Without warning, both sideview mirrors, plus the blindspot warning system began to not work. Mirror adjustments failed to work on both sides and also the blindspot warning light stopped working when a vehicle would pass. I proceeded to take my vehicle to Regal Nissan, Inc., located at 1090 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076, 770-998-8686 on December 19, 2023 at approximately 2:00pm, and…
2019 Nissan Altima electrical problems
severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 51 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Nissan Altima has widespread electrical and safety issues: door lock actuators fail repeatedly (sometimes multiple times on the same car), check engine lights persist without lasting fixes, batteries drain excessively, and infotainment systems malfunction dangerously while driving. Forward collision warning and emergency brake systems have both failed when needed. Buy only if willing to commit time and money to recurring repairs.
Door lock actuators are the main complaint across these 50 narratives. Owners report that one or multiple doors—typically passenger and rear doors—stop responding to the key fob or interior lock/unlock buttons. Some have to manually lock and unlock doors; others experience doors that won't open when unlocked, with the latch staying engaged. Several owners report this happens repeatedly, with actuators failing again after dealer replacement. One owner had all four door actuators replaced at least twice, and two others replaced them three or four times. One owner paid $400 per door for repair; another faced a $1,000 estimate.
Radio and infotainment issues are common. Owners describe the radio changing stations by itself at full volume, unresponsive volume controls, and the radio turning on when the car is off. The steering-wheel controls sometimes don't work either. One owner was unable to shut off the radio or adjust volume while driving 70 mph on the interstate, causing them to jerk into another lane.
Check engine lights and engine malfunction warnings plague many owners. Codes point to a Mass Air Flow Sensor and Grille Shutter Actuator. One owner replaced the MAF sensor but the problem recurred. Owners describe rough idling, engine shutdowns, and "power reduced" warnings. The active grille shutter itself fails, causing overheating; one mechanic reported seeing four 2019 Altimas in one week with this part on backorder.
Battery drain is a recurring electrical issue. Multiple owners have had to replace the battery twice or three times within a few years. Some experience starting failures requiring jump-starts.
Window regulators and power windows fail. One owner's passenger window gets stuck and won't function without turning the car off and back on.
Forward collision warning and intelligent pilot features have failed to activate when needed, per owner accounts. One owner reported a deer detection failure at 30 mph that resulted in a crash.
Same Nissan Altima electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Door Lock Actuators
Multiple door lock actuators fail, preventing doors from locking or unlocking via key fob or interior buttons. Owners report passenger-side and rear-door failures most frequently. Doors may be stuck locked or unlock randomly while driving. Problem recurs—some owners have had actuators replaced multiple times.
When: Between 35,000 and 75,000 miles; some failures reported as early as 2021 (around 50,000 miles), others at later mileages. One owner reports first failure at approximately 50,000 miles in 2021, progressing to all actuators failing.
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob does not lock or unlock specific doors; Interior lock/unlock buttons on door panel do not function; Doors must be manually locked and unlocked; Doors unlock randomly while vehicle is driving; Door latch stays engaged even when door appears unlocked; Door will not open because latch remains engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of individual actuators reported at $400 per door. Some owners have had the same actuator replaced 2–4 times. One owner estimates $1,000 for all-door repair. Extended warranty covered one owner's door lock repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Nissan refused repair and directed them to NHTSA; another mentions extended warranty coverage. Most dealers confirm the problem and repair under warranty if in coverage; post-warranty repairs charged to owner. No recall mentioned.
Radio and Infotainment Malfunction
Radio abruptly changes stations at full volume, volume controls become unresponsive, and radio turns on when car is off. Steering-wheel volume controls sometimes do not work. Owner reports dealer has validated the issue multiple times but is unable to repair it.
When: Random occurrences while driving and at rest. One owner reports problem since 2021 purchase. Another incident occurred while driving 70 mph on interstate.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio changes stations by itself at high volume; Volume cannot be adjusted via steering-wheel controls or radio knob; Unable to turn off the radio; Radio turns on when vehicle is off; Steering-wheel volume control unresponsive; Bluetooth and CarPlay audio volume decreases on its own
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer review and validation of issue occurred at Walzer Nissan Group (MN); unable to repair despite multiple visits and video documentation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer has reviewed video footage and confirmed issue but has not successfully repaired it.
Check Engine Light and Engine Malfunction Warnings
Check engine light stays on for extended periods. Diagnostic codes point to Mass Air Flow Sensor and Grille Shutter Actuator. Owners report engine malfunction warnings accompanied by 'reduced speed' or 'power reduced' messages, rough idling, engine shutdown, and inability to accelerate. Replacing MAF sensor does not resolve the issue in one case.
When: Persistent across ownership for 3–4 years in one case; others report recurrent failures. One owner reports rough idling typically in the morning.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine malfunction warning with 'reduced speed' or 'power reduced' message; Engine rough idle while parked; Engine shuts off while idling or driving; Loss of acceleration or engine sluggishness; Automatic emergency brake warning light and VDC light illuminate during malfunction; Engine seizes while driving
Codes mentioned: P059F (active grille shutter assembly fault), Mass Air Flow Sensor code, Grille Shutter Actuator code
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced MAF sensor new but problem recurred within days. Dealer replaced air compressor in one case. Engine computer module replacement mentioned in one case but vehicle ultimately auctioned. Rough brakes also reported after service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in multiple cases; no specific remedy or recall mentioned.
Grille Shutter Actuator Failure
Active grille shutter fails to open or close properly, causing engine overheating. Part is on backorder due to high failure rate in this model year. One mechanic reported seeing four 2019 Altimas in one week with the same failure.
