2016 Nissan Altima recalls and problems
The 2016 Nissan Altima has 4 safety recalls and 556 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Nissan Altima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Nissan Altima recalls
Recall 20V-315: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Risk: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂs Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Recall 18V-915: Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.
Risk: If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.
Recall 17V-040: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
Risk: If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Recall 16V-244: Air Bags
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
2016 Nissan Altima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 235 | |
| Engine | 86 | |
| Unknown or Other | 82 | |
| Air Bags | 72 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 65 | |
| Electrical System | 42 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 42 | |
| Structure | 29 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 22 | |
| Steering | 16 | |
| Suspension | 12 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 24
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 4
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 3
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Nissan Altima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Altima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Altima: 20V-315 (latches/locks/linkages), 18V-915 (structure, latches/locks/linkages), 17V-040 (latches/locks/linkages), 16V-244 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Nissan Altima?
Owners report power train problems most often (235 reports), followed by engine (86). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.