Problems › Nissan › 2018 Altima
2018 Nissan Altima Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~24.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 12 Nissan Altima years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Nissan Altima, cited in 49 of 223 filed complaints (22%).
Electrical System is next (37 complaints, 17%), followed by Air Bags (35), Power Train (23), Forward Collision Avoidance (15).
Across all complaints, 11 report a crash, 6 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 3 crash, 4 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Altima, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 223.
Unknown Or Other 60 3 crash 4 injury
“FRONT END T BONE COLLISION CAR IS TOTALED OUT.*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11373814, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. *LD*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11351590, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHEN HE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE FOR BACK PAINS AND FACIAL INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF INJURES TO THE OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER HERITAGE NISSAN (1500 VETERANS MEMORIAL HWY NE, ROME, GA 30161 706-291-1981) AND THEY SAID THE DAMAGE WOULD COST OVER $10,000 TO FIX. THEY WELDED THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER EVEN THOUGH THEY SHOULD HAVE TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11328304, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Service Brakes 49 4 crash
“WHILE DRIVING HOME AND JUST ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, I NOTICED A LOW TIRE WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD. I LOOKED AT THE PRESSURE AND THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26 POUNDS STILL IN THE TIRE AND THE CLOSEST PLACE TO FILL UP WAS AT MY HOUSE. WHILE APPROACHING A RIGHT TURN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND BECAUSE OF THE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS OF SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROAD, I SLOWED DOWN TO A CRAWL AND APPLIED MY BRAKE PRIOR TO AND WHILE TURNING. WHILE IN THE BEGINNING OF MY TURN, I INSTANTLY REALIZED THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR AND I SLID INTO A SNOW BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT I W…”
NHTSA complaint #11399856, 2021 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FEB AUTOMATIC COLLISION NOTIFICATION ILLUMINATED THEN UNILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AT 500 FEET, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD CAUSING THE DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME ACROSS THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOR THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED B…”
NHTSA complaint #11374853, 2020 · crash
“AFTER HITTING BREAKS MANY TIMES AND SLAMMING THEM THE CAR WOULD STILL NOT STOP”
NHTSA complaint #11170798, 2019 · crash
Electrical System 37 1 crash
“Brake light switch went out 3 months after getting car. Car would not start then after it started it would not go in gear nor would the brake lights turn on dealership repaired it. The Brake light switch went out again one year later while driving causing my brake lights not to turn on resulting in me getting rear ended after. After I replaced the switch for the second time. It lasted maybe a year and a half or so and went out again leaving me stranded having to get a tow truck to bring car home and had to replace it a third time. I’ve had this car less than 5 years and I really believe it ne…”
NHTSA complaint #11512915, 2021 · crash
“Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but yet this thing just keeps turning itself off while you're on the highway or local road... I will list when the first problem started happening and then we know when the other ones start happening cons…”
NHTSA complaint #11710419, 2025
“My Nissan Altima's power door locks failed making entry and egress sometimes impossible. While the key will unlock the driver's door, rear seat passengers have been unable to exit the vehicle without assistance due to the door being locked. Premature power door lock actuators in Nissan vehicles is reportedly a very common problem according to my research.”
NHTSA complaint #11693275, 2024
Air Bags 35 2 crash
“I was rear-ended in my car while at a red light. The car hit me 35 mph plus., Pushing me into the Tahoe in front of me. My shoulder strap driver side DID NOT restrain me and NONE of the air bags deployed. I flew forward towards the steering wheel and dash. Do to me being very short I didn't get hurt, just stiff neck, shoulders. The collision company who did my work stated that the seatbelt should have restrained me and at least 1 airbag should have deployed. I contacted Nissan and I was told that the air bags and seatbelts are only suppose to work in a roll over to prevent from being throw…”
NHTSA complaint #11462947, 2022 · crash
“On February 7, 2022, my daughter was driving her 2018 Nissan Altima and was involved in an accident. It was a head-on collision, but the airbags didn’t deploy and, as a result, she was thrown forward into the steering wheel which caused severe trauma to her head.”
