CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver s
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Nissan Altima body problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Nissan Altima have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 59,206 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Altima | 26 |
| 2011 Altima | 21 |
| 2012 Altima | 28 |
| 2013 Altima | 99 |
| 2014 Altima (this page) | 36 |
| 2015 Altima | 45 |
| 2016 Altima | 22 |
| 2017 Altima | 17 |
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver s
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THEFT ALARM SOUNDS WHEN VEHICLE IS LOCKED, UNLOCKED, OR DOOR/TRUNK OPENED IF YOU CONFIRM Intermittently, the theft alarm triggers (horn sounds and lights flash) when one of the following occur: - Using the lock, unlock, or trunk open function on the Intelligent Key - Pushing a handle request switch (door or trunk) - Opening a door or the trunk with the vehicle unlocked and CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) shows the last item to trigger the theft alarm is BATTERY. - Refer to Check Last Item to Trigger Theft Alarm on the next page. ACTION Replace the Body Control Module (BCM). - Refer to the Electronic Service Manual, section BCS-Body Control Systems, for replacement information. - Use the new BC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Nissan Altima body complaints center on hood latch failures that occur during normal driving, sometimes repeating even after recall attempts. Owners describe the hood popping open at speeds between 35 and 70 mph without warning, shattering windshields, damaging fenders, and cutting occupants with glass. Multiple owners report the hood becoming impossible to close afterward. Nissan's recall fixes (15V116000, 16V-029, 20V-315) have failed to solve the problem for some owners; one inspector simply zip-tied a stuck secondary latch and sent the owner back to the dealer with no permanent remedy. Dealers either can't stock recall parts or quote $500–$600 for repairs beyond the recall scope.
Interior door handles snap off easily on the driver side, trapping occupants inside unless they roll down a window—a serious emergency egress problem. Rear lower control arms detach and rear axles break during normal driving or minor bumps at 80,000 to 118,000 miles, with dealerships acknowledging these as known defects but refusing warranty coverage on many vehicles.
Engine undercovers separate while driving due to defective plastic bolts, and one sunroof shattered spontaneously. Trunk latches unlock themselves, blind spot sensors false-alarm in rain, and sun visors hang loose instead of staying upright—collectively painting a picture of assembly and materials issues throughout the body and closure systems.
Same Nissan Altima body reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Hood latch failure and unintended opening
Primary hood latch or secondary latch mechanism fails, allowing the hood to pop or fly open while driving. Occurs with no warning at speeds ranging from 35 to 70 mph. Many owners report this happening after the hood latch recall (Campaign 15V116000 and others) was performed. In several cases, the secondary latch becomes stuck or corroded (especially in salt-heavy regions), and a dealer repair or zip-tie patch has proven ineffective.
When: At various speeds during normal driving, typically between 35-70 mph; failures reported at mileages ranging from 12,600 to 146,000 miles; some occurring within one year of recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Hood suddenly pops or flies open without warning while driving; Vision obstructed or severely impaired by open hood; Hood cannot be easily closed or latched after opening; Secondary latch stuck in open position; Latch disengages automatically even when stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $500–$600 for hood latch repair or replacement; some owners report temporary field fix (zip tie) applied by Nissan inspector with no permanent solution offered; one owner charged for recall repair despite recall being supposedly free
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V116000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); NHTSA Recall 16V-029 and 20V-315; many owners report recall remedy delayed or unavailable; one case shows Nissan placed a zip tie and referred owner back to dealer with no further assistance; some dealers unable to stock recall parts
Interior door handle failure (plastic breaking)
Interior door handles (mainly driver side) snap or break due to plastic construction holding cable in place. Failure renders the door inoperable from inside, trapping occupant unless window is rolled down. Safety risk in emergency egress or accident scenario. Owner reports fewer than 18,000 miles on new vehicle.
When: Can occur very early in vehicle ownership; one report at under 18,000 miles; another at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door handle becomes very loose or will not open door from inside; Plastic handle piece snaps off; Door can only be opened from outside
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs mentioned in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner indicates multiple complaints online about this issue but no official recall or TSB mentioned
Rear axle or lower control arm structural failure
Rear axle breaks or rear passenger lower control arm detaches from vehicle frame during normal driving, including low-speed bump impact. No warning lights illuminate. Vehicle becomes undrivable and must be towed. Dealership acknowledged this as a known defect in 2014 Altimas but owner's vehicle not on recall list.
When: Occurred at 80,000 and 118,000 miles; one instance upon hitting a bump at 20 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Rear axle suddenly breaks; Rear lower control arm detaches from vehicle; No warning lights; Vehicle loses structural integrity and becomes immobile
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid approximately $400 labor plus $225.49 in Nissan parts; another case not repaired (towed to independent mechanic for diagnosis only)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged as known defect but stated affected vehicle was not on recall list qualifying for reimbursement; no manufacturer response in second case
Engine undercover or protective shield separation
Engine undercover or protective shield that covers the engine separates or fractures while driving, exposing underside of vehicle and causing damage. One instance attributed to defective plastic bolts securing the cover; another shield fractured at 20,000 miles.
When: At 50,000 miles and 20,000 miles; failures occurred at 55 and 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine undercover separates or fractures while driving; Loud noise heard under vehicle prior to failure; Protective shield fractured; Underside of vehicle exposed
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic identified defective plastic bolts; replacement cover needed in second case; one owner did not repair; another case noted potential air conditioning system damage from cover failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case; no response documented in other
Sunroof spontaneous shattering
Sunroof suddenly shatters without known cause while vehicle is in motion, creating loud noise and ejecting glass debris into interior. Occurs on a previously repaired sunroof.
When: Approximately 4 years after sunroof replacement (vehicle purchased in 2014, failure in 2018) at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof shatters suddenly with loud noise; Glass debris inside vehicle; No apparent external impact or cause
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof had been previously replaced in 2014 for leak issues
Trunk latch malfunction
Trunk opens unexpectedly during low-speed driving and locks on its own intermittently, preventing opening when needed. Dealer unable to duplicate failure during inspection.
When: At approximately 28,000 miles and 10 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk opens without warning while driving; Trunk locks itself and cannot be opened; Intermittent occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer could not duplicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number 248-072-49
Blind spot sensor false warnings in rain
Blind spot detection sensors trigger false warnings (sensors going off) during rainy or wet conditions. Dealer visited twice; second visit indicated this was normal operation per dealer, though not mentioned in owner's manual or by sales staff. Owner purchased vehicle specifically for safety features.
When: During wet/rainy weather conditions at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot sensors activate falsely during rain; False warning alerts during inclement weather
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated this is normal operation; nothing repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised false triggers are normal operation during wet weather
Dashboard glare on windshield
Strong glare emits from dashboard onto windshield, obstructing driver's view through windshield. Dealer inspection determined windshield is operating as designed; manufacturer stated glare is not a defect.
When: At 12,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong glare from dashboard reflects onto windshield; Driver visibility impaired
Repairs/costs cited: No remedy offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised windshield operating as designed; manufacturer advised glare not a defect
Sun visor malfunction
Driver-side sun visor does not stay in upright position and hangs partway down. Visor moves during turns, creating head-strike hazard in accident or hard braking scenario.
When: At unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sun visor hangs approximately a quarter-way down instead of staying upright; Visor moves during vehicle turns; Potential head-strike hazard in emergency braking or collision
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2014 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2014 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 45,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 59,206. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.