2017 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 377 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2017 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2017 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. 3 trims analysed.
2017 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 2017 Nissan Altima has 377 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 377
- Crash-related complaints
- 24
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 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 2017 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Nissan Altima?
The 2017 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 2017 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or rough shifting.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on drivetrain and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or rough shifting.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on drivetrain and electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 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 377 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Nissan Altima, the data suggests that transmission and drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern, followed by airbag malfunctions. There were 3 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints, though the confidence level is low due to the limited sample of one model year.
- Transmission / Drivetrain accounts for the highest number of complaints (132 out of 377).
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported component (69 complaints).
- Unintended Acceleration (38 complaints) and Engine Problems (40 complaints) are also notable.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most common complaint.
- Airbag Malfunctions are frequently reported.
- Unintended Acceleration is a recurring theme.
All 2017 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 132 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 69 | 10 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 61 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 40 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 38 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 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 2017 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The passenger airbag system failed, specifically the occupant sensor and the pad beneath the passenger seat. These components are responsible for detecting whether a passenger is present and ensuring the airbag deploys correctly in a crash. I've also been told that I may be at ri…
I was hit by a school bus on the interstate and my air bags didn't deploy. My car is throwing a code that all 4 did.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a defective aftermarket Fuyao windshield installed by Safelite in my 2017 Nissan Altima. This windshield presents a serious safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and the public. Windshield Identification: [XXX] Solar Tint Hazard Descripti…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. …
No initial incident created this problem. The airbag light randomly comes on for driver left side airbag. It has never been deployed, nor has the vehicle had any impact or damage. The computer shows fault code B0020-13 (AB Side Module Open). Despite resetting it, the light will o…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the hood unexpectedly opened and struck and cracked the windshield. Additionally, the…
Just bought a 2017 Nissan Altima SR. Took it for a ride. Attempted to merge into traffic and the car had zero acceleration once I merged and then the transmission seemed to completely disengage. The RPMs week to around 3500 so I quickly had to pull off so as not to get rear en…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linnkages) for the hood latch and was taken to the dealer, who completed the remedy on June 3, 2025. After the remedy had been completed, whi…
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…
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 Ame…
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at interse…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the front headlights were dim. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an Ex…
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the overhead console dislodged from the ceiling and fell downward, striking the driver on the head. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who deter…
Transmission
As appears to be the case with many other 2017 Nissan Altima drivers, the light indicating the Passenger Side Air Bag is OFF remains on even when adults are in the seat. When the dealership took a look at the issue, they said the Occupant Control Sensor System required replacem…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective air bag sensor and was informed that the…
The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed.
2017 Nissan Altima with CVT transmission losses acceleration while driving.
A few months ago, while at a stop light my car would not acceleration, I depressed the pedal all the way to the floor and there was no movement but rpm’s went up to 4000. I was almost rear ended as I was attempting to go. The car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed and d…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Altima.
2017 Nissan Altima Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Altima. 3 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.
2017 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 377 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (132 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (69 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (61 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 24 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 377 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT. 3 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 2017 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2017 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2017 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.