NHTSA complaint #11451924, 2022 · crash
“While driving my Nissan Altima 2018 on Sunday 2-1 the indicator light came on. I looked it up in the manual to the car and it stated it was something with the air bag. I took it to the Larry Miller Nissan Mesa AZ. Wednesday, 2-4. According to them I was told the light indicated the air bag would not deployed if I were in an accident. That is life threating. This is report I got from them: They checked for codes found code B0020-13 store din air bag followed the diagnosis procedure as per the ESM to inspect the air bag seta harness to be okay connected first step is to replace the LH side a…”
NHTSA complaint #11716335, 2026
Power Train 23
“I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043. I was advised that even though there was a class action suit in 2022 for CVT issues, my CVT Warranty Extension expired on 12/09/2024 for this class action suit. I purchased the car in May of 2025. The dealership failed to mention the class action suit or there were problems with the transmission. Since this is a well known issues, I am requesting help with the cost of repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11748872, 2026
“Transmission stopped working on me in the highway cvt code that comes up is P17f0 was in the highway going 45 mph then dropped 5 mph very dangerous. Almost crashed”
NHTSA complaint #11740728, 2026
“The problem is I have that transmission in my car that nissan was sued for . Yes I received a extended warranty 85 months or 85,000 miles . My transmission started going out as soon I rolled over 85,000. Dealer told me the warranty was no good. Now it's sitting in the yard. All I can do is make the payment. Not only am I making payments but I have to keep insurance and tags for a car I can't drive!!!! I sent nissan an email but I get no response! I desperately need help! My fiancee dream car turned into a nightmare. Thanks! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11731171, 2025
Forward Collision Avoidance 15
“Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but yet this thing just keeps turning itself off while you're on the highway or local road... I will list when the first problem started happening and then we know when the other ones start happening cons…”
NHTSA complaint #11710419, 2025
“My airbag light recently came on after driving through some standing water and I have tried filing through my insurance company and they have stated that due to the fact that water wasnt submerged inside my car, it was due to the age of my vehicle (which is only 5 years old). I am concerned about this obviously as it is my driver side airbag. They are trying to tell me in insurance that it is a Nissan issue so I’m wondering if anything can be done so that I can feel safe to drive my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11534816, 2023
“While I was driving my power steering went out completely on the interstate right when I went to turn almost causing an accident where I could have been severely injured or injured others around me. Prior to the failure my front vehicle obstruction light has been coming on and off multiple times while driving but other than that no warning signs of power steering going out.”
NHTSA complaint #11500674, 2023
Engine 13 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVAILING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY CEASED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HIT HIS HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK BUT HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE FLIP INDICATOR AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS BOTH ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SOUTH AUSTIN NISSAN (4914 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A PISTON SENSOR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11326512, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)
“NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE”
NHTSA complaint #11709319, 2026
“There is a recall for altimas from years 2019-2021 with an issue where the engine will not start after the battery light on the dashboard comes on. After a few minutes the car will start up and ride like normal. This also happens in the 2018 model of the altima. This happened to us multiple times. The battery is good, and there is no reason for the engine not to start right aqay. Why is there no recall for the 2018 models?”
NHTSA complaint #11671170, 2025
Exterior Lighting 13 1 crash
“Brake light switch went out 3 months after getting car. Car would not start then after it started it would not go in gear nor would the brake lights turn on dealership repaired it. The Brake light switch went out again one year later while driving causing my brake lights not to turn on resulting in me getting rear ended after. After I replaced the switch for the second time. It lasted maybe a year and a half or so and went out again leaving me stranded having to get a tow truck to bring car home and had to replace it a third time. I’ve had this car less than 5 years and I really believe it ne…”
NHTSA complaint #11512915, 2021 · crash
“The headlights on my 2018 Altima SL are INCREDIBLY dim. I have tried two different LED manufacturer's bulbs with the same result. It is beyond dangerous to drive my car at night. Sadly, my floodlights are FAR brighter than my low beams. There are countless complaints for this issue over the past few years. It sounds like their solution was less than desirable for most customers. This should be an actual recall to ensure that the Hundreds of thousands (probably more) of the 2013- 2018 Altimas on the road are safe for the drivers as well as the cars around them. This issue is ridiculous a…”
NHTSA complaint #11685139, 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle had identical stress fractures. The fractures allowed water to enter the headlight housings. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the headlight assembly replacements were not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11675351, 2024
Steering 12 1 crash
“WHILE DRIVING HOME AND JUST ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, I NOTICED A LOW TIRE WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD. I LOOKED AT THE PRESSURE AND THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26 POUNDS STILL IN THE TIRE AND THE CLOSEST PLACE TO FILL UP WAS AT MY HOUSE. WHILE APPROACHING A RIGHT TURN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND BECAUSE OF THE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS OF SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROAD, I SLOWED DOWN TO A CRAWL AND APPLIED MY BRAKE PRIOR TO AND WHILE TURNING. WHILE IN THE BEGINNING OF MY TURN, I INSTANTLY REALIZED THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR AND I SLID INTO A SNOW BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT I W…”
NHTSA complaint #11399856, 2021 · crash
“While I was driving my power steering went out completely on the interstate right when I went to turn almost causing an accident where I could have been severely injured or injured others around me. Prior to the failure my front vehicle obstruction light has been coming on and off multiple times while driving but other than that no warning signs of power steering going out.”
