Total Complaints
1182 filings
NISSAN ALTIMA · model year
1182 NHTSA complaints, 61 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2015NISSANALTIMA carries 1182 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 61 crashes, 11 fires, 37 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 ALTIMA is exterior lighting with 242 filings, followed by air bags (169) and power train (156). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2015 ALTIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1182 filings
Crashes Reported
61 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 242 |
| AIR BAGS | 169 |
| POWER TRAIN | 156 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 91 |
| ENGINE | 66 |
| SUSPENSION | 55 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 53 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 53 |
| STEERING | 48 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 36 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 26 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 25 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 24 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 20 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 20 |
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant
STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regula
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorr
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including cert
When backing out of my garage the driver's side rear lower control arm catastrophically broke. Thankfully, I was traveling at slow speed so it did not cause and accident. This is a major safety concern for other Altima drivers and the drivers and occupants of vehicles around them if this type of failure would occur at highway speeds. This is a known issue for as there was an investigation which closed last year. That is unacceptable and there should be a recall. This is a severe product defect and the manufacturer should be held responsible.
Rear lower passenger side control arm snapped
Low beam headlights delaminated so there is not enough light to see safely at night. I replaced the entire headlight units after just replacing the bulbs to see if that would fix it
Vvt valve has failed twice now despite timely oil changes. This is a safety risk because vehicle will stall at low speeds like when starting at an intersection from a stopped position
Rear Lower Link failure. The car has 145,XXX miles on it. I live in Wisconsin where we use Salt. I was driving the vehicle and hit a pot hole and the Driver Rear Lower Link failed in January 2026. Calling the dealer for repair I was informed of P9324 which did not cover my car. I bought replacement parts from Nissan to replace the Rear lower Links on both sides. Driver side had failed already and Passenger side was ready to fail also. I called Nissan support and I was informed that my car had a warranty extension on the Rear lower links through April 27 2025. this notice was sent to the wrong address so I was not aware of it. Also the Rear Lower link failed after the warranty extension. Nissan call person said there is nothing they can do for me. This is a know failure point Nissan know this by offering a warranty extension and P9324. All Altima's that used this same Rear lower link should have been included in P9324. Control of the car was compromised and harder to drive
Got a post card stating that the headlamp covers were recalled I called Nissan to make an appointment and Nissan has fought me every step of the way. I am unable to see at night with my headlights on and I have to turn on high beams at night just to see. It's very frustrating to not being able to see and very expensive to pay tickets for driving with high beams on.
Got the recall about the hood latch took it to Nissan and had it fixed. My hood latch isn't staying latched now it pops up as I'm driving. and at times the hood latch won't let you open it . Something is wrong with it or the Nissan dealership in Erie Pennsylvania don't know what they are doing.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and caused the vehicle to shift into the left lane. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and repositioned the vehicle into the intended lane, but the vehicle felt unstable as if the vehicle was driving on ice. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The contact drove to the residence. The contactâs husband reversed the vehicle into the garage, exited the vehicle and became aware that the rear passengerâs wheel was pushed into the wheel well, revealing that the rear control arm was fractured. The contact stated that the rear control arm had fractured while driving, causing the vehicle to veer into another lane. While reversing in the driveway, the control arm completely detached, and the wheel fell inward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the
Mileage: 196,000
On 6/28/2023, without any type of advanced warning, my rear driver's side control arm on my 2015 Nissan Altima failed, almost causing me to get into a severe accident; noting the rear tire was almost completely torn from the vehicle. The steering wheel also abruptly turned and locked to the left with a complete loss of control of the vehicle. The only thing that saved me from getting into a head-on accident with another vehicle was that I was operating at a slow speed and was able to stop in time. I never received any type of notification from Nissan, prior to the incident, to advise me of the Voluntary Service Campaign P9324. Had I known this, I would have at least had Nissan pay for my vehicle being towed and repaired, instead of paying for it out of my own pocket. On 1/4/2026, my rear passenger's side control arm failed when I was backing up in a parking lot. I was not in any type of danger this time of getting into an accident, but I was still not aware of Nissan's relate
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
I was driving going 60 mph on the highway when then I felt as I was sliding on as in the rear when my steering wheel immediately shifted right hard . I was able to pull over safely without causing an accident . My steering where was a quarter turned to the right while my car was still driving straight. Due to excessive rust from an unknown source my control completely snapped in half while the vehicle was in motion.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights would independently dim. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign Number: PC861; however, the warranty had expired in March 2022. Another local dealer was contacted for a second opinion, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate from a complete stop and jerked. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle, and it was confirmed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Mileage: 68,000
Right rear passenger rear tire assembly broke off from frame of vehicle
Right rear passenger rear tire assembly broke off from frame of vehicle
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was recently purchased, and the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened unintentionally and damaged the front windshield, the front fenders, and the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the hood unintendedly opened and worsened the damage to the front windshield, front fenders, and the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the damage and would only repair the hood latch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
The hood latch disengaged while driving at a speed of around 35 MPH. There were no injuries reported and the vehicle was brought to Nissan for repair.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with the rear lower control arms on my 2015 Nissan Altima. The control arms have completely failed due to severe corrosion, and my vehicle is now undrivable. This failure occurred without warning and poses a significant risk to driver and passenger safety. I live in Massachusetts, where road salt is heavily used, and corrosion is a known hazard. Iâve learned that this issue was part of NHTSA investigation EA18-001, which covered 2013â2018 Altimas, but no recall was issued. My dealership denied coverage due to warranty expiration, and Nissan Consumer Affairs said they cannot guarantee a goodwill repair. I am requesting that NHTSA reopen or escalate this issue. My vehicle is immobilized, and I am left without transportation due to a known defect. I have documentation and photos available upon request.
Car began shuddering when trying to accelerate. Car periodically will stop running or not start. No dash lights came on until recently when car would not start the battery nd engine light came on This all started end of September. Has been diagnosed by Nissan Dealership with 2nd diagnosis by an automotive shop close to my home. Informed this is a known issue with this make and model. Researched online and found this the be true. I received no notification. Both came up with transmission and CVT internal problem. Safety hazard for car to die in traffic. I have cancer and heart failure which makes general mobility an issue. I canât quickly exit the car nd get out of the way of traffic. Informed only the dealership can address the issue. Quoted $6700 to repair/replace
I am unable to see at night because my headlights are dim but keep passing inspection, and I am afraid I am going to crash... I have complained to my Nissan dealership since the recall was in effect but it has expired and I continuously pass inspection but when I drive at night I have to use high beams and can not see a thing. This is my 4th attempt for help. I almost hit a deer the other night. The lights are so dim that it seems that they are not even on..I have to turn my high beams on just to see and I was warned that I can recieve a ticket for driving with high beams on..I went to the Nissan company and they said there was nothing they could because they didn't honor the recall on the headlight assemblies anymore and I would have to pay $1500 to replace them. I'm disabled and can not afford to do that..what else can Nissan do I am getting ready to get rid of this and advise everyone of Nissan practices.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
ENGINE STALL - CRANK POSITION SENSOR
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
DRIVER'S AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE
PASSENGER AIR BAG-RELATED FACIAL/EYE INJ
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.