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moderate Owners of the 2014 Nissan Altima have filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Altima | 61 |
| 2011 Altima | 26 |
| 2012 Altima | 38 |
| 2013 Altima | 127 |
| 2014 Altima (this page) | 59 |
| 2015 Altima | 42 |
| 2016 Altima | 32 |
| 2017 Altima | 18 |
| 2018 Altima | 36 |
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then select Infotainment Software Updates on the left side of ASIST. Please discard previous versions of NTB23-018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then select Infotainment Software Updates on the left side of ASIST. HINT: Initially, the Infotainment Software Update Utility will be available only on the CONSULT PC version of ASIST. The Utility will be added to ASIST WEB at a later date. Please discard previous versions of NTB23-018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2014 Altima shows a pattern of electrical system instability that ranges from annoying to dangerous. The most serious complaints describe total electrical cascades—dashboard blanks out, lights fail, power windows and locks stop working, transmission gets stuck—and then the system reboots and clears any fault codes, leaving mechanics with nothing to diagnose. Multiple owners suspect the body control module (BCM), and one AAA driver agreed, but dealers can't act without stored codes.
Headlight dimming is widespread and progressive. Owners report the low beams become nearly unusable within a few years; the problem isn't bulbs but internal lens coating degradation inside the assembly. Replacements at $800 are the only fix, and dealers have had supply issues.
Passenger airbag detection fails intermittently despite a recall attempt that loaded new software. Owners report the off light stays on even with passengers seated, meaning the airbag may not deploy in a crash. Nissan has told at least one owner this failure "will happen" and restarting the car is the workaround.
Beyond those stand-outs, owners cite stalling without warning, infotainment screens that go black, key fobs that don't work, transmission judder (particularly the CVT), sunroof leaks, and one fire. Dealerships often can't replicate issues or won't authorize repairs without visible fault codes. Nissan's posture has been defensive: refusing to provide investigation results, denying part replacement without failure codes, and in one case telling an owner to restart the car when the airbag light comes back on.
Same Nissan Altima electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Complete or near-complete loss of electrical systems including dashboard, infotainment, lighting, HVAC, power windows, locks, and transmission controls. Owners report intermittent failures that reset upon restart, preventing diagnostic codes from being captured. Multiple owners suspect BCM (body control module) involvement.
When: Varies; some from first week of ownership, others mid-ownership at various mileages up to 100k
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard goes blank, no instrument panel display; Infotainment screen and backup camera fail; All dash warning lights go out; Headlights, turn signals, hazard lights inoperative; Power windows and locks non-responsive; Transmission stuck in gear or won't shift; Vehicle trapped with engine running; Intermittent, random failures that resolve after restart
Codes mentioned: No codes stored because restart clears faults
Repairs/costs cited: AAA disabled fuel pump in one case; dealers unable to diagnose due to lack of stored codes; one owner reports Nissan mentioned internal 'I Key' directive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan case #s opened but no written findings provided; no parts replaced; directive mentioned by dealer but not disclosed
Factory headlights become progressively dimmer over time, with internal lens coating degradation or chrome painting fading inside assembly. Low beams appear barely on or completely inoperable at night; high beams work but are ineffective for sustained driving. Multiple owners report unsafe night driving; one owner cited a class action recall but missed appointment.
When: Progressive dimming typically 2–4 years into ownership; degradation accelerates in later years; some noticed dimming as early as 2016–2017 in 9-year-old car
Symptoms owners cite: Low beam headlights extremely dim or not visible; Must use high beams for any night driving; Progressive dimming over months/years; Chrome coating/lens painting inside headlight assembly faded or worn; Cannot see road or obstacles ahead at night; Replacement bulbs (e.g., Sylvania Silverstars) do not help
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated cost $800 for new headlight assemblies; replacement bulbs ineffective; dealership noted internal lens/coating degradation as root cause; one dealer stopped repairing units and ran out of stock
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action recall mentioned by one owner; recall campaign number not provided in narratives; one owner on waitlist had repair cancelled when dealer stopped repairs
Passenger airbag off light illuminates intermittently or constantly even when an adult is seated, indicating the occupant classification system (OCS) fails to detect passenger presence. Recall campaign 14V138000 attempted to address this via software reload, but problem persists in multiple vehicles. Safety risk if airbag does not deploy in crash.
