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2016 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

295 reports with mileage · 258 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 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

553 reports
32,000 miles · Dec 7, 2019
Power TrainSteering

2016 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION. ALSO, CAN HEAR A SIZZLE NOISE WHEN DRIVING MAKING A TURN, AS IF WIRE IS SHORTING BUT NO SMELL OF BURNING WIRES; AT THIS TIME. THIS IS WHILE DRIVING, IDLING, STREET DRIVING, AND ON HIGHWAY; WE ARE VERY CONCERNED.

NHTSA ODI #11287636

21,000 miles · Dec 5, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels

PURCHASED VEHICLE LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND I HATE IT! I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT SCARY ENCOUNTERS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED AND THE CAR WOULD DRIFT TO OTHER LANES. GOD FORBID THE RAIN OR SNOW MAKES A VISIT, THE CAR SLIDES UNCONTROLLABLY. THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS STIFF AS WELL. I HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE …

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PURCHASED VEHICLE LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND I HATE IT! I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT SCARY ENCOUNTERS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED AND THE CAR WOULD DRIFT TO OTHER LANES. GOD FORBID THE RAIN OR SNOW MAKES A VISIT, THE CAR SLIDES UNCONTROLLABLY. THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS STIFF AS WELL. I HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AND THE NOTICE IT'S A LITTLE BETTER BUT THE ISSUE IS STILL THERE LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES. CLUNKING NOISE FROM REAR WHILE DRIVING. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES UNTIL THEY FINALLY DECIDED TO LOOK FURTHER. THEY REPLACED LEFT REAR SHOCK; HOWEVER, THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IT SEEMS AS THE TIRES AND STEERING WHEEL ARE OFF. ALSO, WHEN TURNING RIGHT I CAN HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE. I PUT CAR IN 'PARK' TURNED STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND THERE WAS NO NOISE. TURNED TO RIGHT AND THE NOISE PRESENT.

NHTSA ODI #11287396

116,000 miles · Dec 2, 2019
Unknown Or Other

ON NOVEMBER 16 2019 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I FELT MY CAR JERK WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70MPH . IT CONTINUED TO JERK ON AND OFF. I TOLD MY HUSBAND AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS READ CVT, WHICH IS TRANSMISSION FOR ALTIMA. AFTER RECEIVIN…

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ON NOVEMBER 16 2019 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I FELT MY CAR JERK WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70MPH . IT CONTINUED TO JERK ON AND OFF. I TOLD MY HUSBAND AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS READ CVT, WHICH IS TRANSMISSION FOR ALTIMA. AFTER RECEIVING THAT INFORMATION I WENT TO THE NISSAN WEBSITE TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. I PUT IN MY VIN NUMBER AND TWO RECALLS CAME BACK. WE THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND INFORMED THEM OF THE RECALLS, AND ASKED WHY WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS. IN A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE RECALL IT STATES IF THE RECALL ON THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS NOT FIXED, CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO ACCELERATED WEAR AND DAMAGE TO THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS RECALL WAS POSTED DECEMBER 2016. I PURCHASED THE CAR AUGUST 2017 AND I HAVE DROVE MY CAR EVERYDAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 25, 2019. WITH NO NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL. I AM GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN NISSAN'S DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT NO CHARGE BUT THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE I DIDN'T PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11286453

Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2019
Electrical System

UNREPAIRED RECALL, DEC 19, 2018, MANUFACTURER RECALL# PC675, NHTSA RECALL# 18V-915, CABLE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE WINDOW REGULATOR CAUSING THE REAR PASSENGER D99R TO UNLATCH AND OPEN. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND SAW THIS UNREPAIRED RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11282839

60,000 miles · Nov 29, 2019
Exterior Lighting

MY CAR IS BARELY 4 YEARS OLD, I'M IN MY EARLY 40S AND I'M VERY NERVOUS DRIVING AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON DARK BACK ROADS. IF A CAR IS COMING FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION I LOSE SIGHT OF THE LINES ON THE ROAD & HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE CAR COMING AT ME TO JUDGE WHERE I SHOULD BE. IT'S 10X WORSE WHEN THERE'S A NEWER CAR WITH TH…

