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2017 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Nissan Altima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

165 reports with mileage · 226 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports7 fire reports19 injury reports

What owners actually said

391 reports
85,000 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Exterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM THAT DRIVING AT NIGHT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI #11298526

32,000 miles · Dec 27, 2019
Service Brakes

I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE ALSO.. I BOUGHT MY NISSAN BRAND NEW AUGUST 2017, NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD IT STARTED HAVING ISSUES , WITH THE PUSH BUTTON START AND THE BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY CAR STOP. I COULD NOT MOVE IT THIS WAS 2018 WHERE YOU CANT MOVE THE CAR OR START IT . IT WAS TOWED TO NI…

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I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE ALSO.. I BOUGHT MY NISSAN BRAND NEW AUGUST 2017, NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD IT STARTED HAVING ISSUES , WITH THE PUSH BUTTON START AND THE BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY CAR STOP. I COULD NOT MOVE IT THIS WAS 2018 WHERE YOU CANT MOVE THE CAR OR START IT . IT WAS TOWED TO NISSAN DEALER. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE BRAKE SWITCH SYSTEM FAILURE .THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM WITH 2017 NISSAN ALTIMAS. VERY DANGEROUS! IN 2019 THE SAME ISSUE HAPPEN AGAIN BRAKE SWITCH SYSTEM FAILURE. I ALSO HAVE RECEIPTS STATING THIS. THE CAR STOP ON A BUSY STREET. I WAITED 2 HOURS FOR NISSAN ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE , THEY TOWED IT TO NISSAN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. THER SHOULD BE A RECALL ABOUT THE BRAKE SWITCH SYSTEM FAILURE.THE TOWED IT TO KLINE NISSAN IN MAPLEWOOD. THIS ISSUE HAPPEN TWICE I DON'T KNOW I MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. I COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY CAR JUST STOPS!! I DID CONTACT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA,CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THEY DID NOTHING I STATED THAT VERY DANGEROUS BRAKE ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL .

NHTSA ODI #11291432

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2019
Steering

THE POWER STEERING PUMP (2017 NISSAN ALTIMA SR, 2.4L, 35,980 MILES) BEGAN TO PRODUCE WHINING NOISES (HIGH FREQUENCY PITCH SOUNDS) BOTH WHEN THE ENGINE RUNS WITH MOVING AND WHEN THE CAR MOVES. PARTICULARLY, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON, IT PRODUCES HIGHER NOISES. IF I DON'T TURN THE POWER STEERING WHEEL …

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THE POWER STEERING PUMP (2017 NISSAN ALTIMA SR, 2.4L, 35,980 MILES) BEGAN TO PRODUCE WHINING NOISES (HIGH FREQUENCY PITCH SOUNDS) BOTH WHEN THE ENGINE RUNS WITH MOVING AND WHEN THE CAR MOVES. PARTICULARLY, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON, IT PRODUCES HIGHER NOISES. IF I DON'T TURN THE POWER STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON, IT PRODUCES LOWER WHINING SOUNDS. THUS, BOULDER NISSAN IN COLORADO REPLACED THE PROBLEMATIC PUMP WITH A NEW ONE. HOWEVER, THE NEW ONE IS NOT THE SOLUTION AT ALL. I HAVE COMPLAINED THIS ISSUE AGAINST BOULDER NISSAN. THEY COULDN'T SOLVE THE ISSUE BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP ITSELF IS DEFECTIVE. I KNOW ALL OF 2011 ~ 2018 ALTIMA HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN WELL KNOWN ON THE INTERNET. NISSAN COMPANY MUST RECALL THE POWER STEERING WHEEL PUMP AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PUMP (NOT THE SAME DEFECTIVE ONE). WHAT HAPPENS IF THE POWER STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING?

NHTSA ODI #11287789

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2019
Power Train

CAR IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY BY ITSELF WHEN ACCELERATING GET STUCK IN THE FIRST GEAR. ALSO PERIODICALLY THE PEDAL HAS A THREE SECOND DELAY WHEN PRESSING ON IT TO ACCELERATE THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY. THE ONLY REMEDY THAT FIXES IT IS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AS FAR AS THE PEDAL GOES…

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CAR IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY BY ITSELF WHEN ACCELERATING GET STUCK IN THE FIRST GEAR. ALSO PERIODICALLY THE PEDAL HAS A THREE SECOND DELAY WHEN PRESSING ON IT TO ACCELERATE THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY. THE ONLY REMEDY THAT FIXES IT IS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AS FAR AS THE PEDAL GOES. THE ACCELERATION WHERE IT DOES NOT SHIFT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME BUT AT LEAST HAPPENS 2 TO 3 TIMES A WEEK DOES IT MATTER IF I'M ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A REGULAR ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11286855

