2,205 of the
20,238 complaints filed about the Nissan Altima
are about the transmission —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
2,205
Complaints
11%
Share of all complaints
58
Crashes
10
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
To recap: •Nissan manufactured defective transmissions. •Nissan granted me a warranty extension with a fleeting expiration date (2023) to shift the cost away from them. •In 2020, Nissan performed work on my car. The work they performed masked the problem, didn’t fix it. And it deferred the problem, “kicking the can down the road.” •In 2026, Nissan denied my claim for goodwill approval. •I paid for a piecemeal fix on the car, leaving all the other transmission components still at risk. •My car, with 44,000 miles, is not safe.
NHTSA complaint #11757234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shuddering and loss of acceleration/vehicle slowed on its own while driving on the highway. Managed to get to Firestone and diagnostic codes P0776 and P0841 came up. Advised to take vehicle to dealer shop as work could not be done on CVT there. Car was towed to Nissan Bonney Road Virginia Beach. Transmission replacement recommended and my car only has 53,000 miles on it but is outside the 84 month extended warranty drafted from class action lawsuits and settlement. I was not aware of these lawsuit when this vehicle was recommended to me by Hall Honda as Hall Nissan sent it to them for me to see. No additional warranty was given nor was I informed that since the car only had 21,000 miles it was covered under the settlement of 80,000 miles 84,000 month. I WOULD HAVE WALKED, NO RAN, AWAY FROM THIS CAR IF I HAD BEEN TOLD OF THE LAWSUITS. Nissan wants me to pay nearly 6,200.00 for a new transmission that they knew was faulty to begin with. The only other option they gave was that they would give me a 3,000.00 allowance for them to purchase my car and apply that to another (probably faulty) vehicle from them. The issue I have with this is that I still owe 8,700.00 on a car that cost me over 17,000.00 which would make me have to roll the remaining 5,700.00 into another loan. Ludicrous that the dealerships are able to get away with this because they don’t want to admit their cars are faulty! I need Nissan to own up to this and perform a “goodwill” repair at no cost to me for the transmission. Nissan consumer complaints was not helpful at all. The only option I have after this is to file a claim in small claims court which I will probably lose.
NHTSA complaint #11754916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2016 Nissan Altima has approximately 68,900 miles. When I am stopped and press the gas pedal, the vehicle sometimes hesitates before it begins moving. It does not accelerate normally, which is dangerous when I am pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, or making a turn. At other times while driving, the vehicle will not accelerate properly and appears to become stuck in a low gear. The engine RPM may rise to approximately 4,000, but the vehicle does not shift or increase speed normally. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it may temporarily make the problem go away, but it can happen again without warning. There is currently NO CHECK ENGINE light or other warning light that has ever come on. So I had the auto parts store attach an OBD-II scanner and the ONLY error code was P0776. This prompted me to research further and that is when I learned of the CVT issues with Nissan. Because the loss of acceleration and failure to shift are intermittent, I cannot predict when the vehicle will hesitate or fail to respond. I am concerned that I could be struck by another vehicle if this happens while entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or attempting to maintain speed.
NHTSA complaint #11754572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043. I was advised that even though there was a class action suit in 2022 for CVT issues, my CVT Warranty Extension expired on 12/09/2024 for this class action suit. I purchased the car in May of 2025. The dealership failed to mention the class action suit or there were problems with the transmission. Since this is a well known issues, I am requesting help with the cost of repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11748872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My daughter was driving down the road and came to a 2-wayy stop. Went to pull out and the car stalled and started shuddering. On down the road leaving a red light it did the same thing and not wanting to really go.
