AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 55,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | 100,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% | 3,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% | 69,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% | 32,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% | 5,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 135,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% | 1,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% | 95,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% | 85,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that the air conditioning unit failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the transmission and air conditioning unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving and pulling into a parking space, there was an abnormal electrical odor coming through the air condition vents. The vehicle caught fire. While trying to exit the vehicle, the door handle failed to work. The contact was able to exit the vehicle through the driver side window. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,898....updated 01/07/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vent controls failed to function when using the air conditioner and hot air blew out of the vents. The vehicle was inspected by more than one independent mechanic. The dealer (autonation Nissan las vegas, 5800 w sahara ave, las vegas, nv 89146, [phone]) diagnosed that the air compressor needed to be replaced. The contact was uncertain whether or not the vehicle was included from a manufacturer campaign for the 9999 cummins air compressor. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not blow cold or hot air from the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the blower and the cables to the battery were replaced but the repair did not correct the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.
Purchased a 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5s. 1. First problem started when I heard a loud rattling noise when I start the car (this was 2 months after I bought the car). Increase RPM to 1.5 RPM to get a louder, crisper noise. Took it to the dealer and was told that the heat shield was cracked and needed to be replaced. Took 2 weeks for the dealer to fix the problem. Noise went away. 2. Noise came back again 2 weeks later after it was fixed. Brought it to a different dealership to have it checked out to get different opinion. Finds out the heat shield was installed incorrectly. Resolved, and later told me that there was many complaints about this noise. 3. Had a 110lb passenger on the front passenger seat and the air bag off light turned on. Have yet to go to the dealer to see why this is happening. 4. After all this, I start the car on December 10th, 2008 and did not warm up car. …
Tl* the contact owns 2005 Nissan Altima. The contact had taken the vehicle to an authorized dealer for an unrelated repair and the technician noticed that the front driver and passenger side floorboards were completely rusted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 02/22/12 the brakes were replaced, as well as the ac line that was leaking. Updated 03.05.12
Dt*: the contact stated the gauges that turn on the defroster cause the driver to take their eyes off of the road. The gas cap is at an awkward angle and too hard to turn. The contact has back problems and must sit in the driver seat at a 90 degree angle, causing the contact to be too close to the airbag. Updated 03/17/06.
I was driving down the road going approximately 60 MPH, when my passengers and I start smelling something burning. We looked around the car didn't see any thing, but the smell got stronger and my seat was getting hot. Then all of a sudden the car started to get smoky and flames started coming up from the floor and the back of my seat. I hurried up and pulled over and put it out with a sheet. Burnt my hand in the process. I do have power seats and heated seats not sure if that caused it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 13 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. On a separate occasion while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized after the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 97,240. ....updated 12/20/12 the consumer stated the crank sensor malfunctioned, the motor mount was cracked and the A/C stopped working.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (9) and 2002 (8) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Nissan Altima model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Altima ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (28 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (12).
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.