NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Altima. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I was hit by a school bus on the interstate and my air bags didn't deploy. My car is throwing a code that all 4 did.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a defective aftermarket Fuyao windshield installed by Safelite in my 2017 Nissan Altima. This windshield presents a serious safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and the public. Windshield Identification: [XXX] Solar Tint Hazard Description: • The Fuyao DOT-1038 windshield produces extreme glare, light scatter, and optical distortion, making driving hazardous in daylight, low-angle sunlight, and nighttime conditions. • During daytime, sunlight reflecting off vehicles, the hood, and surrounding surfaces produces a snow-like field of intense points of light, severely impairing road visibility. • At night, oncoming headlights generate starburst patterns, temporarily blinding the driver. • Interior reflections from the dashboard amplify these effects. • These hazards are not present in OEM Nissan windshields and have been consistently reported by other vehicle owners and automotive technicians in online forums and discussions involving Fuyao DOT-1038 windshields. (Do a quick Google Gemini search on Fuyao-1038 and optical distortions) Incident: • On March 6, 2026, the glare caused a collision in a Walmart parking lot in [XXX] , where I struck a cement stop post that was obscured by the glare. • While no injuries occurred, the potential for serious injury or death was high. Consumer Pattern: • Multiple drivers have reported similar optical defects with Fuyao [XXX] / AS-1 M147 / FW4160 windshields, including excessive glare, light scatter, starburst effects, and unsafe driving conditions. • These reports indicate a systemic manufacturing or optical defect, making this an urgent safety concern. Safety Standard Reference: The optical behavior of this windshield raises concerns regarding compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 (FMVSS-205), which governs optical clarity and safety requirements for automotive glazing materials. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the hood unexpectedly opened and struck and cracked the windshield. Additionally, the driver’s and passenger’s side fenders were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,217.
The passenger airbag system failed, specifically the occupant sensor and the pad beneath the passenger seat. These components are responsible for detecting whether a passenger is present and ensuring the airbag deploys correctly in a crash. I've also been told that I may be at risk of not having my airbag deploy in an accident. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am a single mother. My child rides in the vehicle regularly, and my elderly parents occasionally ride in the passenger seat . Because the occupant sensor has failed, the passenger airbag may be suppressed entirely in the event of a collision. No passenger in the front seat would have airbag protection in an accident, and it's possible I would not either. We have been driving under these conditions for an extended period of time without a remedy. A trusted independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the fault. They diagnosed the issue as a failure of the occupant classification sensor and seat pad, and noted that recalibration was attempted. The recalibration did not resolve the problem, and the airbag warning light remains on. I have not yet taken the vehicle to a Nissan dealership for diagnosis. It has not been inspected by Nissan, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. The airbag warning light on the dashboard has been illuminated continuously for many months. The light is solid, not flashing, which my mechanic indicated reflects a confirmed, persistent fault in the system rather than an intermittent issue. There were no prior symptoms before the light appeared.
Just bought a 2017 Nissan Altima SR. Took it for a ride. Attempted to merge into traffic and the car had zero acceleration once I merged and then the transmission seemed to completely disengage. The RPMs week to around 3500 so I quickly had to pull off so as not to get rear ended. Brought the car to a stop and attempted several times to push the gas but the car would not pick up any momentum. I eventually turned the car off and waited a couple minutes. I restarted the car and placed it in drive and the car accelerated like a turtle but eventually got up to 30 mph. I turned around and headed back home and parked the car. Calling my mechanic to see if he has any knowledge related to these damn CVT transmission. Not sure why these cars aren't barred from being resold like they did with the Volkswagon. I feel raped.
Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linnkages) for the hood latch and was taken to the dealer, who completed the remedy on June 3, 2025. After the remedy had been completed, while decelerating and coming to a stop at approximately 20 MPH, the hood of the vehicle suddenly lifted, hitting the windshield, causing it to fracture in many places, with some pieces of glass completely detaching. The rear-view mirror had detached as a result. The contact received many cuts from the glass. The contact contacted the police and later filed a police report. The vehicle was towed to a friend's home. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000.
