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The 2020 Nissan Altima is meant to be a reliable and cost-effective sedan. The new models claim to have the “tech that helps you be there.” However, the technology is exactly what is causing the trouble with the electrical system and service brakes.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Nissan Altima
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Steering | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Engine | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Power Train | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Air Bags |
Problems with the Electrical System
With a properly working electrical system, customers have access to the latest technology needed to enjoy the road. However, the Altima suffers from many defects.
Here is just one NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving in Reverse that automatic electronic braking activated although no objects were present behind the vehicle. Additionally, while switching to the Reverse the message indicating an object was behind the vehicle was displayed. While driving the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The blind spot monitoring system also experienced intermittent failures. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated the crash avoidance system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 3,000.”
It turns out that the electrical system problems go far beyond what one would expect. Even Service Bulletin #NTB20-046 talks about how the speaker volume knob adjusts the sound erratically. The communications talks about how rotating the knob changes the sound too much at once. There are several points to make here. First, does anyone even know how to use a volume knob anymore? Secondly, if this car has the “tech that helps you be there,” why is it still using old-school knobs?
Problems with the Service Brakes
It might not seem that the braking system and technology would go hand in hand, but they do. In today’s modern vehicle, there are many driver-assist technologies that affect the brakes – either for good or bad.
Here’s what one NHTSA complaint points out. “The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon approaching a stop light, he attempted to stop the vehicle but the brake pedal failed without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard but to no avail; due to the brake failure, he bumped into the vehicle in front of him at 5 mph. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported due to the failure and a police report was not filed. The contact was able to resume normal driving after the accident. The contact stated that the Forward Emergency Braking System failed without warning which caused the accident. [Dealer] was notified of the failure and informed him to bring the vehicle in for inspection; the vehicle had yet to be inspected. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 260.”
No car’s braking system should fail after just 260 miles. However, Nissan has nothing to say about the braking system. Instead, they continue to claim that it’s designed to get owners “there.” Where is “there?” Is it back to the service department after just a couple hundred miles?
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
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Complaint Data
| Category | Engine, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 17, 2023 |
| State | MS |
| Description | Car continually goes into malfunction mode. It goes away when the car is turned off and re started. It throws a code for mass air flow sensor. Have replaced mass air flow sensor three times. No dealership or mechanic can find an issue. Sometimes, the collision warning goes off for no reason causing panic. This has been going on for a year. Began march 2022. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Mar 12, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | When making a routine right-hand turn, the steering system failed. Driver had an unresponsive vehicle which crashed into a bridge rail. Driver was taken for medical attention. No warning lights prior to the crash. Vehicle has only been serviced by the dealer nissan peacock of houston since purchased in december of 2019. A vehicle recall (nhtsa campaign id: 21v138000) was issued for this year, make, and model, but not for this particular vin. This recall was for the tie rod ball joint fasteners. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Lane Departure: Assist, Lane Departure: Warning |
| Date | Feb 15, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | During a code scan on the vehicle, the intelligent driver assistance system showed to refer to oem repair manual for code description repair. The next day the vehicle crashed at 15 mph due to loss of control. Tie rod broke causing vehicle to crash and tire was detached. Vehicle is available to inspect. No warning lamps or message other then scan results . |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Feb 15, 2023 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the sunroof inadvertently exploded without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 05, 2023 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Caught on fire, burst into flames within minutes of seeing smoke. My son barely got out before it blew up. His dog in the backseat unfortunately didn't make it out. Would like investigation on what could have caused this. Before someone else loses theryre life |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jan 28, 2023 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I was driving the car at about 70 mph on the expressway and it just randomly de-accelerated dripping from 70-34 mph and would not allow me to accelerate and then proceeded to shut down stating engine stall I almost got hit from the back when the car de-accelerated and couldn't do anything about it after about 10-15 seconds I pressed the gas again and it took off abruptly. I'm scared to drive my car anywhere that I'll get hit if my car de-accelerates again. Nissan can't replicate the issue to come up with a conclusion. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Jan 08, 2023 |
