Complaint volume
221 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Nissan Altima Complaints
221 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Nissan Altima, grouped by component category.
221 Total complaints
11 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
5 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, air bags, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 11 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 5 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 109 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 34,207 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, air bags, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Nissan Altima?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Nissan Altima
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Nissan Altima complaints?
11 Crash
0 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Altima complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 37
AIR BAGS 24
POWER TRAIN 16
SERVICE BRAKES 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6
ENGINE 5
221 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | AIR BAGS | The warning light on the dash is indicating that there is a problem with the airbag. I took it to a Nissan Dealership and was told that the side airbag needed to be replaced. I was quoted $3,241.41labor only. I was told there was no recall. I certainly don't want there to be a collision and it doesn't deploy as it should. So I would like to report this issue in the event this has happened to others. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | In 2022, there was a recall on the hood latch system. At that time the dealership was able to spray a substance on the latch and close out the recall instead of replacing the latch. Now my car is having issues with the latch that should’ve been replaced from the start. Therefore, the solution during the recall only prolonged the issue and did not fix the issue. There hasn’t been an accident, as of now. However, this could cause an extreme situation and put everyone’s safety at risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | AIR BAGS | While driving my Nissan Altima 2018 on Sunday 2-1 the indicator light came on. I looked it up in the manual to the car and it stated it was something with the air bag. I took it to the Larry Miller Nissan Mesa AZ. Wednesday, 2-4. According to them I was told the light indicated the air bag would not deployed if I were in an accident. That is life threating. This is report I got from them: They checked for codes found code B0020-13 store din air bag followed the diagnosis procedure as per the ESM to inspect the air bag seta harness to be okay connected first step is to replace the LH side air bag module as per the DTC. They told me it would cost $3,247.44 to fix. I know there was a recall on the air bag for my make and model but unknown to me when it was posted. My car have always ran like a new vehicle to this day until this happen. It should be considered a manufacture issue and should be repaired by the manufacture. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but yet this thing just keeps turning itself off while you're on the highway or local road... I will list when the first problem started happening and then we know when the other ones start happening consecutively afterwards.. electrical issue front passenger door will not open automatically Putting my passenger at risk | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SUSPENSION,ENGINE | NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | AIR BAGS | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the halogen headlights failed to function as intended and were dimmed, which reduced the visibility of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where the headlight assembly and bulbs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact learned that the headlights on Nissan vehicles were experiencing failure due to a delaminating reflector defect. The contact learned that the heat from the halogen beams was causing heat damage to the reflective surface. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | AIR BAGS | 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The driver seat airbag module is defective and requires replacement. It is available for inspection at Northlake Kia or any authorized Nissan service center upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective driver seat airbag module may fail to deploy properly in a collision, placing the driver at serious risk of injury or death. This defect also endangers passengers and other road users in the event of an accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The defect was confirmed by Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025 during vehicle inspection. The dealership stated that the part is defective and must be replaced immediately. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Northlake Kia, an authorized Nissan service center. The manufacturer (Nissan Consumer Affairs) has been notified but has not yet provided a resolution or replacement part. There has been no involvement by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. and before thats what prompted me to bring the vehicle in to be serviced. Upon inspection at Northlake Kia on August 29, 2025, the dealership identified the driver airbag module defect. The airbag warning light was illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction in the airbag system. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My Nissan Altima's power door locks failed making entry and egress sometimes impossible. While the key will unlock the driver's door, rear seat passengers have been unable to exit the vehicle without assistance due to the door being locked. Premature power door lock actuators in Nissan vehicles is reportedly a very common problem according to my research. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | AIR BAGS | Suddenly airbag light has steady on when start engine. Scanner shows has failed code L4 and failed to reset. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | AIR BAGS | I purchased this vehicle last month from Anderson in cockeysville, Md. last week the airbag light came on. I was able to take it to them today 9-15-25 where they at first told me I was over the 1,000miles warranty so I’d have to deal with it on my own. After speaking with a manager, he agreed to take it to Nissan to get a determination. