this piece dragging I immediately called a tow. A mechanic took a look and stated the control arm has snapped and deemed the car unsafe to operate. I am financing this vehicle and it has only been a year even with routine maintenance and the upkeep of the vehicle since about a month or 2 after purchasing the vehicle I’ve been having major issues
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was difficult to control at higher speeds. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side wheel was misaligned, and the rear control arm was fractured and had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the rear control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airs bags lights on it won’t go off The contact is hoping for a recall relating to this issue or defect.
Transmission problem.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Going down the highway coming home my hood popped up and blocked my visibility I swerved off the road causing my back tire to blow out. Now my hood will not open back up, since I closed it on the highway. I got my car to my house with the spare but am not sure what to do now. I looked and apparently my car has a recall for a faulty hood and was never taken in for inspection. I believe this was the cause of my hood failure.
Hi , This is regarding recall of NHTSA ID: 22T007 On Highway my tire ( back driver side ) got flat . Paid $24.00 for Patch and paid $194.60 for replacement of tire at Discount Tire . requesting for REFUND for the amount $218.60 . Please send REFUND check to : [XXX] I am unable to load receipts /files in the format you required here is the copies : Apr 17, 2022$24.00 Additional Information Transaction Details Merchant CategoryMISC. PERSONAL SERVICES Transaction DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Purchase MethodMANUALLY KEYED Post DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Apr 20, 2022$194.60 Merchant Contact Information 20225 N SCOTTSDALE RD, GA 30004 Additional Information Transaction Details Buyer Name[XXX] Card Used Merchant CategoryAUTO TIRE STORES Transaction DateWED, 04/20/2022 Purchase MethodINTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD READER Post DateWED, 04/20/2022 Sales Tax Amount$10.85 Apr 17, 2022$24.00 Additional Information Transaction Details Merchant CategoryMISC. PERSONAL SERVICES Transaction DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Purchase MethodMANUALLY KEYED Post DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Apr 20, 2022$194.60 Merchant Contact Information 20225 N SCOTTSDALE RD, GA 30004 Additional Information Transaction Details Buyer Name[XXX] Card Used Merchant CategoryAUTO TIRE STORES Transaction DateWED, 04/20/2022 Purchase MethodINTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD READER Post DateWED, 04/20/2022 Sales Tax Amount$10.85 Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about the diagnostic fees. The contact stated there was an extended warranty related to the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 96,200.
I HAVE A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. FIRST: I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH A REGULAR TRUCK HAULING AN ENCLOSED TRAILER DROVE OVER A LARGE PIECE OF PLYWOOD ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH IN FRONT OF ME (ALSO GOING ABOUT 70 MPH) CAUSING THE PIECE OF PLYWOOD TO RAISE OFF OF THE ROAD AFTER HE CLEARED IT AND IT FLEW INTO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND BOUNCED UP ONTO THE HOOD AND THEN HIT THE ROOF BEFORE FLYING OFF OF MY CAR. DURING THIS PROCESS, PIECES OF THE PLYWOOD BECAME STUCK IN THE GRILL AREA OF MY CAR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THANKFULLY, BUT I AM CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SECOND: I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE JULY OF 2019. OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN I PRESS THE GAS, THE RPMS RISE BUT THE TRANSMISSION TAKES A BIT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR CAUSING A LAG IN ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT IF I AM AT A LIGHT OR A STOP AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE SPORT, IT DOESN'T DO THIS. I HAVE GOTTEN IN THE HABIT OF SHIFTING INTO THE SPORT MODE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT. THIRD: MY DAUGHTER WAS HIT TODAY BY A TRUCK CROSSING LANES TO TURN IN FRONT OF HER. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT APPX 35 MPH. THE TRUCK HIT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AREA, DESTROYING MY HEADLIGHT, BUMPER, AND GRILL. IT WAS HIT HARD AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING HER TO BOUNCE FORWARD AND SMACK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM CONCERNED NOW ABOUT THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS AND AM MORE WORRIED THAT THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES. I LOVE MY CAR, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE VERY SAFE AT ALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear and often failed to shift into any gear, which is an overt and considerable safety issue. The contact had to insert a pen into the gear shifter to correct the failure; however, this work-around was often not successful and the car was not able to be driven safely. The vehicle was repaired to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be repaired by the independent mechanic at a cost totaling $1,158.75. The contact incurred the entire cost out-of-pocket, with zero reimbursement from insurance or the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable. The contact has stated that the work-around for the gear shifter often did not work resulting in the vehicle being undriveable. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic at their own expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure with the vehicle but failed to respond. The failure mileage is 83,470 and the VIN has been provided.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND DEFECTIVE KEYLESS PUSH BUTTON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER FAILURES INCLUDED REAR DOORS OPENING INDEPENDENTLY, ENGINE WAS LOUD, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS WERE INOPERABLE, AND THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY LIT. THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THE REPAIRS WERE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNSURE THAT THE DEALER ACTUALLY COMPLETED THE RECALLS AS IT ONLY TOOK AN HOUR TO BE COMPLETED. *JS
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT WAS AN ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CHILD DEATH REVIEW FOR LA COUNTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OWNER OF A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA, EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH THE HEATER ACTIVATED AND LEFT HER 2-YEAR-OLD CHILD IN A CAR SEAT LOCATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 HOURS UNATTENDED. THE CAR SEAT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CHILD WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED DUE TO A HEAT STROKE. THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED 117 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT TO MAKE THE DRIVER AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE COULD REACH FATAL HEATER TEMPERATURES OR THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS REACHING HIGH LEVELS OF HEAT TEMPERATURES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS NO SAFETY MECHANISM TO AVOID THE VEHICLE REACHING INTERIOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE LEVELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .