RoadVitals

2017 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.
40
Latest Nov 6, 2025
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.
10%
of 390 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 2017 Nissan Altima submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 40 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 40, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2025

Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.

NHTSA ID
11697998
Incident
Nov 4, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 30, 2025

Check engine light came on at approximately 96,000 miles in which vehicle would have a delayed acceleration upon stepping on gas pedal or going up hills. Took it to 3 different mechanics including Nissan dealer and all confirmed a CVT failure and need a replacement. Nissan of America is refusing to help even after there have been documented lawsuits and known issues with the CVT failing. This is unsafe and a recall is needed not just an extended warranty that doesn’t help consumers who are over the 7 years but still under 100,000 miles like me.

NHTSA ID
11696679
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2025

The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. I couldn't accelerate pass 35-40 mph when I was driving. Thankfully it was bumper to bumper traffic.

NHTSA ID
11685138
Incident
Sep 4, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2025

The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed.

NHTSA ID
11675649
Incident
Jul 21, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2025

2017 Nissan Altima with CVT transmission losses acceleration while driving.

NHTSA ID
11674744
Incident
Jul 19, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine and oxygen sensor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the oxygen sensor warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken for an oil change and the certified mechanic determined that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the #4-cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized, and the contact used a key to unlock the gear shifter. The contact also became aware that the oil level was continually low. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic again, who tested the cylinders and diagnosed and determined that the cylinders had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID
11671582
Incident
Mar 7, 2025
Mileage
148,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2025

I need to preface this by stating I fundamentally don’t understand how an issue that directly results in the failure of inspection which dictates road safety/emissions quality and was identified by two mechanics as a part known to fail cannot be under a recall. The part addressed is #14001-3TA1E but more specifically it is an issue with the value position sensor. It is a small part which dicates whether the Swirl or tumble control activates which triggers the P2004. If you look up the code it’s common side effects are as follows: Decrease in low-end engine torque: You may notice a decrease in acceleration, particularly at low RPM levels. Engine surging or sputtering: The engine may run unevenly, particularly when starting up. Sluggishness: The vehicle may feel less responsive to the throttle. Difficulty reaching higher speeds: You may find it challenging to accelerate quickly or reach your desired speed. Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly and potentially stall at low speeds or while idling. 2. Decreased Fuel Economy: The IMRC system's primary function is to optimize the air/fuel mixture for different driving conditions. When it's not functioning correctly due to being stuck open, it can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 3. Check Engine Light (CEL) Illumination: The Check Engine Light (or Service Engine Soon Light) will likely illuminate when the P2004 code is triggered. This is often the first indicator that something is wrong. 4. Potential for Severe Engine Damage: This is the most critical side effect. If the hardware for the IMRC butterfly valve plates becomes loose and falls into the engine, it can cause severe engine damage or even engine failure. This being said you would think it would be an easily replacable part. Not in the slightest you have to buy an entire manifold 1300 msrp through nissan with no gurantee of it fixing the light. I have had instances of stalling / sluggishness since it has come on. This seems imparitive to vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID
11665137
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
Engine
Filed May 11, 2025

CVT Transmission issue. This Car has delayed acceleration.

NHTSA ID
11660225
Incident
May 10, 2025
Engine
Filed May 5, 2025

Car loses acceleration while driving. Problems with CVT engine

NHTSA ID
11658854
Incident
May 3, 2025
Engine
Filed Mar 25, 2025

I was driving my vehicle, and the vehicle had a unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration.

NHTSA ID
11650416
Incident
Mar 22, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while exiting a car wash, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC code: P0130 (Oxygen Sensor). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

NHTSA ID
11618642
Incident
Jun 28, 2024
Mileage
153,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 4, 2024

Engine control unit failure

NHTSA ID
11618123
Incident
Oct 3, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, inadvertently shifting between gears, and then lost motive power. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,960.

NHTSA ID
11604684
Incident
Jul 5, 2024
Mileage
136,960 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2024

The CVT transmission stopped working there was no warning or anything it just stopped. There was no warning light or anything, we took it to a mechanic and they confirmed that the transmission went out. I called the dealership where i bought it and they said they can’t do anything and i have no warranty. We were driving on the interstate and it just randomly stopped working which was incredibly dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11574451
Incident
Feb 27, 2024
Driver assistanceEngineTransmission
Filed Feb 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure continued and became persistent. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was almost rear-ended by a semi-trailer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID
11574270
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
Mileage
108,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving on the highway, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and then independently decelerated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact then stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the gear shifter failed to engage. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID
11481134
Incident
Jun 15, 2022
Mileage
118,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2022

Transmission failure at 78,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11471881
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11470203
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
60,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 19, 2022
Crash reported

The transmission on my 2017 Nissan Altima is stalling. It stall when I accelerate and in the middle of driving. This is a safety issue and has caused me to be in a recent accident.

NHTSA ID
11448095
Incident
Aug 16, 2021
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2021

Transmission problems Brake system is horrible, constantly have to replace brakes and rotors Powertrain and other problems I've made several complaints to Nissan, I have put so much money in this car! Compressor went out almost 7 months after I purchased this car. I would give Nissan a 0 rating on the 2017 Nissan Altima

NHTSA ID
11427762
Incident
Nov 24, 2018
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was slow to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The rpm increased to 4,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,700.

NHTSA ID
11423149
Incident
May 24, 2021
Mileage
46,700 mi
EngineSuspension
Filed Mar 9, 2021

ALL THE SUDEN I WILL START MY CAR AND GIVE IT GAS AND WILL NOT MOVE AS IF IT WAS BEING FORCE TO RUN. THIS HAS HAPPEN MANY TIME AFTER THIS DAY.

NHTSA ID
11399947
Incident
Dec 24, 2019
Mileage
35,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2021

CAR STOPPED WHEN ON STOP LIGHT WAS IN MOTION AND NEVER CAME BACK HAVE TO TOWE THE CAR . SOME TIME IT START AND SOMETIME NOT . SO IT'S SCARY IF YOU PRESS THE BRAKE AND STOPS AND SOMEONE FROM BEHIND CAN HIT YOU .

NHTSA ID
11396206
Incident
Feb 14, 2021
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 27, 2020

TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP IN EARLY 2019. WENT TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP QUOTED US $5600 FOR THE REPAIR OF A REBUILT. WE LOOKED AT THE ERROR CODE AND SAW THAT ALL OTHER YEARS AND MODELS HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE EXACT SAME ERROR. NISSAN TOLD US THEY WOULD GIVE US "ASSISTANCE" AT 60%, WHICH STILL WAS OVER $1600 EXPENSE, FOR A CAR JUST 2 YEARS OLD. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK IT RIGHT BACK. NISSAN INFORMED ME IT WAS A FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR. COST ANOTHER $800. WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
11385099
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Nov 9, 2020

I WAS DRIVING MY 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE WHEN MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE OR GO. AS I'M ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, MY GAUGES ARE JUMPING BUT STILL NO MOVEMENT. EVENTUALLY AFTER ME TRYING PARK/NEUTRAL, THEN BACK IN DRIVE, IT JERKED INTO GEAR. ONCE IN GEAR, MY RPM GAUGE STARTED SURGING UP AND DOWN, CAR JENKINS OUT OF CONTROL. I COASTED TO A NEARBY STORE WHERE MY DAD TOWED TO HOME, TO CHECK IT OUT. ATTEMPED TO TRY AND TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, AND IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME EXACT THING. NISSAN HAS PUT A FAULTY CVT IN THE 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO NO ONE.

NHTSA ID
11373882
Incident
Nov 5, 2020
Mileage
91,000 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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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