When: Reported from early ownership through later years; persists after recall software updates
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off light stays on or illuminates frequently when passenger seated; Occupant detection fails intermittently; Light does not turn off even with passenger in seat; Requires restart to temporarily reset (per one owner)
Codes mentioned: OCS (Occupant Classification System) fault
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had compressor replaced; one mentions need for sensor and back assembly replacement (~$2400 estimate); dealers unable/unwilling to replace parts without failure codes per manufacturer policy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 14V138000 (Airbags, Electrical System) applied; software reloaded; parts replacement denied unless failure code present; manufacturer told dealer they will not pay for no-failure part replacement; one owner told 'some of these cars will have this failure and nothing can be done'
Instrument cluster intermittently goes blank, blinks on and off, or becomes unreadable. Owners report mileage display and gear indicator obscured or completely dark, especially in hot weather. Suspected wiring short or electrical connection issue.
When: Intermittent; worsens in temperatures over 95–100°F
Symptoms owners cite: Mileage screen blinks on and off, stays black most of the time; Cannot see current mileage; Cannot see gear indicator on dashboard; Dashboard lights up and blinks when temperature exceeds 95–100°F; Wiring issue suspected by owner
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects wiring short or poor electrical connection; no repairs documented
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at various speeds or stopped, with no check engine light illuminating to warn driver. Inability to restart immediately poses safety hazard, especially on highways.
When: Various mileages; one at 84k, one at 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly without warning; No engine light comes on to alert driver; Stalling occurs at highway speeds and low speeds; Vehicle may restart after multiple attempts; Intermittent recurrence
Codes mentioned: Camshaft position sensor fault (one case at 70k miles)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's dealer diagnosed failed camshaft sensor; other cases undiagnosed
Infotainment screen and backup camera fail to power on or freeze/become unresponsive. Owners report complete black screen with no power; navigation system freezes; audio/speakers malfunction.
When: From early ownership through later years; intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen black, no power; Backup camera non-functional; Navigation system freezes or doesn't work at all; No warning lights preceding failure; Lights on system flickering on and off; Back and top speakers stopped working
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted ~$200 diagnostic fee; one owner declined; no repairs documented in complaints
Vehicle fails to recognize valid key or key fob, displaying key invalid warnings. Car alarm sounds unexpectedly when using door buttons or fob unlock button. Issues persist even after dealer battery replacement and software updates. One case reports shift lock needing replacement.
When: At 5k–18k miles; intermittent recurrence after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't recognize key, displays key invalid message; Requires multiple restart attempts to recognize key; Alarm sounds when pressing door lock/unlock button or using fob; Fob unlock button triggers alarm unpredictably; Door won't unlock after alarm trigger; alarm stops on second button press; Happens with either factory key fob
Repairs/costs cited: Shift lock replaced in one case; fob batteries replaced by dealer in another; problems recurred in both
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan won't authorize service without reproducible failure or stored code; will not involve upper-level technicians for intermittent issues
Sudden loss of all electrical power while driving, including lights, steering assist, and engine control. One case involved accidental ignition button press while coasting. Vehicle becomes difficult to steer and cannot be restarted immediately.
When: Varies; one during highway cruise at night; one from accidental ignition button press
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Lights dim and fail; Engine shuts off mid-drive; Steering becomes heavy/locked; No emergency lights to warn other drivers; Headlights continue to dim as owner tries to pull over
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find issues; no repairs made
Headlamps fail to remain illuminated when steering wheel is turned left or right. Electrical connection appears to be affected by steering wheel position.
When: At 98k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlamp fails when steering wheel turned left or right; Intermittent lighting loss during turns; Stalling also reported in same vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Appointment scheduled at dealer but status unknown
Power door locks lock and unlock on their own without driver input, triggered by steering wheel turning or driving over bumps. Door opening warning light illuminates after failure.