63,000 miles · Nov 21, 2019
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. IT HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS AND THE DEALER DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY THE 2ND TIME, THEY CLAIMED I HAD RODENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION SPEED SENSOR HARNESS. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $450.00

NHTSA ODI #11281646

55,000 miles · Nov 17, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control

WHEN MY CAR IS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR MY CAR TO ACCELERATE WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS EVERY NOW AND THEN, NOT EVERY TIME. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN I'M TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR'S RPM STALLS AT THE 3/4 AND STRUGGLES TO SHIFT DOWN LIKE NORMAL. I AM ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IF I TURN …

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WHEN MY CAR IS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR MY CAR TO ACCELERATE WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS EVERY NOW AND THEN, NOT EVERY TIME. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN I'M TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR'S RPM STALLS AT THE 3/4 AND STRUGGLES TO SHIFT DOWN LIKE NORMAL. I AM ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IF I TURN OFF THEN TURN MY CAR BACK ON. THESE ARE TWO LARGE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING WITH MY 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA.

NHTSA ODI #11280643

67,500 miles · Nov 15, 2019
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control

TUESDAY, NOV 12TH, APPROXIMATELY 7 PM, WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF EVENING TRAFFIC ON A BUSY THOROUGHFARE, VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER AND COASTED TO A STOP ON SIDE OF ROAD. PRIOR TO THIS, VEHICLE LOST POWER TEMPORARY ABOUT 20 MINUTES PRIOR ON ANOTHER VERY BUSY STRETCH OF ROAD BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THROUGHOUT THE DAY, THE CAR WOUL…

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TUESDAY, NOV 12TH, APPROXIMATELY 7 PM, WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF EVENING TRAFFIC ON A BUSY THOROUGHFARE, VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER AND COASTED TO A STOP ON SIDE OF ROAD. PRIOR TO THIS, VEHICLE LOST POWER TEMPORARY ABOUT 20 MINUTES PRIOR ON ANOTHER VERY BUSY STRETCH OF ROAD BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THROUGHOUT THE DAY, THE CAR WOULD SPUTTER WHILE IN MOTION. BY THE EVENING THE SPUTTERING BECAME MORE INTENSE AND WAS MORE INDICATIVE OF THE VEHICLE TRYING TO CUT OFF. THE SUDDEN SLOW DOWN, AND ALMOST STOPPING CAUSED DRIVER AND PASSENGER TO JERK FORWARD AND BACK AS THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP (EVEN WITH PRESSURE ON GAS PEDDLE). TO KEEP CAR FROM CUTTING OFF REQUIRED FLOORING GAS PEDDLE. VEHICLE PURCHASED AT APPROX 67,000 MILES ON NOV. 5TH. DISCOVERED HORN DID NOT WORK PROPERLY EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #11280382

57,000 miles · Nov 11, 2019
Engine

MY CAR ALWAYS QUIT OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING FOR WHATEVER REASON. I WAS DROPPING MY KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL ONE DAY IN TRAFFIC AND IT CUT OFF ON ME AND IT ALSO CUT OFF ON ME ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS, THERE WASN'T A TRAIN INSIGHT THANK GOD.... THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS...

NHTSA ODI #11279333

23,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Power Train

MY CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND MAINTAINED PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT STARTS TO HESITATE WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND AT TIMES IT IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY SEEM IN NO RUSH TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING IT FIXED ALTHOUGH THE BIG ISSUE JUST OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING HOME WHERE MY CAR RPM SHOT ALL T…

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MY CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND MAINTAINED PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT STARTS TO HESITATE WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND AT TIMES IT IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY SEEM IN NO RUSH TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING IT FIXED ALTHOUGH THE BIG ISSUE JUST OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING HOME WHERE MY CAR RPM SHOT ALL THE WAY UP BUT MY CAR HAD NO ACTUAL ACCELERATION TO IT IN A 55PMH ZONE WHERE I COULD HAVE BEEN CRASHED INTO BY CARS MOVING QUICKLY.

NHTSA ODI #11277617

76,000 miles · Oct 14, 2019
Power Train

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SPUTTERING, STALLING AND NOT SHIFTING IN GEAR FOR MONTHS BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION FUEL PROBLEM. AT THE END OF SEPT THE PROBLEMS GOT WORSE WHERE THE CAR WOULD HARDLY DRIVE. FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE TO TRANSMISSION SHOP BUT THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED IN THE SHOP'S DRIVEWAY AND HAD…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SPUTTERING, STALLING AND NOT SHIFTING IN GEAR FOR MONTHS BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION FUEL PROBLEM. AT THE END OF SEPT THE PROBLEMS GOT WORSE WHERE THE CAR WOULD HARDLY DRIVE. FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE TO TRANSMISSION SHOP BUT THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED IN THE SHOP'S DRIVEWAY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO THE STALL. WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON A 2017 ALTIMA? DIDN'T HAVE THE $5000 NEEDED SO I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY AUNT'S HOUSE WHERE IT STILL SITS FOR REPOSSESSION. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND DON'T NEED A CAR THAT STALLS IN TRAFFICE TO THIS EXTENT IN TRAFFIC!