| State | NM |
| Description | 235/40r1992v |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Nov 18, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I have been noticing electrical issues with the vehicle that have been going unresolved. This is the third time I'm taking it to a dealership. On 15 nov 2022 the vehicle gave a frontal collision warning with no other vehicles around it felt like the emergency braking system engaged because the brakes became solid as a rock. I had to put the car into park and restart the vehicle to begin driving again. Then on 16 nov 2022 the car battery was dead around 4:48 pm and I had to get the taco shop's help, they gave me jumper cables and my wife's co-worker got the car started. Now, 18 nov 2022 the vehicle is in another dealership waiting to see what they say and the car is staying the weekend to be evaluated. |
| Category | Air Bags, Seat Belts |
| Date | Nov 16, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 40-45 mph with his daughter sitting in the front passenger seat, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle that failed to yield at the stop sign. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belts failed to engage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife and daughter sustained back pain and headaches but did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact met his wife at the scene and assisted her with driving the vehicle to his residence which was approximately 300-400 ft. Away. The contact, a certified autobody technician, determined that the air bags and the restraint system failed to operate as needed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would need to tow the vehicle at his own expense for diagnostic tests. The contact declined and the manufacturer informed the contact that they could not assist unless he complied with their request. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Oct 15, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | My battery cought fire as I was driving all of a sudden |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Sep 15, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Crash malfunction is randomly coming on while driving. It comes on even when there is no vehicle in front of you. It comes on at random speeds from 2 to 40 mph. I feel that if there was a warning, it may not come on. Problem has been going vehicle is being inspected by nissan today however the technician cannot duplicate the issue since it is random. It has come on 12 times in the past 15 days. |
| Category | Electrical System, Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Sep 08, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | 1. The volume knob for the radio is very touchy. Turns all the way up when trying to turn it down. 2. When I have cruise control on and am trying to avoid getting hit by a car that has gone too far out of their lane, the lane keeping assistant will fight me for control. 3. If labe assistance is fighting me for control then that means it's not detecting that a car is too close to me. 4. Back up camera image became garbled like it was getting bad tv reception. 5. Car hesitates at times or gets a sudden burst of speed. I am in the beginning stages of making this list to take to the dealership; so they have not checked the car yet. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Fuel/propulsion System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 25, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | When first purchased car headlights on passenger side did t work. They had to change the computer system. Had car whole week to complete. Then had to straighten the hood because it was off track. Now they states I have to get axle gears dropped and greased. Only had car 3 months and warranty doesn't covers anything. States I need fuel induction and injection serviced |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Jun 20, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Driving on the freeway car started losing power, pulled over and then caught fire in matter of minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. Fire department said it was an electrical fire near the battery and the fire wall on the driver side. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jun 06, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Driving car on the freeway and car lost power. Turned the car off and checked all the fluids to make sure they were at proper levels and found no issue. Started car back up and then started smoking, open the hood and an electric fire had started, tried putting out with a fire extinguisher and it did nothing 2 min later the whole car was in flames. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 15, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Its not unknown. I arrived at work on thursday the 12th of may, at 8:00 a. M. I work in an industrial park where there is no traffic. My car was looking great, I put my sunshade cover up and proceeded to go into work. After working all day I came out to my car and my windshield was crack starting from the top of the car and flowering down. Nothing hit my car on my way into work, and actually there is nothing that shows it was hit a all. This is a factory defect and there are bubbles when the glue or whatever they use is a mess. