Nissan’s Altima is a comfortable, low-cost midsize sedan, but problematic years have surfaced and include issues with premature rusting, airbags that may fail, or doors and hoods inadvertently opening.
Key Points
- The 2002 Nissan Altima had 12 recalls and over 1,000 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Plus, an investigation was launched over reports of engine compartment fires.
- The 2013 Altima model has a terrible reputation, with 12 recalls, over 2,000 complaints, and five investigations (mostly over serious airbag issues).
- With 10 NHTSA recalls, the 2015 Altima may be the model’s worst year ever, with doors that may open unintentionally, and airbags that may not deploy in an accident.
Early Years Struggle with Premature Rusting & Engine Issues, While Later Models Have Faulty Airbags & Doors that Can Open While Driving
The Nissan Altima is known for its low price tag, decent fuel efficiency, and favorable reliability ratings. Over the last four years, Vehicle History owner satisfaction ratings haven’t dropped below 4.5 stars out of five. However, not all years have been perfect, with some struggling with transmission woes, failed engines, faulty safety sensors, and more. We found five Altima years to avoid altogether, including the 2002, 2009, and 2013-2015 models.
2002 Altima: 12 Recalls, 1,000 Complaints (Mostly Engine Related), Plus an Investigation into Powertrains Catching Fire
The 2002 Nissan Altima kicked off the model’s third generation, and faces 12 recalls and over 1,000 registered consumer complaints with the NHTSA. Half the recalls pertain to smaller issues, like exterior lighting, and the other half are more serious and relate to faulty airbags and an overheating crankshaft position sensor.
Also, on some Altimas, a faulty pin on the exhaust pipe could catch road debris and spark a fire. The issue led to the 2002 Altima’s only NHTSA investigation. Engine issues also accounted for over half of the 1,000 complaints, addressing heavy oil consumption, unusual stalls, and loud noises from the motor.
The 2002 model and the entire third generation also had some trouble with premature floorboard rust, which generated over 400 complaints and led to a class-action lawsuit. One mechanic suggested to NBC News, “Sooner or later, you’re going to be able to put your feet through the floor.” The cause of the corrosion is unknown, and there hasn’t been a recall.
2009 Altima: Transmission Troubles Can Lead to Loss of Power & Costly Repairs Totaling Over $1,000
The 2009 Nissan Altima received only four recalls, but almost 1,500 complaints from the NHTSA, and nearly 900 are about the electronic steering column inadvertently locking when the car is off, preventing the driver from starting the vehicle. Nissan has offered to replace the steering lock for free.
The most pertinent recall for the 2009 model year involves a suspension that may crack and allow the strut rod to fall out of place. Also, some 2009 Altimas equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels may be affected by an active recall for having wheels with lug nuts that could come loose and cause a crash.
Another problem is an overheating transmission. After two to three hours of driving, some customers reported experiencing a loss of power and speed.
2013 Altima: 12 Recalls and Over 2,000 Complaints–with Over 600 Mentioning Powertrain Problems and 500 Reporting Faulty Airbags
The 2013 model year was another rough one for the Nissan Altima. It racked up another 12 recalls, and the last time that happened was in 2002. Plus, there were over 2,000 consumer complaints, with nearly 500 about airbags and over 600 referencing the engine/powertrain. Most of the dozen recalls for 2013 are light to moderate, such as a recall over a spare tire that may be improperly inflated.
There are four recalls over faulty airbags, and involve a malfunctioning sensor that may not deploy the airbag in an accident. Another serious recall worth noting affected over 1.8 million Altimas from 2013-2018, where the hood could unexpectedly release and open while driving. These issues are why Car Complaints cautioned prospective Altima buyers to avoid the 2013 model altogether.
2014 Altima: Fuel Leaks & Malfunctioning Airbags Spark Fire & Safety Concerns
The 2014 Nissan Altima had eight recalls, with the majority of them relating to airbags. Similar to past years, airbag sensors may incorrectly identify if a seat is empty or occupied, possibly causing the airbag to not inflate in an accident. A software glitch can also cause the airbags to not deploy.
Also, in certain 2013 to 2015 Altimas equipped with the V6, fuel may leak during a crash and increase the risk of a fire due to an improperly installed O-ring. The 2014 Altima also struggles with hoods that can release and fly open without warning.
Nearly 900 complaints were made against the 2014 Nissan Altima, too, with exterior lighting issues accounting for most of the negative feedback. Problems addressed included headlights suddenly becoming too dim, acceleration problems, and transmission failure.
2015 Altima: Scary Recall Issues Include Hoods and Doors Opening While Driving & Airbags that May Not Deploy
The average car might receive three to five recalls, so, when the 2015 Nissan Altima racked up 10 recalls, it’s a red flag. And when you consider how scary some of the recalls are, it definitely puts the 2015 Altima on our “Years to Avoid” list. There are roughly 600 complaints, but it’s the 10 recalls that will get your attention. In fact, they almost read like a list of reasons why not to step foot inside the 2015 model, including:
- unintended opening of the hood while driving
- backdoors inadvertently opening when vehicle is moving
- airbags may not deploy in an accident
- brake bolts may become loose
The issue with the back doors opening while driving stems from the door latch-lock cable having been incorrectly routed.
As a result, the cable’s interference may cause a rear door to unlatch and open without warning when the window is lowered. Couple this with a 2015 recall that focuses on defective sensors that may not deploy airbags, and you have one scary set of recalls. These are likely the most extreme issues the Altima has ever had, and they warrant considering the 2015 Nissan Altima as the model’s worst year of all.
The Nissan Altima Has Had Some Tough Early Years, but it Remains an Affordable, Reliable Car
Certain early years of the Nissan Altima had many engine-related complaints, and even later models had some pretty serious issues. But starting in 2017, the Altima’s number of complaints and recalls dropped dramatically, proving that the Altima is a reliable car, especially if you can spring for a 2019 or newer model due to its full redesign.
Photos: Nissan
