769 of the
20,238 complaints filed about the Nissan Altima
are about the braking system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the auto-braking system unexpectedly activated, and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes suddenly activated, and the instrument panel illuminated with a vertical yellow light. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred the following morning while driving 35 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, and restarted to continue driving. The failure had occurred approximately 5 times. The contact stated that with the cruise control set to co-pilot, the steering and lane assist features failed to operate as intended, advising the contact to manually steer the vehicle. The failure became more persistent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car not starting. Narrowed down to brake light switch not functioning properly. Jumped across the switch, car started. Push button ignition requires brakes to be depressed to start the vehicle. We have been close to being rear-ended twice lately. No warning lights signifying a problem. This is the second Altima I owned with this exact same failure to occur. First was a 2010 Altima S 2.5
NHTSA complaint #11749825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I make a turn, I hear a clicking noise and also when I come to a complete stop, I can a sound that sounds like a grunting noise. I had new brakes, rotors and brand new tires put on in 2025. I think my ball joints and tie rod is defective. I have a triple AAA membership and I just renewed it in June and it said that my 2021 has two recalls. NHTSA # 23V628000 The back over prevention sensing system camera & NHTSA# 21V138000 Steering Linkage Tie Rod Assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11749536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car is supposed to have an automatic braking system/collision detection. Two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the car in front of me slammed on his brake, and I didn't have enough time to react. I totalled my car, but my car is supposed to have a safety feature that automatically brakes. The faulty automatic braking didn't engage as it should have.
NHTSA complaint #11749014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his son was driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with TSB: NTB21-045a. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I was leaving for work, backing out of the driveway, and the brakes just locked up out of no where. I’ve done this multiple times and the brakes have never done this. I tried pulling up and trying again, turning the car off and back on, and backing a different way out of the driveway. It kept locking up on me and nothing was in the way. My husband had to eventually take me to work. The automatic braking system failed. I’m not sure if it is available for inspection upon request. At the time, my safety or anyone else’s safety was not at risk. I just worry about if it happens while I’m driving on the road. That could defiantly not only put me at risk but also other drivers. No the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It just happened this morning. The vehicle has not been inspected. No warning lamps. It did pop up the car with the 3 blocks in front of it on the screen like I’ve seen before, prior to failure, but not the warning about the automatic braking system.
NHTSA complaint #11735973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The system malfunctioning is the front sensor braking. My safety and others were put at risk with this because multiple times my car has braked me and or completely stopped me because it’s malfunctioning , it happens while I am on a busy street and someone even almost rear ended me because my car braked out of nowhere. It’s called “Phantom Braking”. No, the problem has not been confirmed by dealer became they stopped answering. I took it to the manufacture but they want to charge me too much. Yes and it first appeared Feb 2nd , a day after I bought the car. So at first it will aggressively brake me and I can tell when it’s going to start braking me because this loud scratching/grinding noise appear .. the noise sounds like it’s coming from the bottom and I can feel it vibrating my car when I relax my feet on the brakes or the floor. But as soon as that noise comes on then the car starts braking me and sometimes it will cause the engine to stall and then the car will stop driving completely while im on the middle of traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11729180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was unknowingly purchased with an improperly assembled braking system from which is formally known as Koeppel Nissan. The braking assembly failed during operation, resulting in loss of proper braking capability and causing a collision. The braking failure created a serious safety risk to the myself (the driver) and others on the roadway. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indicators prior to the braking failure. The issue with the braking assembly was not identified at the time of purchase and when the vehicle was returned to Koeppel Nissan to have cosmetic damages fixed. A request was made to thoroughly check of the braking system. After repairs, Koeppel Nissan assured there were no issues with braking system. It was discovered months afterward by Thruway Nissan dealership that the rear rotor pads were mismatched and the driver rear pad was installed upside down. The issue was viewed by a Thruway Nissan service technician, who identified the improper braking assembly. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Motor Corporation Consumer Affairs for this issue but has been reported. The vehicle and the braking system components are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11723152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I changed the Air Mass Flow sensor and it’s still showing the check engine light on my dash board and giving me the same code after replacing it brand new. My brakes sound horrible after replacing both sets of brakes, front and back. The Foward Collision Warning sensor did not respond in a timely matter, resulting in a minor fender bender.
