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
2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

While driving straight on a two lane road, steering wheel suddenly locked, unable to regain control the car was locked in a turning position causing the vehicle to crash into a pole. Car is totaled. No rain, low speed and wasn’t turning when it happened.

NHTSA ODI #11537477

2016 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2023
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

The ASCD Switch failed while traveling > 60mph. The car lost all acceleration down to ~ 5 MPH. The car lost power to the steering.

NHTSA ODI #11533634

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

Head Lamps (Lights) stop working properly. New ballast and lights where installed after detected the Malfunction and still no lighting. I no longer can see when I'm driving at night. Yes vehicle have been inspected by police and dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11533246

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2023
Air BagsElectrical System

1. Airbag warning light is on. 2. Unable to roll down front passenger window from driver’s side master window control switch.

NHTSA ODI #11532616

2009 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Electrical SystemSteering

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked. A message to wiggle the steering wheel while depressing the PUSH to START button was displayed. The contact stated that she followed the instructions however, the failure persisted. An unknown …

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The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked. A message to wiggle the steering wheel while depressing the PUSH to START button was displayed. The contact stated that she followed the instructions however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to Nissan TSB Number: NTB17-018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11529325

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2023
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

April-May, Key fob not being recognized so changed the battery in key fob 4 times. May, Driving at 55MPH on I495 beltway, pushed on gas and did not get gas. Immediately put on flasher and drifted to right curb. Dashboard was still lit. Turned the car off. Within minutes restarted the car and went where I was going. I had AutoZon…

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April-May, Key fob not being recognized so changed the battery in key fob 4 times. May, Driving at 55MPH on I495 beltway, pushed on gas and did not get gas. Immediately put on flasher and drifted to right curb. Dashboard was still lit. Turned the car off. Within minutes restarted the car and went where I was going. I had AutoZone run a diagnostic and they said the car was fine. Drove another couple of weeks before it happened again. This time the car would not restart and I was stopped in a very dangerous location so I had AAA tow it to my residence. The next day the car started. I drove another two weeks before reoccurring. I was able to drive it home and it has been parked. There are never any warning, check engine light, etc. A Nissan mechanic told me the symptoms I told him sounds like an issue with the sensor mobilizer. I Google searched and found a recall for the Nissan Rogue but not the Nissan Altima. I did a VIN report and it showed 0 recalls. I definitely have a serious safety issue. Without warning the car gets no response from the gas pedal.

NHTSA ODI #11529257

2010 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2023
Electrical System

This vehicle has a major electrical issue. A long time ago, I used to use my keyfob to open doors remotely and used the push start button to get the car running. I can no longer do this. when I couldn't do this any longer, went through several mechanics. They could not fix this problem. Finally, they had to use a bypass method w…

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This vehicle has a major electrical issue. A long time ago, I used to use my keyfob to open doors remotely and used the push start button to get the car running. I can no longer do this. when I couldn't do this any longer, went through several mechanics. They could not fix this problem. Finally, they had to use a bypass method where now I have to use a different way to start the car. The mechanic had to install a push bypass button. This is how I can only start the car now. 1. I depress the brake paddle 2. Insert the keyfob in a hole (located at the bottom the left side of the steering wheel) 3. Press the start button 4. Then hit this bypass button I don't know if anybody is having this issue but this has become a nuisance for me.

NHTSA ODI #11528984

2020 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train

What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is available for inspection upon request? On June 6th, the vehicle started losing power when accelerating, happened at night when driving back home, and scared me because there were no lights indicating any issues. The following day, less than a mile from the dealership, all t…

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is available for inspection upon request? On June 6th, the vehicle started losing power when accelerating, happened at night when driving back home, and scared me because there were no lights indicating any issues. The following day, less than a mile from the dealership, all the dashboard lights turned on, the vehicle lost complete power, and then i turned vehicle off and try to turn it back on but it didn't started. I called a tow truck and left it at the dealer. They informed me that they would provide me with the reason for the failure by the end of the afternoon. I was later informed by the dealership that there was an electrical problem with the transmission system. The system failure was related to a power train not getting communication due to a broken/damage wire harness that was close to the left side powertrain/engine mount. The harness was damaged because of the engine mount bolts broke and metal part of the mount cut part of the harness, creating an electrical short to the powertrain system as seen in the attached photos. This kind of short can definitely create heat into the harness that could have gotten my car to catch fire. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the same dealer informed me about the damage, and they themselves were puzzled because they couldn't find an explanation for how this could happen, but they did not take any ownership by the fact that that defective engine mount could have had me into a major accident if I was driving in the highway. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? All the work was carried out at the dealership itself. And I don't think that the dealership send any notification to the manufacturer about the early failure of such an important component but going through different mechanics shops they all share the same opinion that the......

NHTSA ODI #11529027

2020 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2023
Electrical System

All 4 door actuators have gone out. I cannot lock or unlock my car with the key fob or manually with the key from the outside. The driver side door is unable to be manually locked/unlocked causing me to get locked in and out of my car randomly. Within the last month, it has gotten more frequent with the driver said. The rear doo…

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All 4 door actuators have gone out. I cannot lock or unlock my car with the key fob or manually with the key from the outside. The driver side door is unable to be manually locked/unlocked causing me to get locked in and out of my car randomly. Within the last month, it has gotten more frequent with the driver said. The rear doors went bad months ago. The passenger door started approximately 2 months ago and the driver door within the last month. This was confirmed by Modern Nissan in Winston Salem, NC on 06/10/2023 and I got a second opinion on 06/16/2023 who also confirmed all 4 door actuators needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights or messages.

NHTSA ODI #11527486

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

My Altima is 9 years old now and I know things go bad overtime but my headlights are so dim I can’t see 2 feet in front of me at night snd it’s very very dangerous. I know Nissan had s class action and I was signed up and even had an appointment to fix but sadly my husband got shit while driving home from work in Chicago, he sur…

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My Altima is 9 years old now and I know things go bad overtime but my headlights are so dim I can’t see 2 feet in front of me at night snd it’s very very dangerous. I know Nissan had s class action and I was signed up and even had an appointment to fix but sadly my husband got shit while driving home from work in Chicago, he survived thankfully but the next several months revolves around him and doctor appointments, surgeries,etc… and I missed my slot. I think it’s very unfair because these we’re getting dimmer and dimmer since 2016-2017 with the past 3 years so fin you can’t see at all. I’m so afraid I’m going to be able to see and hurt someone badly, and that would kill me in itself!! I personally am not financially able to replace these yet bc it’s pubs 1500-3000 to fix if need be. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11526490

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.