NHTSA complaint #11500674, 2023
“SEVERAL TIMES WHILE NORMAL DRIVING AND NOTHING IN ROADWAY THE DISPLAY WILL SAY UNAUTHORIZED OBJECT IN VIEW AND THERE'S NOTHING THERE HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY SCARES ME AT FIRST CAUSE I THINK SOMETHING WRONG AND TAKES 10 MINUTES FOR DISPLAY WARNING LIGHT TO TURN OFF”
NHTSA complaint #11403171, 2021
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 11 1 crash
“CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE AND HIT A POLE. THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE EMERGENCY BRAKES, BUT DID NOT WORK. OFTEN WOULD GET A MESSAGE ACROSS MY DASHBOARD SAYING IT WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11161700, 2018 · crash
“I BEGAN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE MY BREAK SWITCH, AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 3 OF MY BREAKS LOCKED UP, ALSO TAKING AWAY MY ABILITY TO STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11340280, 2020
“2018 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN THE MESSAGE 'FRONT RADAR UNAVAILABLE DUE TO OBSTRUCTION,' APPEARS. VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE AND THE BACK BRAKES ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING THEM. VEHICLE TRIES TO HYDROPLANE. VEHICLE SLOWS TO APPROX 35 OR 40 MILES PER HOUR. IT FEELS LIKE THE BACK PASSENGERS WHEEL IS LOCKED UP. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 7 MONTHS. THE AEB SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11340184, 2020
Latches/Locks/Linkages 11
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood latch inadvertently unlatched, and the hood raised up and fell onto the windshield and cracked the windshield. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the windshield was replaced. The contact stated that she was informed by the Insurance provider that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the contact never received the recall notification letter. The manufactur…”
NHTSA complaint #11595112, 2024
“2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HOOD LATCH SAFETY RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11493445, 2022
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/ Locks/ Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted two dealers Route 46 Nissan (440 US-46, Totowa, NJ 07512) and another dealer but was informed by both dealers that parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11421629, 2020
Vehicle Speed Control 11
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving from a stop sign and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond as intended. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was jerking for several minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed since the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11593924, 2022
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while his son was idled, he depressed the accelerator pedal, but the engine failed to engage. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11488842, 2022
“THE FRONT END COLLISION WARNING GOES OFF LESS THAN A MILE AFTER I BEGIN DRIVING. IT WAS REPAIRED AFTER AN ACCIDENT (UNRELATED) & WAS FINE UNTIL MY STATE HAD SNOWFALL THAT COVERED THE ROAD, THAT'S WHEN IT BEGAN AGAIN! MY CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING & THE METAL PIECE THAT PROPS UP THE HOOD SNAPPED OFF WHEN CHECKING THE OIL, LUCKILY I SEEN IT SNAP AND WAS ABLE TO JUMP BACK! GEAR SHIFT STICKS IN PARK & SOMETIMES EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BAKE IT WONT START!”
NHTSA complaint #11415987, 2020
Suspension 4
“NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE”
NHTSA complaint #11709319, 2026
“For the transmission I was driving at normal speed in the freeway when out of no where the car started to jerk and lost power I almost got hit by the car behind me it was a traumatizing experience for me and my son I haven’t gotten my car to get repaired because as a single mother it is very hard on me and with the suspension it had been making loud squeezing noise from my rear suspension and it has gotten worst now it’s embarrassing to be driving my daughters father in law also had an Altima and it had the same suspension issues”
NHTSA complaint #11632878, 2024
“DISPLAY ON MY VEHICLE KEEPS SAYING FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION ALTHOUGH NOTHING IS EITHER ON THE ROAD NOR IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. THIS DOES THIS WITHOUT WARNING AT LEAST 5-6 TIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAY OR JUST TURNING. AT RANDOM THE WARNING WILL SHOW AND THE LIGHTS WILL COME UP ON MY DRIVER PANEL THEN A FEW MINS LATER IT GOES OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11397485, 2021
Back Over Prevention 3
“I WILL SEE A WARNING NOTICE IN MY DASHBOARD WHILE I'M DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY, DURING CLEAR WEATHER AND RAINY WEATHER THAT SAYS 'FRONT END COLLISION UNDETECTABLE' AND MY REAR COLLISION CAMERA WILL SOMETIME EITHER HAVE VERTICAL LINES OR GO COMPLETELY OUT. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MUSICCITY AUTOPLEX IN NASHVILLE, TN IN LATE OCTOBER OF 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11407075, 2021
“i can be driving down the road and pass a guard rail or some other thing on the side of the road but usually a guard rail near my house and it knocks out the emergency braking system. sometimes, it may work my whole trip, other days, i may only go a mile or two before it goes out.”
