2015 Nissan Altima Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase
2015 Nissan Altima by EurovisionNim - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The ubiquitous Nissan Altima continues to make its presence known to the market, thanks to its affordability, reliability, and comfort, appealing to diverse consumers. The Altima is known for its fuel efficiency, comfortable interiors, and user-friendly features, which have been adapted over the years to include advanced technology and safety systems. Additionally, its substantial resale value and the positive reputation of the Nissan brand further enhance its appeal.
If you’re looking for a used Altima, the 2015 model year can be a good option, as it’s relatively new and has received some glowing reviews. However, for used car buyers, knowing about the 2015 Nissan Altima reliability is in their best interest. So today, we go in-depth into the 2015 Altima’s reliability and see if it’s a good fit for car shoppers looking for value and long-term dependability.
How Reliable is the 2015 Nissan Altima?
One of the best ways to determine the 2015 Nissan Altima reliability is by reviewing owner complaints. As such, CarComplaints.com has documented over 1,000 complaints for the 2015 Altima and was given the “Beware of the Clunker” seal of disapproval – meaning this model year has a relatively poor reputation in terms of reliability. Plus, many of the complaints revolved around major trouble spots like engine and transmission.
RepairPal paints the Altima in a more positive light. According to the website, the Nissan Altima has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 11th out of 24 for midsize cars. Moreover, the average annual repair cost for the Altima is $483, which is lower than the midsize car average of $526 and significantly lower than the all-vehicle average of $652.
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Meanwhile, the 2015 Nissan Altima received a high reliability score from J.D. Power, earning an 83 out of 100 in the Quality & Reliability category. This score reflects a low level of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws, covering all aspects of the vehicle, from the engine to the infotainment system.
The Altima’s reliability is considered “Great,” indicating that owners can expect fewer problems than other vehicles. This rating is part of the J.D. Power 100-Point Score, which is based on the independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners.
How Long Will a 2015 Nissan Altima Last?
Its reliability and longevity distinguish the Nissan Altima. It can reliably serve for 13 to 20 years with diligent maintenance, translating to 200,000 to 300,000 miles. This extended lifespan is attributed to its sturdy components and lower likelihood of breakdowns.
However, potential buyers should be aware of specific model years that have reported issues with the CVT transmission, including the 2015 model year. These issues can lead to costly repairs and may affect the vehicle’s overall longevity. Generally, the Altima is a solid choice for those seeking a durable, long-lasting vehicle.
For a more comprehensive look into the longevity of the Nissan Altima, we recommend reading this guide.
2015 Nissan Altima Reliability: Safety Recalls
Regarding recalls, the 2015 Nissan Altima has racked up ten recalls as of this writing. Some of the noteworthy ones include:
Hood Latch Issue
- Recall Date: Jan 22, 2016
- Recall Number: 16V029000
- Problem: Potential for the secondary hood latch to remain unlatched, leading to hood opening while driving.
Brake Caliper Issue
- Recall Date: Nov 4, 2015
- Recall Number: 15V733000
- Problem: Front brake calipers may have loose mounting bolts, affecting braking efficiency.
Airbag Sensor Issue
- Recall Date: Apr 26, 2016
- Recall Number: 16V244000
- Problem: Risk of the passenger frontal airbag not deploying correctly during a crash.
Door Structure Issue
- Recall Date: Dec 19, 2018
- Recall Number: 18V915000
- Problem: The rear passenger door may open while the vehicle moves, increasing injury risk.
Door Latch Issue
- Recall Date: Jan 18, 2017
- Recall Number: 17V040000
- Problem: Rear passenger doors might open unintentionally during motion.
Frontal Airbags Issue
- Recall Date: Oct 20, 2015
- Recall Number: 15V681000
- Problem: Occupant Classification System may not detect an adult in the passenger seat, affecting airbag deployment.
Fuel System Issue
- Recall Date: Aug 4, 2015
- Recall Number: 15V486000
- Problem: Fire risk due to potential fuel leaks between the fuel-sending unit and the tank.
For a more complete rundown of recalls for the 2015 Altima, please visit the NHTSA website.
ARE NISSAN ALTIMAS GOOD CARS?
You’re probably asking: are Nissan Altimas good cars? We aim to evaluate the Nissan Altima as a potential purchase for interested buyers.
What are the Common Issues of the 2015 Nissan Altima?
Like all cars, there’s no shortage of 2015 Nissan Altima reliability issues. Some of the major ones include:
Transmission Woes
Numerous 2015 Nissan Altima owners have voiced concerns over significant transmission troubles. Critical issues reported include a tendency for the transmission to hesitate and sputter, particularly noticeable during acceleration. This recurring problem raises serious questions about the car’s dependability and road safety.
Moreover, there are widespread accounts of total transmission failures, leading to the need for costly repair or complete replacement. Additionally, some drivers have encountered issues with improper shifting, adversely impacting the Altima’s overall performance and the driving experience. These transmission problems are a common theme among feedback from owners of this particular model year.
Headlights Are Too Dim
It has been reported that the headlights of the Altima are too dim for regular usage, causing concern among owners. Many 2015 Nissan Altima owners have complained about the insufficient brightness of the car’s headlights. The problem is particularly severe when driving at night, as it can impede visibility and lead to dangerous situations. The issue with the headlights suggests that there may be a design or manufacturing flaw in the lighting system of these cars.
Engine Troubles
Many owners of the 2015 Nissan Altima have reported multiple engine problems. These issues include sudden engine shutdown while driving and, in some severe cases, complete engine failure. These problems raise concerns about the vehicle’s reliability and pose significant safety risks. The persistent engine troubles suggest that there may be flaws in the car’s design or production process.
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2015 Nissan Altima Reliability: Final Thoughts
Overall, the reliability of the 2015 Nissan Altima is questionable, given the numerous issues reported by owners, including problems with the transmission, engine, headlights, and several safety recalls. These factors suggest that the 2015 Altima may have more reliability concerns than other vehicles in its class. When considering a used 2015 Altima, it’s essential to check if these issues have been addressed.
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