2017 Nissan Altima engine problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 Nissan Altima with these complaints shows serious engine reliability and safety issues: IMRC valve sensor failures trigger expensive manifold replacements with uncertain outcomes, oxygen sensors and related ignition components fail repeatedly, and multiple owners report underhood fires, sudden stalling at highway speeds, and CVT transmission failure with no warning. Buyers should have any prospective purchase fully inspected and avoid high-mileage examples showing warning lights or any service history involving engine work.
Owners describe widespread engine and powertrain failures on the 2017 Altima. The intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve position sensor (part #14001-3TA1E) fails and triggers a P2004 code; Nissan's fix is a $1,300 manifold replacement with no guarantee of success. Oxygen sensors fail repeatedly even after replacement, and spark plugs and ignition coils degrade in tandem with broader engine wear.
More alarming: multiple owners report engine fires under the hood, one at just 10,000 miles and another at unknown mileage. A third owner noticed engine smell for a month, then the car caught fire and shut down. Beyond fires, owners describe sudden stalling without warning—on the interstate, at railroad crossings, in traffic—creating serious collision hazards. One owner's vehicle decelerated abruptly at 60 mph.
CVT transmission failures are also common. One owner reported complete transmission stoppage on the interstate with no prior warning light. Another found burnt transmission fluid and a slipping transmission that won't engage proper gears; the dealership refused further work. A third documented gear shifter seizure alongside transmission issues and chronically low oil levels. At 148,000 miles, one vehicle's cylinders failed outright after a cascade of repairs to sensors, plugs, coils, and gaskets. Low mileage (10,000 miles) and high mileage (153,000 miles) examples both appear affected, suggesting systemic rather than wear-related defects.
Same Nissan Altima engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve Position Sensor Failure
Valve position sensor (part #14001-3TA1E) fails, preventing proper operation of the swirl/tumble control valve. The stuck valve triggers P2004 code and can cause loss of engine torque, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and potential severe engine damage if internal hardware breaks loose inside the engine.
When: Mileage not specified; owner describes recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light (P2004 code); Decrease in low-end engine torque and acceleration; Engine surging or sputtering; Sluggishness and poor throttle response; Difficulty reaching higher speeds; Rough idle and potential stalling
Codes mentioned: P2004
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan requires replacement of entire intake manifold assembly at $1,300 MSRP, with no guarantee of resolving the warning light. Owner reports repair attempts by independent mechanics but ongoing issues.
Oxygen Sensor Malfunction
Oxygen sensor fails, triggering warning lights. Replacement does not permanently resolve the issue; warning light reappears after repair.
When: 153,000 miles (narrative #6); also noted in narrative #2 but no mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Engine and oxygen sensor warning lights illuminated; Check Engine Light (P0130 code)
Codes mentioned: P0130
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensor replaced but warning light illuminated again after repair; owner not repaired by independent mechanic per narrative #6
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in narrative #6 per owner statement
Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils Failure
Spark plugs and ignition coils require replacement after oxygen sensor repair. Owner reports multiple repair cycles with persistent warning lights.
When: ~148,000 miles (narrative #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine and oxygen sensor warning lights remain illuminated after previous repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced; warning lights persisted
Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
Number 4 cylinder head gasket fails after spark plug and coil replacement attempts. Related to broader engine wear and failure pattern documented at 148,000 miles.
When: ~148,000 miles (narrative #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Warning lights still illuminated after previous repairs; Low oil level (continual loss)
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head gasket replaced but warning lights remained illuminated
Complete Cylinder Failure
Cylinders fail completely after extensive troubleshooting including oxygen sensor, spark plugs, ignition coils, and gasket replacement. Represents end-of-life engine failure.
When: ~148,000 miles (narrative #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple prior warning lights and repair failures indicate underlying cylinder damage
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinders diagnosed as failed by certified mechanic; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed of failure per narrative #2
Engine Fire - Underhood Origin
Engine catches fire while driving or parked without warning, with fire starting under the hood. Two separate fire incidents reported at very different mileages (10,000 and unknown), indicating distinct causation events rather than single defect pattern.
When: 10,000 miles (narrative #3); unknown mileage (narrative #5); narrative #9 also involved fire but timing unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls during operation (narrative #3); Fire originates under the hood/in engine compartment; Burning smell from engine for about a month prior (narrative #9)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to salvage yard or impound; no diagnostic testing completed on narrative #5 vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #3: Manufacturer notified and investigation case number 31560003 issued; expected investigation timeline two weeks. Narrative #5: Manufacturer not notified.
Unexpected Vehicle Deceleration and Stalling
Engine stalls or vehicle decelerates abruptly while driving without warning, creating immediate safety hazards. Owners report intermittent stalling during traffic, at stop lights, on railroad tracks, and on the interstate.
When: Various: 35 mph (narrative #3); 75,000 miles (narrative #8); 60 mph speed indicated in narrative #13
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving without warning; Unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration; Vehicle stops at traffic lights and does not restart consistently; Intermittent stalling—sometimes starts, sometimes does not
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #8 vehicle towed to residence but not diagnosed or repaired; narrative #3 vehicle destroyed in fire
CVT Transmission Failure and Loss of Acceleration
CVT transmission fails or loses power, causing loss of acceleration while driving and complete transmission stoppage on the interstate. Multiple owners report transmission slipping, jerking, and inability to reach proper gears. One owner reports transmission failure at unknown mileage with no warning light; another reports burnt transmission fluid and slipping transmission.
When: Unknown mileage for narrative #7; narrative #4 reports issue started November 2025 on vehicle paid off October 2024
Symptoms owners cite: CVT transmission stops working without warning; Loss of acceleration while driving; Transmission slipping out of gear or not finding correct gear; Vehicle jerking and threatening to stall; Difficulty going into reverse and drive; Burnt transmission fluid; Vehicle loss of power on acceleration and uphill; Delay in acceleration when gas pedal pressed
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #7: No warning light; transmission confirmed failed by mechanic; no warranty coverage. Narrative #4: Owner replaced transmission fluid themselves due to lack of funds; dealership subsequently refused repairs. Narrative #4 also mentions gear shifter seizure requiring key to unlock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #4: Owner called Nissan with complaint and reports Nissan hung up on them
Gear Shifter Seizure
Gear shifter seized and required manual manipulation with a key to unlock and shift gears. Associated with transmission slipping and low oil level in vehicle experiencing broader engine/transmission distress.
When: ~148,000 miles (narrative #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter locked and unable to move; Required use of key to manually unlock shifter
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 88,600 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.