2017 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 2017 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)13228.7%
- Airbags7416.1%
- Driver assistance5010.9%
- Engine418.9%
- Electrical286.1%
- Interior & seats224.8%
- Brakes194.1%
- Exterior lighting183.9%
- Fuel system183.9%
- Steering163.5%
- Body & structure163.5%
- Suspension112.4%
- Other / unspecified61.3%
- Seat belts40.9%
- Visibility30.7%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
- Transmission10.2%
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
Shuddering and loss of acceleration/vehicle slowed on its own while driving on the highway. Managed to get to Firestone and diagnostic codes P0776 and P0841 came up. Advised to take vehicle to dealer shop as work could not be done on CVT there. Car was towed to Nissan Bonney Road Virginia Beach. Transmission replacement recommended and my car only has 53,000 miles on it but is outside the 84 month extended warranty drafted from class action lawsuits and settlement. I was not aware of these lawsuit when this vehicle was recommended to me by Hall Honda as Hall Nissan sent it to them for me to see. No additional warranty was given nor was I informed that since the car only had 21,000 miles it was covered under the settlement of 80,000 miles 84,000 month. I WOULD HAVE WALKED, NO RAN, AWAY FROM THIS CAR IF I HAD BEEN TOLD OF THE LAWSUITS. Nissan wants me to pay nearly 6,200.00 for a new transmission that they knew was faulty to begin with. The only other option they gave was that they would give me a 3,000.00 allowance for them to purchase my car and apply that to another (probably faulty) vehicle from them. The issue I have with this is that I still owe 8,700.00 on a car that cost me over 17,000.00 which would make me have to roll the remaining 5,700.00 into another loan. Ludicrous that the dealerships are able to get away with this because they don’t want to admit their cars are faulty! I need Nissan to own up to this and perform a “goodwill” repair at no cost to me for the transmission. Nissan consumer complaints was not helpful at all. The only option I have after this is to file a claim in small claims court which I will probably lose.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical fault inside the air bag, and it was determined that the air bag inside the seat back needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the electrical fault from the air bag was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shuddering and loss of acceleration/vehicle slowed on its own while driving on the highway. Managed to get to Firestone and diagnostic codes P0776 and P0841 came up. Advised to take vehicle to dealer shop as work could not be done on CVT there. Car was towed to Nissan Bonney Road Virginia Beach. Transmission replacement recommended and my car only has 53,000 miles on it but is outside the 84 month extended warranty drafted from class action lawsuits and settlement. I was not aware of these lawsuit when this vehicle was recommended to me by Hall Honda as Hall Nissan sent it to them for me to see. No additional warranty was given nor was I informed that since the car only had 21,000 miles it was covered under the settlement of 80,000 miles 84,000 month. I WOULD HAVE WALKED, NO RAN, AWAY FROM THIS CAR IF I HAD BEEN TOLD OF THE LAWSUITS. Nissan wants me to pay nearly 6,200.00 for a new transmission that they knew was faulty to begin with. The only other option they gave was that they would give me a 3,000.00 allowance for them to purchase my car and apply that to another (probably faulty) vehicle from them. The issue I have with this is that I still owe 8,700.00 on a car that cost me over 17,000.00 which would make me have to roll the remaining 5,700.00 into another loan. Ludicrous that the dealerships are able to get away with this because they don’t want to admit their cars are faulty! I need Nissan to own up to this and perform a “goodwill” repair at no cost to me for the transmission. Nissan consumer complaints was not helpful at all. The only option I have after this is to file a claim in small claims court which I will probably lose.