Check engine light came on at approximately 96,000 miles in which vehicle would have a delayed acceleration upon stepping on gas pedal or going up hills. Took it to 3 different mechanics including Nissan dealer and all confirmed a CVT failure and need a replacement. Nissan of America is refusing to help even after there have been documented lawsuits and known issues with the CVT failing. This is unsafe and a recall is needed not just an extended warranty that doesn’t help consumers who are over the 7 years but still under 100,000 miles like me.
The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. I couldn't accelerate pass 35-40 mph when I was driving. Thankfully it was bumper to bumper traffic.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the overhead console dislodged from the ceiling and fell downward, striking the driver on the head. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who determined that the clips attaching the console to the interior ceiling of the vehicle had failed, causing the console to detach and fall. The contact was informed that the console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 64,300.
The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed.
2017 Nissan Altima with CVT transmission losses acceleration while driving.
A few months ago, while at a stop light my car would not acceleration, I depressed the pedal all the way to the floor and there was no movement but rpm’s went up to 4000. I was almost rear ended as I was attempting to go. The car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed and drove normal. This occurrence happened intermittently a couple times, and is really dangerous while making left hand turns and almost being hit in the intersection. I took it to a shop to get a diagnostic but the mechanic said that since there was no check engine light or codes he’d “just be guessing.” I have been driving the car for sometime now without any issues. Last week I went an hour out of town and my car suddenly loss power on the highway while going 70 mph. It decelerated to 40 mph and would not go faster. I had to pull off the highway crossing 3 lanes of traffic barely going 40 mph. When I got to the shoulder, I turned my car off and waited a few minutes before turning it back on and the car drove fine for maybe 10 miles before it lost power again. I noticed a loud whining noise while accelerating and a smell of transmission fluid. It took me 2 hours to get home being I had to continue to pull over every 5-10 miles which seemed to reset the transmission. I had it towed to a different repair shop the next day and once again no check engine light, no codes and the car had not shown any reported symptoms, so the mechanics hands where tied but he did say that the CVT transmission in Nissan Altimas have been a major issue and of it is indeed the transmission it would cost 3k-6k for repairs. If this is truly an issue with Nissan’s CTV transmissions then there needs to be a recall and the repair should be covered. The sudden failure of engine mechanics is a safety risk for all drivers and needs to be investigated before Nissan is hit with a wrongful death suit.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective air bag sensor and was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer reset the air bag warning light, but the warning light returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
When driving down the street car shuts off lights flicker on and off continuously sometimes it don’t turn back on sometimes it does but I usually just coast until it turns back on very dangerous if on freeway or heavy traffic also the brake light and and trac lights go on when this happens. When stepping on gas the rpm’s go up really high like the transmission is going out
Transmission was completely replaced by Nissan 8/2023 after failing. June 2025 transmission fails again is needs yet another complete replacement. Nissan will not assist. Claims "warranty period" expired. BRAND NEW transmission fails in under 2 years and around 10k miles???
I need to preface this by stating I fundamentally don’t understand how an issue that directly results in the failure of inspection which dictates road safety/emissions quality and was identified by two mechanics as a part known to fail cannot be under a recall. The part addressed is #14001-3TA1E but more specifically it is an issue with the value position sensor. It is a small part which dicates whether the Swirl or tumble control activates which triggers the P2004. If you look up the code it’s common side effects are as follows: Decrease in low-end engine torque: You may notice a decrease in acceleration, particularly at low RPM levels. Engine surging or sputtering: The engine may run unevenly, particularly when starting up. Sluggishness: The vehicle may feel less responsive to the throttle. Difficulty reaching higher speeds: You may find it challenging to accelerate quickly or reach your desired speed. Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly and potentially stall at low speeds or while idling. 2. Decreased Fuel Economy: The IMRC system's primary function is to optimize the air/fuel mixture for different driving conditions. When it's not functioning correctly due to being stuck open, it can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 3. Check Engine Light (CEL) Illumination: The Check Engine Light (or Service Engine Soon Light) will likely illuminate when the P2004 code is triggered. This is often the first indicator that something is wrong. 4. Potential for Severe Engine Damage: This is the most critical side effect. If the hardware for the IMRC butterfly valve plates becomes loose and falls into the engine, it can cause severe engine damage or even engine failure. This being said you would think it would be an easily replacable part. Not in the slightest you have to buy an entire manifold 1300 msrp through nissan with no gurantee of it fixing the light. I have had instances of stalling / sluggishness since it has come on. This seems imparitive to vehicle safety.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated before accelerating. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Then VIN was not available.
