# Nissan Altima brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 21 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (6) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 21 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Nissan Altima (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (6). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Nissan Altima brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 955 | 0% | | 2016 | 1 | 555 | 0% | | 2017 | 1 | 393 | 0% | | 2018 | 4 | 226 | 2% | | 2019 | 6 | 234 | 3% | | 2020 | 4 | 182 | 2% | | 2021 | 1 | 71 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Nissan Altima recalls related to the brake warning light **[15V733000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V733000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-11-05): If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Altima owners report - "Within a couple of weeks there was a scratching sound like the brake warning indicator. I brought my car to a mechanic to be repaired but brake pads were confirmed to be fine. Further investigation indicates a bad brake caliper in the rear. Mechanic contacted Nissan to order a rear caliper and was told it's a known..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2024 - "The consumer stated while driving the forward collision warning system would beep then slam on the brakes, without the presence of an obstruction. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2021 - "This puts myself, passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger because when it malfunctions, it brakes without warning. Not to mention the amount of gas the car is using. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic who stated it was the ECM causing it. This needs to be recalled." -- owner of a 2019 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Altima brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (15V733000) covering 2015 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Altima years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2019 Altima model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 6 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Altima with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Nissan Altima has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Nissan Altima warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-altima): 250 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-altima): 203 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-altima): 21 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-altima): 34 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima): 16 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Nissan Altima - [Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-altima Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.