When: At ~100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock randomly; Triggered by steering wheel movement or road bumps; No warning prior to failure; Door opening warning light illuminates after occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not notified
Sunroof leaks water into cabin and vehicle compressor fails, affecting AC and defrost function. Water accumulation causes mold and mildew growth. Compressor replacement required; same issue recurs within a year.
When: Compressor failure recurs at ~1 year post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof leaks during rain; Water accumulates in floor boards and headliner; Mold and mildew growth causes respiratory issues; Air conditioning doesn't cool; Defrost inoperable (safety hazard); Compressor fails again after previous replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replacement cost $1200; same failure recurred within one year
Air conditioning system works intermittently or not at all. One owner replaced compressor; same issue occurred again. Suspected software issue by senior software engineer owner.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; compressor replaced and failed again
Symptoms owners cite: AC intermittently working whenever it chooses; Complete AC failure; Compressor failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replaced; same issue recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner suspects software issue in control system
Hood latch failure causes hood to open while vehicle in motion, striking roof and interior. One owner had hood pop open and smash roof/visor/ceiling onto lap. Recall exists but repairs not completed; one owner reports hood continues to not latch and will not be repaired until solution available.
When: Varies; one reported on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Hood pops open while driving; Hood does not latch or latch fails intermittently; Hood strikes roof and interior components; Lighting and visor broken; Roof and hood damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealer told owner repair cannot occur until they have a solution; hood flying open caused interior damage requiring repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hood latch recall exists; Nissan says they will fix once a solution is available; repair stopped/delayed for some owners
Rear taillight housings fog up internally due to moisture ingress. Replacement housings also fog up and are installed incorrectly in some cases. Dealership inconsistency in recognizing problem; parts sent back when not replaced timely.
When: Various ownership periods
Symptoms owners cite: Rear taillight housings fog up badly; Internal condensation/moisture visible; Fogging persists or recurs after replacement; Replacement housings have marks, missing parts, and scratches
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement taillight housings installed incorrectly; parts sent back by dealership when not replaced immediately
Battery dies repeatedly despite recent replacement or charged state. Vehicle won't start; underlying electrical drain or charging system issue suspected.
When: At 11k miles; battery replaced previously but continues to die
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies repeatedly; Vehicle won't start; No obvious cause identified; Repeats even after new battery installation
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; issue persists despite dealer check
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer checked previously and found nothing wrong
Multiple transmission-related complaints including CVT judder (common in 2013–2017 Nissans), failure to accelerate over 25 mph, erratic acceleration behavior, and transmission stuck in gear. Check engine lights come on intermittently but code may be misread (e.g., O2 sensor instead of transmission).
When: Various; some early in ownership; CVT issues common in 2013–2017 models
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate or accelerates erratically; Cannot exceed 25 mph despite depressed pedal; Loud abnormal noise and uncontrollable vibration; CVT judder detected (repeated check engine code); Transmission stuck in gear, won't shift; Hesitation or jerking on acceleration; Engine rattling noise when revving up
Codes mentioned: CVT Judder fault code, Transmission codes (misidentified as O2 or fuel pump codes in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement quoted at $6000; no recalls issued despite widespread reports online; dealers misdiagnose (e.g., catalytic converter when code shows O2 sensor); fuel pump replacement did not resolve transmission issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple repair shops confirming CVT judder as known issue in 2013–2017 models
Fuel pump failure or electrical issue causing engine-related faults. One rental car had check engine light on/off intermittently; inspection found unsecured spark plugs with missing screws and oil present.
When: Varies
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on/off intermittently; Fuel pump failure; Spark plugs not secured, missing screws; Oil present in spark plug area; Cooling reservoir cap missing
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs found unsecured with missing screws; cooling reservoir top missing, leaving system exposed
Fuel economy display and fuel gauge show incorrect readings. Speedometer gauge also inaccurate. Related electrical or sensor malfunction.
