2017 Nissan Altima Complaints
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
391
Total
24
Crashes
7
Fires
23
Injuries
0
Deaths
Most Reported Components
Owner Complaint Reports
Showing 25 of 391 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 06/26/2026
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the hood unexpectedly opened and struck the front windshield. The failure caused windshield glass shards to fly into the contact's eyes. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and called the insurance company, which dispatched a tow truck to the location. The contact was waiting for the ambulance to arrive to receive medical attention. While waiting for the ambulance and tow truck to arrive, the contact researched and discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/03/2026
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a dangerous design oversight and safety hazard regarding the trunk lid support mechanism on the Nissan Altima. On [Date of Incident], while the vehicle was parked, a gust of wind caused the trunk lid to slam shut unexpectedly. The metal door latch struck me directly in the frontal region of the skull, resulting in an injury that required medical monitoring for potential brain trauma. The current design relies exclusively on torsion bars or gas struts to maintain an open position. These components are prone to wear and environmental fatigue, and they lack a mechanical "positive lock" or secondary safety catch. Consequently, the trunk lid acts as a sail in windy conditions, easily overcoming the lift support and turning the heavy lid and metal latch assembly into a falling hazard for any consumer loading or unloading the vehicle. While Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) focus heavily on internal trunk releases (Standard No. 401), there is a significant gap regarding the prevention of sudden, gravity-induced or wind-induced lid collapse. I am requesting that the NHTSA: Investigate the frequency of "unintended closing" injuries related to Nissan Altima trunk lift systems. Evaluate whether the lift-support specifications for this model are sufficient to withstand common wind gusts. Mandate a mechanical locking mechanism or more robust secondary safety catches to prevent these lids from becoming dangerous projectiles. [XXX] Vehicle Information: Make: Nissan Model: Altima Year: [2017] Estimated Mileage: [105000] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS — Filed 04/14/2026
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/06/2026
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)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 10/20/2025
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.
AIR BAGS — Filed 04/30/2025
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/04/2025
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
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/10/2024
I left for work, acceleration at slow speed around 30 mph within 40 seconds, the car began to gain speed, I let off the gas pedal, still accelerated. I tried slowly using brakes to slow down - no response. At this point, I notice that cruise control light, was lit up, on the dashboard but not set. I'm now gaining speed of 72 MPH. Not even 1 mile, from turn off. I literally fish tailed three times, then the car slowed down and I ended up sideways, in a ditch. Chipped hubcap and some plastic piece hanging, from underneath the car. I had a bystander, whom was headed towards me - stop in fear of what happened. Got the car out of ditch. I parked, checked for leaks, nothing. Since this incident, I'm in fear of this happening again. I'm assumption was the accelerator stuck. No brakes is dangerous, let alone feeling like my life was gonna end. I cried. Thinking Jesus my children were home. I have noticed that both airbag "warning" signs have displayed and won't go off. I would hate to have or hear of a fatality, from this. Please look into other reports. I felt like I couldn't even explain this bizarre, unlikely/impossible event to happen but it did.
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS — Filed 01/20/2024
The contact's mom owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his mom was at a stop light, a one-ton truck crashed into the vehicle. The driver attempted to reverse from the intersection. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously reported an incident for acceleration and throttle issues. While his sister was driving and reversing, the vehicle was slow to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The driver sustained facial injuries, and her forehead and eye were bruised. The patient was taken to the hospital for an MRI and ocular examination. The contact called the same local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. The insurance company informed him the vehicle would be towed to a salvage yard. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 73,501.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/18/2023
I was at work, the car was parked and off for more than 4 hours, came out and my car was on fire. Passenger driver side, at that point me and coworkers were rushing buckets of water and dumping them on my car. The fire department investigated and it was the cooling fan wiring that caused the fire.
TIRES — Filed 09/08/2020
235/45r18 there is a malfunction on this car the tire pressure keeps going out and blowing my tire also the car was giving to me with ran down tires which I was told was dangerous the company imperial auto mall switched the tires and said they was good but the car blew completely out while driving with my kids I alerted the company they did nothing to fix I reported the problem to different companies so they can fix but I was brushed off every time
POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/20/2022
Follow-up to issue #11479380 Just 6 days ago, I filed a complaint regarding acceleration issues with my 2017 Nissan Altima. Unfortunately, yesterday (8/20/2022), I was involved in an accident with the car as a direct result of these ongoing acceleration issues. I was the driver in the driveway of a friend’s house and as I tried to pull closer to the house (to perform a K-turn in a tight spot), with my foot (lightly) on the gas pedal, the car suddenly surged forward and hit the house. A passenger and I both experienced minor injuries (no medical attention required), and both the car and the house now require repairs. I’m in touch with both my insurance and Nissan about this accident, but no longer feel safe driving this vehicle (which is now pending repairs due to this accident). I wanted to post a follow-up since there was an accident directly related to this issue.
