Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph and making a left turn, the vehicle shifted from power steering to manual steering mode making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle regained power steering functionality momentarily however, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was made aware of the failure however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Upon entering highway and reaching 75 mph, vehicle pulled hard to right.I made a correction to keep vehicle in center lane of a three lane highway. Shortly after I made the first correction, the vehicle again pulled rather aggressively to the right, I again made a correction back to maintain center of lane. After making second correction, I noticed my steering wheel very off center to maintain vehicle tracking straight in the lane. (Steering wheel indicating a left turn to maintain a straight track). Simultaneously, the vehicle traction control indicator illuminated on the drivers display. I quickly checked my tire pressures to rule out a flat tire. I pulled off to the shoulder of the highway, as the vehicle was getting more difficult to control in a straight line. …
My 2015 Nissan Altima started having some steering issues over the 2022-2023 winter. It seemed a bit stiff, but I thought it was from the snow tires I had just had placed. When it continued after change over in the spring to regular tires, I took it in and they said I had low power steering fluid. They replaced it for around $100 and it was working fine. they said there was no leak in the steering fluid, however. Since they replaced the steering fluid, (over the last month), the steering intermittently will completely go out for a few seconds the car will start pulling to the side, and I will have to crank on the wheel, and then it self resolves. I took it into Boucher Nissan in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They went over it for about an hour and they said they couldn't find any problems. This is happened two times again over the last couple of weeks. …
Took car in and asked Nissan dealer to inspect rear lower links as there was a creaking noise and had just received extended 10 year warranty from manufacturer on components. Said completely fine. 3 weeks later driving down the road heard a thump in back end and car became impossible to control even at less than 20 miles an hour causing it to fishtail from lane to lane. Took car back in for repair and passenger side lower link completely rusted and snapped. Drivers side was also completely corroded and upon removal was also cracked. This could not have happened in 3 weeks time if inspected and had nothing wrong. Dealer told me even though they were completely corroded, which was what the warranty stated, they could not repair until physically broken as per Nissan. …
Please see this other report I filled out: 11526603. Thus far have paid about $1100 to get new, steering fluid, repair brakes, get a new battery, transmission fluid, and fuel injection service. They said this would fix the problem. The problem was not fixed. I took the car back again and they kept it several hours. Their higher level mechanic still couldn't figure out a problem. Now, the car has a new weird noise. When I drove it this morning, it sounded like there was a motorcycle driving nearby, yet I couldn't see one. Then I figured out, it was my own engine, making some extra noise. I'm going to try to get into a different mechanic tomorrow. God help me. So now two problems: steering and engine. I hope the car will make it to the mechanic.
2015 Nissan Altima power steering. 1. While driving the vehicle does not track steady. I constantly must correct as it sways on a straight road. 2. Periodically the steering goes out, the steering becomes stiff, it is an extreme safety issue to maintain control of the vehicle. Vehicle was take to a dealer for inspection the faulty power steering pump was confirmed, quoted $1800.00 including labor to replace. These issues occur without warning at any time. Proper fluid and fluid levels have been checked. The first occurrence of the steering becoming stiff was approximately January 2021. The swaying started probably about a month to two months earlier.
Hello, On October 15th, close to 5 pm, I was driving on a busy highway surrounded by other cars when suddenly, the hood of my 2015 Nissan Altima slammed into my windshield. There was damage to the hood, a cracked windshield, the left side wheel was pulling to the side, and there was damage done near the sunroof top of my car. The interior light box inside the car was hanging. My insurance was made aware of the incident. I am a 67-year-old woman. I and others on that highway could have lost our lives. Please get in touch with me asap about this horrific incident. Photos were taken of the damages.
My car only has 36,400 miles. I went for an oil change at a third party garage and was told my front control arms are cracked and need to be replaced. I went to the dealer who confirmed this and also said there was a recall on the rear control arms. I have talked to numerous mechanics who said that the control arm should not be failing at 36,400 miles. I contacted Nissan asking them to help me with the cost of the front control arms since they are failing at such low mileage. They are not willing to do anything. I feel like the front should be replaced by the dealer.
Steering - Rack and Pinion Issues - Struts Leaking possible FACTORY DEFECT per Dealership. It is extremely unsafe to drive with a bad rack and pinion because you no longer can control your vehicle and keep it in a straight line. There would be so much free play and your vehicle would just wander on the road. This could be fatal for you and the other drivers. The problem was confirmed by the Dealers (Alhambra Nissan Dealership in California). There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Out of town and control arms went while turning a corner. My steering wheel was sideways and I was going straight. There was no warning, noises or dashboard lights prior to this happening. My vehicle has 130k but well maintained. Prior to this happening I was driving on the Thruway at 65mph, this could of broke then causing a potential accident or something worse. Why wasn't there any warning lights advising of this potential problem?
Steering complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2015 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the steering of the 2015 Nissan Altima, 5% of the model year's 955 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Nissan Altima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2015 Nissan Altima, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Nissan Altima steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.