When: At ~30k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge displays incorrect fuel level; Fuel economy display inaccurate; Speedometer reading incorrect
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware
Vehicle caught fire while driving on interstate highway. All dashboard lights came on prior to fire. Total loss event.
When: While driving on I-10
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminated; Vehicle caught fire while driving; Complete vehicle loss
Repairs/costs cited: Police report filed; insurance claim filed (liability only, not covered)
Brake caliper issue defeats the push-button start safety feature that requires brake pedal depression. Vehicle can be started without brakes applied; car can be shifted into gear without brake engaged. Safety risk, especially with children in vehicle.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Car starts without brake pedal pressed; Shift lock disabled, car shifts into gear without brake; Car continues running after key removed; Can drive off without key in ignition; Brake caliper malfunction masks brake status to electrical system
Repairs/costs cited: Brake caliper issue identified as root cause
Emergency brake does not disable cruise control when applied. In emergency situation, releasing emergency brake causes engine to attempt acceleration while cruise is still active, creating safety hazard.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake application does not cut cruise control; Cruise control remains active after pulling emergency brake; Releasing emergency brake triggers engine acceleration attempt while cruise active; Dashboard shows brake light, but cruise control does not disengage
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes one simple software change could fix this
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner submitted complaint to NHTSA (ODI #10585659) and NHTSA case #; no response as of complaint date
Windshield cracked in same location as reported by multiple other 2014 Nissan Altima SL owners, suggesting design or manufacturing defect.
When: Various ownership periods
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield crack in specific location; Crack pattern consistent across multiple vehicles of same model/trim
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Lane detection system and blind spot indicator deactivate when windshield washer fluid runs low. Safety features disabled for arbitrary software reason unrelated to safety.
When: When wiper fluid low
Symptoms owners cite: Lane detection system deactivates; Blind spot indicator stops working; Safety features disabled when windshield washer fluid depleted
Repairs/costs cited: Issue corrected by refilling wiper fluid
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Intentional software behavior (though owner questions safety logic)
Water rushes into cabin through steering column area after driving through deep puddle. Suggests poor weatherproofing or sealing of steering column.
When: After water exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Water enters cabin on driver's side under steering wheel; Water rushes in through steering column area
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Vehicle computer software update incompatible with 5G network infrastructure. Update only compatible with 3G networks. Vehicle failed to start after software update; display and instrument panel blank.
When: After software update at ~50k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Display screen and instrument panel blank; Vehicle inoperable after software update; Software version incompatible with current network infrastructure
Repairs/costs cited: Computer software updated to new version; resolved issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan authorized software update but version incompatible with 5G networks
Heater constantly squeals and blows multiple fuses. Multiple fuse boxes require location and inspection to identify which fuse keeps failing.
When: 2021 model year mentioned
Symptoms owners cite: Heater makes continuous squealing noise; Heater blows multiple fuses; Multiple fuse boxes present, making diagnostics difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative
Engine revs up to 3k–4k rpm while driving steady 40 mph without driver input. Issue recurs years after initial shop visit. Also reported as sputtering and shaking at 3k mile intervals.
When: 2017 model; recurred 6 years later; 2022 model
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 3k–4k rpm at steady 40 mph; Unintended acceleration noise; Engine sputters and car shakes at certain mileage intervals (3k miles); Issue recurs after previous repair
Repairs/costs cited: 2017 vehicle brought to shop after purchase; issue recurred later
Window tint becomes discolored, crispy, and impossible to see through. Suggests defective factory tint application or degradation.
When: 2022 model
Symptoms owners cite: Window tint impossible to see through; Tint becomes crispy/brittle to touch; Reduced visibility through affected windows
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative
Internal lighting used to illuminate gear shift indicator no longer works. Makes manual gear selection difficult in low light.
When: 2021 model
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift illumination non-functional; Cannot see gear selection in low light conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
I was driving on the freeway and my hood popped up and smashed my roof and everything inside the ceiling onto my lap. The lighting and visor broken. Roof and hood damaged. I luckily survived this. I am leading this car. I took it to Nissan when this happened. They said they’d fix it but it’s been months and now no answer.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 59 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.