When: One case at approximately 67,582 miles. Backorder status current as of complaint date.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats; Shutters remain open or do not operate; Unknown warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: P059F (active grille shutter assembly)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis confirmed grille shutter valve replacement needed. One owner unable to use car due to parts backorder. Mechanic confirmed seeing this failure pattern in multiple 2019 Altimas.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall mentioned; manufacturer made aware in one case.
Battery Drain and Electrical System Failure
Battery drains rapidly or fails to hold charge, requiring replacement multiple times within a few years. Owners report having to jump-start the vehicle and recharge battery daily. Windows and doors fail to operate when battery is weak. Starter motor may not engage.
When: Early in ownership (1–2 years after purchase in some cases) through later years. One owner replaced battery in 2021 and 2023; another replaced battery twice in 4 years.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains without apparent cause; Rapid battery discharge requiring jump-start; Car will not start without jump-start; Windows and doors fail to operate due to low battery voltage; Engine fails to crank; Must recharge battery daily to prevent failure
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement multiple times (twice to three times per owner). One owner reports jump-start in August 2024 and again in October 2024; battery checked as good but vehicle still requires jump. Dealer unable to duplicate electrical failure in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in one case and opened a case; no resolution provided. No recall mentioned.
Starting Failures
Vehicle intermittently fails to start or stalls unexpectedly. In one case, key detection fails entirely and requires programming a new key; computer module later found faulty. Push-to-Start button does not engage. One owner's engine seized while entering roadway at 15 mph with no warning light.
When: One case at 20,000 miles; another at approximately 65,515 miles. One case at 9,000 miles. One owner stranded after 1.5 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start on multiple attempts; Key detection fails; 'key ID incorrect' warning appears; Push-to-Start button does not engage; Engine stalls while driving with no warning light; Engine seizure; Vehicle must be towed
Codes mentioned: 'Key ID incorrect' warning message
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed faulty computer module; vehicle ultimately auctioned off rather than repaired due to cost. One owner stranded at gas station out of town; dealer offered trade-in only. Multiple cases unable to be replicated by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed in some cases but no recall or repair program mentioned. Dealers unable to provide solution in several cases.
Power Window Failure
Front passenger window stops operating, getting stuck in down position. Window may work briefly after turning car off and back on but fails again. Master switch replacement and window regulator replacement have both been unsuccessful in one case.
When: Failure reported in recent months. One owner notes window issue started in past 3 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger window will not go up; Window remains stuck in down position; Window may operate after car restart but fails again
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had master switch replaced without success, then window regulator replaced, but issue persists. Owner left window down and covered with plastic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned.
Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Pilot Failure
Intelligent Pilot feature fails to detect obstacles (e.g., a deer at 30 mph), resulting in no warning lights or activation. Forward Collision Warning sensor fails to respond in timely manner, contributing to minor fender bender. Warning lights display 'not working' message but reset after car is turned off, only to reappear when driving resumes.
When: One failure at approximately 9,000 miles. Recurring issues reported.
Symptoms owners cite: No warning light when obstacle detected; Intelligent Pilot does not activate when needed; Forward Collision Warning light says system not working; Warning light resets when car is turned off but reappears when driving; Sensor does not respond in timely manner
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's collision warning failure resulted in minor fender bender. Owner was required to swerve into 18-wheeler truck due to lack of system activation. Vehicle had Parking Sensor Error and Chassis Control System Error messages illuminate post-accident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned; no notification made in one case.
Automatic Emergency Brake Malfunction
Automatic emergency brake failed to activate in a rear-end collision scenario, but has subsequently activated multiple times on its own with no vehicles ahead or in view, creating a safety hazard.
When: Failure occurred in July during rear-end collision; subsequent false activations on city streets and highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake does not activate when needed (rear-end collision scenario); Emergency brake applies multiple times on its own with no obstacle present; False activations on city streets and highways
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned. Dealer stated no knowledge of issue and unwilling to work with owner on failure and damages.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unwilling to address issue; no manufacturer involvement mentioned.
Fuel Tank Gauge and Sensor Malfunction
Fuel tank gauge displays empty when fuel is present in tank. Burnt smell and loud static noise emanate from vehicle even when car is off.
When: Problem reported shortly after purchase in May 2019.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads empty when fuel is in tank; Burnt smell from vehicle; Loud static noise even when car is off
Rear Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera malfunctions. Platinum series Altima has an existing recall for this issue, but SL line does not, despite experiencing the same failure.
When: Issue ongoing for about one month as of complaint date.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera not functioning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for Platinum series but not for SL line, despite identical failure.
Heated Seat Failure
Heating seat does not function.
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat not working
Lane Departure Warning and Steering Assist Misalignment
Lane departure warning and steering assist systems not aligning properly.
Symptoms owners cite: Lane departure warning not aligning properly; Steering assist not aligning properly
HVAC System Failure
Vent control function for heat and air conditioner fails to operate. Air compressor replacement needed but owner concerned OEM part is faulty and will not provide permanent remedy.
When: Failure mileage not available. Owner's previous 2016 Altima also experienced same issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Vent control function does not operate; Heat and air conditioner not working
Repairs/costs cited: Air compressor replacement diagnosed and performed by dealer. Owner expressed concern that replacement may not be permanent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner requested vehicle buyback if no permanent remedy found.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Back seat doors do not lock when pressing the automatic lock button located on the inside of the doors, and when pressing the lock button on the remote key. Vehicle was stationary.
Passenger and Rear Doors do not unlock with the electronic locks or manually, has happened multiple times.
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start. Additionally, the battery drained quickly, causing the windows and doors to fail to open. The contact had to recharge the battery every day to prevent the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact related the failure to…
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start-up after multiple attempts while depressing the Push to Start button. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,000 and 67,582 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,000; a quarter make it past 67,582. 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 $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.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.