Driving on the freeway and car goes into limp mode very dangerous situation as spend was reduced and almost got rear ended by truck
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and I felt the car jump and it felt like it was losing power and kicking me at the same time. It wanted to stall out. So I had to pull over to the far right lane and it continued to make a screaming noise when I would push on the had and not want to accelerate.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and I felt the car jump and it felt like it was losing power and kicking me at the same time. It wanted to stall out. So I had to pull over to the far right lane and it continued to make a screaming noise when I would push on the had and not want to accelerate.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical fault inside the air bag, and it was determined that the air bag inside the seat back needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the electrical fault from the air bag was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Nissan Altima purchased used from large used dealer chain location in Albuquerque, NM on 11/24/25. At delivery, salesman demonstrated driver seat moved up/down and stated it just needed a bolt/belt. Co-signer who was present witnessed. Component failed: Driver seat front mounting bolt missing — seat not secured to floor, moves up/down and wobbles side to side. Vehicle was sold with this defect present at delivery. Safety risk: In crash or hard braking, unsecured driver seat can shift, ejection risk, loss of control, seatbelt and airbag will not protect correctly. Driver and any passenger at risk. Elderly co-signer also at risk as passenger. Reproduced/confirmed: Yes. Dealer had vehicle 10/09-10/12/26 for service, did not repair seat, attempted to charge $5,000 for transmission codes P0965 and P0776 limp mode. Vehicle returned 11:05 AM 10/12/26 by tow driver still with same defect. Video taken night of 10/12/26 shows seat still wobbling same as delivery 11 months earlier. Mother-in-law thought it was fixed at 3:19 AM same day, video proves it was not. Inspected by: Dealer service department, independent quick lube shop, tow driver. Warning lamps: Transmission limp mode, check engine light for P0965/P0776 — seat has no warning lamp. Vehicle available for inspection upon request — currently at home address on file, not driven due to safety.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the hood unexpectedly opened and struck the front windshield. The failure caused windshield glass shards to fly into the contact's eyes. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and called the insurance company, which dispatched a tow truck to the location. The contact was waiting for the ambulance to arrive to receive medical attention. While waiting for the ambulance and tow truck to arrive, the contact researched and discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the contact had not received the recall notification. 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 unknown.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving on the freeway and car goes into limp mode very dangerous situation as spend was reduced and almost got rear ended by truck
Car not starting. Narrowed down to brake light switch not functioning properly. Jumped across the switch, car started. Push button ignition requires brakes to be depressed to start the vehicle. We have been close to being rear-ended twice lately. No warning lights signifying a problem. This is the second Altima I owned with this exact same failure to occur. First was a 2010 Altima S 2.5
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. Headlights. The headlights are dim to the point that vision at night is greatly impaired unless I use my high beams. It is available for inspection. 2. Impaired vision at night, I cannot see very well when driving at night, and others may be affected by not being able to see me as well. 3. This is a known manufacturing defect which has been confirmed by Nissan, and is actually subject of a class action settlement, however I was unaware of the class action settlement at the time and didn't participate before the deadline. 4. I have not been inspected yet, but am able to do so. 5. No, there are no warnings, the headlights are just too dim to see.
Car not starting. Narrowed down to brake light switch not functioning properly. Jumped across the switch, car started. Push button ignition requires brakes to be depressed to start the vehicle. We have been close to being rear-ended twice lately. No warning lights signifying a problem. This is the second Altima I owned with this exact same failure to occur. First was a 2010 Altima S 2.5
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and I felt the car jump and it felt like it was losing power and kicking me at the same time. It wanted to stall out. So I had to pull over to the far right lane and it continued to make a screaming noise when I would push on the had and not want to accelerate.
Was driving and when we stopped and was ready to pull out the car wouldn’t move. The gas pedal was all the way to the floor after several seconds it shot across the road a then wouldn’t get above 20 mph. The rpm gauge shot all the way, pegged out. Drove for a few miles and pulled over. Turned the car off and then it took off just fine. Shortly afterwards it bogged down again and would get over 20mph again. Something needs to be fixed right away
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving home from the store like 4 blocks away and on the road there’s dip n the road you can’t avoid it so after i drive over it the airbag light comes on with hitting anything.
The first code it threw was for the master air flow sensor then it started bogging out not going over 1RPM -throwing the code "P17F0 CVT Judder" and has left me in some really,really bad situations in traffic, and when it boggs down like that (no matter how many times I turn it off and restart it, even if the battery drains all the way out and I have to get a jump) I have to wait two hours after unhooking the battery and sit for an hour if not more before I can start it up and actually get down the rd. And it runs great like nothing was wrong it. But doesn't get far before doing it again
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the overhead console dislodged from the ceiling and fell downward, striking the driver on the head. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who determined that the clips attaching the console to the interior ceiling of the vehicle had failed, causing the console to detach and fall. The contact was informed that the console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 64,300.
