Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 2022 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 27 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 4
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2022 Nissan Altima 4DR AWD
9.2% risk
2022 Nissan Altima 4DR FWD
9.2% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2022peak 5Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2022 Nissan Altima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
AQ22003Opened 16 Dec 2022Still openLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Humble, TXCrash
SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
NHTSA complaint #11706941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
NHTSA complaint #11706941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I got into 2 accidents with my 2022 Nissan Altima (October 12 & 13). on Oct.12 I backed into a parked vehicle in a parking lot.I did drive the car home. The next day after getting an estimate at a local auto body shop I drove home and my car would not stop in my driveway and I crashed into my garage door. The auto body shop towed the car back there. I have filed a consumer complaint with Nissan (case#49847642) they want to inspect the vehicle before any repairs are done to it. Estimated damages are car=$5000, garage door $4000. The contact stating the lack of progress concerning the damaged 2022 Nissan Altima. The vehicle is still at an auto body repair shop. Also the contact was told the decision would take 2-4 weeks and was advised not to have the car repaired until then.
NHTSA complaint #11553077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving along I55 at 65-70 mph when my car had multiple lights come on the dash w d started ringing. My car then shot left into the median wall. It spun at least twice hitting the wall and stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes. The vehicle is currently at the ins inspection lot. The code was u0100. ECM/PCM ‘A” DTC. I was injured in the accident and concerned about safety of others
NHTSA complaint #11537805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, MOCrash1 injured
ENGINE
I was driving along I55 at 65-70 mph when my car had multiple lights come on the dash w d started ringing. My car then shot left into the median wall. It spun at least twice hitting the wall and stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes. The vehicle is currently at the ins inspection lot. The code was u0100. ECM/PCM ‘A” DTC. I was injured in the accident and concerned about safety of others
NHTSA complaint #11537805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving to work. As I was doing so multiple lights came on my dashboard and it started dinging. At the same time my car immediately shot left so hard into the concrete median barrier at 70 mph. It all happened so fast I was not able to see what lights came on. My steering wheel would not turn. I did at least two 360’s off of the concrete wall finally stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate. My car is totaled. I’m suffering from a concussion. Waiting MRI results to be referral to the neurosurgeon for my spine. The police have told me I’m lucky I didn’t die. Nissan really don’t seem to care. They want me to be without a vehicle and not settle the loss for 3-4 months for when they get around to investigating the cause. There is so much body damage the insurance doesn’t have a need to do a mechanical investigation. The vehicle is currently sitting at the copart as I’m waiting to decide what to do since Nissan doesn’t seem to care their faulty product almost cost me my life and could cost others theirs. I’m trying to find someone who will come and do a mechanical investigation on the car.
NHTSA complaint #11537298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
I purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from CarMax on February 25, 2026. Less than three weeks after purchase, the electronic parking brake unexpectedly engaged while I was driving on multiple occasions, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle stopped while in motion without warning. I immediately reported the problem to the selling dealership. The vehicle was inspected on March 17, 2026, but I was told the concern could not be duplicated, and the vehicle was returned without repair. After continued concerns, the dealership later documented excessive lateral runout of the front and rear brake rotors, completely glazed brake pads, and that the rotors had previously been machined. The dealership recommended replacement of all front and rear brake pads and rotors. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the unexpected activation of the electronic parking brake while driving presents a significant safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may indicate a broader safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11751718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from CarMax on February 25, 2026. Less than three weeks after purchase, the electronic parking brake unexpectedly engaged while I was driving on multiple occasions, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle stopped while in motion without warning. I immediately reported the problem to the selling dealership. The vehicle was inspected on March 17, 2026, but I was told the concern could not be duplicated, and the vehicle was returned without repair. After continued concerns, the dealership later documented excessive lateral runout of the front and rear brake rotors, completely glazed brake pads, and that the rotors had previously been machined. The dealership recommended replacement of all front and rear brake pads and rotors. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the unexpected activation of the electronic parking brake while driving presents a significant safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may indicate a broader safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11751718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peralta, NM
POWER TRAIN
I drive 30 miles one way for work, my car hit 85,000 and the transmission fluid is overheated and the car went in to limp mode on the freeway. I got stuck for 30 Mines waiting for it to cool. Now I have to go to mellow nissan to pay 150 for a transmission disinostic so corporate nissan can open a good will claim I called them my car is new the transmission been slipping. I heard its a common problem.
NHTSA complaint #11751234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I Purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from Drive Time with 90,000 miles on it. I would have had this car for 2 years this month in May. The Car Currently has about 122,587 Miles on it and has Transmission CVT Failure. I notice pulling, not being able to Accelerate while car was in motion, and while car was stop at green light waiting to procced. while hitting the gas the car would go into limp mode and it would be hard to drive. I've gotten three different diagnose that transmission was getting ready to go out.
