At the shop, Nissan lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 809 documented complaints across 37 year-model entries from 2005 to 2020 is consistent with what we see come in. The 2014 Nissan Altima is the standout — roughly 34% of the lighting complaint volume on Nissan's record traces to that year-model. 24 crash reports and 12 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Across the 281 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 76,448 miles. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin NISSAN / LIGHTING
37 model-year entries · 2005–2020
Nissan lighting problems
809 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Nissan vehicles for lighting issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
809
Recalls
5
Year-models
37
Avg fix
$250
24crashes
1fire
12injuries
Worst-affected Nissan model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Nissan Altima
279 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Nissan Altima
260 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Nissan Altima
36 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Nissan Sentra
19 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2014 Nissan Maxima
17 complaints · ~$250 severe
2017 Nissan Altima
15 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Nissan Altima
12 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Nissan Sentra
12 complaints · ~$250 severe
2005 Nissan Altima
12 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Nissan Sentra
11 complaints · ~$250 severe
2013 Nissan Pathfinder
9 complaints · ~$250 severe
2013 Nissan Maxima
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Nissan Rogue
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Nissan Sentra
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Nissan Rogue
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Nissan Altima
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Nissan Rogue
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2014 Nissan Pathfinder
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2006 Nissan Altima
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Nissan Rogue
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2012 Nissan Versa
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2020 Nissan Sentra
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2020 Nissan Rogue
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Nissan lighting 10 on file
Nissan North America, Inc
If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. If the brake lights remain illuminated, other drivers may fail to stop when the vehicle actually brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. If the driver inadvertently shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and, as necessary, replace the relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Certain tyc halogen type headlamp assemblies p/n 20-6644-00 sold as aftermarket equipment for 2005-2006 Nissan altima passenger vehicles
Misalignment of the lights diminishes frontal illumination which could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Genera will notify owners and offer to repurchase the noncompliant lamps. The recall began on october 25, 2007. Owners can contact genera at 714-522-6688.
Nissan North America, Inc
If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Nissan North America, Inc
Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Nissan North America, Inc
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Nissan North America, Inc
An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R20B4.
Nissan North America, Inc
The incorrect marks may cause the headlights to be aimed incorrectly during servicing, resulting in insufficient illumination of the road while driving at night, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the headlight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC751.
Nissan North America, Inc
Daytime running lights that dim unexpectedly may cause confusion to other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C3.
Nissan North America, Inc
Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-side headlight as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 20, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD121.
Nissan North America, Inc
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Common questions
How many Nissan lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
809 complaints across 37 model-year entries from 2005 to 2020. 5 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Nissan lineup.
Which Nissan model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2014 Nissan Altima leads with 279 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 Altima (260) and 2016 Altima (36).
What does it cost to fix Nissan lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Nissan lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Nissan lighting recalls?
Yes — 10 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Nissan vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Nissan.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.