# Nissan Altima traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 16 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (5) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 16 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Nissan Altima (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (5). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Nissan Altima traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 955 | 1% | | 2016 | 4 | 555 | 1% | | 2017 | 1 | 393 | 0% | | 2019 | 4 | 234 | 2% | | 2020 | 1 | 182 | 1% | | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Nissan Altima traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Nissan Altima has 23 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Nissan Altima page](/vehicles/nissan-altima) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Nissan Altima owners report - "While driving, most times at higher speeds, the light with the car and lines behind it (VDC light?) will turn on, and then a minute later the front and back AEB lights turn on and the dashboard says "malfunction: see owner's manual." This happens multiple times per week, sometimes multiple times a day. There have..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2023 - "The contact stated that the message "Engine Malfunction" was displayed, and the check engine, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced...." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2025 - "My left side tire is is worn all my other tires are fine anytime I turn right it makes a grinding noise and the traction control light comes on. " -- owner of a 2019 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2020 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Altima traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Nissan Altima years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Altima model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 5 for 2015. 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 traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### 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 - [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 on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Nissan Altima - [Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.