NHTSA complaint #11737553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
ENGINE
I Purchased a 2022 Nissan Altima from Drive Time with 90,000 miles on it. I would have had this car for 2 years this month in May. The Car Currently has about 122,587 Miles on it and has Transmission CVT Failure. I notice pulling, not being able to Accelerate while car was in motion, and while car was stop at green light waiting to procced. while hitting the gas the car would go into limp mode and it would be hard to drive. I've gotten three different diagnose that transmission was getting ready to go out.
NHTSA complaint #11737553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TXCrash
SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
NHTSA complaint #11706941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am submitting this complaint to report a dangerous and repeatable safety defect involving my Nissan Altima that caused me injury and resulted in vehicle damage. On December 16, 2025, I parked my vehicle on an incline and shifted it into Park. The gear selector and dashboard indicator both confirmed that the vehicle was in Park. I exited the vehicle and was not applying the brake. While the engine was running, the vehicle remained stationary. However, immediately after I turned the engine off, the vehicle began to roll backward downhill at approximately 5–7 mph without any throttle input or action on my part. As the vehicle rolled, the passenger door struck me and pulled me down the hill, causing injury. My vehicle was also damaged and is currently at a repair facility. Later that same day, when a tow truck driver arrived to recover the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again. The vehicle was placed in Park, and once the engine was turned off, it again rolled downhill unexpectedly. This occurred in front of the tow truck driver and confirms that this issue is repeatable and not an isolated incident. At no point did the vehicle roll while the engine was running, even though I was out of the vehicle and not applying the brake. The vehicle only moved after the engine was turned off, which indicates that it was not being held by a fully engaged Park mechanism. A vehicle placed in Park should remain stationary once turned off, regardless of incline. The failure of my vehicle to do so created an unattended roll-away hazard that directly caused my injury and posed a serious risk of severe injury or death to me and others.
NHTSA complaint #11706941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard indicates issue with forward collision warning or AEB. Car does not brake when cars in front of me brake. Took back to dealership and was told they needed to reprogram and configure sonar unit. And cost would be $437. This car was purchased in JULY
NHTSA complaint #11698225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, NC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Dashboard indicates issue with forward collision warning or AEB. Car does not brake when cars in front of me brake. Took back to dealership and was told they needed to reprogram and configure sonar unit. And cost would be $437. This car was purchased in JULY
NHTSA complaint #11698225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dashboard indicates issue with forward collision warning or AEB. Car does not brake when cars in front of me brake. Took back to dealership and was told they needed to reprogram and configure sonar unit. And cost would be $437. This car was purchased in JULY
NHTSA complaint #11698225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hustontown, PA
POWER TRAIN
My 2022 Nissan Altima has been experiencing transmission issues for about a month. The car hesitates, lunges, and shudders when accelerating from a stop. At around 60,000 miles, I had the transmission fluid flushed, and the shop confirmed the transmission fluid was clean with no metal debris. Despite that, the symptoms continued getting increasingly dangerous in high traffic areas. Today 10/16/25(the car is still at 60k miles) while turning at an intersection, the car hesitated and lunged before finally moving. This delay in acceleration created a dangerous situation in traffic, and another driver honked because my vehicle wouldn’t go. Immediately afterward, the car went into what seemed like “limp mode” and would not accelerate at all. There were no warning lights or messages before or during this incident. (which can be verified by the transmission place i got the car serviced at) After pulling into a parking lot and shutting the car off for about 10 minutes, I restarted it and the check engine light came on with a message stating: “CVT malfunction – service now.” The vehicle had to be towed because it felt unsafe to drive on busy highways. I believe this is a serious safety concern because the car can fail to move in traffic without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11693961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Hts, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My horn and alarm just went out without warning doesn’t work had fuse checked at auto zone. The electrical issue is my radio screen will go black but still be playing then it will reboot while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11689582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve had my battery and alternator checked and both are good. Multiple times now my car has either not started until it gets a jump. Took it to a shop and was told its electrical issues. I was at my a football game for my kids out of state and my car would not start after having it off for over an hour,me n my kids were stuck for 3 hours before they got someone out to jump start the car. I take it to another shop tomorrow for additional testing. No lights have appeared and no warning before it happens.
NHTSA complaint #11689576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Hts, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My horn and alarm just went out without warning doesn’t work had fuse checked at auto zone. The electrical issue is my radio screen will go black but still be playing then it will reboot while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11689582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, PA
ENGINE
I’ve had my battery and alternator checked and both are good. Multiple times now my car has either not started until it gets a jump. Took it to a shop and was told its electrical issues. I was at my a football game for my kids out of state and my car would not start after having it off for over an hour,me n my kids were stuck for 3 hours before they got someone out to jump start the car. I take it to another shop tomorrow for additional testing. No lights have appeared and no warning before it happens.
