TRANSMISSION SENSOR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Altima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
553 reports2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND DEFECTIVE KEYLESS PUSH BUTTON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER FAILURES INCLUDED REAR DOORS OPENING INDEPENDENTLY, ENGINE WAS LOUD, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS WERE INOPERABLE, AND THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY LIT. THE CONSUMER…
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2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND DEFECTIVE KEYLESS PUSH BUTTON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER FAILURES INCLUDED REAR DOORS OPENING INDEPENDENTLY, ENGINE WAS LOUD, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS WERE INOPERABLE, AND THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY LIT. THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THE REPAIRS WERE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNSURE THAT THE DEALER ACTUALLY COMPLETED THE RECALLS AS IT ONLY TOOK AN HOUR TO BE COMPLETED. *JS
ON MAY 12, 2019 I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON I 95 NORTH IN BROWARD COUNTY FL. I WAS ABOUT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 19 N ( PEMBROKE RD). I DIDN'T NOTICE A CAR IN MY BLIND SPOT ON MY RIGHT, WHEN I DID NOTICE THE CAR I YANKED MY WHEEL TO MY LEFT. I YANKED IT SO HARD THAT MY VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. IT GOT HIT ON ALL 4 SIDES, …
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ON MAY 12, 2019 I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON I 95 NORTH IN BROWARD COUNTY FL. I WAS ABOUT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 19 N ( PEMBROKE RD). I DIDN'T NOTICE A CAR IN MY BLIND SPOT ON MY RIGHT, WHEN I DID NOTICE THE CAR I YANKED MY WHEEL TO MY LEFT. I YANKED IT SO HARD THAT MY VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. IT GOT HIT ON ALL 4 SIDES, WITH THE WORST OF THE DAMAGE BEING ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE. I RECEIVED A CARELESS DRIVING TICKET. TICKET NUMBER AB5MP1E GIVEN TO ME BY A BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICER.
IN MARCH 2019 MY VEHICLE HAD 54,000 MILES. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT & WHEN I HIT THE GAS AND THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, LEAVING ME SIT IN TRAFFIC. IT EVENTUALLY MOVED. I TOOK IT TO JONES JUNCTION NISSAN AND THEY "COULD NOT HAVE AN ERROR CODE" FOR THE PROBLEM, MADE ME BUY A CARB KIT TO FIX IT. TWO MONTHS L…
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IN MARCH 2019 MY VEHICLE HAD 54,000 MILES. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT & WHEN I HIT THE GAS AND THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, LEAVING ME SIT IN TRAFFIC. IT EVENTUALLY MOVED. I TOOK IT TO JONES JUNCTION NISSAN AND THEY "COULD NOT HAVE AN ERROR CODE" FOR THE PROBLEM, MADE ME BUY A CARB KIT TO FIX IT. TWO MONTHS LATER, IN MAY 2019, WITH 58,000 MILES ON MY CAR, I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. IT WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN I HIT THE GAS AND I HAD TO DRIFT FOR 2 MILES TO AN ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON, IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN, BUT WOULD HESITATE ON OCCASION, PARTICULARLY WHEN STOPPED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY COULD NOT FIND AN "ERROR CODE" SO REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH WHEN THE MECHANIC DROVE IT, HE ALSO FELT THE HESITATION. NISSAN HAD THE DEALERSHIP "RE-PROGRAM" THE TRANSMISSION AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. NISSAN REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. ONE MONTH LATER I WENT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND LET THE MECHANIC KNOW IF WAS STILL HESITATING A LITTLE BIT WHEN I WOULD BEING TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. YESTERDAY, AUGUST 26, WITH 62,000 MILES ON MY CAR, IT STARTED HESITATING AND JERKING ON THE HIGHWAY AS I WAS DRIVING AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN. I HAD TO PULL OVER, STOP THE CAR, RESTART IT, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. IT DID THE SAME THING ON THE RIDE HOME, JERKING EVERY TIME I HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS, AND NOT ACCELERATING AT STOP LIGHTS AND IN TRAFFIC. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE IN TO JONES JUNCTION NISSAN 4 TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME ISSUE. TO DATE, THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION - WHICH IS A CVT TRANSMISSION - AND AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION. IT HAS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS FIXING! IT IS GETTING RIDICULOUS THAT I HAVE TO TAKE IT IN THERE SO OFTEN FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND NISSAN WILL NOT RESOLVE IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JERKED, SHUDDERED, AND THE SPEED DECREASED FROM 70 TO 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND SAT FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DON DAVIS NISS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JERKED, SHUDDERED, AND THE SPEED DECREASED FROM 70 TO 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND SAT FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DON DAVIS NISSAN (1320 I-20 FRONTAGE RD, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, (877) 415-3218) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ACTIVE SHUDDER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED AND OPENED A CASE FOR THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO HELP PAY 60% OF THE REPAIR COSTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION ONLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS ASSIGNED A LOANER VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. THE CONTACT STILL HAD TO PAY OVER $2,000 TO COVER THE ACTIVE SHUDDER ASSEMBLY AND WAS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR $1,500 TOWARDS THE REMAINING TRANSMISSION COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
