Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% | 14,000 miles |
| 2018 | 11 | 5% | 56,000 miles |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% | 62,000 miles |
| 2016 | 65 | 12% | 61,000 miles |
| 2015 | 38 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 27 | 2% | 33,000 miles |
| 2013 | 48 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2012 | 49 | 12% | 93,000 miles |
| 2011 | 9 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% | 97,000 miles |
| 2009 | 49 | 3% | 68,000 miles |
| 2008 | 35 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 38 | 5% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 42 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2003 | 33 | 4% | 67,000 miles |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 13% | 63,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% | — |
| 1995 | 19 | 11% | 144,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This has been happening multiple times since December 25th, 2023. Presently, it's in the shop for the 6th time. This orange light comes on and then right after the vehicle just stops or slows down. Nothing is in front of or behind me. It's random...happens at night or anytime during the day and it stops itself while driving. It has been taken to the dealership 6 times since December and the problem has not been remedied. It is scary getting into the vehicle every time because I wonder, will it happen today? And what if someone is behind me? That could cause a major accident with injuries.
I've taken my car for repair service 4 times due to a malfunction warning and front driving aids off warning. They replaced speed sensor as well as cv axle as well as a hub and bearing and it still is not driving right and has almost caused me accidents with my children in the car to where I pulled over and cried I was scared to continue driving. They cannot figure out the problem.
My car since 45000 miles has had an acceleration issue. When I engage the gas pedal, 3- 5 seconds pass before the vehicle moves. Once moving, the engine will stutter or slightly jerk forward and backwards, almost to a stalling point. The safety issue is the potential for accident as cars may collide with me from the side or rear not seeing the issue I'm having. Dealership refuses to fix telling me not to bring it in until a check engine light is on. There is electrical malfunctions happening in my car as I near 100k miles still having this issue. In research, many if not all Altima owners are reporting this acceleration issue, there are countless, so much so, the talk is wondering why no recall has been issued. A lawsuit was also filed, Judge dismissed, but plaintiffs were taken care of and problems rectified. …
The front radar distance sensor becomes blocked and unavailable while driving. This happens every time I drive the car. Several times the warning message came on and the car tried to briefly brake. I took my car into the Nissan dealership and they confirmed the sensor has failed and recommends replacement. This is a known issue with Several models of Nissan cars per NHTSA NTB19-033A. This has been happening in my car for about two weeks. I took it in to the dealership as soon as I could after noticing the problem. I believe my car was built at the end of 2018 and has this faulty sensor reference in NHTSA NTB19-033A or clearly they have not rectified the problem fully. I think 2019 vehicles should be added to the recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while his son was idled, he depressed the accelerator pedal, but the engine failed to engage. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving from a stop sign and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond as intended. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was jerking for several minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed since the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I left for work, acceleration at slow speed around 30 mph within 40 seconds, the car began to gain speed, I let off the gas pedal, still accelerated. I tried slowly using brakes to slow down - no response. At this point, I notice that cruise control light, was lit up, on the dashboard but not set. I'm now gaining speed of 72 MPH. Not even 1 mile, from turn off. I literally fish tailed three times, then the car slowed down and I ended up sideways, in a ditch. Chipped hubcap and some plastic piece hanging, from underneath the car. I had a bystander, whom was headed towards me - stop in fear of what happened. Got the car out of ditch. I parked, checked for leaks, nothing. Since this incident, I'm in fear of this happening again. I'm assumption was the accelerator stuck. No brakes is dangerous, let alone feeling like my life was gonna end. I cried. Thinking Jesus my children were home. …
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure continued and became persistent. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was almost rear-ended by a semi-trailer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (65), 2009 (49), 2012 (49), 2013 (48) and 2005 (42) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration 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 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (27 mentions), followed by the cruise control (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.