NHTSA complaint #11716913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2024 Nissan Altima, with approximately 13,000 miles stalled while driving in 10 degree Fahrenheit weather with snow on the road. My speed was around 45 MPH. The vehicle immediately stalled and all the lights on the dashboard went on. The warning flashed something about an engine error. The brakes seized up while in snowy weather and with cars very close behind me. Easily could have caused an accident and was a pretty scary event. The car is maintained well and have very low mileage and is taken care of well. I slowed down and then another error screen popped up saying to immediately take care for service. While I was attempted to slow down with brake pedal super hard to push; I attempted to put car in neutral with my hazard lights on by now. Car started again while I was coasting about 20 mph, with engine light showing. I immediately took it to the closest dealership to me for service and left it there. This is completely unacceptable behavior for a new car of this type and I never experience anything ever like this with my old 2012 Nissan Altima. This could have caused a very bad accident had I not been driving and my wife or something else not as calm as me were to be driving. I suggest investigating this because I have read about recalls for this type of thing on previous models of Nissans. Currently vehicle is parked at dealership for service on 1-24-2026.
NHTSA complaint #11713144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes on its own while I am driving, including on highways and regular roads. This defect happens without my input, without warning, and creates a major risk of being rear-ended, losing control of the vehicle, or causing a serious accident. This issue is Not minor. It is a life-threatening malfunction that makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to authorized Nissan dealerships for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions & originally they told me it should be under warranty & when they spoke to the dealership they said it did not qualify under the warranty nor the extra insurance purchased & i'd have to come out of pocket for repairs. A vehicle that breaks on its own, especially at highway speeds – is not safe, not reliable, and not roadworthy. This situation has gone on for years and the vehicle is now a clear danger to me and the public and my three minor children who ride in the car with me. I am requesting immediate action and a good-faith resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11707198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This incident happened twice in one week first with 2023 Nissan Sentra then replaced with a 2024 Nissan Altima both rented from Enterprise. I was traveling down the street from my house, a two-lane, steep hillside road, which I’ve traveled up and down for 30 years. I stopped behind a parked car on the right side of the road to let another car come up the hill and pass by before I continued down. As I continued down the hill, the car just began to accelerate and I could not stop it, I tried to break, but no response and the car kept accelerating for about 50 feet before crashing into. the granite hillside, lifting the car so it landed perpendicular to the road, setting off all airbags and blocking all traffic completely. Thankfully there was no other damage to other cars, homes or people, which was a minor miracle.To reach such an impact speed in such short distance suggests some kind of mechanical failure. My insurance paid for a replacement rental, a 2024 Altima and on my first drive down the hill, in the exact same spot, the steepest of the road, the exact thing happened, rapid acceleration and no breaks.
NHTSA complaint #11702955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the brakes, brake pads, or brake rotors were replaced every year to a year and a half. The contact became aware of the failure while depressing the brake pedal with an abnormal, grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially serviced at a dealer; however, due to the recurring brake failure, the contact suspected that the dealer might have intentionally caused the frequent brake failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic once the failure returned; however, the vehicle experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE HAS ACTIVATED A FALSE AEB ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE NO ISSUES. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS AND IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR, NEARLY CAUSING A TRAFFIC COLLISION. TWICE THIS YEAR, THE VEHICLE MADE A COMPLETE STOP ON THE HWY AND TOOK A MINUTE BEFORE I COULD RESUME DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11687718 — 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.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brakes independently activated, and the rear of the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated an unknown warning light showing an image of the rear of the vehicle was briefly illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the driver's side front seat frame was fractured, and the seat was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the driver's side front seat rack was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to several dealers; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was afraid to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair for the driver's side front seat rack was not covered under warranty or any special programs. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.