NHTSA complaint #11453039, 2020
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK OVER PREVENTION CAMERA WAS BLANK. THE CAMERA WAS OBSTRUCTED AND INOPERABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS LIKE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V654000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11397953, 2020
Seat Belts 3 2 crash 1 injury
“A TRUCK TURNED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF MY WIFE WHICH MADE HER HIT HIM IN THE SIDE OF HIS TRUCK WHILE SHE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 55MPH. THE TRUCK WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY AND SHE WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON A FOGGY DAY.SHE HIT HER BRAKES SLID ABOUT 30 FT BEFORE STRIKING THE SIDE OF HIS F150 TEARING HIS REAR AXLES OUT AND DAMAGING HER 2018 ALTIMA IN THE FRONT END BADLY. THE PROBLEM IS NONE OF THE IMPACT DEVICES DEPLOYED: AIR BAGS NOR SEAT BELTS OR ANYTHING DEPLOYED. SHE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER CHEST AND KNEES WENT INTO DASH AND HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAS RIB,…”
NHTSA complaint #11269125, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was rear-ended in my car while at a red light. The car hit me 35 mph plus., Pushing me into the Tahoe in front of me. My shoulder strap driver side DID NOT restrain me and NONE of the air bags deployed. I flew forward towards the steering wheel and dash. Do to me being very short I didn't get hurt, just stiff neck, shoulders. The collision company who did my work stated that the seatbelt should have restrained me and at least 1 airbag should have deployed. I contacted Nissan and I was told that the air bags and seatbelts are only suppose to work in a roll over to prevent from being throw…”
NHTSA complaint #11462947, 2022 · crash
“The driver seat airbag seems to be disabled. I am seeing a airbag warning light for driver airbag in the dashboard. The dealership doesnt see to car and a 4yr old car should not have airbag issues when it has never been in an accident. The driver seat seatbelt also seems to be disabled, if i step on the break the seatbelt doesnt seem to be gripping me its still freely moving which it shouldnt be. This is a big safety issue and seems to be a manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11480303, 2022
Seats 3
“Air bag dash warning light came on. Brought to dealer. They"fixed". Light came back on few days later. brought back to dealer. They said drivers side seat frame with air bag needs to be replaced. they ordered part & said 2 week wait. Called dealer back 2 weeks later & they said part not released by Nissan. Called Nissan consumer affairs. They informed me they have no ETA when parts will be available/shipped. Been about 2 months since first contact with dealer & have no idea if/when will be repaired. See recalls on older Altima & am wondering if this is an issue Nissan is not addressing.”
NHTSA complaint #11602463, 2024
“Occupant Sensor for Airbags is not working and airbag light is on, this is a safety issue which can cause loss of life in an accident this needs recalled immediately”
NHTSA complaint #11545182, 2023
“My car's airbag light came on and would not go off. I took it to the dealership and was told that the sensor in my passengar seat that detects the weight of some one in the seat is not working. Because of this sensor failing, my air bags will not deploy if the car is involved in an accident. It puts me at a safety risk because air bags will not provide protection to me or passengars riding in my vehicle if I am in a accident. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership. I don't know if the manufacter has inspected the issue or not. There were no other warning lights, messages, or other s…”
NHTSA complaint #11442741, 2021
Structure 3
“The driver's side door lock actuator stopped working around June 2024. Haven't replaced it yet, but bought another part. Read where others are having same issue. Just in the last couple of weeks, around June 15th, 2025, my rear driver's side door actuator stopped working as well. I have to crfrawl in from the other side and unlock the doors. Safety issue since the doors do not lock or unlock.”