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | May 09, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she shifted into drive(d) and depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her own expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the power train warranty due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 07, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | First, the chip has started to malfunction around 13k miles. Secondly, there is a lurch when the car first starts and an aggressive rpm jump and then drop, it begins to run fine upon warming up alittle. Now, at 20k miles the car is having issues with the wipers not spraying the windows well and the rear passenger door has to be locked manually from the interior. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Apr 21, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the grille shutter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she replaced the grille shutter herself. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The vin was unavailable. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Mar 14, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | While I was parking the car suddenly accelerated rapidly, causing me to hit the parked vehicle in front of me. I have not yet had the car inspected. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 07, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning off the engine white smoke was suddenly present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle flames and smoke could be seen coming from under the steering wheel. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. A fire report was taken at the scene. The failure mileage was 17,930. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 18, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The washer fluid motor or spray nozzles design is defective. I've been to my dealership multiple times they have replaced the pumps and gone through the whole set up and said there's nothing that can be done. When dirt and dust are on the windshield and you want to spray it off is when the problem arises. The fluid is only sprayed on the lower portion of the windshield and does not spray the part that needs sprayed the middle and top where you look out off. This is not only a hindrance but could be a safety issue when your visual path is compromised. The dealer said they were putting in complaints and hopefully the engineers or design team looks at it as a problem. I hope this grabs the attention of the people that can make safety issues known and hopefully something is put in the motion to fix this. Thanks |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Feb 15, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated while she had the vehicle serviced for oil maintenance at the local dealer, she had heard an abnormal noise but the dealer stated it was normal. The contact stated the next day while her nephew was driving 15 mph and making a right turn, the tie rod detached from the vehicle. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 21v138000 (steering) however, the vin was not included. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the tie rod to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,039. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Nov 24, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | When braking there is a popping noise coming from the front of the car. And the foward braking light comes on for 5-10 mins of driving time then goes off |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Camera System, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 18, 2021 |
| State | IA |
| Description | The back up camera froze and it kept glitching. This has been happening since may. Everything else seems to be fine while it's happening but now it's stuck like that when I try to back up. This is extremely dangerous as cars are now made with backup cameras as a safety feature. If that feature is broken it's going to be very bad. Most drivers now a day most every driver relies on this feature. This has happened 5 times now, but this time it seems permanent. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 21, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | My windshield cracked on the front passenger side out of nowhere... Meaning not any reason for it to do so. First it was on the passenger's side which I originally assumed that something/somebody must have hit it while parked at my child's school. I took it to aaa glass to get an estimate and was told that that usually a windshield does not do that unless it is 3 years old. My car is a 2020!!! Then my car was parked in my driveway all weekend and when I got in it, I noticed that the driver's windshield area was cracked. Finding this very usual, I did a google check to discover that several drivers have had the same problem with the same year, same model and same make of the car. A youtube video of their car even showed it is the same area that I experience the crack. I called the dealership and was told there wasn't a recall and they offered no assistance. I called nissan and am waiting on them to return my car. With so many people having this issue, it is worrisome. This is a safety issue and a recall should be done immediately to avoid any accidents or injury/harm to those that sit in the front seat. I am not getting anywhere and hope that this complaint and others are taken seriously. Thank you! |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | All of a sudden, heard a very loud bang and the back window shattered and was pushed outward. We were driving slow and in an open space; nothing hit the window. It did not have any prior cracks or chips in it. This issue has been reported with other nissan altimas, however my specific vin did not fall under this recall. |
| Category | Air Bags, Steering |
