Recalls · problems · safety

2016 Nissan Altima: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 553 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train.

4recalls
553complaints
28crashes reported
3fires reported
32injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Power Train231 · 42%
  • Engine86 · 16%
  • Unknown Or Other81 · 15%
  • Vehicle Speed Control65 · 12%
  • Air Bags62 · 11%
  • Exterior Lighting40 · 7%
  • Electrical System40 · 7%
  • Structure29 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System27 · 5%
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages22 · 4%

What owners report

Unknown Or Other

The hvac system in my 2016 nissan altima produces cold air, but the airflow is not properly directed through the dashboard vents toward the occupants. instead, the airflow is primarily directed toward the floor and windshield. this problem has continued throughout the summer of 2026. i have two children, ages [xxx] and [xxx], who ride in the vehicle. my [xxx] daughter rides in the vehicle frequently because i transp

Power Train

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

Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2016 nissan altima. the contact stated that the driver's side headlight had become inoperable. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal headlight failure, and it was determined that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control

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

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Altima. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.