Car Yearsto Avoid

2017 Nissan Altima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2017 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 392 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, airbags and acceleration and speed control.

392 complaints 3 recalls, 1 injury risk 8th worst of 17 Altima years

Top 2017 Nissan Altima problems

1

Transmission problems

133 complaints (34%) name the transmission, most often the CVT.

Complaints 133 · Usually at 50,000–88,000 miles

2

Airbag problems

73 complaints (19%) name the airbags, most often the SRS malfunction warning lamp / light.

Complaints 73 · Usually at 33,000–74,000 miles

3

Acceleration problems

41 complaints (11%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.

Complaints 41 · Usually at 57,000–90,000 miles

4

Engine problems

40 complaints (10%) name the engine.

Complaints 40 · Usually at 43,000–102,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Airbags 19%
Unknown or Other 16%
Acceleration 11%
Engine 10%
Electrical 7%
Brakes 5%
Lights 5%
Body 5%
Fuel System 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (154 of 392). The amber line is the middle value, about 59,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2017 Nissan Altima recalls

Latch

If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time. Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂ’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

Recall 20V315000 · May 2020

Rear door can open unexpectedly while driving

Injury risk

A cable in the rear passenger door may have been routed incorrectly during a earlier repair, so it can catch on the window mechanism. When the window is lowered, the door can unlatch and swing open without warning, which puts rear passengers at higher risk of injury if it happens while the car is moving.

Fix: Your dealer will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using a new procedure, and this repair is free of charge.

Recall 18V915000 · Dec 2018

Latch

The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open. If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge.

Recall 17V040000 · Jan 2017
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2017 Nissan Altima gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Altima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2017 Nissan Altima problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 392 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, airbags and acceleration and speed control.

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Altima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the transmission, airbags, acceleration and speed control and engine. 133 complaints (34%) name the transmission, most often the CVT.

At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Altima transmission problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–88,000 miles, with a middle value near 68,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Altima have?

3. Latch (20V315000); Rear door can open unexpectedly while driving (18V915000); Latch (17V040000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2017 Nissan Altima?

Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.