Nissan Altima 2015 — Reported problems

Dear NHTSA, The rear control arm on my 2015 Nissan Altima broke after driving over a very small speed bump at ~10-15 MPH. Had this happened at highway speed, my family’s lives could have been at risk. A suspension component should not fail under such ordinary driving conditions. This incident has left me deeply concerned about the safety of my vehicle and the potential danger to other Nissan owners. Similar failures appear to have been reported online, yet I am unaware of a recall covering my vehicle. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue and require a recall if warranted before someone is seriously injured. Please explain what action NHTSA has taken or plans to take. I can provide photographs and repair records. Thank you.

On Sunday 10/04/26, the hood unexpectedly flew open while I was driving. I am very lucky I was the only person on the road at the time this occurred as this blocked all of my visibility. I had to stop my vehicle with the hood completely blocking the windshield, I could barely get the hood back down as it was bent, a bolt even broke off the front of the hood where the hood and body attach. The car isn’t safe to drive due to this . A subsequent inspection shows that the secondary latch was severely corroded and bound in the unlatched position, and the striker was rusted with paint flaking to bare metal. This matches the NHTSA defect description exactly: "secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed." My vehicle's history suggests that the early campaign remedy (clean/lube) was previously performed but has since failed and corroded again—the exact scenario that caused recall 20V315 to supersede the earlier campaign.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 73,328, and the Carfax report provided by the Bank listed the mileage as 69,850 on August 19, 2022. However, while attempting to trade in the vehicle, the dealer discovered through Auto Check that the mileage was listed as 117,974 on May 24, 2022.

The headlights are so dim we cannot see safely at night, we have had everything professionally cleaned and installed new super bright bulbs, it has made zero difference. Does someone really have to die for this to be taken seriously? There was a huge lawsuit apparently but we never heard about it and missed the window!

My car was hit and airbags did not deploy from driver side. The front driver side of my car is totalled. Not sure what force of an impact is needed for airbags to deploy but if my driver side tire rod broke and tire came off is this not sufficient force. This 2015 Nissan Altima has had many recalls. The last one was my front driver side head lamp almost caught on fire but mechanic found everything burned and melted because of electrical issue which was a recall. With my luck the recall expired apparently because it happened after the fact when it was no longer covered. I called and basically I was told too late. Now my airbags did not deploy.

A vehicle airbag light is staying on which indicates my airbags will not work this is a common problem in a 2015 Nissan Altima SL but it is not showing up as a recall on my certain vehicle. This recently started happening at 114,000 miles. When the light first came on it would go on and off at different times it would not be every single time I started the car but now it will not shut off

Service brakes, hydraulic foundation components: disc: caliper The bolts on all 4 of my tires are constantly going loose and I have problems with my front brakes never lasting as long as they should and always burn out very fast.

The passenger side rear spring mount/Lower Control Arm separated at the weld and failed at highway speed. Control of the vehicle was momentarily lost and I was able to safely pull to the side of the highway to await a tow truck. Vehicle is not drivable. Mechanic confirmed it was an "Insufficient Weld" consistent with a safety bulletin that expired less than a year ago. Nissan corporate would not assist in getting this repaired, but stated I could pay to have it towed to them for a customer-paid diagnostic.

The rear lower control arms (lower links) on my 2015 Nissan Altima are actively cracked and broken at 91,359 miles. An authorized Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the severe structural failure on video, explicitly stating it is an immediate safety hazard. However, the manufacturer is refusing to repair this dangerous manufacturing defect under Campaign PC690 due to an expired calendar date, forcing an unstable, hazardous vehicle back onto public roads where I transport my children. Nissan chose not to notify owners of this defect by mail, and the dealership network actively delayed my scheduling for weeks. The vehicle is completely unsafe to operate.

The headlights are dangerously dim. There has been a class action lawsuit for these specific makes and models for the reflectors in the headlights being damaged over time, resulting in the entire headlight assemblies needing replaced.

Today (8/15/26) the vehicle broke down while driving. A component to the rear left suspension has busted off that appears to be the rear lower control arm/link. Not drivable. Steering wheel and tire are crooked. I have read that for the years 2013-2018 this is a known issue for these makes and models.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a driver's side air bag module internal failure. The dealer recommended replacing the driver's side air bag module and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the extended warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the dealer information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 59,256.

SRS - Airbag LF Side Impact: B0020-13 Error 2,000.00 to replace faulty air bag

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while making a right turn into a parking space, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. While inspecting the vehicle, the son discovered that the rear passenger’s side wheel was turned inward due to a fractured rear passenger’s side suspension control arm. After additional inspection of the vehicle, the son discovered that the rear driver’s side suspension control arm was cracked. The son replaced the control arm, and the local mechanic replaced the rear driver's side control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for a Manufacturer's extended warranty coverage associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Suspension control arm is snapped off and rusted out well below advertised maintenance recommendations per the manufacturer. I contacted my dealership and they gave me 1 week of "were checking if it's covered" and various run around instead of telling me yes/no. I can't afford not to have my car anymore so I'm getting it repaired somewhere else. NFTSA was investigating this for a recall, you closed the case in June 2026 and now Nissan is no longer covering the repairs. The bolt connecting the tire is still attached but the walls of the arm have shattered off. Perhaps my dealership would have done the right thing I'd I arrived onsite via tow-truck but because I noticed it in my driveway, I'm not getting any straight forward answers.

