2022 Nissan Altima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 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
- Driver assistance1023.3%
- Engine716.3%
- Electrical716.3%
- Brakes511.6%
- Powertrain (other)49.3%
- Airbags37.0%
- Body & structure24.7%
- Suspension24.7%
- Exterior lighting12.3%
- Other / unspecified12.3%
- Visibility12.3%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from CarMax on February 25, 2026. Less than three weeks after purchase, the electronic parking brake unexpectedly engaged while I was driving on multiple occasions, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle stopped while in motion without warning. I immediately reported the problem to the selling dealership. The vehicle was inspected on March 17, 2026, but I was told the concern could not be duplicated, and the vehicle was returned without repair. After continued concerns, the dealership later documented excessive lateral runout of the front and rear brake rotors, completely glazed brake pads, and that the rotors had previously been machined. The dealership recommended replacement of all front and rear brake pads and rotors. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the unexpected activation of the electronic parking brake while driving presents a significant safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may indicate a broader safety defect.
Dashboard indicates issue with forward collision warning or AEB. Car does not brake when cars in front of me brake. Took back to dealership and was told they needed to reprogram and configure sonar unit. And cost would be $437. This car was purchased in JULY
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I Purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from Drive Time with 90,000 miles on it. I would have had this car for 2 years this month in May. The Car Currently has about 122,587 Miles on it and has Transmission CVT Failure. I notice pulling, not being able to Accelerate while car was in motion, and while car was stop at green light waiting to procced. while hitting the gas the car would go into limp mode and it would be hard to drive. I've gotten three different diagnose that transmission was getting ready to go out.
I’ve had my battery and alternator checked and both are good. Multiple times now my car has either not started until it gets a jump. Took it to a shop and was told its electrical issues. I was at my a football game for my kids out of state and my car would not start after having it off for over an hour,me n my kids were stuck for 3 hours before they got someone out to jump start the car. I take it to another shop tomorrow for additional testing. No lights have appeared and no warning before it happens.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My horn and alarm just went out without warning doesn’t work had fuse checked at auto zone. The electrical issue is my radio screen will go black but still be playing then it will reboot while driving.
I’ve had my battery and alternator checked and both are good. Multiple times now my car has either not started until it gets a jump. Took it to a shop and was told its electrical issues. I was at my a football game for my kids out of state and my car would not start after having it off for over an hour,me n my kids were stuck for 3 hours before they got someone out to jump start the car. I take it to another shop tomorrow for additional testing. No lights have appeared and no warning before it happens.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from CarMax on February 25, 2026. Less than three weeks after purchase, the electronic parking brake unexpectedly engaged while I was driving on multiple occasions, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle stopped while in motion without warning. I immediately reported the problem to the selling dealership. The vehicle was inspected on March 17, 2026, but I was told the concern could not be duplicated, and the vehicle was returned without repair. After continued concerns, the dealership later documented excessive lateral runout of the front and rear brake rotors, completely glazed brake pads, and that the rotors had previously been machined. The dealership recommended replacement of all front and rear brake pads and rotors. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the unexpected activation of the electronic parking brake while driving presents a significant safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may indicate a broader safety defect.
Since purchasing my car in 1-2022, brand new, my car will unpredictably brake. Recently while driving with no cars in front of me, my car again braked and I was almost rear ended. I did experience minor whiplash as it was a sudden stop. This has happened on surface streets as well as when going down into a parking structure. Additionally my sensors will randomly state that there are obstructions in the road when there are none. I have taken my car into First Nissan with these issues from when I first drove my car off their lot. First Nissan employees are great, but I believe my car has a defect that significantly concerns me about my safety when driving this car. I am a loyal Nissan car owner as I had my previous Altima for about 15 years.. with no problems. How will Nissan rectify this safety issue??
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I drive 30 miles one way for work, my car hit 85,000 and the transmission fluid is overheated and the car went in to limp mode on the freeway. I got stuck for 30 Mines waiting for it to cool. Now I have to go to mellow nissan to pay 150 for a transmission disinostic so corporate nissan can open a good will claim I called them my car is new the transmission been slipping. I heard its a common problem.
