2023 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 2023 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
- Electrical1031.3%
- Engine618.8%
- Driver assistance515.6%
- Brakes412.5%
- Visibility26.3%
- Powertrain (other)13.1%
- Seat belts13.1%
- Steering13.1%
- Tires & wheels13.1%
- Interior & seats13.1%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my car earlier this year. Paid in full. After having it for about 3 months I had to get a new battery. Now, about 2 months later I’m having to get a new alternator. A licensed car mechanic purchased the battery and put it on. The alternator, I went to the Nissan dealership and they told me it was the alternator. Never any lights or warning lights or labels, with battery I had to boost it, with Alternator it just started making a loud sound. I was afraid if mind and willows(my 6 year old) safety, driving and breaking down on the road, so I took it to Nissan to run a test on it. With no warnongs and this loyd noise i was freaked out. The altinador cost $901.00, just for the part, with a 2 week back order.
Attempted to start 2023 Nissan Altima. Engine did not turn over. Dashboard lights came on and then shut off. No further response. Had Altima towed to Nissan Dealer and after two weeks of sitting at the dealership. We were informed that the BCM unit needed to be replaced and fobs reprogrammed. Cause of BCM FAILURE UNKNOWN.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the freeway at about 70 miles an hour. When a warning came up, saying engine malfunction power reduced, the car then started the shaking a bit and not getting any power. Smoke started pouring out of the hood. I then pulled over open the hood. It was then on fire(small).I put it out with some water. And then the car was unable to start. I then towed it to my house and i'm waiting here on inspection.
The engine mounted high pressure fuel pump became loose and unseated because the engine-side mounting threads failed. The pump lifted off its mounting surface, the head of the engine, and oil came out around the top of the engine. This failure caused sudden loss of engine power and created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic and there was fluid leakage in the engine compartment near hot engine components. The problem was confirmed by a Nissan dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, documented the failed mounting area on the engine head, and submitted a goodwill warranty claim to Nissan, which was denied. Prior to the failure, there were no 18repairs or service in this area from the factory. Symptoms at the time of failure were loss of power and visible oil leakage from the top/right side of the engine. No warning lamps/messages prior to the mechanical failure. Vehicle had 60,845 miles at the time of failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
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
Reporting a severe hydraulic/mechanical braking defect on a 2023 Nissan Altima with only 26,820 miles. Vehicle experiences persistent 'spongy' brake pedal feel, premature metal-on-metal rotor gouging, and severely darkened/degraded brake fluid, indicating a systemic hydraulic component failure or electronic brake-dragging defect. This is a severe safety hazard causing unpredictable stopping distances. Authorized dealer (Coral Springs Nissan) refused warranty coverage prior to the May 21, 2023 expiration date and attempted to extort a signed liability/warranty waiver under duress to release my vehicle, which has been documented in writing on the service order and on video footage. ***Manufacturer is actively concealing this safety defect to avoid a mandatory safety recall. I own an identical second 2023 Altima with no such issues, proving a manufacturing defect on this vehicle. I paid $63k for both cars brand new. The only difference is the color. This issue began 2023 just five months after purchase. I called Coral Springs Nissan who told me this was not the brakes but electrical components that are used now. I trusted what they told me. It made sense. How could breaks be like that on a new car? What they needed to tell me was get to the nearest Nissan immediately because they were aware they've been having cars with break issues especially between 2021 and 2023. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THESE ARE BRAKE ISSUES? And what is this I was told that they recently got a judge to sign off and block any more class action lawsuits?? If this was some kind of air-conditioner component and still it wouldn't be fair for people who are trusting in quality. But these are brake issues. These are safety issues! What the hell are they letting these cars out on the road? Issue confirmed by Auto Nation Nissan of Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs Nissan.
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
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 was riding down the highway when all of a sudden I hear loud bang, the rear windshield, completely shutters, spontaneously out of nowhere. This is a huge safety concern as I could have easily caused or been involved in an accident due to what occurred I have looked up on other forms where this has happened to other Nissan owners. This can also be inspected by service center employees as well as document documented by the police. Be careful as there are no warning signs if or when this may occurred to your vehicle
I purchased my certified-preowned 2023 Nissan Altima on 12/9/2023 at 800+ miles. I did test drive it before my purchase, however I did not notice the defect in the driver and passenger side windows until my 45 minute drive home. The windows are defective and distorted my vision causing eye strain and dizziness.
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
While traveling at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began slowing down. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine RPM to increase, but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle, it would no longer move in either forward or reverse and had to be towed.
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
Right rear Seatbelt was not connected to car frame at bitter end. Bolt and seatbelt end were tucked behind seat cushion vice bolted and torqued to support bracket. Discovered upon first use of rear passenger seat.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the windshield had cracked with no external cause. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was the windshield was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle ahead slowed down, slid and stopped side ways, approximately two feet in the emergency lane and two feet in the left lane. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the wheels locked but the ABS failed to engage, causing the vehicle to skid. Additionally, the contact attempted to turn to the right to avoid the other vehicle, but the steering wheel was locked. The contact used his physical strength to steer the steering wheel; however, the vehicle crashed into the passenger's side rear bumper and headlight of the other vehicle. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance emergency braking system failed to engage. The air bags did not deploy. The front driver's side door failed to open widely. The contact stated that he kicked the door in order to exit the vehicle. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer's autobody repair shop, All Magic Paint & Body (14461 Commerce Center Dr, Moreno Valley, CA 92553). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a Nissan field inspector would inspect the vehicle and would review the EDR information. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,300. The VIN was unavailable.
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
P235 /40 R19 92V tires came with 2023 vehicle purchase. Two years following purchase, there are 2 large sidewall cracks at 32,000 miles for the front driver side tire even though the manufacturer mileage warranty is 70,000 miles. One out of four tires exhibiting this issue. Find this to be a huge safety concern as I was unaware of the cracks and there were no air leak/pressure issues sensed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, there was a popping sound coming from the front driver’s seat, and the seat detached and became unhinged. A dealer was contacted. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the seat frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a part missing from the seat frame. The seat frame was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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 .