COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Nissan Altima electrical problems

1,770 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

56 crash reports69 fire reports35 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,194 reports with mileage · 576 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 owners actually said

1,770 reports
2003 model year · 73,000 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10658542

2009 model year · Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING WAS LAYING ON TOP OF THE MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING WAS LAYING ON TOP OF THE MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10655421

2013 model year · 8,515 miles · Nov 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

I HAVE A NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SL V6 I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS NEW CAR. BLIND SIDE WARNING, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYED ON ONE TIME. MY CAR WOULDN'T START UP SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WALKING UP TO THE CAR AND PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR. THE KEY WOULDN'T UNLOCK THE DOORS, IT WOULDN'T AUTO START THE CAR. I HAD …

Read full complaint

I HAVE A NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SL V6 I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS NEW CAR. BLIND SIDE WARNING, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYED ON ONE TIME. MY CAR WOULDN'T START UP SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WALKING UP TO THE CAR AND PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR. THE KEY WOULDN'T UNLOCK THE DOORS, IT WOULDN'T AUTO START THE CAR. I HAD TO WAIT TO GET IN MY CAR, I ACTUALLY HAD TO STICK MY KEY IN THE DOOR TO GET IN THE CAR. WHEN I DID FINALLY GET IN THE CAR AND TRY TO START IT NOTHING HAPPENED, IT SAID NO KEY THIS IS DANGEROUS I AM A FEMALE GOD FORBIDS SOMEBODY TRIES TO RAPE OR KILL ME AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GET AWAY IN MY NEW CAR THAT I PAY ALL THIS MONEY FOR EVERY MONTH. THE DASHBOARD SAYS: KEY NOT DETECTED OR NO KEY, OR INCORRECT KEY ID. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP AND THEY STILL DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG. I'VE RECENTLY WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER HOPING THEY CAN WORK ON MY CAR AND GET ME THE RESULTS I'M LOOKING FOR... I COMPLETELY HATE THIS CAR BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN N THE SHOP MORE TIMES THAN MY LAST CAR. ALL THEY KEPT SAYING WAS MORE COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I GOT MY CAR 12/2012 AND MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP OVER 20 TIMES WITH LOTS OF ISSUES. I'M STILL WITHIN MY 36000 WARRANTY. I ALSO HEAR A CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT TIRE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME BOLTS AND GREASED IT AS WELL. THEY SAID IT NEEDED GREASE.. THE NOISE HAS CAME BACK ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER!! ITS TIME CONSUMING TO KEEP GOING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET REPAIRS!! BUT I HAVE TO DO IT. I HAD THE RECALL FOR AIR BAGS BUT IT STILL DIDN'T REGISTER AN ADULT WHO SAT IN THE FRONT SEAT WHO WEIGHED ABOUT 103 LBS. SO HIS AIR BAG WOULDN'T DEPLOY IF WE GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. THAT ISN'T SAFE AT ALL.. PLS FIX AND CHANGE THAT FEATURE FOR THE SAKE OF SMALLER ADULTS. NISSAN SHOULDN'T RESTRICT THE WEIGHT OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.. ALL THESE PROBLEMS.... I WILL BE OPENING UP A LEMON LAW CASE!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655157

2013 model year · 47,000 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #10654962

2008 model year · 130,000 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

AS I GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE (DRIVING 60 MPH) THEN REDUCED MY SPEED TO 20 WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE IT WOULDN'T GO!! IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND MY RPM WOULD CLIMB UP TO 4 OR 5! I HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY BACK HOME ON INTERSTATE DRIVING 20 MPG!!! IT'S HAPPENED ONLY WHEN I TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES!! I AM HIGHLY DISSATISFIED WITH THE…

Read full complaint

AS I GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE (DRIVING 60 MPH) THEN REDUCED MY SPEED TO 20 WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE IT WOULDN'T GO!! IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND MY RPM WOULD CLIMB UP TO 4 OR 5! I HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY BACK HOME ON INTERSTATE DRIVING 20 MPG!!! IT'S HAPPENED ONLY WHEN I TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES!! I AM HIGHLY DISSATISFIED WITH THE ALTIMA! EVERYONE I ENCOUNTERED ABOUT THE 2006-2008 ALTIMA REGRETS GETTING ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654744

