Home · 2016 Nissan Altima · Complaints

What 544 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Altima

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (544)Crash / fire / injury (32)Transmission & drivetrain (233)Engine (86)Airbags (68)Speed control (64)Electrical system (42)Lights (40)Fuel system (30)Body & structure (28)Latches & locks (22)Steering (16)

Newest first · 544 complaints · page 8 of 22

May 20, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery terminal connector was too small for the battery. A connector was added. The contact called another dealer, King Windward Nissan (45-568 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96544) and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the transmission. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11465493

May 17, 2022WheelsLane Departure

Hi , This is regarding recall of NHTSA ID: 22T007 On Highway my tire ( back driver side ) got flat . Paid $24.00 for Patch and paid $194.60 for replacement of tire at Discount Tire . requesting for REFUND for the amount $218.60 . Please send REFUND check to : [XXX] I am unable to load receipts /files in the format you required here is the copies : Apr 17, 2022$24.00 Additional Information Transaction Details Merchant CategoryMISC. PERSONAL SERVICES Transaction DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Purchase MethodMANUALLY KEYED Post DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Apr 20, 2022$194.60 Merchant Contact Information 20225 N SCOTTSDALE RD, GA 30004 Additional Information Transaction Details Buyer Name[XXX] Card Used Merchant CategoryAUTO TIRE STORES Transaction DateWED, 04/20/2022 Purchase MethodINTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD READER Post DateWED, 04/20/2022 Sales Tax Amount$10.85 Apr 17, 2022$24.00 Additional Information Transaction Details Merchant CategoryMISC. PERSONAL SERVICES Transaction DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Purchase MethodMANUALLY KEYED Post DateSUN, 04/17/2022 Apr 20, 2022$194.60 Merchant Contact Information 20225 N SCOTTSDALE RD, GA 30004 Additional Information Transaction Details Buyer Name[XXX] Card Used Merchant CategoryAUTO TIRE STORES Transaction DateWED, 04/20/2022 Purchase MethodINTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD READER Post DateWED, 04/20/2022 Sales Tax Amount$10.85 Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11464984

May 14, 2022AirbagsBody & structureBrakesCrash5 injuries

As we were getting the highway the breaks had failed and then we some were able to get off the highway but the steering wheel cruise control decided it was gonna work by itself it was a very accident. And not only that my identity has been affected so bad because of the situation with mission and the dealership that I’m unable to use my name for anything anymore my credits ruined and now they want 18 grand for me to pay off the vehicle that’s they purposely made the car look like a rebuild so it was no longer covered I guess because the person set up the insurance with Geico and actually some how have me insurance in my father dl number and later on start changing stuff removing the insurance forging documents My name is [XXX] Email is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11464601

May 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and instead decelerated. On another occasion while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle was jerking with an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464325

May 5, 2022Fuel system

My 2016 Altima is experiencing a sporadic delay when accelerating from a stop. It won’t rev or do anything for a couple of seconds no matter how far down the pedal is. Then all of a sudden it’ll go. There is no check engine light and no codes. If I turn the car off, it’s like it resets and has more power afterwards.

NHTSA ODI 11463468

Apr 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

My car only have 85000 mile on it and it jerks sometimes and was told it was a Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance and after doing research a lot of people transmission are doing the same thing. Nissan should be made to fix the problem

NHTSA ODI 11461735

Apr 18, 2022Visibility & wipersLatches & locksEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the hood unlatched, opened, and struck the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was cracked and was partially broken with shattered pieces falling off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's friends arrived at the scene and assisted the contact in jumpstarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood was severely bent and would not properly close. The vehicle was then taken to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. A case was opened. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his expense. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11461156

Apr 10, 2022Lights

The headlights are really dim .. can barely see when driving at night .. I took it to the dealership and it says it failed inspection but im out of warranty extension .. there was a class action lawsuit for this problem and nissan replaced the headlamps for free instead of a 1,200 $ fix .. but I literally bought the car March 23rd of this year , not even a month ago and had no idea about any of this until it was too late to get it fixed with financial help .. since I just bought the car is there any way to get any help with this or maybe I can get lead in the right direction because I do not have $1,200 for the headlights but they are bad .. I even got pulled over the other night because I had to ride with my high beams on and got a ticket ! please help just bought car and it is very scary to ride at night .. and due too I work in a restaurant and I am a closer I have to .. please help as to safety is a big factor here and i currently dont have that $ due to i just bought this car but need it fixed asap as to need to be safe .. http://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/ I fall into one time replacement for out of warranty (4)

NHTSA ODI 11460296

Apr 5, 2022Lights

I had just purchased this vehicle from Dans dealers auto sales about a week ago and was brought to my attention that the headlights are filled with condensation and a good amount of water that burnt out my left turn signal and could possibly end up burning out my other lights. This could cause an accident if I didn't find out sooner because I was unaware my left signal was out.

NHTSA ODI 11459705

Mar 29, 2022LightsEngine

The transmission has went out twice on this car, this will be the second time. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things. It drives very slowly on highways and on the road. It jerks and everything that causes me to have anxiety attacks etc. 3 months after I brought the car the transmission went out and 2 1/2 years later it’s going out again. I need my car to run properly and to be safe for me and my children.

