Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Safety recall
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
113
Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 6 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11668297 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
52
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11736078 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
31
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED ON OUR 2010 ALTIMA 2.5. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NISSANS AND IS IN FACT THE SUBJECT OF A NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN, NUMBER NTB10-139. THE DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL NISSAN SWITCH CAUSES A NO START SITUATION IF IT OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING, AND FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO LIGHT WHEN BRAKING IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING. NISSAN HAS RELEASED A REVISED SWITCH TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL DESIGN, BUT IN REVIEWING TRANSPORTATION.GOV AND CONTACTING THE DEALER, THERE IS NO RECALL OR MANUFACTURER VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING THE REPAIR AT OUR OWN EXPENSE AND MY INITIATE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NISSAN USA IF THERE IS NOT ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11240368 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
40
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion on the rear cross-member. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the corrosion affected several parts of the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11689691 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
52
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 12 mention a crash, 19 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that seat air bag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11569497 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
29
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
The sunroof completely dislodged from the vehicle and flew off into the traffic behind me on a highway. This included the entire sunroof - the frame, casing, window, mechanics and all! This was obviously a major safety issue for any vehicle driving behind me as well as a safety issue for me driving while such an explosive event occurred - highly alarming and dangerous. The problem has not yet been inspected by a shop, dealer, police officer, or insurance adjuster. I do not have the part for inspection as it is shattered in or off the highway somewhere and trying to retrieve it would have been very dangerous.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11737533 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
63
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11712942 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 380 complaints on file, more than the 2011 (241). Of the 15 model years of the Nissan Altima we cover, the 2013 has the most (2,310). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.