2017 Nissan Altima
Common Problems
Ranked from 161 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Airbag Malfunction
30complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbag warning light comes on randomly, indicating potential issues with the airbag system.
- 2
Transmission Slipping
30complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission slips at high speeds, causing the car to jump, shudder, or stall, posing a significant safety risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Check Engine Light On Without Known Issues
28complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates without a known cause, often leading to expensive repairs.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Transmission issues leading to stalling and hesitation
25complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently stalls and hesitates during acceleration, causing the car to lose power and struggle to shift gears.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Driver Side Airbag Deployment Issues
18complaintsHigh severityElectricalIssues with the driver side airbag, including malfunctioning sensors and non-deployment during crashes.
- 6
Dim Headlights
15complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights become extremely dim, reducing visibility at night and during poor weather conditions.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Airbag Warning Light Malfunction
8complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe airbag warning light intermittently comes on without a known cause, posing a potential safety risk.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Powertrain Acceleration Issues
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe vehicle struggles to accelerate, especially from a stop, leading to potential safety concerns.
- 9
Unresponsive Accelerator Pedal
5complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe accelerator pedal does not respond as expected, causing the car to not accelerate properly, especially at low speeds.
- 10
Engine Stalling at Acceleration
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or does not accelerate properly when pressing the gas pedal.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Random Check Engine Light Activation
4complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe check engine light turns on unexpectedly, often during stops at lights or stop signs, without any visible issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Unexplained Hood Opening
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe hood unexpectedly opens at high speeds, striking the windshield and damaging the fender.
- 13
Battery Drain and Corrosion
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery system abnormally drains and corrodes, leading to the vehicle becoming inoperable without warning.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Brake Light Switch Failure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe brake light switch malfunctions, preventing the vehicle from starting and causing brake-related issues.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Suspension Component Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension components, such as the rear lower arm control, snap while driving, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Suspension Component Failures
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension components, such as coil springs, break unexpectedly, affecting the vehicle's handling and ride quality.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.