NHTSA ODI 11458897

Mar 29, 2022LightsEngine

The transmission has went out twice on this car within 2 1/2 years. I don’t drive it excessively. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things, at the red light it takes a long time to start moving, it’s very sluggish. It drives very slowly on highways like 20 mph and on the road. It will start off slow and then accelerate and go super fast, that really scares me. It jerks really bad and everything that causes me to have anxiety attacks, IBS etc. Its getting worst everyday. It’s a major safety hazard on the road especially for my children. My son is scared, panics and cry’s as well in the car because how it’s driving. I have a baby and an 8 year old. I’m disabled as well as my son. Can you please help I’m so scared it’s very unsafe. I have to drive to get myself to work, doctors appointments, my children to school and daycare. I hope you understand. Please investigate this. I don’t want nothing happening to me or my children or anyone else. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful day and please be safe.

NHTSA ODI 11458902

Mar 29, 2022Lights

The head lights are very dim and are melting so they can’t be just replaced. I can not hardly see at night because of this but I don’t hardly drive at night but if I have an emergency I need to be able to see at night. I have two children a baby and a 8 year old. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful day and please be safe.

NHTSA ODI 11458904

Mar 15, 2022Speed controlEngine

2016 Nissan Altima 29,000 MILES! FAULTY TRANSMISSION! Why hasn’t a RECALL been issued? Nissan dealership informed me that I will have to replace the transmission! This will cost me $4,500.00

NHTSA ODI 11456838

Mar 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

While trying to pull out of a intersection, car will not move or will move very slowly. I have almost been t-boned twice with my family in the car. This happens intermittently, 4 times in the past year. After car is turned off and restarted the issue seems to go away until the next time. The needs to be a safety recall before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA ODI 11456477

Mar 9, 2022Speed controlEngine

The car stalls out when driving. Gas is engaged but car will not move. Jerks, bumps. Within a few seconds, car resumes movements but jerks.

NHTSA ODI 11455906

Feb 26, 2022

My door locks all failed and do not lock when I get to speed or at all. My previous Nissan Altima was a 2011 Model and I had the same issues with multiple actuators replaced that failed to solve the problem. This is an obvious defect that was not fixed in at least Models 2011-2016. I feel this is a safety risk when doors will not lock when driving and also a safety risk when someone jumps in your car when you thought doors were locked. I actually had people jump in my car trying to get money multiple times that put me at risk and this is a problem that should be fixed by Nissan at no charge for all consumers between these year models for failing to fix obvious defective locks.

NHTSA ODI 11454283

Feb 22, 2022Seat belts

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about the diagnostic fees. The contact stated there was an extended warranty related to the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 96,200.

NHTSA ODI 11453370

Feb 9, 2022Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlFuel system

I just purchased this vehicle with 93,000 miles and good condition. A warning or indicator light never comes on but sporadically I will be driving around 40-50mph & if I let off of the gas something happens where no matter how hard or fast I press the accelerator the car looses power. I can press the accelerator all the way to the floor & still not speed up. The car will slowly decrease speed until about 30mph or either I have to take my foot off of the accelerator totally & press hard about 1/4 on the accelerator to regain power. It feels like the pressure behind the accelerator disappears when all of this happens. There is no dimming of lights or anything obvious. It happens when my Mom drives also. I have lost power trying to pass a car or turn with oncoming traffic ahead. It scares me.

NHTSA ODI 11451206

Feb 7, 2022Airbags

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer cleared and reset the air bag sensor however, after several months the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced; however, due to the cost for the repair the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,547.

NHTSA ODI 11450802

Jan 31, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Acceleration from stand still occasionally does not occur. This causes us to press harder on the acceleration pedal and suddenly the car accelerates with high RPM. There is no check engine light. This is particularly at risky when left side turns at traffic signals are made. The problem has not been reproduced but has happened occasionally and usually turning off the engine completely and restarting the car results in the resolution of the issue temporarily. Car has not been inspected by anyone so far.

NHTSA ODI 11449531

Jan 24, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I was on the highway taking my newborn and my 2 year old home when the car was not going very fast when I went up a hill. I wasn’t sure what the issue was so I proceeded to drive my car the next day. I was driving at towards and intersection and my car did not stop at a red light, at a 4 way intersection. At this point my car did not signal a check engine light so I had no idea what the issue was. I put my car in park at the nearest parking lot and my check engine light came on. My check engine light is on at only 99,000 miles. I had my transmission fluid flushed and changed, the vehicle was running completely fine with no issues, 2 days later it was running as if the transmission had no fluid in it. The Nissan dealership said that the vehicle had internal damage to the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11448705

Jan 21, 2022Airbags

Airbag light came on dashboard all of a sudden there was recall before with airbag I called Nissan is doing nothing that issue thanks please help

NHTSA ODI 11448407

Jan 3, 2022Lights

Low beams are extremely dim after bulb replacement. Dealership confirmed known issue. I hit debris in roadway due to low lighting causing damage to my undercarriage. No lamp warnings.

NHTSA ODI 11446055

Dec 24, 2021

I just purchased the car , they won’t service the car under there warranty so I decided to search the vin to find there is unresolved recall with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11444927

Dec 22, 2021Lights

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph when the head lamps had failed. The contact stated they now had to drive with the high beams illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who were unable to identify a failure. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the way the head lamps were made the halogen head lamps lacked a sealant to protect the head lamps from the heat of the vehicle causing them to fade over time. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11444740

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Working with the data? Download all 544 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Nissan Altima verdict →