2014 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,103 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2014 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2014 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2014 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Nissan Altima has 1,103 owner complaints, 51 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Headlight/Taillight Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,103
- Crash-related complaints
- 51
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 31
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Nissan Altima?
The 2014 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 1103 complaints for the 2014 Nissan Altima, issues are concentrated in headlight/taillight failures, transmission/drivetrain problems, and airbag malfunctions. The data suggests these components may be recurring concerns, though the confidence level is low due to the nature of consumer-reported data.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Transmission / Drivetrain and Airbag Malfunctions are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints total 51, which is a small fraction of overall complaints.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2014 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 297 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 209 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 205 | 32 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 127 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 82 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 80 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 71 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 58 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 52 | 9 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | 4 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 27 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Hi, my name is [XXX] . I rented a car through [XXX] , and I need to report serious mechanical issues. All of the spark plugs are not secured, as they are missing screws, and oil is present. The only reason i know is because of the check light engine being on one minute and off th…
The dash indicates the driver side air bag is not operational. After the car starts, the air bag indicator stays on, indicating the driver's air bag is defective. If I were in an accident, the Nissan dealership told me the air bag would not deploy. The car was inspected by the de…
After a month of purchase this car from a buy here pay here lot they offer no help my transmission slipping going cost about $4000 to get repaired
Air bag light stays on and seatbelt light comes on even when nothing is in seat.
Headlights on Nissan Altima started to dim, even when replacing bulbs. There was a settlement to get the bulbs replaced: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
In my altima I've noticed over the few years of ownership occasionally the passenger airbag light wouldn't go off for a few minutes sometimes like it wasn't recognizing a passenger was occupying the vehicle. Then it started occasionally not recognizing the occupant, now it will n…
We took our Nissan for repair of recalled Headlights and was told they had no more headlight assemblies, they have to reorder. I got on waiting list. I called a couple of times to check on headlight shipment. Theni finally went back and they told me they stopped repairing headlig…
I was reversing out of a spot and I heard a loud bang. When I looked my rear control on my passenger side had broken due to rust and corrosion. I reached out to Nissan because I saw there was a voluntary recall and I had never received any information. When I contacted them they …
Sept 1 2025 hood latch failed causing hood to fly open to full vertical position causing body damage to both fenders and completely taking away visibility of roadway. Latch was replaced by Nissan dealer in 2022 for recall. Nissan dealer verified failed component and replaced at n…
I am writing to formally escalate a serious safety issue with my 2014 Nissan Altima. My vehicle is affected by the known halogen headlamp delamination defect, which Nissan has previously acknowledged in a warranty extension and service campaign. Recently, because of the dangerou…
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the air bag might deploy a…
My transmission blew out of nowhere on my 2014 Nissan Altima. It’s 6,200 to fix… I had to get it towed.
Supplemental Airbag Warning Light solid red, does not go off. Occurred after oil change done at dealership 1/13/2025. Dealer found code B0020, recommended part 87650-3TD6G, seat back replacement, parts and labor for repairs $2,950.
1. Component/System Failed: Halogen headlamp assemblies (low beams) malfunctioned due to delamination of the reflective surface, causing dimming. Available for inspection upon request. I have had the issue for years. Hard to see at night. 2. Safety Risk: Dim low beams reduce ni…
My son purchased a used 2014 Nissan Altima 4 months ago from a dealership. He noticed it shuttering, delayed acceleration and not having power as well as a noise from the transmission. It had no check engine light but the code P17F1 CVT Judder came up. We looked for recalls and t…
While driving, the Altima’s rear control arm and suspension links broke due to corrosion resulting in loss of safe control of the vehicle. Nissan is aware that this is a problem with this year and make vehicle. They issued an extension of the warranty for this issue. This should …
Airbag readiness lamp does not turn off, steady illumination
Rear passenger wheel has been rattling for a year. While driving (right now), car began to fishtail going approx 35mph. Was able to pull off and avoid accident. Upon examination, described wheel is no longer facing forward and is facing inward. Likely that the rear controller sna…
I just bought auction, Door was crash, I had it fix Wheel sight now are good. My name is [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 4 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driver's side wheel well of the vehicle. The contact stated upon shifting to drive(D), the contact noticed that the vehicle was wobb…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Nissan Altima.
2014 Nissan Altima Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Nissan Altima. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,103 owner complaints, 51 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (297 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (209 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (205 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 51 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 1,103 total complaints. 58 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2014 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.