NHTSA complaint #11670362, 2024
“The rear trunk latch will not close and latch so the trunk is left wide open”
NHTSA complaint #11456311, 2021
“BROUGHT VEHICLE TO PETERS NISSAN IN NASHUA N.H. ON OCTOBER 10TH WITH 7,000 MILES ON IT DUE TO HEARING A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TO HEAR THE SOUND IT WOULD BE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND ACCELERATING, GO OVER BUMPS PUTTING ANY KIND OF FLEX ON THAT RIGHT FRONT. TECH FOUND OUT AFTER CALLING TECH LINE THAT I HAVE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER AND HOOD HOLDER WHICH CAME FROM FACTORY LIKE THIS. STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS WHERE LETTING GO AND THE WELDS HAVE SEPARATED AND EXPLAINED THAT IF ONE MACHINE WAS NOT OR OUT OF CALIBRATION AT THE MANUFACTURE THAT THIS C…”
NHTSA complaint #11144892, 2018
Fuel/Propulsion System 2
“So I have the 2.5L QR25DE engine with the exact exhaust failure from campaign PC717, and I need Goodwill Assistance because the part failed identically.”
NHTSA complaint #11742900, 2026
“I’ve had to replace the break sensor a few times and it’s unusual… My check engine light came on and it reads the code for the catalyst converter.., the auto part store saw a recall on this for my make and model but not seeing it here . The code was cleared and hasn’t came back on yet but I’m anticipating it will .. these two issues need to be further looked into please”
NHTSA complaint #11664048, 2025
Visibility/Wiper 2
“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE IN SEEING AT NIGHT. KNOWN ISSUES IN NISSAN ALTIMA MODELS WHERE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY REFLECTIVE PARTS BECOMES FOGGY AND DISTORTED/MELTS DUE BUILD UP OF HEAT FROM HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS LOCATED IN THE ASSEMBLY. CREATES DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS NOT ONLY FOR THE DRIVER BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL. NISSAN CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE ONGOING ISSUES AND HAS YET TO ISSUE AN ALTERNATIVE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11407825, 2021
“BOTH SIDE MIRRORS FOG EVERY TIME IT RAINS. EVEN IF ITS LIGHT RAIN . I'VE BEEN IN TWO NEAR FATAL ACCIDENTS REGARDING THIS MATTER. NEVER SEEN SIDE MIRRORS FOG LIKE THIS !! THEY NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL AND INSTALL ELECTRIC HEATED SIDE MIRRORS BEFORE PEOPLE START DYING! CALLED NISSAN AND THEY IGNORED ME A USUAL. I'VE BEEN DRIVING EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS IN BUSY FREEWAYS AND CANNOT SEE A THING. THE MIRROR IS MADE OF SOME CHEAP GLASS LIKE MATERIAL. THESE ARE NOT REAL MIRRORS.”
NHTSA complaint #11307975, 2020
Lane Departure 1
“Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but yet this thing just keeps turning itself off while you're on the highway or local road... I will list when the first problem started happening and then we know when the other ones start happening cons…”
NHTSA complaint #11710419, 2025
Tires 1
“I purchased Milestar tires model ms932 sport in 2021 size 235/45/18. In Jan.2024 my tire pressure indicator light came on and I pulled over and changed the tire to my spare and took the tire to my tire dealer and it had to be replaced with another tire due to the sidewall separating on the inside of the tire. The tire was on the front of the passenger side of the car. There was still plenty of tread wear on the tire. About a month later the same thing happened to another of the milestar tires. This time it was on the front driver's side. When this happened to the second tire, I took the…”
NHTSA complaint #11576072, 2024
Visibility 1
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle had been parked in the driveway for three months, however, a crack developed on the windshield. The contact stated that no object had impacted the windshield to cause the crack. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 12,846.”
NHTSA complaint #11454528, 2022
Wheels 1 1 crash
“WHILE DRIVING HOME AND JUST ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, I NOTICED A LOW TIRE WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD. I LOOKED AT THE PRESSURE AND THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26 POUNDS STILL IN THE TIRE AND THE CLOSEST PLACE TO FILL UP WAS AT MY HOUSE. WHILE APPROACHING A RIGHT TURN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND BECAUSE OF THE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS OF SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROAD, I SLOWED DOWN TO A CRAWL AND APPLIED MY BRAKE PRIOR TO AND WHILE TURNING. WHILE IN THE BEGINNING OF MY TURN, I INSTANTLY REALIZED THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR AND I SLID INTO A SNOW BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT I W…”
NHTSA complaint #11399856, 2021 · crash
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2018 Nissan Altima draws about 24.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 12 among the Nissan Altima model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Nissan Altima
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.