STEERING — Filed 04/02/2022
The armbar connected to the front driver's side tire locked up during a left turn and then disconnected from the tire. I had no control over the steering and the car was still moving. I had two choices, run into the curb to stop the car or go over into a ditch about 30 feet down. When I ran into the curb it busted the tire and damaged my front bumper. I could've been seriously injured, injured someone else, died, or killed someone because I had no control over the steering. This is very dangerous and I have seen a few other people report similar instances like mine. the vehicle is currently at the Ancia Nissan in San Antonio and waiting for my insurance company to look at it. The mechanic said it may be totaled but he wasn't sure. There was no warning signs or anything. I am going to get to the bottom of this our lives were put in danger and I don't want this to happen to anyone else.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/24/2022
HOOD LATCH RECALL 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA SR- CAUSED ACCIENT AND TOTAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR!!! 1.24.22 my 18yr daughter was getting on the on ramp to interstate 75 south, accelerating to merge onto the interstate. The hood flies up, breaking the windshield, hitting the roof, where the interior light falls smacking my daughter in the face, causing her to veer off the road, where she took out a reflector on the side of the ramp, where it damaged my front end and the car then sliding to a crashing stop over a steel grate or utility box in the ground, where it snatched the under carriage apart- my car is totalled! I have since filed a claim with Nissan and gap insurance apprasier should come to the house tomorrow. I really feel like we need a lawyer. Please let me know your thoughts. I work nights at the hospital from 7p to 7am. I can be reached by text or email as well. I have reported this to Nissan file number is 45641261, I have spoke with several reps since the accident and no one seems to want to do anything and has referred my case to a reginal dept., but I work nights 7p-7a and during the days I am sleeping, they leave a voicemail to notify me of there call and that's it! same customer number to call back into to have the same cycle repeated! I have GAP insurance on the vehicle and have an appraiser coming to the house tomorrow between noon/2am. no POLICE WERE CALLED, I DID A POLICE REPORT ON LINE- I DID NOT GO THRU MY INSURANCE AS I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE SOLVED BY NISSAN! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY DEDUCTIBLES FOR REPAIR TO MY CAR ON A RECALL! THIS ACCIDENT HAPPEND WITH OUT WARNING! NO WARNING SIGNS!!
ENGINE — Filed 08/16/2021
The transmission on my 2017 Nissan Altima is stalling. It stall when I accelerate and in the middle of driving. This is a safety issue and has caused me to be in a recent accident.
STEERING — Filed 12/18/2021
I was on my way to work on Saturday 12/18 and as I was making a left turn my steering wheel locked and I actually hit a curb hopped it and went back into traffic. My axel broke on left hand side and blew my tire. Thankfully my children weren't in the car and a police officer happen to see the whole thing. I couldn't get my steering wheel to turn or come unlocked. That was very dangerous, and I could have been seriously injured and someone else also. I didn't get any warning lights or anything to this was going to happen. Clearly from the complaints this has been ongoing and there still hasn't been a recall to get the issue fixed or resolved. My insurance company will be looking into it.
WHEELS — Filed 12/12/2021
On Sunday December 12th just north of Birmingham on I-65 there was a foreign object in the lane (appeared to be a fairly large piece on concrete). It was between 8-9p thus dark. Due to the amount of traffic driver could not swerve to avoid the object. The object bent the front driver wheel which resulted in needing to replace the driver front wheel and tire (OEM Nissan Wheel and cover, third party recycled tire). The object in the road could have caused far worse damage and bodily injury. We do not have a receipt for the $60.00 used tire.
