Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 2023 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 3
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
33.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Feb 2023peak 5Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Folsom, CAFire
ENGINE
I was driving down the freeway at about 70 miles an hour. When a warning came up, saying engine malfunction power reduced, the car then started the shaking a bit and not getting any power. Smoke started pouring out of the hood. I then pulled over open the hood. It was then on fire(small).I put it out with some water. And then the car was unable to start. I then towed it to my house and i'm waiting here on inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11747812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FLCrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11730673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11730673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Augusta, SCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Augusta, SCCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wentzville, MO
POWER TRAIN
While traveling at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began slowing down. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine RPM to increase, but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle, it would no longer move in either forward or reverse and had to be towed.
NHTSA complaint #11749881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Folsom, CAFire
ENGINE
I was driving down the freeway at about 70 miles an hour. When a warning came up, saying engine malfunction power reduced, the car then started the shaking a bit and not getting any power. Smoke started pouring out of the hood. I then pulled over open the hood. It was then on fire(small).I put it out with some water. And then the car was unable to start. I then towed it to my house and i'm waiting here on inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11747812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Reporting a severe hydraulic/mechanical braking defect on a 2023 Nissan Altima with only 26,820 miles. Vehicle experiences persistent 'spongy' brake pedal feel, premature metal-on-metal rotor gouging, and severely darkened/degraded brake fluid, indicating a systemic hydraulic component failure or electronic brake-dragging defect. This is a severe safety hazard causing unpredictable stopping distances. Authorized dealer (Coral Springs Nissan) refused warranty coverage prior to the May 21, 2023 expiration date and attempted to extort a signed liability/warranty waiver under duress to release my vehicle, which has been documented in writing on the service order and on video footage. ***Manufacturer is actively concealing this safety defect to avoid a mandatory safety recall. I own an identical second 2023 Altima with no such issues, proving a manufacturing defect on this vehicle. I paid $63k for both cars brand new. The only difference is the color. This issue began 2023 just five months after purchase. I called Coral Springs Nissan who told me this was not the brakes but electrical components that are used now. I trusted what they told me. It made sense. How could breaks be like that on a new car? What they needed to tell me was get to the nearest Nissan immediately because they were aware they've been having cars with break issues especially between 2021 and 2023. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THESE ARE BRAKE ISSUES? And what is this I was told that they recently got a judge to sign off and block any more class action lawsuits?? If this was some kind of air-conditioner component and still it wouldn't be fair for people who are trusting in quality. But these are brake issues. These are safety issues! What the hell are they letting these cars out on the road? Issue confirmed by Auto Nation Nissan of Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11738897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FLCrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11730673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11730673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kearny, AZ
ENGINE
The engine mounted high pressure fuel pump became loose and unseated because the engine-side mounting threads failed. The pump lifted off its mounting surface, the head of the engine, and oil came out around the top of the engine. This failure caused sudden loss of engine power and created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic and there was fluid leakage in the engine compartment near hot engine components. The problem was confirmed by a Nissan dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, documented the failed mounting area on the engine head, and submitted a goodwill warranty claim to Nissan, which was denied. Prior to the failure, there were no 18repairs or service in this area from the factory. Symptoms at the time of failure were loss of power and visible oil leakage from the top/right side of the engine. No warning lamps/messages prior to the mechanical failure. Vehicle had 60,845 miles at the time of failure.
NHTSA complaint #11730481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Amagon, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my car earlier this year. Paid in full. After having it for about 3 months I had to get a new battery. Now, about 2 months later I’m having to get a new alternator. A licensed car mechanic purchased the battery and put it on. The alternator, I went to the Nissan dealership and they told me it was the alternator. Never any lights or warning lights or labels, with battery I had to boost it, with Alternator it just started making a loud sound. I was afraid if mind and willows(my 6 year old) safety, driving and breaking down on the road, so I took it to Nissan to run a test on it. With no warnongs and this loyd noise i was freaked out. The altinador cost $901.00, just for the part, with a 2 week back order.
NHTSA complaint #11717164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catskill, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Attempted to start 2023 Nissan Altima. Engine did not turn over. Dashboard lights came on and then shut off. No further response. Had Altima towed to Nissan Dealer and after two weeks of sitting at the dealership. We were informed that the BCM unit needed to be replaced and fobs reprogrammed. Cause of BCM FAILURE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11713813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catskill, NY
ENGINE
Attempted to start 2023 Nissan Altima. Engine did not turn over. Dashboard lights came on and then shut off. No further response. Had Altima towed to Nissan Dealer and after two weeks of sitting at the dealership. We were informed that the BCM unit needed to be replaced and fobs reprogrammed. Cause of BCM FAILURE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11713813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
ENGINE
My mechanic noticed oil leaking near the oil pressure switch during a routine oil change. Told me to take it to dealership since I should still be under warranty. When I took it in, they very quickly were able to access that the oil pressure switch was faulty. Mechanic said it is a known problem. If it is a known issue, why not recall it?!