2010 model year · 67,500 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THE NISSAN ALTIMA BEING UNABLE TO START WHEN THE REQUIRED BRAKE/START BUTTON IS USED. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE START BUTTON PUSHED, THE ACC LIGHT COMES ON THEN, IF PUSHED AGAIN, THE ON LIGHT COMES ON (OVER THE START BUTTON). THEN WHEN PUSHED AGAIN, THE SY…

Read full complaint

I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THE NISSAN ALTIMA BEING UNABLE TO START WHEN THE REQUIRED BRAKE/START BUTTON IS USED. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE START BUTTON PUSHED, THE ACC LIGHT COMES ON THEN, IF PUSHED AGAIN, THE ON LIGHT COMES ON (OVER THE START BUTTON). THEN WHEN PUSHED AGAIN, THE SYSTEM SHUTS OFF. BY TRYING SEVERAL TIMES AND PUMPING THE BRAKE, THE CAR WILL EVENTUALLY START. SINCE THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE CAR'S PARTS/SYSTEM. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO HAVE NISSAN REPLACE THE FAULTY PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654887

2005 model year · 97,867 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

VEHICLE DIED WHILE COASTING DOWN THE SIDE STREET. ONCE I STOPPED THE VEHICLE I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED THE KEY TO OFF. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD CRACK, BUT WOULD NOT START. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN LISTED FOR A RECALL FOR THE 2.5 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR MY 3.5 ENGINE, AND NISSAN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP …

Read full complaint

VEHICLE DIED WHILE COASTING DOWN THE SIDE STREET. ONCE I STOPPED THE VEHICLE I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED THE KEY TO OFF. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD CRACK, BUT WOULD NOT START. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN LISTED FOR A RECALL FOR THE 2.5 ENGINE BUT NOT FOR MY 3.5 ENGINE, AND NISSAN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653027

2002 model year · Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

HARD STARTING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652245

2006 model year · 147,000 miles · Nov 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

NISSAN SAYS CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER RECALL FOR P0335 AND P0425 ENGINE LIGHT CODES! CRANK AND CAM SHAFT SENSORS HAD TO GET BOTH REPLACED $151.68 AND $218.00! I AM NOT HAPPY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651983

2009 model year · 35,129 miles · Oct 23, 2014
Electrical System

VEHICLE DID NOT START. VEHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY JUMPED, DRIVEN FOR ONE (1) HOUR, THEN TURNED OFF, AND THEN FAILED TO START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A FAULTY BRAKE PEDAL IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN # NTB10-139. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINE BELT …

Read full complaint

VEHICLE DID NOT START. VEHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY JUMPED, DRIVEN FOR ONE (1) HOUR, THEN TURNED OFF, AND THEN FAILED TO START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A FAULTY BRAKE PEDAL IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN # NTB10-139. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINE BELT NISSAN, 111 HIGHWAY 36, KEYPORT, NJ, 07735-1424, WHO FIXED THE CAR AND RECOMMENDED I CONTACT NISSAN CORPORATE FOR ANY REIMBURSEMENT. CORPORATE NISSAN, UNDER CONFIRMATION NUMBER 315521 (SPOKE TO RAVEN), STATED THAT "THEY ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO PAY FOR THE PARTS", EVEN AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD PAY THE LABOR. NISSAN KNOWINGLY HAS PUT OUT A DEFECTIVE BRAKE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL (NOT START) AT ANY TIME, AND WILL NOT WORK WITH THE CUSTOMER FINANCIALLY TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH A GOOD ONE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND ITS WARRANTY TIME/MILEAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10650179

Related Official recalls

3

14V138000 · Air Bags:frontal; Electrical System:software

Mar 25, 2014

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Air Bags:frontal

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

08V521000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:software

Oct 7, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Air Bags

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

07V599000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Dec 28, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) REPLACED DURING SERVICE AT A DEALERSHIP, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY DEACTIVATED DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE DEALER SERVICE SOFTWARE. IF THE TPMS IS TURNED OFF, IT WOULD NOT ALERT THE DRIVER TO A DECREASE IN THE TIRE PRESSURE AS DESIGNED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVING ON UNDER-INFLATED TIRES IS UNSAFE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TPMS FUNCTION AND REACTIVATE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN 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 ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

0

No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.