| Date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | I brought this car last year of 2020 and I had my car for a year and a half and all of a sudden my drive train is making noise, to a point people on the street thinks it's gum shots. My car already passed inspection way before this started. I took it back to the place I got it from they had no loaners I have to wait a week to come in I have to drive the car to work and I'm scared it's gonna lock or break down on me my car should not be having these problems I have receipts of me taking car of my car to ensure nothing happens. Then all of a sudden my airbag lights come so if someone did hit me my airbags would not deploy. |
| Category | Equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| Date | Aug 10, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | 2020 nissan altima. Consumer writes is regards to defective intelligent forward collision warning feature. The consumer stated while driving the forward collision warning system would beep then slam on the brakes, without the presence of an obstruction. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. |
| Category | Power Train:automatic Transmission |
| Date | Jul 29, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 2020 nissan altima. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The consumer stated the vehicle would lunge forward. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jul 29, 2021 |
| State | MS |
| Description | I was driving home and my steering wheel locked up on me while my car was in motion. I eased on down the road thinking that it locked because of a safety warning, but it never unlocked. I eased my car onside the road and put it in park. While in park, the power steering light appeared on the dashboard. Once I turned my car off, the steering wheel was still locked. This risked my safety because I was not able to control my vehicle. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jun 23, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds there was an abnormal clicking noise while turning left and right. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The contact stated the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign number 21v138000 (steering). |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jun 19, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Airbag has hole in it and all chemicals inside were splashed on passengers arm. Said felt as if person was impaled. To be exact on injuries; passengers arm from armpit to elbow was chemically burned. Coronavirus so couldn't go to hospital. Very painful long healing and lots of home bandage replacements. A lot of skin was missing from underarm had to sleep with arm up for like two weeks. Rental vehicle from enterprise |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Apr 18, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Parked the car for roughly 10 minutes. Came back and started car with all lights on dash illuminated. Hard to drive, hard to steer and could not tell how fast vehicle was moving as speedometer didn't work. This has happened before, had it taken to nissan dealer. Advised that they couldn't duplicate the lights issues after it sat for 3 days before "resetting" itself. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Apr 07, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My windshield cracked for no reason . No signs that it was cracked by impact . The crack keeps getting bigger. Giving me poor visibility while driving . Very expensive to replace . |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 20, 2021 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I leased a 2020 nissan altima sl in january. 2020. I've been in isolation for 13 months because of a high risk of contracting covid19. I turned on my car periodically and saw an alert on the dashboard. I called the manager of continental nissan where I leased the car. He told me it had to do with the rear sensors and advised me to wipe them, which I did. However, when I backed up my car today the rear sensors did not go off when I got very close to my neighbor's garage door. I have a case #43362334. The nissan representative told me that I would be responsible for any repairs to the rear sensors, which is preposterous. I did not drive the vehicle for over a year. Moreover, there are recalls on 2020/2021 altimas. Nissan is putting me at danger of a rear end collision/damage. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper, Wheels |
| Date | Mar 03, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Since the purchase of this vehicle I've had two instances that I feel are defect related. The tire indicator lights continued to read low air. The tire was leaking some type of black film and a huge knot appeared on the side of the tire. Another incident involved the tire completely blowing. The tire defects were reported back to the company and were indicated as no fault to manufacture. Since I've complained of a recall that has been in the model vehicle but a different year. My visibility is obstructed due to all windows retaining dew and moisture causing fog to appear in all windows. It happens while driving early morning & at dawn during temperature changes. The defrost doesn't clear the windows. During rainy weather the car is completely disabled due the obstruction in vision from the thickly fogged windows. I had it checked by the service department and was told it was like that because the window was dirty. I don't feel like service has thoroughly inspected the vehicle. I'm concerned for the safety of myself and my child and have stressed this to them numerous times. During each defect, the vehicle was in motion. Please help |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 01, 2021 |
| State | LA |
| Description | Car slamming on brakes when no other vehicle is around gas guage start to read wrong |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Feb 19, 2021 |