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The headlights on my 2018 Altima SL are INCREDIBLY dim. I have tried two different LED manufacturer's bulbs with the same result. It is beyond dangerous to drive my car at night. Sadly, my floodlights are FAR brighter than my low beams. There are countless complaints for this issue over the past few years. It sounds like their solution was less than desirable for most customers. This should be an actual recall to ensure that the Hundreds of thousands (probably more) of the 2013- 2018 Altimas on the road are safe for the drivers as well as the cars around them. This issue is ridiculous and MUST be corrected. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle had identical stress fractures. The fractures allowed water to enter the headlight housings. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the headlight assembly replacements were not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | There is a recall for altimas from years 2019-2021 with an issue where the engine will not start after the battery light on the dashboard comes on. After a few minutes the car will start up and ride like normal. This also happens in the 2018 model of the altima. This happened to us multiple times. The battery is good, and there is no reason for the engine not to start right aqay. Why is there no recall for the 2018 models? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | The driver's side door lock actuator stopped working around June 2024. Haven't replaced it yet, but bought another part. Read where others are having same issue. Just in the last couple of weeks, around June 15th, 2025, my rear driver's side door actuator stopped working as well. I have to crfrawl in from the other side and unlock the doors. Safety issue since the doors do not lock or unlock. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Anytime I pull my hood release, my hood never opens & I hear no click . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | AIR BAGS | The airbag light in the dashboard always stays lit. It has been worked on at the dealership multiple times and they get it to go out only for it to come back on. It’s concerning not knowing if there is a problem with the airbags itself. This has been on going for years. It started around when my car had 34000-35000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I’ve had to replace the break sensor a few times and it’s unusual… My check engine light came on and it reads the code for the catalyst converter.., the auto part store saw a recall on this for my make and model but not seeing it here . The code was cleared and hasn’t came back on yet but I’m anticipating it will .. these two issues need to be further looked into please | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Took car for inspection check engine light on will not pass mechanic said same issueue as recall PC716. Said was under recall nissan recall does not include the vin so would not repair need to add vin to recall since it is same issue. Can not drive until repaired. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN | It seems to be the transmission intermittently. I'd stop, push down on the accelerator and would go like a few MPH. Then it would lunge forward and I'd have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. The other thing was it didn't seem to shift from first gear - I ended up redlining it at 7000rpm when only going 45mph. I've read that there is a problem with Nissan cars and the CVT. In answer to your questions: You can inspect it. At a stop/light, I'm always afraid the accelerator will start out slow and then lunge forward and eventually I'll hit another vehicle. The dealer couldn't reproduce the issue after having the vehicle 6 days. After 3, they "re-programmed" as the service manager said it was out-of-date and that doing so may fix the problem. They then tested for a further 3 days and couldn't reproduce it. Vehicle has only been inspected by the local Nissan dealer. There were no warning lights or messages before or after these incidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | I’m getting an Air Bag warning light showing up on my dash. i took it to the Nissan dealer and its error code B0020-13 which comes up as a Left seat side air bag open error. Apparently the wiring going from the connector under the seat up to the side air bag is intermittently opening up depending what position the seat is in. Nissan said the entire top part of the seat needs to be replaced, very expensive, $2,500.00 to $3,000. This is a big safety problem since this is a common problem with this model from all the research I have done. This is obviously an engineering problem with how the cable is ran or quality of the cable and should be Nissans responsibility not the owner of the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | The airbag light appeared on my dashboard in late December. On 1/8/25, I took it to Auto Nation Nissan in Tempe to have it checked. They determined that the driver's side seat back needed to be replaced. That is where the airbag sensor is located. As of today, 3/14/25, they still do not have an ETA for the seat back. I have been driving for almost 3 months now without the airbags working. I also contacted Nissan corporate, and get the same response - they can't get an ETA for the seat back that is needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | Shortly after purchasing my 2018 Nissan Altima (new), there was a recall concerning the passenger side airbag. I took the car to the dealer and had it serviced. Months later, there was a second recall and I took it back promptly; however, the dealer said that nothing was wrong. It was already serviced. I indicated that I had received a second notice. Some time passed, and the same airbag light indicator came on and stayed on. I took my vehicle back to the dealer. This time, they wanted to charge me thousands of dollars. I indicated that this is the same problem from the beginning and I was going to file a lawsuit. The dealer claimed to have fixed the sensor and told me it was a complimentary charge based on "goodwill". The same sensor light is on again. I have had no accidents and I have not had my car serviced for any electrical issues. It was inspected and passed with a warning to get the sensor taken care of. The original dealer has now sold to another Nissan dealer. I need to be sure that I am safe should I have a situation where the passenger side airbag needs to deploy. This is not fair to me. I have never bought a used car and this is the first car I have continuously had unresolved issues with. Please advise. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |