Nissan Altima Complaints (2018)

226 consumer complaints on file.

#11768824October 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
While operating my 2018 Nissan Altima on September 19, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., during daytime highway traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of propulsion, leaving me entirely immobilized on a highway ramp with no ability to accelerate or move out of danger. I was stranded in an extremely hazardous location with vehicles, including large commercial trucks, traveling nearby at highway speeds. I feared for my life because I had no way to move my vehicle to safety or protect myself from a potential collision. The situation was so dangerous that a State Trooper with Highway Patrol had to intervene and arrange assistance to have my disabled vehicle removed from the highway. Had Highway Patrol not arrived, I genuinely believe I could have lost my life. This was not a minor inconvenience or an ordinary vehicle breakdown. It was a potentially fatal safety incident caused by the vehicle's sudden and complete inability to move. Following the incident, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined that the transmission requires replacement. The diagnostic findings included P17F0 (CVT Judder), P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B performance/stuck off), and P2813 (Pressure Control Solenoid G control circuit range/performance). Before the complete failure, the vehicle had experienced hesitation, vibration, and difficulty accelerating. I am extremely concerned that this type of transmission failure can occur suddenly while a vehicle is operating in active highway traffic, potentially resulting in a serious or fatal collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident as a significant vehicle safety concern and determine whether a safety-related defect exists in the CVT transmission system of the 2018 Nissan Altima. I have supporting diagnostic documentation and towing records, and the vehicle is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759463August 25, 2026
AIR BAGS
The passenger‑side airbag warning light first appeared within the first year of ownership. During that visit, the dealership did not repair the defect. They only reset the warning light and told me it was not a problem. No diagnostic documentation or repair explanation was provided, and the underlying issue was not addressed. The warning light returned in April 2026, showing the same unresolved defect. The dealership stated the repair would cost approximately $2,000 and said neither the Certified Pre‑Owned warranty nor the extended warranty would cover the airbag system. This contradicts the nature of the failure and the prior visit, where the defect was dismissed instead of repaired. This is a repeat failure involving a federally regulated safety component. The airbag system may not deploy properly, and the vehicle has been operating with an unresolved safety defect since the initial visit. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership, and the warning lamp continues to illuminate. The defect has not been corrected by the manufacturer, despite multiple attempts to seek assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757342August 17, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
While driving at regular road speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic safety component failure. The primary hood latch disengaged, and the secondary safety backup latch failed to catch or secure the hood. This caused the hood to violently slam completely open against the front windshield without warning, instantly and totally obscuring forward vision while the vehicle was in motion. This failure created an immediate, extreme crash risk for the vehicle occupants and other drivers on the road. Prior to the incident, there were absolutely no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or audible symptoms indicating a problem with either latch mechanism. The failed latch mechanism and the damaged vehicle have been safely preserved and are fully available for a complete inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or reproduced by a dealer, independent service center, the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, as the failure just occurred. This vehicle model and year are direct subjects of NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 20V-315 for this exact dangerous secondary latch defect, and the vehicle suffered the precise catastrophic safety failure detailed in that federal manufacturer safety bulletin. ]
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748872July 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CVT
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742900June 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740728May 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735400May 3, 2026
AIR BAGS
The warning light on the dash is indicating that there is a problem with the airbag. I took it to a Nissan Dealership and was told that the side airbag needed to be replaced. I was quoted $3,241.41labor only. I was told there was no recall. I certainly don't want there to be a collision and it doesn't deploy as it should. So I would like to report this issue in the event this has happened to others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731171April 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728085March 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In 2022, there was a recall on the hood latch system. At that time the dealership was able to spray a substance on the latch and close out the recall instead of replacing the latch. Now my car is having issues with the latch that should’ve been replaced from the start. Therefore, the solution during the recall only prolonged the issue and did not fix the issue. There hasn’t been an accident, as of now. However, this could cause an extreme situation and put everyone’s safety at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716335February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS
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 air bag module as per the DTC. They told me it would cost $3,247.44 to fix. I know there was a recall on the air bag for my make and model but unknown to me when it was posted. My car have always ran like a new vehicle to this day until this happen. It should be considered a manufacture issue and should be repaired by the manufacture.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710419January 12, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 consecutively afterwards.. electrical issue front passenger door will not open automatically Putting my passenger at risk
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709319January 7, 2026
ENGINE, SUSPENSION
NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708777January 5, 2026
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708109December 31, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the halogen headlights failed to function as intended and were dimmed, which reduced the visibility of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where the headlight assembly and bulbs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact learned that the headlights on Nissan vehicles were experiencing failure due to a delaminating reflector defect. The contact learned that the heat from the halogen beams was causing heat damage to the reflective surface. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695251October 23, 2025
AIR BAGS
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The driver seat airbag module is defective and requires replacement. It is available for inspection at Northlake Kia or any authorized Nissan service center upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective driver seat airbag module may fail to deploy properly in a collision, placing the driver at serious risk of injury or death. This defect also endangers passengers and other road users in the event of an accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The defect was confirmed by Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025 during vehicle inspection. The dealership stated that the part is defective and must be replaced immediately. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Northlake Kia, an authorized Nissan service center. The manufacturer (Nissan Consumer Affairs) has been notified but has not yet provided a resolution or replacement part. There has been no involvement by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. and before thats what prompted me to bring the vehicle in to be serviced. Upon inspection at Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025, the dealership identified the driver airbag module defect. The airbag warning light was illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction in the airbag system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693275October 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689806September 25, 2025
AIR BAGS
Suddenly airbag light has steady on when start engine. Scanner shows has failed code L4 and failed to reset.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687411September 15, 2025
AIR BAGS
I purchased this vehicle last month from Anderson in cockeysville, Md. last week the airbag light came on. I was able to take it to them today 9-15-25 where they at first told me I was over the 1,000miles warranty so I’d have to deal with it on my own. After speaking with a manager, he agreed to take it to Nissan to get a determination.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685139September 4, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 and MUST be corrected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675351July 22, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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