NHTSA complaint #11689576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emergency braking saves lives at speed. However this feature is absolutely outrageously unwarranted when I'm trying to back into a parking space at 0.05 MPH and the car slams on the emergency braking system because I'm 12 inches away from a stationary unoccupied abandoned shopping cart. The vehicle is further insulting by not allowing me to back up further after the emergency braking system disengages, I attempt to back up a few more inches and it activates again as though I was traveling at speed. My only remaining option is to change parking spaces to one I can pull into, or leave the front car bumper sticking out a good 12-14 into the lane of travel risking potential damage to the car. This has been occurring since the car was purchased and has been growing in annoyance over the years each time I try to back up to park. Let's find a way to permanently disable this feature when speeds are under half a mile per hour. I'm already using the backup camera and other visual aids to ensure I don't hit anything, the last thing I need is the sudden grinding jerk to a stop to break my focus and concentration on completing a task.
NHTSA complaint #11682697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
SUSPENSION
Car is making loud clunking noise when going over speed bumps or turning wheel when backing up. Dealer recommended replacing struts. I see they have a service campaign but my car is out of warranty barely (40,000 miles) and they will not replace. This is a manufacturer problem and should have a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11681876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnetka, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Since purchasing my car in 1-2022, brand new, my car will unpredictably brake. Recently while driving with no cars in front of me, my car again braked and I was almost rear ended. I did experience minor whiplash as it was a sudden stop. This has happened on surface streets as well as when going down into a parking structure. Additionally my sensors will randomly state that there are obstructions in the road when there are none. I have taken my car into First Nissan with these issues from when I first drove my car off their lot. First Nissan employees are great, but I believe my car has a defect that significantly concerns me about my safety when driving this car. I am a loyal Nissan car owner as I had my previous Altima for about 15 years.. with no problems. How will Nissan rectify this safety issue??
NHTSA complaint #11677979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnetka, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Since purchasing my car in 1-2022, brand new, my car will unpredictably brake. Recently while driving with no cars in front of me, my car again braked and I was almost rear ended. I did experience minor whiplash as it was a sudden stop. This has happened on surface streets as well as when going down into a parking structure. Additionally my sensors will randomly state that there are obstructions in the road when there are none. I have taken my car into First Nissan with these issues from when I first drove my car off their lot. First Nissan employees are great, but I believe my car has a defect that significantly concerns me about my safety when driving this car. I am a loyal Nissan car owner as I had my previous Altima for about 15 years.. with no problems. How will Nissan rectify this safety issue??
NHTSA complaint #11677979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since purchasing my car in 1-2022, brand new, my car will unpredictably brake. Recently while driving with no cars in front of me, my car again braked and I was almost rear ended. I did experience minor whiplash as it was a sudden stop. This has happened on surface streets as well as when going down into a parking structure. Additionally my sensors will randomly state that there are obstructions in the road when there are none. I have taken my car into First Nissan with these issues from when I first drove my car off their lot. First Nissan employees are great, but I believe my car has a defect that significantly concerns me about my safety when driving this car. I am a loyal Nissan car owner as I had my previous Altima for about 15 years.. with no problems. How will Nissan rectify this safety issue??
NHTSA complaint #11677979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Forward crash detection AEB system warning light goes on after a short time driving with a beep sound and stays on until the car is shut off. This happens every time I drive. Everything is clean- no obstructions to the sensor. Probable faulty sensor or bracket. Went to the dealer who said they could not recreate the situation and did nothing. I have been reading that this is not an uncommon problem with Nissans and feel there needs to be a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11675787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Port, FL
POWER TRAIN
My car constantly turns off mid drive and then turns back on , also all the lights on my dash pop up eveytime I start the car so I’m pretty sure it’s an electric issue sometimes it’s doesn’t start I have to play with the battery little bit and I’ve had it tested even bought a new one so ik it’s not the battery it’s electric, it frequently turns off for like 5 seconds while I’m driving and then turns back on
NHTSA complaint #11673196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Port, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car constantly turns off mid drive and then turns back on , also all the lights on my dash pop up eveytime I start the car so I’m pretty sure it’s an electric issue sometimes it’s doesn’t start I have to play with the battery little bit and I’ve had it tested even bought a new one so ik it’s not the battery it’s electric, it frequently turns off for like 5 seconds while I’m driving and then turns back on
NHTSA complaint #11673196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car constantly turns off mid drive and then turns back on , also all the lights on my dash pop up eveytime I start the car so I’m pretty sure it’s an electric issue sometimes it’s doesn’t start I have to play with the battery little bit and I’ve had it tested even bought a new one so ik it’s not the battery it’s electric, it frequently turns off for like 5 seconds while I’m driving and then turns back on
NHTSA complaint #11673196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLong Branch, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Altima. The contact stated after the vehicle received brakes services, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact smelled smoke. The contact stated that two weeks later while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming the wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side rear caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