NHTSA ODI #11268305

Official recalls

3

20V315000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

May 28, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owner’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

18V915000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch; Structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit

Dec 19, 2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.

Consequence: If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.

Consequence: If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.

17V040000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Jan 18, 2017

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA19002 · Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure

Opened Jul 29, 2019 · Closed Jun 16, 2025

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear

On July 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened EA19002 to investigate instances of alleged rear lower control arm failures in 2013-2018 Nissan Altima and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles. At the time the investigation was opened ODI had 91 consumer complaints alleging rear lower control arm failures in the subject vehicles.ODI was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged an increased steering effort or loss of vehicle control.At the time these complaints were received, ODI was also aware of a proactive service campaign addressing 2013 Nissan Altima in salt-belt states for a similar concern. Since opening the investigation, ODI has confirmed, based on consumer complaints, warranty data, and testing conducted by Nissan and ODI, that owners of the subject vehicles are experiencing a corroded bushing at one of three mounting points of the control arm to the rear subframe.ODI has also confirmed that drivers become aware of the problem because of sound and abnormal vibrations. In addition, the failure mileage is typically over 113,000 miles at the time of failure.In conjunction with Nissan and VRTC, ODI participated in testing to assess the potential safety consequence of a bushing failure.It was found the Vehicle Dynamic Control system allows the driver to maintain vehicle control in the event of a bushing failure.With between 7 to 13 years of field exposure, ODI is aware of only one low speed crash allegation describing minor contact with another vehicle’s trailer hitch. Nissan acknowledges that a crack can develop in affected control arms due to stress loading from normal use and that salts commonly used for roadway snow and ice treatment may result in corrosion that exacerbates the progression of the crack.Nissan implemented a design change in January of 2018 to improve the durability of the lower control arm.Affected vehicles have either been repaired with the countermeasure part under a customer satisfaction campaign or been provided a warranty extension from 3 years/36,000 miles to 10 year/unlimited mileage. Through testing and analysis of the information obtained to date, ODI has not identified a defect representing an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety involving corrosion of the subject rear lower control arm at this time.With a declining trend of reports and Nissan’s actions to implement a countermeasure and extended warranty coverage, further investigation of the issue does not appear to be warranted at this time.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. A detailed discussion of the investigation and related complaint numbers can be viewed in the attached closing report.

PE18013 · Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure

Opened Dec 1, 2018 · Closed Aug 21, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear

PE18-013 was opened on December 1, 2018, with 4 complaints to ODI alleging incidents of the lower control arm fracturing at a connection point to the vehicle chassis due to corrosion. ODI has received an additional 87 complaints since the PE was opened. During PE18-013, Nissan indicated model years 2013-2018 shared a common rear lower control arm design. Nissan provided complaint and warranty data regarding 48 incidents of the subject failure. The majority of the complaints are from vehicles registered in salt belt states. There have been no crashes, injuries, or fatalities confirmed as of this date. Nissan advised that it has conducted testing to assess safety risk. Nissan states that due to low incident rate, high detectability, and low risk of adverse vehicle dynamics, it does not believe the subject lower control arm failure poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-002. During the EA, ODI will continue to collect and analyze complaint and field data in its efforts to fully assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect. More importantly, ODI will also seek additional information and data regarding the potential safety consequences of rear lower control arm failure, both from evidence collected from field failures and through more rigorous and comprehensive vehicle testing to be conducted by either Nissan and/or NHTSA.The ODI reports (VOQs) cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11234334, 11234232, 11234189, 11233771, 11233234, 11232381, 11231589, 11230323, 11230184, 11229023, 11229003, 11228730, 11228651, 11228631, 11228625, 11223086, 11222602, 11222427, 11222303, 11221802, 11219943, 11217980, 11217542, 11217505, 11217290, 11210699, 11209647, 11208580, 11208274, 11207545, 11206310, 11205711, 11205461, 11203864, 11203005, 11195416, 11193545, 11193020, 11192269, 11192066, 11191270, 11191207, 11191185, 11191042, 11190360, 11190323, 11187334, 11187157, 11186747, 11186195, 11185664, 11185632, 11185589, 11183799, 11183295, 11183198, 11182705,11182528, 11182265, 11182137, 11182088, 11181373, 11181223, 11181155, 11181009, 11180126, 11176565, 11176261, 11176135, 11175821, 11172604, 11172200, 11172065, 11170019, 11169930, 11165194, 11163833, 11163489, 11162559, 11162195, 11161956, 11161497, 11161117, 11157323, 11157234, 11156772, 11141169, 11139516, 11129476, 11122829, 11114374.

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