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MY CAR IS BARELY 4 YEARS OLD, I'M IN MY EARLY 40S AND I'M VERY NERVOUS DRIVING AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON DARK BACK ROADS. IF A CAR IS COMING FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION I LOSE SIGHT OF THE LINES ON THE ROAD & HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE CAR COMING AT ME TO JUDGE WHERE I SHOULD BE. IT'S 10X WORSE WHEN THERE'S A NEWER CAR WITH THE BRIGHT LED LIGHTS. THEY ARE BLINDING. EVEN WHEN BEHIND ME, I HAVE TO MOVE MY SIDE MIRRORS. THE REFLECTION IS TOO BRIGHT AND AFFECTS THE POOR LINE OF SIGHT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH DUE TO MY VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS. I'LL ALSO ADD THAT I HAVE TINTED WINDOWS THAT DON'T HELP TO BLOCK THESE LIGHTS. I DID ASK MY EYE DR & HE TOLD ME LOTS OF PATIENTS HAVE COMPLAINTS. I DID READ THAT PREVIOUS YEAR ALTIMAS HAVE POOR HEADLIGHTS. APPARENTLY, IT HAS TO DUE WITH THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, WHICH IS A NISSAN PROBLEM. BELOW IS THE SITE I FOUND WITH INFO ON IT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2018 ALTIMA AND SHE CAN'T SEE AT NIGHT EITHER SO I FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO TRY TO DO SOMETHING. HTTP://WWW.NISSANPROBLEMS.COM/ALTIMA-PROJECTOR-HEADLIGHTS/ ONE LAST STATEMENT I'D LIKE TO MAKE. I HAD A 2008 ALTIMA BEFORE THIS ONE AND MAYBE SPENT $500 IN REPAIRS OVER A FEW YEARS. I GOT THIS 2016 ALTIMA IN FEBRUARY 2019, CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES AND I JUST HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. HAD STRANGE ACCELERATION ISSUES SPORADICALLY AND THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. I TOOK VIDEO OF THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED SO I HAD DOCUMENTED PROOF. 2 WEEKS AGO THE ISSUE STARTED AND DIDN'T GO AWAY THIS TIME. HAD PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, STUCK AT 30 MPH AND RPMS AT 5000. WORK WAS JUST FINISHED LAST WEEK THAT WOULD'VE COST ME AROUND $4000 IF IT WEREN'T FOR MY WARRANTY. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I DID GET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NOTICE TO NISSAN REGARDING THE CVT......AND WEEKS LATER I WAS ONE OF THE UNFORTUNATE ONES WHO WAS BURDENED AND STRESSED.

NHTSA ODI #11282819

81,200 miles · Nov 24, 2019
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control

ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ON YESTERDAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CANE ON AS WELL AND MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO LOSE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET RIGHT BACK OFF THE FREEWAY AND TURN INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT STARTED WITH THE SAME LIGHTS ON. I HAD MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 73…

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ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ON YESTERDAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CANE ON AS WELL AND MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO LOSE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET RIGHT BACK OFF THE FREEWAY AND TURN INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT STARTED WITH THE SAME LIGHTS ON. I HAD MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 73,000 MILES WITH A 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ALREADY BUT I DON'T THINK THAT MY TRANSMISSION IS THE ISSUE THIS TIME. I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO THE NISSAN OF GRAPEVINE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BECAUSE I REFUSE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY 3 MONTH OLD AND SIXTEEN YEAR OLD IN THE CAR

NHTSA ODI #11282047

31,930 miles · Nov 18, 2019
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED TO KEEP THE HOOD CLOSED. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HOOD CONTINUED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED TO KEEP THE HOOD CLOSED. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HOOD CONTINUED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,930. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11280892

70,000 miles · Nov 4, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REGAIN ACCELERATION IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC IF THE ENGINE INDICATOR WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REGAIN ACCELERATION IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC IF THE ENGINE INDICATOR WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11278070

53,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

STARTED VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND PUT IN REVERSE AND PRESSED THE PEDAL TO BACK OUT AND HAD A DELAYED REACTION AND THE RPM'S JUST INCREASED. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR TO FIVE SECONDS AND FINALLY BACKED OUT. PLACED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND DROVE TOWARD A STOP SIGN APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS AWAY AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS…

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STARTED VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND PUT IN REVERSE AND PRESSED THE PEDAL TO BACK OUT AND HAD A DELAYED REACTION AND THE RPM'S JUST INCREASED. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR TO FIVE SECONDS AND FINALLY BACKED OUT. PLACED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND DROVE TOWARD A STOP SIGN APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS AWAY AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND AGAIN THE RPM'S INCREASED BUT SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. DROVE VEHICLE BACK HOME AND WITH SAME ISSUES AND PARKED FOR ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES. TRIED TO DUPLICATE BUT DROVE JUST FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WHILE AT A RED LIGHT ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. TRIED ACCELERATING AND WOULD BARELY ACCELERATE LIKE IT HAD NO POWER. PLACED IN PARK, CUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I HIT THE ACCELERATOR AND IT DARTED OFF. LUCKILY, THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS BUT HAVE CONCERNS IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE ON A HIGHWAY. THIS ALTIMA ON HAS OVER 53K MILES AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS IS HAPPENING BECAUSE I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT HAVE READ SEVERAL STATEMENTS ON THE INTERNET FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. NOT SURE WHY NISSAN HAS NOT PLACED A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT IS VERY UNSAFE.

NHTSA ODI #11277448

65,000 miles · Oct 31, 2019
Air Bags

PASSENGER OCCUPANT SENSOR FAILED AFTER BEING REPLACED, AIRBAG STAYS OFF WHILE PASSENGER IN SEAT. SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE SEAT IS IN OCCUPIED.

NHTSA ODI #11277268

Official recalls

4

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.

16V244000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Apr 26, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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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