| State | MI |
| Description | During cold temperatures the car accelerates poorly, engine rpm is unusual. At least one instance of the engine warning light illuminates with a "service now" message displayed. In all cases the vehicle engine was running, in (slow) motion, and on a city street and one incident on a highway going straight ahead. A service department of a nissan dealer was contacted and they stated that they have received multiple complaints of this nature about this call year and model. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 17, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My windshield cracked in october 2020. Bought it in august 2020 and my sister and mother both own nissans(sentra and rouge). Both windshields are cracked. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension, Wheels |
| Date | Jan 23, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | As a true and faithful customer over the last 10 years, I'm finally throwing in the towel in regards to my recent 2020 nissan altima sr. With only 7500 precious miles, this car has been to the dealership over five times now, within a six month period. Constant and reoccurring issue's pertaining to the vehicles steering wheel shaking, wheel alignment and tire balancing never compted by nissan of bayshore. I've been suffering physical and mental instability from work related duties, and this was the last thing I needed. A vehicle thats unreliable and potentially poorly manufactured. I'm going on my second windshield within three months now, and this time they won't warrant any repair. So I'm stuck footing the bill, either way I'm paying. Whether it's my insurance rates going up, or having to pay for it out of my own pocket. That's insane now, come on! See it for what it really is, the vehicle is un-operable, and un-reliable. And due to my injuries, this doesn't provide resonable accommodations for my disabilities. I'll have to confer with my legal representative, in regards to this matter. Unless you can make things right by me, and we can continue to do business together legitimately. Not like the charades, that goes on at nissan of bayshore. By far the worst experience I've ever had with the lease of a new vehicle, especially during these difficult times. I'm sure any other car manufacturer would love to have my business, and accept my money with no problems. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for putting me through this controversy. Your own representatives, can't handle the situation, just keep taking it in, and we'll fix it! Instead of procrastinating, just replace the vehicle already, so I can move forward with my life. I would appreciate your acknowledgement and cooperation at this time. Thank you, [xxx] redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). *cc |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 16, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | My windshield cracked for no reason with only 460 miles on the car. Upon looking through a social media group and reading forums it was very evident that this is a super common issue. I don't know if it cracked when I was driving or over night but I noticed it about a mile into my morning drive to work with no other cars around and only doing 30mph. The windshield in this car is not only very expensive to replace but it also posses a safety issue and in many states you can be ticketed for it being cracked. This form won't allow me to upload a picture, just a pdf but I do have pictures of the crack. I personally know 1 and have found at least 20 other people with this issue without looking hard |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Steering |
| Date | Nov 15, 2020 |
| State | CO |
| Description | During a snow storm a couple weeks ago in colorado my 2020 nissan altima's forward collision adas kicked in locking up my breaks causing me to slide into a curb and nearly rear end another vehicle also causing alignment issue's and problems with the traction system. Due to locking the brakes this accident was caused. It was on a city street while I was in motion however the forward collision kicked in way early and slammed the brakes which is extremely dangerous in cold and wet road conditions. There is a structural integrity issue near the cars suspension where a rod is rounded at the ends, but flat in the center and when the collision with curb happened it bent that bar at the flat part causing the alignment issue. This accident also caused my car to lift off the ground about 6 inches and to drive straight required me to take one whole lane of traffic and turn my steering wheel 90 degrees to stay straight and on the road. This extremely dangerous for this system to react as is did as if it did not react I had plenty of time and space and wouldn't have wrecked. The speed limit in the area is 15mph and I was going no more than 10mph due to the snow and frozen roads. This has given me migraines and I have had issues with my wrists, neck, back and ribs due to the whiplash caused as the car ended up speeding up heading into the crash due to the abrupt hard slam of the brakes caused by the forward collision on icy roads. The images attached are of the passenger side rear wheel. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Nov 15, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The collision lights keep coming on I have taken this car to nissan now abour 4/5 times and have to take it again as the problem is never resolved. I wrote to corporate and was brushed off. Its a safety issue now because if im driving the vehicle it can abruptly stop and cause an accident. I fear driving this car because it not only jeopardizes my safety, my familes but the other drivers on the road. Nissa. Needs to accept liability and just take back this junk. I show the dealers these videos and pictures with the different times and mileage and problem still persists. I dunno what other options I have left. Thank you |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Nov 14, 2020 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Replaced tire after bring it to the dealership and showing them the defective tire, they then charge me 200 and some odd dollars to fix it now there's a recall on it I called the dealership they're refusing to give me a refund made me call nissan corporate nissan corporate response was they don't make tires |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Camera System, Back Over Prevention: Warnings |
