2015 Nissan Altima · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 39owner reports
- 77,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 14, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
255 of the 946 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 39 of those describe stalling.
Tick what matches of 39 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (4 reports) and the alternator (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Altima
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed jul 18, 2025, led to recall 25V-437.
NHTSA summary
Engine compartment fire. Closed jun 27, 2007, led to recall 07V-267.
NHTSA summary
Engine stall - crank position sensor. Closed jul 18, 2006, led to recall 06V-242.
NHTSA summary
Engine compartment fires. Closed mar 25, 2003, led to recall 03V-084.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 44,398 and 92,000 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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”
Filed Jan 28, 2026
“CVT transmission is shot. Nissan says they have "fulfilled their obligation" due to the warranty being out of date. Had a lifetime powertrain warranty with the dealership which was shut down by SOS police. Now no one is responsible for this transmission which Nissan knows is a terrible product. Lasted 6 years. There should be a recall on all of these transmissions which seem to affect the Altimas the most.”
Filed May 16, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 39 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Headlights too dim or fail 253 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 175 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 64 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 46 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 40 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 28 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 25 reports