On 25Apr25, when driving vehicle home from mechanic following exhaust repair, hood latch disengaged and smashed windshield, less than 1 mile from mechanic location. Vehicle was returned to mechanic, hood safety latch inspected, and windshield replaced. Event also caused damage to hood body.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear lower arm control snapped while driving on even surface road. I’m a female and when I heard the pop I got out and inspected the car. Could have caused injury to myself or other motorists. Confirmed with two mechanics that this in fact was the rear arm control and that they have had these issues with a lot of Nissan Altima and Sentra. Was advised to take to Nissan dealership to see if they will repair-which I did, but I’m currently awaiting a response by Nissan to see if they will cover it. The car has been making a squeaky sound but it comes and goes. The check engine light came on but displayed loose fuel cap and it goes out when I put gas in my car from time to time. I’ve also heard that is another issue with Nissan with the loose fuel cap. I just want my vehicle repaired. It is maintained although it is a 2017 and has 157,000 miles. No real issues until now.
One month Insurance policy lapse and license plate surrender license suspension when I was in hospital emergency room bed time .
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact called an independent mechanic and scheduled a service appointment for inspection on the following day. The contact stated while driving to the residence, there was light smoke coming from under the driver's side of the hood. Upon arriving and parking the vehicle inside the carport of the residence, the gray and white smoke became heavier, and the contact noticed flames coming from under the passenger's side of the hood, and the vehicle shut off. The fire quickly spread from the vehicle half-way into the residence. A light pole, lawn mower, electronic devices, clothing and home appliances were burned. The emergency services were called to the scene, but the fire self-extinguished before the emergency services responded on the scene. The Fire Department extinguished other items that had caught on fire. A fire department report was filed. The contact cut her left hand on the back bedroom window and required medical attention. The contact received stitches to the left hand. A Police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle and the residence were destroyed during the fire. The vehicle remained at the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 285,000.
On Sunday December 12th just north of Birmingham on I-65 there was a foreign object in the lane (appeared to be a fairly large piece on concrete). It was between 8-9p thus dark. Due to the amount of traffic driver could not swerve to avoid the object. The object bent the front driver wheel which resulted in needing to replace the driver front wheel and tire (OEM Nissan Wheel and cover, third party recycled tire). The object in the road could have caused far worse damage and bodily injury. We do not have a receipt for the $60.00 used tire.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the driver’s side seat belt was in use, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The seat belt light stays on even when I have mines on and nobody is sitting in the passenger seat and the airbag light goes on and off for no reason
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello, I have a 2017 Nissan Altima, VIN# [XXX] and a few years ago there was a safety recall on the headlight system. The lights are very dim, they will not get bright after changing the bulbs multiple times and still not a fix. The lights are very dim at night and very hard to see. I tried scheduling an appointment and the Nissan dealership says this recall expired. My [XXX] daughter is driving the car and she keeps asking me that she cannot see with the lights on and working fine. Multiple times she has almost hit something close to the side of the road or another parked car because the lights are so dim but working fine. How can a safety recall expire, if an accident happens and Nissan refused to fix the safety issue and had a recall then Nissan Corporation may be liable for any injuries due to this accident. I just want to get the headlights fixed according to the safety recall but every time I call, it gets disconnected or I cannot get thru to anyone and they just keep me on hold. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan had a extended warranty on their headlight assembly. I didn't know this until 2023. I than went to Riverhead Auto Mall and had it tested, they said it passed This was on 11/28/2023. Finally based on my disbelief they agreed to have it retested pro bono at Nissan 112. It did fail the test in May of 2024. I have a daughter with a condition that requires me to drive her to and from work in inclement weather. At night I can barely see and I am putting ourselves and others at risk. They are now claiming the warranty ended in 2024 and they want me to pay half of the replacement cost. My contention is that if the first dealer had done the right thing I wouldn't be in this position.
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
235/45r18 there is a malfunction on this car the tire pressure keeps going out and blowing my tire also the car was giving to me with ran down tires which I was told was dangerous the company imperial auto mall switched the tires and said they was good but the car blew completely out while driving with my kids I alerted the company they did nothing to fix I reported the problem to different companies so they can fix but I was brushed off every time
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 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.
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 .