# Nissan Altima check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 203 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (76) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 203 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Nissan Altima (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (76). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Nissan Altima check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 35 | 955 | 4% | | 2016 | 76 | 555 | 14% | | 2017 | 50 | 393 | 13% | | 2018 | 6 | 226 | 3% | | 2019 | 19 | 234 | 8% | | 2020 | 14 | 182 | 8% | | 2021 | 1 | 71 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 43 | 5% | 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 check engine light **[25V437000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V437000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2025-06-27): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. **[19V316000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V316000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-04-18): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. **[18V922000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V922000)** (2019 models, reported 2018-12-20): If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will route the fuel hose into the holding clip and lock the retainer clip into place, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. **[15V486000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V486000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-08-04): If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 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 - "Car started again while I was coasting about 20 mph, with engine light showing. I immediately took it to the closest dealership to me for service and left it there. This is completely unacceptable behavior for a new car of this type and I never experience anything ever like this with my old 2012 Nissan Altima. This..." -- owner of a 2024 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2026 - "The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was debris in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and debris was found in the engine oil pan. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2026 - "The engine light didn't come on until a month later saying P0101. P0101 was fixed but the engine malfunction still comes and goes." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Altima check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (25V437000, 19V316000, 18V922000, 15V486000) covering 2015-2020 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Altima model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 76 for 2016. 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-altima): 21 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Nissan Altima - [Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-altima Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.