NHTSA complaint #11744511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something
NHTSA complaint #11744468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Dangerous Transmission Failure in 2015 Nissan Altima While my 2015 Nissan Altima has always exhibited questionable performance—including abnormal acceleration, hesitation during throttle response, and mismatched RPMs relative to acceleration—the transmission has now begun to severely slip. I have also experienced sudden loss of power, pronounced shuddering, and complete power failure while driving. On multiple occasions, these issues have placed me in dangerous driving situations. It is important to note that I have regularly maintained the vehicle and kept it in mechanically decent shape throughout my ownership. I believe it is critical for other drivers to be aware of these ongoing problems, especially since Nissan appears to be avoiding responsibility for manufacturing such faulty powertrains. New car buyers and those purchasing used vehicles are becoming victims of this defective transmission, which poses a serious risk to passengers, drivers, and others on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11744010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission stopped working on me in the highway cvt code that comes up is P17f0 was in the highway going 45 mph then dropped 5 mph very dangerous. Almost crashed
NHTSA complaint #11740728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine and transmission disengaged from each other and I could no longer accelerate or keep speed. I had to pull over, turn off the car and turn it back on. Local shop took a look and confirmed a cooling System Failure. The system is not at the right pressure at operating temperature. Exhaust gasses in cooling system.
NHTSA complaint #11740696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This issue involves a documented and recurring safety-related defect that was reported multiple times while my vehicle was still covered under Nissan’s factory warranty related to the airbag system. My 2020 Nissan Altima currently has approximately 53,900 miles and has experienced repeated airbag/SRS failures associated with diagnostic code B1436-13, indicating an open circuit within the passenger airbag system. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, including in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. During several warranty-period service visits, the diagnostic codes were reportedly cleared, however, the underlying wiring harness issue does not appear to have been permanently corrected. I have the full history service record for this car with notes from 3 Nissan Dealers. I have documented communications with Nissan Consumer Affairs dating back to May 13, 2024 regarding this ongoing concern. In addition, I have photographic evidence showing the same airbag fault code on February 22, 2025, along with additional correspondence with Nissan dated March 18, 2025. Both of these events occurred while the vehicle remained within the applicable warranty coverage period. The airbag warning light has now returned again, and I have been presented with a repair estimate exceeding $5,200 for a condition that was previously reported and addressed unsuccessfully while the vehicle was under warranty coverage. According to Nissan’s 2020 Warranty Information Booklet, the Restraint System, including airbags and related electronic control systems, is covered under Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage. Because this safety concern was documented during the warranty period and prior repair attempts did not resolve the issue. Given that this matter involves a critical vehicle safety system that could affect passenger airbag deployment, I am hopeful this can be resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11737675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD:RETAINING FASTENERS/HARDWARE
This vehicle was rented to me on 04/23/2026. While driving, the gear shifter detached from its housing, causing the vehicle to become stuck in Drive. Due to this mechanical failure, I was unable to shift the vehicle into Park, Reverse, or Neutral. As a result, I was required to continuously apply pressure to the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving until law enforcement arrived and assisted me. This incident created a hazardous condition that placed both myself and other motorists at risk. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene and contacted Payless Rental Company, from whom the vehicle was rented, to report the incident. A police report was subsequently filed documenting that a defective and mechanically unsafe vehicle had been rented to a customer.
NHTSA complaint #11735890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The problem is I have that transmission in my car that nissan was sued for . Yes I received a extended warranty 85 months or 85,000 miles . My transmission started going out as soon I rolled over 85,000. Dealer told me the warranty was no good. Now it's sitting in the yard. All I can do is make the payment. Not only am I making payments but I have to keep insurance and tags for a car I can't drive!!!! I sent nissan an email but I get no response! I desperately need help! My fiancee dream car turned into a nightmare. Thanks! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 15 MPH and then unexpectedly decelerated. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator; however, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving to work on the freeway about 65 mph and after about 20 minutes the engine made a whirring noise, overheating and slight smell of burnt rubber and delayed to Accelerate luckily I was close to my exit I parked vehicle let it cool down. But still has this issue after about 20-30 minutes of driving more than 60mph
NHTSA complaint #11724235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until March 9 to respond - that they would NOT give any assistance to fixing the Cam Shaft. The car was 10 months out of time warranty and 18,000 under mileage warranty - I understand time trump’s mileage. We have owned many cars the last four have been Nissan Altimas. Never have we had a catastrophic event like this with a car. At the very least this incident should be added to the records of issues with Nissan cars that might lead to a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11723028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delayed gear change from 1st to 2nd/delayed acceleration 1-5 seconds mid-traffic because the car overheats soon after driving which causes the car to not properly accelerate causing more RPMs than necessary during longer drives with frequent stops (within urban/suburban areas).
NHTSA complaint #11720589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.