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Engine & cooling

2017 Nissan Altima Engine problems

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2017 Nissan Altima's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on November 2, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and I felt the car jump and it felt like it was losing power and kicking me at the same time. It wanted to stall out. So I had to pull over to the far right lane and it continued to make a screaming noise when I would push on the had and not want to accelerate.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11775112
Engine & cooling

Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the...

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transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11697998
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Check engine light came on at approximately 96,000 miles in which vehicle would have a delayed acceleration upon stepping on gas pedal or going up hills. Took it to 3 different mechanics including Nissan dealer and all confirmed a CVT failure and need a replacement. Nissan of America is refusing to help even after there have been documented lawsuits and known issues with the CVT failing. This is unsafe and a recall is needed not just an extended warranty that doesn't help consumers who are over the 7 years but still under 100,000 miles like me.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11696679
Engine & cooling

The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. I couldn't accelerate pass 35-40 mph when I was driving. Thankfully it was bumper to bumper traffic.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11685138
Engine & cooling

The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11675649
Engine & cooling

2017 Nissan Altima with CVT transmission losses acceleration while driving.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11674744
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine and oxygen sensor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the oxygen sensor warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken for an oil change and the certified mechanic determined that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact...

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stated that the #4-cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized, and the contact used a key to unlock the gear shifter. The contact also became aware that the oil level was continually low. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic again, who tested the cylinders and diagnosed and determined that the cylinders had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11671582
Engine & cooling

I need to preface this by stating I fundamentally don't understand how an issue that directly results in the failure of inspection which dictates road safety/emissions quality and was identified by two mechanics as a part known to fail cannot be under a recall. The part addressed is #14001-3TA1E but more specifically it is an issue with the value position sensor. It is a small part which dicates whether the Swirl or tumble control activates which triggers the P2004. If you look up the code it's common side effects...

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are as follows: Decrease in low-end engine torque: You may notice a decrease in acceleration, particularly at low RPM levels. Engine surging or sputtering: The engine may run unevenly, particularly when starting up. Sluggishness: The vehicle may feel less responsive to the throttle. Difficulty reaching higher speeds: You may find it challenging to accelerate quickly or reach your desired speed. Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly and potentially stall at low speeds or while idling. 2. Decreased Fuel Economy: The IMRC system's primary function is to optimize the air/fuel mixture for different driving conditions. When it's not functioning correctly due to being stuck open, it can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 3. Check Engine Light (CEL) Illumination: The Check Engine Light (or Service Engine Soon Light) will likely illuminate when the P2004 code is triggered. This is often the first indicator that something is wrong. 4. Potential for Severe Engine Damage: This is the most critical side effect. If the hardware for the IMRC butterfly valve plates becomes loose and falls into the engine, it can cause severe engine damage or even engine failure. This being said you would think it would be an easily replacable part. Not in the slightest you have to buy an entire manifold 1300 msrp through nissan with no gurantee of it fixing the light. I have had instances of stalling / sluggishness since it has come on. This seems imparitive to vehicle safety.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11665137
Engine & cooling

CVT Transmission issue. This Car has delayed acceleration.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11660225
Engine & cooling

Car loses acceleration while driving. Problems with CVT engine

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11658854
Engine & cooling

I was driving my vehicle, and the vehicle had a unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11650416
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while exiting a car wash, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC code: P0130 (Oxygen Sensor). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11618642
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Engine control unit failure

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11618123
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, inadvertently shifting between gears, and then lost motive power. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,960.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11604684
Engine & cooling

The CVT transmission stopped working there was no warning or anything it just stopped. There was no warning light or anything, we took it to a mechanic and they confirmed that the transmission went out. I called the dealership where i bought it and they said they can't do anything and i have no warranty. We were driving on the interstate and it just randomly stopped working which was incredibly dangerous.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11574451
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure continued and became persistent. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was...

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almost rear-ended by a semi-trailer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Power trainNHTSA 11574270
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving on the highway, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and then independently decelerated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact then stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the gear shifter failed to engage. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11481134
Engine & cooling

Transmission failure at 78,000 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11471881
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11470203
Engine & coolingCrash

The transmission on my 2017 Nissan Altima is stalling. It stall when I accelerate and in the middle of driving. This is a safety issue and has caused me to be in a recent accident.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11448095
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Transmission problems Brake system is horrible, constantly have to replace brakes and rotors Powertrain and other problems I've made several complaints to Nissan, I have put so much money in this car! Compressor went out almost 7 months after I purchased this car. I would give Nissan a 0 rating on the 2017 Nissan Altima

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11427762
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was slow to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The rpm increased to 4,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,700.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11423149
SuspensionEngine & cooling

All the suden I will start my car and give it gas and will not move as if it was being force to run. This has happen many time after this day.

Filed Incident Suspension · EngineNHTSA 11399947
Engine & cooling

Car stopped when on stop light was in motion and never came back have to towe the car . Some time it start and sometime not . So it's scary if you press the brake and stops and someone from behind can hit you .

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11396206
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Transmission started to slip in early 2019. Went to dealership immediately to be informed that the cvt transmission needed to be replaced. Dealership quoted us $5600 for the repair of a rebuilt. We looked at the error code and saw that all other years and models had already been recalled due to the exact same error. Nissan told us they would give us "assistance" at 60%, which still was over $1600 expense, for a car just 2 years old. The car was at the dealership for 3 weeks. When I picked up the vehicle, the check engine light came on again. Took it right back. Nissan informed me it was a faulty oxygen sensor. Cost another $800. We will never buy another nissan again.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11385099

Nissan Altima engine complaints by year

Altima engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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