| Date | Nov 08, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | My backup camera seems to be displaying the same issues that ended up in the 2019 nissan altima being recalled. It was working correctly. Now, whenever I shift into reverse, it shows a blank screen only for the backup camera. All my other cameras are operating fine. The rear sonar still works, but the backup camera will not display any images. I have checked to make sure that the camera is still where it should be, and it is. I've tried shutting down my vehicle, exiting and locking properly and then re-entering and starting up the vehicle before testing the backup camera. Still no image. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Oct 15, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Continental pro contact tire: non-road hazard tire sidewall failure on barely worn tire, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle rollover. Tire concern was initially indicated with a mild (~26 psi) low tire pressure warning. After stopping to inspect, no debris or other indication of puncture was noted, so pressure was added to return to factory settings. However, hours later and at highway speed, low tire pressure indication returned (to a similar low value in the mid-20's, followed within minutes by sudden pressure drop and tire disintegration. Vehicle control was compromised due to sudden tire failure. Upon tire removal at side of freeway, I noted that the interior tire sidewall was missing substantial chunks of rubber, a classic "blow out." the next day a very careful inspection by local discount tire store revealed absolutely zero indication of pre-failure pressure loss: no nail or other debris punctures in any part of the remaining tire, and zero/no indication of prior low-pressure operation (which could lead to tire overheating and subsequent failure). Strongly suspect either a major construction or material defect was likely cause of this hazardous and nearly spontaneous tire failure, on a tire mounted on a new car under a year old, and with minimal tire wear. Upon submission of this complaint I will contact discount tire and request tire be retained for submission/inspection, if desired; please advise promptly if you'd like to inspect the tire. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Oct 14, 2020 |
| State | OK |
| Description | I was in a nissan altima with three passengers, two in the back seats and one in the front seat. When in the process of turning left someone crashed into the rear of my vehicle. Both the front seats broke at the hinge pushing the seats back into the backseat passengers. This resulted in minor injuries to them; scraps on leg and head, bloody nose and bruised teeth. If the seats had not failed, these minor injuries would not have occured. It is also unclear how neck issues on the driver and passengers were exacerbated. My vehicle was moving slow and was not yet at a full stop. It was on a rural two lane road. The speed limit was 50 mph.*dt |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 29, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The engine light constantly comes on. Have had the solenoid valve timing control replaces twice and engine light back on for the same problem. I have had my car for 6 months and has been in the shop frequently. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Sep 24, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Popping noise heard from lumbar area of passenger seat back. Dealership said the sound is inside the seatback and is from the shifting of the springs. They said they tested three other 2020 nissan altima seats and they all had the sound when pressed against or while sitting in and moving forward and back against the lumbar part of the seat. They said it's normal. It's an annoyance. No reason why a 2020 brand new car should have a popping sound from springs everytime someone sits in it, moves there back against the seat or simply touches the back rest with their hand. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 02, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Just purchased my car 2 months ago, and I'm starting to see chips/crack on the top of the winshield. I didn't hit anything or any debri. I beleive this is a defect. I am going to see the dealership, and see what they tell me. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 20, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I know this is a well known issue specially for android phone users. I am having a problem with the headunit when playing a sound through android auto. I have been researching for solutions but nothing for the altima. Software update to 0910 fixed the nissan sentra music stuttering issue but nissan haven't done it to the altimas. I have been going back and forth to my dealership and they always say the engineering department are looking onto it. My car is a 2020 altima and this has been going on ever since (2019) this newer model (l34) had came out and still no fix. And the dealership barely knew this issue.. Maybe because there is more apple users than android users. Who knows. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 18, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Car rattles when goin over pot holes could be a recall from a 2013 nissan cause that car rattled |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 08, 2020 |