NHTSA complaint #11706388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesGrovetown, GA
SEATS
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, there was a popping sound coming from the front driver’s seat, and the seat detached and became unhinged. A dealer was contacted. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the seat frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a part missing from the seat frame. The seat frame was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11694167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wesley Chapel, FL
TIRES:SIDEWALL
P235 /40 R19 92V tires came with 2023 vehicle purchase. Two years following purchase, there are 2 large sidewall cracks at 32,000 miles for the front driver side tire even though the manufacturer mileage warranty is 70,000 miles. One out of four tires exhibiting this issue. Find this to be a huge safety concern as I was unaware of the cracks and there were no air leak/pressure issues sensed.
NHTSA complaint #11690462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scschriever, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The back up camera displays white while the lines to back up are present.
NHTSA complaint #11690132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Augusta, SCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Augusta, SCCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11678357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
backup camera fails consistently backup camera screen goes grey. it is dangerous because you cannot see behind or to the side when backing up. it has been to the dealer and they claim they cannot replicate the issue. the problem is more consistent now and it is out of the 36000 mile warranty. the camera system is now failing daily. no warning lamps. the vehicle also has a no start condition, and it won't detect the key fob intermittently resulting in me being stranded 3 times. also taken to the dealer and the problem could not be replicated. the camera problem does not seem to be affected by weather conditions wet or dry hot or cold the problem started at approx. 10000 miles took it to the dealer at 34000 miles now i have 48000 miles car is 2 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11677157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTIONB WARNING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. NO, I DONT FEEL MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK AT THAT TIME NO, IT HAS NOT BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED. WE DID TAKE THE VEH TO NISSAN OF GREENVILLE, TX AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT SINCE THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON AT THAT TIME AND DWAS TOLD THE SENSOR MIGHT BE DIRTY, OR THAT THE SUN "HIT THE SENSOR, CAUSING IT TO GO OFF" THERE WAS NO OTHER LIGHTS OR WANRNINGS PRIOR TO THE MALFUNCTION WANRNING
NHTSA complaint #11673903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTIONB WARNING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. NO, I DONT FEEL MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK AT THAT TIME NO, IT HAS NOT BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED. WE DID TAKE THE VEH TO NISSAN OF GREENVILLE, TX AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT SINCE THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON AT THAT TIME AND DWAS TOLD THE SENSOR MIGHT BE DIRTY, OR THAT THE SUN "HIT THE SENSOR, CAUSING IT TO GO OFF" THERE WAS NO OTHER LIGHTS OR WANRNINGS PRIOR TO THE MALFUNCTION WANRNING
NHTSA complaint #11673903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Putnam, CT
ENGINE
This is my second complaint on this vehicle I have brought my car back multiple times for this issue and I keep getting they have found nothing wrong I feel very unsafe driving this car it stalls frequently while I’m driving I’ve been in the middle of very busy intersections I’ve been at stop lights it’s very humiliating when a a newer car stalls all the time. I’ve gone to the stores and come out and my car won’t start it’s very nerve racking and embarrassing having a 2023 vehicle and this is the stuff I have to deal with on a day to day basis wondering if I’m going to be able to go to work or any where or be stranded some where I bought the car brand new and it has not been reliable at all I’m to the point where I feel I need to seek legal advice on this matter. Since no one knows what the issue is. Very unhappy customer not a safe car at all stalling in the middle of intersections is pretty scary
NHTSA complaint #11671192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jenkintown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle was purchased used with 10,000 miles. Since purchase we have been experience with the battery and electrical system not functioning properly. The car is not driven much, but is started daily and run for 10 minutes when it is functioning. The car shuts down and it is necessary for us to have USAA or AAA start it, they have told us there is an electrical system problem. The car was taken to Colonial Nissan dealership in Feasterville, PA for PA state inspection and to resolve this problem. We were told "the car is not driven enough and there is no problem". The car is driven a few miles daily and has shut down again. I have contacted Nissan and they said they would get back to me to resolve this problem. I contacted them on 6/20/25 and they have not gotten back to me. The car has shut down at least a dozen times requiring USAA or AAA roadside assistance, both say there is an electrical problem.
NHTSA complaint #11670182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A/c compressior not working
NHTSA complaint #11665362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,200 milesBardstown, KYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH on a snowy hill road, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS independently enabled, the vehicle jerked and veered off the road. The rear passenger side of the vehicle crashed into multiple trees. In addition, the vehicle crashed into the last tree which prevented the vehicle from entering into the river. The contact's spouse was an occupant in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The damage to the vehicle consists of damage to the rear passenger side of the vehicle and the front passenger side door. No injuries were sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 65,200.
NHTSA complaint #11638116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrewsbury, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera for no reason failed. Screen is bright white when in reverse. Occasionally when the car is cold and reverse is quickly selected image will be seen for a few seconds then fades to all white. Backup camera only. Car has less than 8k miles no accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11634280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Strafford, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car shuts off going down the road happens randomly it happened in July of 2024 and in November 2024 no warning lights came on it just shuts off I have not had my car looked at yet but I do plan on taking it to a dealer
NHTSA complaint #11626987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.