AIR BAGS — Filed 10/11/2021
1. Air Bag: Car was released from towing company to Progressive as total loss vehicle. 2. Component did not deploy when hit by an 18 wheeler. 3. Unknown, being in the crash as well as post crash visual evidence proves non deployment. 4. Total loss was declared and car was released to Progressive. 5. No warning or error was present in dashboard.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/11/2021
1).Sometimes I can smell exhaust gas inside the car room like in my previous car Nissan Maxima SE 2008, which is extremely dangerous. 2).The rear camera works no so well - sometimes rearview disappearing completely. Also, approximately a year ago, I received a letter regarding Nissan Altima SV 2017 recall(s). I contacted several different Nissan dealers in Miami but nobody knows about the recall. Could you explain please what is going on with recalls? Thanks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/01/2021
THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, DOES NOT MAINTAIN A SOLID SPEED, INCREASES AND DECREASES SPEED ON IT OWN, WHEN STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH NOT GO WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED, IT WILL TAKE A FEW MOMENTS AND THEN ACCELERATE AT A REALLY HIGH SPEED OR FORCE. THE WINDOWS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING, THE LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF, THE STEERING COLUMN TIGHTENS AND THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE ROAD. IT WILL DISPLAY THAT THE KEY IS MISSING AND TURN OFF. IT HAS TAKEN SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS DURING IDLE AND IN MOTION, ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE CITY.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 09/11/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND BRAKED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE VEHICLE UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH FORCE UT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN AND FOUR LANES ON THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS CRUSHED, HER NECK WAS BROKEN IN THREE PLACES , HER RIBS ON HER RIGHT SIDE WERE ALSO BROKEN. THE CONTACT'S LEFT WRIST WAS BROKEN AND THE RIGHT WRIST WAS SPRAINED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND REQUIRED FOUR QUARTS OF BLOOD. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND THE MOTOR WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAB ON ALSO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE WRECKAGE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. *DT*JB
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/15/2020
ON SEPT. 15TH 2020, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER AND FROM THERE PUSHED ACROSS FOUR LANES HEAD ON INTO MEDIAN CEMENT WALL THE CAR THEN ROLLED BACK INTO TRAFFIC WHERE I WAS HIT AGAIN BY ANOTHER TRUCK IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AND HOOD AREA, THIS SENT ME BACK INTO THE GUARD RAIL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. DURING THIS COLLISION NONE OF AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE FRONT OR REAR, THIS CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR THE AIRBAGS, SYSTEM DID NOT ALERT ME TO TRAFFIC IN BLIND SPOT, SAFETY FEATURE FOR THIS WAS ON. THE CAR IS LOCATED AT BARROW WRECKER SERVICE SHOP & YARD 2267 DIXIE AVE SE, SMYRNA, GA 30080. 770-435-8945. I WILL ATTACH POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/15/2020
ON SEPT. 15TH 2020, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER AND FROM THERE PUSHED ACROSS FOUR LANES HEAD ON INTO MEDIAN CEMENT WALL THE CAR THEN ROLLED BACK INTO TRAFFIC WHERE I WAS HIT AGAIN BY ANOTHER TRUCK IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AND HOOD AREA, THIS SENT ME BACK INTO THE GUARD RAIL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. DURING THIS COLLISION NONE OF AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE FRONT OR REAR, THIS CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR THE AIRBAGS, THE BLIND SPOT SAFETY FEATURE WAS ON AND DID NOT ALERT ME TO DRIVER SIDE BLIND SPOT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACCIDENT I WAS TRANSPORTED TO ATLANTA VA MEDICAL HOSPITAL OFF 1670 CLAIRMONT RD. DECATUR, GA 30033.*DT*JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 07/24/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE HOOD OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STOPPED IN THE MEDIAN OF THE HIGHWAY TO CLOSE THE HOOD AND AS A RESULT AN UNKNOWN VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WERE UNABLE TO CLOSED. THERE WAS NO FIRE, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, OR POLICE REPORT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WHERE INFORMED THE DAMAGE WAS NOT COVERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE HOOD WAS UNLATCHED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PREVIOUSLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,465. INVALID VIN.*DT LN*JB
ENGINE — Filed 02/10/2020
II NOTICED A WEIRD SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE FOR A ABOUT MONTH BUT DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN MY CAR STARTED SMOKING, SHUT OFF, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE! HAD THIS CAR FOR NOT EVEN 1 YEAR WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. TOOK GOOD CARE OF THE CAR, TOOK IT TO GET OIL CHANGES. NOT SURE HOW THIS CAN RANDOMLY HAPPEN. *TR
About This Data
Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.
View on NHTSA.gov