2014 Nissan Altima Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 1,114 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Altima years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 1,114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Nissan Altima. That ranks 3rd out of 32 Altima model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is exterior lighting (299 complaints, 27%), typically at around 80,000 miles. Complaints mention 52 crashes, 8 fires, 60 injuries. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.

Nissan Altima
A 2023 Nissan Altima SR I photographed in Lompoc, California. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2014 Nissan Altima problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Exterior Lighting299 · ~80,000 mi
Power Train209 · ~70,000 mi
Air Bags208 · ~22,000 mi
Suspension132 · ~100,000 mi
Unknown or Other83 · ~66,000 mi
Engine77 · ~67,500 mi
Electrical System71 · ~32,144 mi
Steering58 · ~16,304 mi
Structure52 · ~55,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages31 · ~65,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Exterior Lighting problems29927%80,000“low beam” (37%)$1,300
Power Train problems20919%70,000“cvt transmission” (14%)$5,300
Air Bags problems20819%22,000“air bag” (45%)$1,750
Suspension problems13212%100,000“control arm” (67%)$2,100
Unknown or Other837%66,000——
Engine problems777%67,500——
Electrical System problems716%32,144——
Steering problems585%16,304“control arm” (16%)—
Structure problems525%55,000“hood latch” (12%)—
Latches/locks/linkages313%65,000——
Vehicle Speed Control272%32,500——
Service Brakes262%44,926——
Fuel/propulsion System222%30,000——
Visibility/wiper212%21,313——
Seats141%27,500——
Wheels131%102,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)121%21,000——
Seat Belts91%56,427——
Lane Departure50%———
Equipment40%12,608——
Visibility40%11,750——
Engine and Engine Cooling30%4,520——
Fuel System, Gasoline30%300——
Back Over Prevention20%20,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance20%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic20%108,500——
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness10%———
Child Seat10%———
Equipment Adaptive/mobility10%5,000——
Tires10%15,927——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 175 complaints
2013: 3201332014: 862014862015: 782015782016: 822016822017: 832017832018: 12320181232019: 17520191752020: 16520201652021: 11520211152022: 772022772023: 462023462024: 352024352025: 292025292026: 17202617

n = 1,114 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2014 Nissan Altima recalls (8)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchMay 28, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · 1,831,818 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationDec 19, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V911000 · 757 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationApr 26, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchJan 22, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V029000 · 846,000 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classification; air bags:frontalOct 20, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V681000 · 919 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Risk: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag 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.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 4, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V486000 · 46,846 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.

Risk: If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchFeb 27, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V116000 · 625,400 vehicles

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.

Air bags:frontal; electrical system:softwareMar 25, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V138000 · 989,701 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
  • Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure (EA19002) — opened Jul 29, 2019, closed Jun 16, 2025.
  • Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure (PE18013) — opened Dec 1, 2018, closed Aug 21, 2019.
  • Occupant Classification System Failure (EA15004) — opened Aug 31, 2015, closed May 2, 2017, led to recall 15V681000.
  • Occupant Classification System Failure (RQ15001) — opened Mar 18, 2015, closed Sep 1, 2015.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My 2014 Nissan Altima has experienced loss of visibility from the headlights significantly to the point of feeling unsafe driving at night. I believe the cause of these issue is due to degradation of the reflective coating within the headlamps. New bulbs installed have not improved the quality of…

Exterior Lighting · received Sep 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762646

Rear lower control arm broke while driving on interstate car darted to the left but control was maintained

Suspension · received Aug 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755804

Right rear lower control arm fully broke while traveling 35 mph and going around a curve. The car immediately pulled hard right into the adjacent lane. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in that lane at the moment. I have contacted the dealership. This issue is addressed in Service Bulletin…

Suspension · received Aug 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755429

As far as I am aware there are no causes to the failure but the sensor of the left panel on the driver side airbag is alerting. Nissan checked it and advised it would be @ $2000 to repair because it required the replacement of the entire driver side chair. However I am now being told that they…

Air Bags · received Jul 3, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11748214

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the…

Suspension · received Jul 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747794

Other Nissan Altima years

← 2013 Altima · 2015 Altima →

See all Nissan Altima problems by year, every Nissan model, or the Nissan VIN decoder.

Similar Nissan models

Embed this 2014 Nissan Altima badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Nissan Altima?

Owners most often report exterior lighting, power train, air bags problems. The top one, exterior lighting, accounts for 299 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Nissan Altima?

Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2014 Nissan Altima a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Altima model years, the 2014 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.