This page covers 7 recalls, 1106 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Nissan Altima.
25–31 mpg combined
7.6–9.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2014 Nissan Altima are dominated by two areas: exterior lighting and powertrain issues, with airbag-related reports close behind. On the lighting side, owners frequently describe headlights and taillights failing prematurely or burning out at unusually high rates. Powertrain complaints commonly involve transmission hesitation, shuddering, and CVT-related concerns such as sluggish acceleration or rough operation. Airbag warning lights staying on persistently is a recurring theme, with multiple owners reporting that the airbag indicator illuminates at startup and remains lit, sometimes accompanied by seatbelt warning lights activating without an occupant present. A smaller number of owners describe rear suspension components failing while driving, specifically rear control arms breaking or collapsing unexpectedly without any prior warning light indication.
1,106
Total Complaints
52
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
40
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Nissan Altima has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the hood's secondary latch, which can bind in the unlatched position and allow the hood to fly open while driving.
The hood latch issue also extends to corrosion over time, where the secondary latch can seize in the open position even after the hood appears fully closed. There is also a fuel system concern on 3.5-liter models: the fuel sending unit can leak where it meets the tank, raising the risk of fire in a crash. Three recalls involve the front passenger seat sensor, which classifies whether the seat holds an adult, child, or is empty and adjusts airbag deployment accordingly. The sensor can misread the occupant and either deploy the airbag incorrectly or suppress it entirely, in both cases raising the risk of injury in a crash. One of those sensor recalls involves a replacement control unit installed during a prior repair that was the wrong part, so vehicles that have already had service on this system may still need attention.
At a glance
What can fail
The primary hood latch can accidentally release. When this happens, the secondary hood latch may corrode over time, potentially allowing the hood to open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, add a warning label near the secondary latch, and provide maintenance instructions to help prevent corrosion.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat may have an incorrect computer control unit installed that causes the system to misclassify whether someone is sitting in that seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the control unit and update the seat's software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat's occupant detection system may incorrectly identify an adult as a child or miss an occupied seat. This can cause the passenger airbag to stay off during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram or replace the occupant detection and airbag control units to ensure proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch may bind and stick in the unlatched position when the hood is closed, preventing it from fully securing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The occupant classification system control unit may incorrectly identify the front passenger seat as empty when an adult is sitting in it.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the occupant classification system software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An o-ring in the fuel sending unit may not be properly seated, allowing fuel to leak from the fuel tank during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and fuel sending unit to secure the o-ring.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch may bind and stick in the unlatched position when the hood is closed, preventing it from fully latching.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the hood actuation lever angle, clean and lubricate the latch joint, and replace the latch assembly if corrosion is severe.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