I'm reaching out because my 2017 Nissan Altima has developed a serious issue with the passenger airbag system. The airbag warning light turned on recently (about a couple months ago now) and I took the vehicle to a Nissan dealership, twice, for diagnosis. They informed me that the passenger side seat airbag module is non functional and the repair would cost $2,667.29. I was shocked and disappointed to hear this. My car has never been in an accident, is well maintained, and is less than 10 years old. A critical safety feature like an airbag system should not fail without cause, especially in a relatively modern vehicle. After researching this issue, I discovered that other Altima owners have reported similar problems with the occupant classification system or related components. While I understand recalls vary by model year, I believe this issue is part of a broader trend and should be addressed accordingly. I'm requesting that Nissan provide assistance in covering the cost of this repair, whether through warranty extension, goodwill support, or by investigating whether this is a known defect taht merits broader action. This is a safety issue that I hope Nissan will take seriously. I look forward to your response and assistance in resolving this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CVT Transmission issue. This Car has delayed acceleration.
Car loses acceleration while driving. Problems with CVT engine
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 25-30 MPH she crashed into a parked 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 that was parked illegally on the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. There were no reported fires. A police report. The driver hit her head on the steering wheel, sustaining a concussion, and medical attention was provided at the emergency room. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
There has been no accident. The car has 60k miles and I barely drive that car, twice a month, as I work from home. The airbag light appeared all of a sudden. When I check forums, I realize that hundreds of people are experiencing the same issue. There should be an investigation and Nissan needs to issue a recall on these airbags
On 25Apr25, when driving vehicle home from mechanic following exhaust repair, hood latch disengaged and smashed windshield, less than 1 mile from mechanic location. Vehicle was returned to mechanic, hood safety latch inspected, and windshield replaced. Event also caused damage to hood body.
My car is we don't have any problems
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side sun visor independently detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with sun visor failure. The contact was informed that the driver's side sun visor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure impaired driving visibility. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When I push the start button my car sometimes won't start and it won't go in drive. There has not been any warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It started about 2 weeks ago, it doesn't always happen, but it's happening more frequently now. I had an emergency yesterday and I couldn't get my car started. After waiting about 10 minutes I was able to get it started, but I was afraid if I turned the car off it wouldn't start again. The problem has not been inspected by the dealership or confirmed by an independent service center. I'm interested in seeing if there has been a recall for this problem
Mass airflow sensor and traction control light coming on . Second Nissan vehicle to do this.
I was driving my vehicle, and the vehicle had a unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine and oxygen sensor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the oxygen sensor warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken for an oil change and the certified mechanic determined that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the #4-cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized, and the contact used a key to unlock the gear shifter. The contact also became aware that the oil level was continually low. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic again, who tested the cylinders and diagnosed and determined that the cylinders had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
I came out in the morning and the whole inside of my car had smoke damage, There seems to be what looked like a wire issue that has caused a fire in the center council of my nissan . Thank god by the grade of god the fire went out by its self . I do not want this to happen to anyone else
Failed component: drivers front coil spring broke. Yes available for inspection upon request. Does not appear to have signs of exterior corrosion. Could effect drivability of vehicle. I think Nissan issued a technical service bulletin for 2022 Altima but not for 2017 Altima. Part has not been inspected by manufacture, police, or any others. No warning indications to driver. Incident occurred pulling out of driveway.
My vehicle has 55K miles, and you can not see your headlights shining out front of the vehicle at night. It looks like you only have on running lights. Please note the headlights do not have any problem with lens oxidation.
Warnining light stays on for airbag. Dealership confirmed seat needs to be replaced as airbag is defective and not working. Obviously not drivable unless a board member of Nissan would allow their loved ones to drive a vehicle without an airbag.
