Fifth generation (L33)
2015 Nissan Altima
The most reported problem on the 2015 Nissan Altima is headlights, with 254 complaints, usually around 70,000 miles.
- 951owner complaints
- 10recalls
- 46involved a crash
- 60,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Altima doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2015 model year.
Is the 2015 Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2015 Nissan Altima has 951 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 3.5 times the median of 270 for 2015 sedans on this site. Of the 11 Altima model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Headlights leads with 254 of the 951 complaints (27%), ahead of airbag at 177. A quarter of the 117 owners who gave a mileage for headlights saw it by about 50,000 miles, and half by about 70,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 54 of the 951 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 46 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 27 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 23 of 46, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Airbag has a recall on the same system (15V-681, 16V-244 and 16V-911). Headlights and suspension have none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 138 and have dropped every year since, to 35 in 2025. So far in 2026, 36 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: headlights too dim or fail, 254 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
951 complaints is 3.4 times the median 2015 model on this site and 3.5 times the median 2015 sedan. Among the 9 Altima model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 Nissan Altima
Nissan filed 332 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 Nissan Altima. 18 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Headlights too dim or fail 5 bulletins · 254 complaints
Halogen Headlamp Warranty Extension REVISED September 27, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from April 12, 2022 has been revised to include the following: ⢠The claims information section has been updated with parts ...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2018 ALTIMA SEDAN; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC861 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC861. ï· Discard all previous versions of NTB22-024.
3 more on this problem
Halogen Headlamp Warranty Extension REVISED February 23, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from January 25, 2022 has been revised to include the following: ⢠If a customer requests inspection due to a visibility ...
2013-2018 ALTIMA; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION SERVICE INFORMATION Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction. Therefore, Nissan will provide a three-year extension of the manufacturerâs warranty (for a total of six years) covering headlamp dimming due to delamination.
SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps. The information, illustrations, and flow chart in this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 177 complaints
DTC B00A0-00 STORED
Airbag warning light stays on 1 bulletin · 77 complaints
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING INDICATING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC MODE IF YOU CONFIRM The air bag warning light is flashing slowly (repeating 2 seconds ON, 2 seconds OFF). NOTE: If this should occur, the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit is in Diagnostic Mode and needs to be returned to User Mode. ACTION 1.
Takata airbag inflator recall 1 bulletin · 68 complaints
TAKATA INFLATOR FIELD QUALITY PARTS COLLECTION INITIATIVE 2013 AND 2015 ALTIMA Parts Collection Initiative ID #s PC553, PC554, PC555, and PC556 are No Longer Active. - Repair orders opened after January 10, 2019 are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Parts Collection Initiative ID #s PC553, PC554, PC555, and PC556. -
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 3 bulletins · 64 complaints
Rear Lower Suspension Link Warranty Extension Dealer Notification In October 2019, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign (P9324) on MY2013 Nissan Altima vehicles registered in high road-salt-usage states (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, ...
2013-2018 ALTIMA AND 2016-2018 MAXIMA; REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK IF YOU CONFIRM The customer experiences a knocking or rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle, Or The rear wheel and tire assemblies have a large amount of positive camber. ACTION Replace both rear lower links.
1 more on this problem
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION
Doors, latches or locks fail 1 bulletin · 62 complaints
NISSAN; DOORS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE WITH TEMPERATURE BELOW FREEZING IF YOU CONFIRM: THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT, OR THE CUSTOMER REPORTS THIS INCIDENT: THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SETTING (NOT RUNNING) IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 14°F (-10°C) FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD (SUCH AS OVERNIGHT). THEN - A SIDE DOOR IS OPENED. THEN - THE DOOR IS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE/LATCH, WILL NOT CLOSE/LATCH WITH NORMAL PRESSURE;
Passenger airbag sensor problems 1 bulletin · 51 complaints
DTC B00A0-00 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed,
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 5 bulletins · 46 complaints
PATHFINDER, ALTIMA, MAXIMA, MURANO AND QUEST; CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration), AND One of these DTCs is stored: ï· P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) ï· P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE: ï If a transmission judder (as ...
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT PATHFINDER AND ALTIMA WITH V6 ENGINE ONLY IF YOU CONFIRM THE CUSTOMER REPORTS A TRANSMISSION JUDDER (SHAKE, SHUDDER, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE BUMPS OR VIBRATION).
3 more on this problem
IF YOU CONFIRM: The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration) AND One of these DTCs is stored: - P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) - P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE - If a transmission judder (as described ...
IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration). NOTE: A new diagnostic logic has been established to enhance the diagnostic process by storing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) on Applied Vehicles.
IF YOU CONFIRM: The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration), AND One of the following DTCs are stored in the TCM: - P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) - P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE: - If a transmission ...
Complaints filed by year
138 complaints came in 2019. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Rear suspension control arm failure. Closed jun 16, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Rear suspension control arm failure. Closed aug 21, 2019.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2015 Nissan Altima
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
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 regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
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 certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
All 10 recalls on the 2015 Nissan Altima, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 Nissan Altima?
Headlights, with 254 of the 951 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 70,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 Nissan Altima problems start?
Of the 547 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 29,000 miles and half by about 60,000.
How many 2015 Nissan Altima complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
54 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for headlights on the 2015 Nissan Altima?
No recall on file for the 2015 Nissan Altima is on the same system as headlights. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.