2023 Nissan Altima Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Nissan Altima has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system and battery/alternator failures.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Nissan Altima.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system and battery/alternator failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09-10 → 2026-07-01

My car has 33,214 miles on it. For no reason the alternator DIED ON IT. There was no warning on the dash of the vehicle. So the computer inside the vehicle did not give a warning that the electrical system for the alternator had died or that the battery had died
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613663
The car shuts down and it is necessary for us to have USAA or AAA start it, they have told us there is an electrical system problem. The car was taken to Colonial Nissan dealership in Feasterville, PA for PA state inspection and to resolve this problem. We were told "the car…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670182

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Backup camera display failure or whitewash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02-23 → 2025-07-30

backup camera fails consistently backup camera screen goes grey. it is dangerous because you cannot see behind or to the side when backing up. it has been to the dealer and they claim they cannot replicate the issue
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677157
Backup camera for no reason failed. Screen is bright white when in reverse. Occasionally when the car is cold and reverse is quickly selected image will be seen for a few seconds then fades to all white. Backup camera only. Car has less than 8k miles no accidents
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634280

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Forward collision avoidance and AEB system malfunction

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09-07 → 2026-04-12

During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730673
A car slammed on brakes in front of me and I hit the brakes but my car still hit the other car messing it up pretty badly. No one was hurt but the car has stopped automatically before, it’s like the sensors couldn’t tell I vehicle had stopped or was even in front of me
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678357

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Engine power loss and stalling while driving

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07-03 → 2026-07-12

While traveling at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began slowing down. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine RPM to increase, but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle, it would no longer move in either…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749881
it stalls frequently while I’m driving I’ve been in the middle of very busy intersections I’ve been at stop lights it’s very humiliating when a a newer car stalls all the time. I’ve gone to the stores and come out and my car won’t start it’s very nerve racking and embarrassing…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671192

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Service brake pedal feel and hydraulic degradation

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01-06 → 2026-05-19

Vehicle experiences persistent 'spongy' brake pedal feel, premature metal-on-metal rotor gouging, and severely darkened/degraded brake fluid, indicating a systemic hydraulic component failure or electronic brake-dragging defect. This is a severe safety hazard causing…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738897
The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH on a snowy hill road, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS independently enabled, the vehicle jerked and veered off the road. The rear passenger side of the vehicle crashed into multiple trees
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638116

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Rear windshield spontaneous shattering and window distortion

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12-27 → 2024-01-01

I was riding down the highway when all of a sudden I hear loud bang, the rear windshield, completely shutters, spontaneously out of nowhere. This is a huge safety concern as I could have easily caused or been involved in an accident due to what occurred
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562878
The windows are defective and distorted my vision causing eye strain and dizziness
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562010

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

25 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Nissan Altima reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.