Transmission
All 4 door lock actuators Airbag System Malfunctioning CVT Slipping at 83,000 miles Broken Motor Mount
No incident has happened yet. I am finding that there is a lot of discussion about faulty air bags on Nissan Altima's of all years. Mine is a 2017 Nissan Altima and my airbag light is on. There is a lot of discussion online of MANY people having the same issues and Nissan charging an arm and a leg to fix. If it is something that is wrong with so many cars then why is this not a recall? I have not taken it to a dealer as they want to charge over $200 to take a look at something that is obviously wrong with all of these cars. At what point does a recall go into effect? How many similar complaints have you received on this issue with Nissan Altima's?
Hello, I have a 2017 Nissan Altima, VIN# [XXX] and a few years ago there was a safety recall on the headlight system. The lights are very dim, they will not get bright after changing the bulbs multiple times and still not a fix. The lights are very dim at night and very hard to see. I tried scheduling an appointment and the Nissan dealership says this recall expired. My [XXX] daughter is driving the car and she keeps asking me that she cannot see with the lights on and working fine. Multiple times she has almost hit something close to the side of the road or another parked car because the lights are so dim but working fine. How can a safety recall expire, if an accident happens and Nissan refused to fix the safety issue and had a recall then Nissan Corporation may be liable for any injuries due to this accident. I just want to get the headlights fixed according to the safety recall but every time I call, it gets disconnected or I cannot get thru to anyone and they just keep me on hold. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there not been an air bag deployment. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,150.
My passenger occupancy sensor has triggered an airbag off warning light. I took it to a Nissan dealer who told me a part needed to fix it (the module) is back ordered from Japan with an indefinite delivery date. My car as you can tell a 2017 Altima. The 2013-2016 Altimas were recalled for this same problem as well as the 2017 Maximas. I do believe that the occupancy sensor was defective from the manufacturer and should be recalled and that my car's value has been diminished because of this flaw. I am asked to pay for the part in advance not knowing when they will receive it. I cannot have anyone sit in the passenger seat of my car for fear the airbag will not deploy. Please help.
Engine control unit failure
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s seat air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat occupant sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
After coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the car fails to accelerate into the intersection. Its hesitation leaves you vulnerable in the intersection and could cause a head on collision or even a T-Bone accident. I feel like driving this vehicle puts the lives of my family at risk. After reading all the very similar complaints I don't understand how Nissan hasn't issued a recall yet. Nissan is leaving themselves open to a wrongful death lawsuit. How can they let this issue continue unresolved?
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the front headlights were dim. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an Extended Warranty Program for the failure; however, the Extended Warranty had expired in 2023. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,850
My Nissan was bought Used. It has no damages and it drives well. I was told it was in an accident that affected the right side. The doors were replaced.
When pushing on the gas from a stop for a red light, the car did not go. Instead, I get a check engine light solid on the dash. When I read the code for the light it registered as a P-0776. Come to find out, there is a TSB that covers this exact same issue. If there was a vehicle coming in the other direction, there could have been a fatality.
When first buying the car last year Jul 20,2023 the check engine light was on and I didn’t know that I had 149,000 miles because it read as 75,000. Every once in a while, while driving the car wouldn’t accelerate while pressing the gas but I wasn’t sure what the problem was because it’s my first car and only happen like ever 3-5 months. September 2024 a little over a year of having the car while driving to work the car kept jerking and the rpm was rising but my speed wasn’t changing. Eventually I turned around to go back home because it wasn’t safe to drive. I pulled over and turned the car off on my way home because I seemed as if it was getting worse once. I tried turning the car back on to go home and it wouldn’t crank up. Also when at red lights or stop signs after I stop the car will not go I will be stuck unless I’m continuously pressing the gas. I lost my job because I don’t have a car to get to and from work nor any money to pay $5,100 for this ridiculous repair. It’s even impossible to find a cheap transmission and install it yourself because all of them are over $1000.
Code has the transmission fluid pressure is bad
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at intersections, trying to accelerate forward when the stop light turns green causing me to stop in the middle of intersections or accelerate slowly through the intersection which is very dangerous. I've been on the highway going normal highway speeds over 60mph when I would lose power and try to keep my speed and my car would stay in the 15mph - 40mph, having to turn my hazard lights on so other drivers know I'm having issues accelerating. The first time I took my car to the dealership, they could not recreate the issue after having my vehicle for 30 days. I received my car back and the engine light finally came on after some time and I immediately took my car to the dealership where they confirmed the CVT transmission was the issue.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026