| State | NC |
| Description | First my windshield shattered from a small pebble, no biggie, well today my sunroof blew and huge whole and flew off |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jul 21, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that upon approaching a stop light, he attempted to stop the vehicle but the brake pedal failed without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard but to no avail; due to the brake failure, he bumped into the vehicle in front of him at 5 mph. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported due to the failure and a police report was not filed. The contact was able to resume normal driving after the accident. The contact stated that the forward emergency braking system failed without warning which caused the accident. Concord nissan (1290 concord ave, concord, ca 94520) was notified of the failure and informed him to bring the vehicle in for inspection; the vehicle had yet to be inspected. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 260. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 28, 2020 |
| State | SC |
| Description | My father is currently driving one from enterprise we don't know if the glass had a hairline crack previously existing or if the car window got vandalized but the whole window is gone and the alarm system didn't even go off ether. I think the heat hit it and made the window explode glass from the window went everywhere the car only had 27,866 whenever we got it from the rental car place monday I feel like nissan needs to conduct an investigation into this incident myself and my father both told enterprise on blackstock rd we felt like the car had a defect. |
| Category | Air Bags, Structure:body |
| Date | Jun 05, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Airbags light stays on and just recently the back passenger door warning light came on while I was driving on the highway but the door was still close. *tr |
| Category | Unknown Or Other, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | May 17, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The vehicle's speedometer will "twitch" at varied speeds like there is an electrical "pulse" going through the speedometer needle. I had the car in the service department of butler nissan in macon, georgia; the service write advised me that the mechanic did see the issue as I described, and stated that the service mechanic took a brand new altima out to see if he could duplicate the problem, and the brand new altima did the same exact thing. This occurs both driving freely and by using the cruise control at a set speed. |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch, Service Brakes |
| Date | Apr 27, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. Contact stated shortly after they purchased their vehicle they noticed the hood of their vehicle would not align properly. Contact took the vehicle to a specialist who repaired the vehicle with a bump stop nod. However, vehicle's hood became loose and began to make a rattling noise. Contact stated the vehicle' s remote start button began to malfunction. Also, when the contact was stopped at a red light, or whenever, they attempted to apply the brake pedal, they noticed the vehicle would hesitate to brake and hesitate to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle's emergency brakes would suddenly activate or the brakes, themselves, would prematurely activate without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership (coggin nissan on atlantic in jacksonville address: 10600 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32246 phone: (904) 747-3915) who informed them that sensors needed to be cleaned and the shutter grill was malfunctioning. The vehicle's shutter grill was replaced. The contact stated that three days after while driving approximately 60 mph when another vehicle cut in front of another vehicle, the contact attempted to apply the brake pedal, however, the brake pedal traveled to the floor causing the contact to rear-end another vehicle. The air bags did deploy. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to their right leg, both arms and head. Medical attention was needed. The contact contacted the manufacturer who stated that the brakes were a supplementary aid, as well as, opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 1,619. *ln the consumer stated on 01/19/2020 while driving 60mph, the emergency braking system prematurely engage causing the vehicle to slam on the breaks. The warning lights were illuminated and the tires began spinning. Dealer was notified. On another occasion the brakes failed resulting in a crash.*js consumer stated while driving she was cutoff by another car. While braking to a complete stop h |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 26, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Blind side warning not working - radar not available due to side obstruction. Several times the instrument panel has malfunction - nissan claims car must be spotless or it won't function properly. I have never had such issues with other makes. The ebs warning lights come on most of the time when temperature drops below freezing. I thought this car provided safety, instead it does the opposite. Nissan claims when there's snow on the ground safety features won't work. Why have them then? Make a point of this before I purchase. I washed the car and it blind side detector still won't work. It would be safer to produce a car without such features so I don't get distracted by flashes on the instrument panel. Sometimes the ebs warning goes off when stopped sometimes when driving. All of this started occurring in late november 2019 with only 500 miles on the car. If the temperature is above freezing the ebs warning stays off but the blind spot warning has not worked in 4 months. I was at the dealer today (3/26/2020) and have to return tomorrow. