2015 Nissan Altima CVT Recalls: Worth Your Worry?

Sandy B
Jan 21, 2021

Nissan, like most manufacturers, does everything it can to ensure each vehicle is safe and reliable. Many models have problems that will require repair they’ve already been on the road for a while. When these issues occur, the company has to issue a recall notice to have the cars serviced.

Does the 2015 Nissan Altima CVT have any recalls?  

Nope, but there are 10 other recalls you should know about.  

These includes: 

  • Fuel sending unit may leak 
  • Airbag may not detect passenger in seat 
  • Front brake caliper mounting bolts may be loose 
  • Rear door may open when window is lowered 
  • Unintentional release of primary hood latch  

Red 2015 Nissan Altima With White Background

It is always best to have all information available to you before buying a used 2015 Nissan Altima. Here, to offer some help, we’ll explain some of the most important Altima recalls for the 2015 model.

Fuel Sending Unit May Leak

NHTSA Recall ID: 15V486000

In August of 2015, Nissan issued a recall for the fuel system. This is perhaps the closet match for the CVT transmission recall concerns for this vehicle. This recall impacts the 2015 Nissan Altima 3.5 vehicles made between March 20, 2012, and August 18, 2015, that have a V6 engine.

The problem relates to an improperly installed O-ring. In these vehicles, the O-ring was not properly positioned at the time of assembly. If this occurs, it may cause a fuel leak during an accident. This happens at the area where the fuel sending unit links to the fuel tank.

In situations where this occurs, it can create a significant fuel link. If the car is involved in a crash, this leak can increase the risk of a fire after the collision.

Nissan fixed this problem by having dealers install a retainer ring between the fuel sending unit and the fuel tank.  These repairs began in September of 2015.

Airbag May not Detect Passenger in Seat

NHTSA Recall ID: 15V681000

Passenger Airbag Symbol

The 2015 Nissan Altima was among a series of vehicles recalled by Nissan for a problem with the occupant classification system (OSC). In affected vehicles, the incorrect OCS control unit was put into place during a repair. This may lead to the OCS to think the passenger seat is empty even when someone is in it.

The OCS unit’s improper detection of an occupant in the passenger seat can be problematic. In these cases, the passenger airbag can deactivate. That may mean that, in the case of an accident, the airbag would not deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to a person in that passenger seat.

Nissan updated the OSC software to fix this problem. The repairs were scheduled to begin in November of 2015.

Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts May Be Loose

NHTSA Recall ID: 15V733000

In November of 2015, Nissan issued a recall related to the hydraulic system and the brakes. Only those vehicles manufactured between October 6, 2015, and October 7, 2015, were recalled. In these cars, the front brake calipers may have mounting bolts that were not installed and tightened properly.

As a result of this, the bolts may not hold the caliper in place. If they detach, this may reduce the braking ability of the driver. This increases the risk of an accident.

Nissan alerted owners of the affected vehicles. Once an owner brings in their vehicle, the mechanics will check the brake caliper mounting bolts to determine if they are in the correct position. If not, the mechanic will properly tighten them. Repairs began for this recall in December of 2015.

Rear Door May Open When Window is Lowered

NHTSA Recall ID: 18V915000

Nissan issued a recall for the Altima due to repairs issued previously. The door latch-lock cable may not be properly routed into place in the rear door when the previous recall (number 17V-040) was completed.

As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator. In some cars, this can cause the rear passenger door to inadvertently unlatch and open up when someone lowers the window in that position.

Should the rear door open while the car is operational, that can increase the risk of an accident. It can also increase the risk of injury.

To fix this, Nissan alerted owners of the problem. They then sent dealers in to secure the latch-lock cables into the right position. A new remedy procedure was issued for this recall. The repairs began in February of 2019.

Unintentional Release of Primary Hood Latch

NHTSA Recall ID: 20V315000

In May of 2020, Nissan released a recall related to the latches and locks on the Nissan Altima, spanning all model years from 2013 through 2018. In affected cars, the primary hoot latch can release unexpectedly. If this occurs, it can cause the secondary hood latch to corrode.

If there is any corrosion to the secondary latch, this can cause it to bind up and maintain the unlatched position while the hood is closed. In some cases, the hood can unexpectedly open while driving. That can increase the risk of a crash.

At the time of this article, Nissan was still working on associated repairs. The company notified owners on proper latching methods and included information about how to fully close the hood and ensure the primary latch is in place.

How Do You Handle an Open Recall on the 2015 Nissan Altima?

While there are no current recalls on the CVT transmission of the 2015 Nissan Altima, things can change. To stay up to date, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter the VIN of the vehicle into the system. This will bring up any applicable recalls on the vehicle. It also lists recall repairs that have yet to be addressed for that vehicle.

Owners can then call Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 to learn more about how to have those open recalls serviced.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Greg M on July 5, 2022
Transmission module issue
Brought my car in for the hood latch issue and to have them test my headlight assembly for the de-lamination issue (which it does have, now waiting for the new assemblies). Paperwork also had PC4900: Reprogram Transmission module per service campaign. Caused by recall. So definitely something there. Car is very good on gas since as an Uber driver I avg 28-32mpg most of that is actually in town and would be better if Lafayette IN set up stoplights to not make me wait for empty turning traffic lanes before letting me go straight and riders would actually be ready when I arrive. Hopefully soon I will have a good view of the road and not have so many riders ask "Are your headlights on?"
accountCircle D. Menn on March 8, 2024
Transmission Shudder
My son bought the 2015 Nissan Altima SL for his first car. The car is great but we have noticed a shudder in the transmission at low speed. Has anyone else had this issue and is it normal for this transmission. Is there anything to be worried about. Of course it did not happen during the test drive.....
accountCircle Upset on July 8, 2022
Transmission
Transmission when out, and so many problems that's going on with the car, had the recalls fix, car still in a mess. It needs to be a recall on the transmission, have spent so much money on getting it towed.
accountCircle Lawrence O Hughes on November 15, 2021
Owner2015 Nissan altima v6 3.5
Just want to know Recalls that reference my Nissan altima v6 3.5 SL.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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