MY 2016 ALTIMA BEGAN TO STUDDER AND JERK WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS AN EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. TOOK THE CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION SHOPS ONE STATED I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION $4500 AND THE OTHER WANTS TO CHARGE $987 IN ORDER TO TAKE APART THE TRANS TO FIND THE EXACT PART AND REPAIR …
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MY 2016 ALTIMA BEGAN TO STUDDER AND JERK WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS AN EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. TOOK THE CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION SHOPS ONE STATED I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION $4500 AND THE OTHER WANTS TO CHARGE $987 IN ORDER TO TAKE APART THE TRANS TO FIND THE EXACT PART AND REPAIR THAT, CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IS FOR YEARS 2003-2010 WHICH IS DISGUSTING SINCE MY CAR IS ONLY 3YRS OLD GETTING THE P0841 TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR SWITCH A/B CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE. NISSAN STATED I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE AND THEY WILL TRY AND NEGOTIATE SOMETHING TO LOWER THE COST OF REPAIR DEALERSHIPS WANT TO CHARGER ANYWHERE FOR $99-$150 JUST TO LOOK AT IT. I AM ALREADY OUT OF MONEY BECAUSE I DRIVE FULL-TIME FOR A LIVING AND ONLY HAVE ONE CAR. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A NISSAN AGAIN I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT NISSAN WOULD EXTEND A WARRANTY ON AN OLDER CAR BUT NOT ONE 3 YRS OLD FOR A PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE FULL WELL AWARE OF.
I JUST PURCHASED A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM HERTZ CAR SALES IN APRIL 2019. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO CHANGE THE BATTERY, AND NOW I HAVE A NEW HEADACHE. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2019 OF LAST WEEK WHEN I STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK, ON A CITY STREET, TO ALLOW A PEDESTRIAN TO CROSS, WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING THE CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO…
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I JUST PURCHASED A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM HERTZ CAR SALES IN APRIL 2019. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO CHANGE THE BATTERY, AND NOW I HAVE A NEW HEADACHE. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2019 OF LAST WEEK WHEN I STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK, ON A CITY STREET, TO ALLOW A PEDESTRIAN TO CROSS, WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING THE CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO RESTART IT AND IT DID SO WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT THEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR FELT VERY HESITANT TO DRIVE. AS I WAS DRIVING IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS GOING TO STOP AT ANY MINUTE. ESPECIALLY WHEN I WOULD BRAKE, SLOW DOWN, OR COMPLETELY STOP.I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR A FEW TIMES DURING MY COMMUTE. ALSO, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW DAYS NOW SO I HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AT MY CAR. THE FIRST ONE SAID THAT IT MAY BE THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, BUT HE WAS NOT 100% CERTAIN. THE SECOND SHOP I WENT TO SAID IT WAS THE VTC SOLENOID,AND THE THIRD PLACE THAT I CHECKED GAVE ME AN ACTUAL ERROR # OF P0011 INTAKE VALVE TIMING, VALVE CONTROL.
MY VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAG LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND GO SOLID AND STAY ON THEN SOMETIMES GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON??? I'VE BEEN READING THAT THE OCS SYSTEM COULD BE FAULTY!! THE PASSENGER ONE WILL SOMETIMES STAY ON WHEN PEOPLE ARE SITTING IN THE SEATS OR IT WILL GO OFF WHEN NO ONE IS THERE??
WHEN CAR IS COLD IT WILL RUN NORMAL. WHEN THE CAR HEATS UP THE CAR WILL NOT TAKE OFF. WHEN DRIVING ITS LIKE YOU STOMP ON THE BRAKE THEN START AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD THEM READ THE CODES THERE WERE TWO TRANSMITION CODES. SO WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER SHIP AND THERE WERE A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT CODES. THEY …
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WHEN CAR IS COLD IT WILL RUN NORMAL. WHEN THE CAR HEATS UP THE CAR WILL NOT TAKE OFF. WHEN DRIVING ITS LIKE YOU STOMP ON THE BRAKE THEN START AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD THEM READ THE CODES THERE WERE TWO TRANSMITION CODES. SO WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER SHIP AND THERE WERE A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT CODES. THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A OXYGEN SENSOR AND A NEW TRANSMITION. ALMOST 8 THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 88000 MILES. WOW IS ALL I AM SAYING. OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEWER NISSAN AND THEN DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED. VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THANK YOU NISSAN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SEAT BELT FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND COULD ONLY STRAP IN ONE CHILD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROCKAWAY NISSAN (600 BURNSIDE AVE, INWOOD, NY 11096, (516) 341-7384) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SEAT BELT FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND COULD ONLY STRAP IN ONE CHILD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROCKAWAY NISSAN (600 BURNSIDE AVE, INWOOD, NY 11096, (516) 341-7384) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Official recalls
420V315000 · 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 Owners 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
3EA21002 · 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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