Subject: Dangerous Transmission Failure in 2015 Nissan Altima While my 2015 Nissan Altima has always exhibited questionable performance—including abnormal acceleration, hesitation during throttle response, and mismatched RPMs relative to acceleration—the transmission has now begun to severely slip. I have also experienced sudden loss of power, pronounced shuddering, and complete power failure while driving. On multiple occasions, these issues have placed me in dangerous driving situations. It is important to note that I have regularly maintained the vehicle and kept it in mechanically decent shape throughout my ownership. I believe it is critical for other drivers to be aware of these ongoing problems, especially since Nissan appears to be avoiding responsibility for manufacturing such faulty powertrains. New car buyers and those purchasing used vehicles are becoming victims of this defective transmission, which poses a serious risk to passengers, drivers, and others on the road.

The contact purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was

When driving at night, the low beam headlights were noticeably dim. The headlight bulbs were replaced and the lenses were cleaned on both headlights. This did not fix the issue. I have also adjusted the angle of them, and they’re still dim. My safety is at risk when I drive at night since I am almost completely unable to see the road using the low beams at night. The problem has not be confirmed by a dealer, but I am willing to let them inspect and confirm it. There were no warning lights when this occurred. I contacted the manufacturer and they were unhelpful.

The passenger seat airbag detection system consistently mis-characterizes whether a passenger is in the seat. The vehicle should have been covered under the 2016 recall - before I owned it. The website doesn’t show any outstanding recall items, but the problem persists.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were very dim. Due to the failure, the high beam headlights were activated while driving in low light conditions. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

At speed, my wife was driving and without warning was pulled into oncoming traffic. Thank goodness, no accident. A completely failed and broken rear control arm (photo attached). I was told Nissan offered an extended 10 year warranty for this. We were 10 months beyond that. This is no exaggeration, people will be killed because of this. The part literally separated in 2, causing the wheel to immediately slant at a near 45-degree outward angle and shoot ther car forcefully across the lane. One day prior she was on the expressway in [XXX] . I can’t imagine the outcome there. To make this an extended warranty item and not a recall to me is this agency not looking out for the citizens of this country. Nissan is protected, but that should not be this agencies mission. This should be a recall. I can’t imagine how many thousands of people are out there this very day with this suspension part right at the breaking point. We received no notice about this extended warranty, no notice that would have prompted me to have it checked out. It was an accident-bomb waiting to explode. The repair was $1500, and despite having a part Nissan themselves admit is prone to failure, they are dodging the financial ramifications of their inadequate part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The hood to my car randomly unlatched and smashed my windshield while I was going 30mph.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds with the headlights activated, the illumination from the headlights was extremely dim, as if the headlights were not turned on. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, where it was determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced because the filament behind the light bulbs had disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

I made a left turn out of my work parking lot and felt a clunk. Shortly afterward, the car started shaking violently at about 10 mph. I relocated it to the Nissan dealer near my workplace and they discovered the rear lower link/control arm was fractured from rust deterioration. I was advised that they had previously had an extended warranty for that item. I told them i was never made aware of that warranty and reached out to Nissan. They told me that because I “failed” to keep track of my warranty i was out of the window on that repair being covered. I asked how i was to know about the issue if not for the part snapping? He insisted that they sent notices (to the address i lived at when i purchased the car in 2015). He then advised that since work was already started on the car there was likely nothing they could do to offer a goodwill adjustment since I’d agreed to the repair. He advised me that i should have called before bringing the car in (to check the status on a warranty i had no idea existed). I take the tollway home. 5 minutes later and i could have died.

I drove the car and 1min after it loses control and we checked it and found out the rear suspension lower control arm broke off from the subframe

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that in September 2025, an unknown hood latch recall repair was performed by the dealer, but six months later, while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the hood, the hood failed to open. The contact state while driving approximately 65 MPH, the hood unexpectedly popped open. The contact stopped, pulled over to the side of the road, and closed the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,944.

I didn't have a accident or got stopped by the police. I can't see anything at night from my headlights I wasn't aware of the recall in 2022. I may have gotten a letter but I do not recall. I would not be reaching out to you all if it was not affecting my driving at night & is really bad we have a bew black top road on [XXX] I can't even see the road properly nor the shoulder but when I put on my bright lights I can and I also live off of [XXX] & there are no street lights. Could someone please assist me on this matter involving my headlights. Thank you & have a Blessed day! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The transmission failed in my 2015 Nissan Altima. The check engine light is currently on due to a defective transmission. While I understand that Nissan extended the transmission warranty by two years or 24,000 miles following a class action lawsuit, I find this coverage completely unreasonable, insufficient and irresponsible, and most importantly unsafe. My vehicle has only 83,800 miles and has been well-maintained, yet the transmission still failed. While driving in the freeway in San Diego, the vehicle suddenly lost complete transmission engagement and power. My vehicle was almost rear ended by multiple cars. The check engine light appeared after the transmission failure. A Nissan dealer later confirmed the vehicle needs a new transmission. Nissan and NHTSA should have done a complete recall after the class action lawsuit against Nissan for putting faulty transmission on Altimas 2015.