My 2022 Nissan Altima has been experiencing transmission issues for about a month. The car hesitates, lunges, and shudders when accelerating from a stop. At around 60,000 miles, I had the transmission fluid flushed, and the shop confirmed the transmission fluid was clean with no metal debris. Despite that, the symptoms continued getting increasingly dangerous in high traffic areas. Today 10/16/25(the car is still at 60k miles) while turning at an intersection, the car hesitated and lunged before finally moving. This delay in acceleration created a dangerous situation in traffic, and another driver honked because my vehicle wouldn’t go. Immediately afterward, the car went into what seemed like “limp mode” and would not accelerate at all. There were no warning lights or messages before or during this incident. (which can be verified by the transmission place i got the car serviced at) After pulling into a parking lot and shutting the car off for about 10 minutes, I restarted it and the check engine light came on with a message stating: “CVT malfunction – service now.” The vehicle had to be towed because it felt unsafe to drive on busy highways. I believe this is a serious safety concern because the car can fail to move in traffic without warning.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving along I55 at 65-70 mph when my car had multiple lights come on the dash w d started ringing. My car then shot left into the median wall. It spun at least twice hitting the wall and stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes. The vehicle is currently at the ins inspection lot. The code was u0100. ECM/PCM ‘A” DTC. I was injured in the accident and concerned about safety of others
I was driving to work. As I was doing so multiple lights came on my dashboard and it started dinging. At the same time my car immediately shot left so hard into the concrete median barrier at 70 mph. It all happened so fast I was not able to see what lights came on. My steering wheel would not turn. I did at least two 360’s off of the concrete wall finally stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate. My car is totaled. I’m suffering from a concussion. Waiting MRI results to be referral to the neurosurgeon for my spine. The police have told me I’m lucky I didn’t die. Nissan really don’t seem to care. They want me to be without a vehicle and not settle the loss for 3-4 months for when they get around to investigating the cause. There is so much body damage the insurance doesn’t have a need to do a mechanical investigation. The vehicle is currently sitting at the copart as I’m waiting to decide what to do since Nissan doesn’t seem to care their faulty product almost cost me my life and could cost others theirs. I’m trying to find someone who will come and do a mechanical investigation on the car.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
The drivers side door would not open from the inside or outside. I was able to lock and unlock the door but when I pulled the handle it did not initiate the latch to open. I have had issues with the door not opening from the inside for several months but could open it from the outside, until today. I have had to climb through the passenger side to get out of the car on a couple of occasions.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
Car is making loud clunking noise when going over speed bumps or turning wheel when backing up. Dealer recommended replacing struts. I see they have a service campaign but my car is out of warranty barely (40,000 miles) and they will not replace. This is a manufacturer problem and should have a recall.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my 2022 Altima in June 2022. I didn’t encounter any problems until 5/2024. My horn stopped working for no apparent reason, the interior fuse that controls the light inside my car keeps blowing out every few months. My manufacturer warranty has expired. This is a hazard. Due to these issue I am not able to get an Inspection sticker and not able to use my horn. Can someone call me to help assist!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
bubble on sidewall of rear passenger tire at 2450 k miles (just brought home from dealer)
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
I bought my 2022 Nissan Altima in February this year. Upon leaving my house for work on June 9th, I noticed a unique crack in my windshield which had not been there previously. Nothing had damaged or hit it as I had not driven my car in over a day or so. Within a week or so my windshield became so severely cracked, it was unsafe to drive due to limited visibility. I notified Mclarty Nissan of this and they told me they did not handle windshield repairs. I contacted my insurance provider but due to the $500 deductible it was cheaper to pay out of pocket to replace it. Because of the inability to see clearly and lack of visibility which was a safety issue, I had to call in to work. This not only cost me money but it left my coworkers in a serious bind as they rely on me and because I am a nurse, it left them severely short staffed. I believe this was a defective windshield or a manufacturing error. I took pictures of the progression of the cracking that occurred to my windshield rendering it unsafe to operate.
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 .