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 28, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I took possession of my car on 1/21/2020. The first time I used the navigation, on 2/3/2020 I missed a dentist's appointment I was going to for the first time. I entered the town then the building number and street name. The directions sent me in a completely opposite directions. On 2/25/2020 I was driving on the highway when an alert appeared on the board. It did not clarify the problem, it advised to refer to the manual. I took the car to the closest nissan dealership, martin nissan. The service manager, guy de leo, entered his own address, choosing the town first, and he got wrong directions as well. I contacted nissan, and the matter was passed to the escalation department. A man by the name of james, direct telephone number 615-725-7737, called me. I explained the two problems. He stated that he would review the matter and that nissan might replace the 2020 altima 2. 5 sl. He called me today, 2/28/2020 and told me that he spoke to guy de leo at martin nissan, who told him that the navigation had not malfunctioned, although he saw it do so himself. As for the alert that appeared on the dashboard, he told james that he had scanned a page of the manual referring to the alert. James, just a nissan representative, decided that since no repairs were needed the car would not be replaced. I have no other car, and I am very fearful while driving, not knowing what else will malfunction. *ln consumer stated driving home on march 5th, 2020 2 more incidents happened. Navigation hasn't been used for a week, would come on by itself while driving and gave directions. Also, issues with ventilation where it would change on its own. Manufacture wrote back stating car would not be replaced and car as malfunctioning and not safe.*jb |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 04, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving in reverse the automatic electronic braking activated although no objects were present behind the vehicle. Additionally, while switching to the reverse the message indicating an object was behind the vehicle was displayed. While driving the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The blind spot monitoring system also experienced intermittent failures. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (metro nissan of montclair (9440 aotpex st. Montclair, ca) who indicated the crash avoidance system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 3,000. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 19, 2020 |
| State | RI |
| Description | I just purchase this vehicle through nissan two months ago and it only has 2000 miles on it. Since I had the car my car makes like a clicking popping noise when I turn my wheel while hitting bumps. So I looked at reviews and people have complained about it with the 2019 nissan altima and there happening with the 2020 too... I spent a lot of money for this vehicle and feel like this needs to be recall because I can see that only not the only one that has complained about the situation.... It feels like my wheel is going to fall off it's that loud... |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I just leased my Nissan Altima, and got in an accident by my quarter panel, no air bags and now that I’m having it worked on the airbags say 2x airbags off, it started up two times before being towed after collision and everything seemed to be in working order besides the hazard horn. It’s being worked on and they have checked every solution and cause given for the brake being stiff and locked up it won’t start but has power battery is good has malfunction warning and collision warning stuck on and gives the code U0100 meaning bad battery but the battery is at 100% the ecm and pcm seem to be fine. it’s a almost new car 2020 Nissan Altima Sedan CVT awd 2.5L 4 cylinder. So there is a lot of problems here during accident no warnings or collision lights popped up no sensor detection happened or auto braking occurred. I am extremely upset I just started leasing this car and now I have to pay off something impossible to even get fixed from a pretty minor collision might I add but definitely should’ve had airbags deployed with where struck.
I bought my brand new Nissan Altima turbo and 2020 it is a 20/20 it is now 2022 and I’ve had two brand new motors put in it new brakes recalled tires that I’ve already replaced and a new battery they said went had a bad cell which is now giving me problems again not wanting to start properly unbelievable absolutely not happy worst vehicle I’ve ever owned
after getting a 2020 nissan altima i was so hurt to see my seats are not real leather,front seat start tear apart look so bad i didnot think all time they put in make this cars very bad seats they install, i hate i brought it now no help from nissan. my next car will be with someone who care about their product, I gave them a 0 if could give less i would.
I have a 2019 Nissan Altima that I’ve only had less than a year. Since I’ve had it I’ve replaced the battery at Nissan. The battery will fail at least once a month leaving me stranded. I’ve paid over $300 in diagnostic fees for Nissan to tell me nothing is wrong. But you can bet the battery will fail and once jumped off it does fine until it happens again. It’s favorite warning when this happens is headlight system error but Nissan swears nothing is wrong with my car.