When backing out of my garage the driver's side rear lower control arm catastrophically broke. Thankfully, I was traveling at slow speed so it did not cause and accident. This is a major safety concern for other Altima drivers and the drivers and occupants of vehicles around them if this type of failure would occur at highway speeds. This is a known issue for as there was an investigation which closed last year. That is unacceptable and there should be a recall. This is a severe product defect and the manufacturer should be held responsible.

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

Rear lower passenger side control arm snapped

Low beam headlights delaminated so there is not enough light to see safely at night. I replaced the entire headlight units after just replacing the bulbs to see if that would fix it

Rear Lower Link failure. The car has 145,XXX miles on it. I live in Wisconsin where we use Salt. I was driving the vehicle and hit a pot hole and the Driver Rear Lower Link failed in January 2026. Calling the dealer for repair I was informed of P9324 which did not cover my car. I bought replacement parts from Nissan to replace the Rear lower Links on both sides. Driver side had failed already and Passenger side was ready to fail also. I called Nissan support and I was informed that my car had a warranty extension on the Rear lower links through April 27 2025. this notice was sent to the wrong address so I was not aware of it. Also the Rear Lower link failed after the warranty extension. Nissan call person said there is nothing they can do for me. This is a know failure point Nissan know this by offering a warranty extension and P9324. All Altima's that used this same Rear lower link should have been included in P9324. Control of the car was compromised and harder to drive and not recommended with this failure. No need to reproduce failure as the part broke. No inspection besides my self as the dealer told me $500+ in labor to repair, I repaired my self. No warnings. Part can be inspected for 1 week then it will be disposed of. Pictures are attached.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and caused the vehicle to shift into the left lane. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and repositioned the vehicle into the intended lane, but the vehicle felt unstable as if the vehicle was driving on ice. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The contact drove to the residence. The contact’s husband reversed the vehicle into the garage, exited the vehicle and became aware that the rear passenger’s wheel was pushed into the wheel well, revealing that the rear control arm was fractured. The contact stated that the rear control arm had fractured while driving, causing the vehicle to veer into another lane. While reversing in the driveway, the control arm completely detached, and the wheel fell inward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.

Got the recall about the hood latch took it to Nissan and had it fixed. My hood latch isn't staying latched now it pops up as I'm driving. and at times the hood latch won't let you open it . Something is wrong with it or the Nissan dealership in Erie Pennsylvania don't know what they are doing.

Got a post card stating that the headlamp covers were recalled I called Nissan to make an appointment and Nissan has fought me every step of the way. I am unable to see at night with my headlights on and I have to turn on high beams at night just to see. It's very frustrating to not being able to see and very expensive to pay tickets for driving with high beams on.

On 6/28/2023, without any type of advanced warning, my rear driver's side control arm on my 2015 Nissan Altima failed, almost causing me to get into a severe accident; noting the rear tire was almost completely torn from the vehicle. The steering wheel also abruptly turned and locked to the left with a complete loss of control of the vehicle. The only thing that saved me from getting into a head-on accident with another vehicle was that I was operating at a slow speed and was able to stop in time. I never received any type of notification from Nissan, prior to the incident, to advise me of the Voluntary Service Campaign P9324. Had I known this, I would have at least had Nissan pay for my vehicle being towed and repaired, instead of paying for it out of my own pocket. On 1/4/2026, my rear passenger's side control arm failed when I was backing up in a parking lot. I was not in any type of danger this time of getting into an accident, but I was still not aware of Nissan's related Service Campaign and again paid for the repair, out of pocket. Noting that both control arms had now failed on my vehicle, (at different times, which could have caused death and/or severe injury to myself and/or others), I decided to investigate the issue further and discovered for the first time the existence of the Service Campaign Notification P9324. On 1/6/2026, I contacted Nissan's Recall Support Line and reported to them, both of my vehicle's break down(s). I was then advised that Nissan had changed the Service Campaign Notification regarding the rear control arm(s), to a "warranty extension", which ended in June of 2025 and therefore, they would not be willing to reimburse me for either of the repairs. In closing, I would like to say that it is disgusting that I was never advised of this Service Campaign Notification by Nissan that could have caused my death and/or serious injury and that Nissan will not continue to stand behind the costs to repair their defective part.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I was driving going 60 mph on the highway when then I felt as I was sliding on as in the rear when my steering wheel immediately shifted right hard . I was able to pull over safely without causing an accident . My steering where was a quarter turned to the right while my car was still driving straight. Due to excessive rust from an unknown source my control completely snapped in half while the vehicle was in motion.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights would independently dim. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign Number: PC861; however, the warranty had expired in March 2022. Another local dealer was contacted for a second opinion, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate from a complete stop and jerked. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle, and it was confirmed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Right rear passenger rear tire assembly broke off from frame of vehicle