Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2017 | 19 | 5% | 51,000 miles |
| 2016 | 42 | 8% | 85,000 miles |
| 2015 | 270 | 28% | 68,000 miles |
| 2014 | 299 | 27% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 442 | 19% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 12,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% | 23,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 2% | 22,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% | 123,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% | 98,000 miles |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% | 81,000 miles |
| 2002 | 42 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% | 0 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn on a dark road, the low beam headlights were significantly dim, causing the contact to miss her turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the low beam headlights were being blown very quickly. The driver's side low beam headlight was replaced twice and the passenger's side low beam headlight was replaced once within the past 6-months. The contact received an unknown notice from the manufacturer for the repair of the parts. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the low beam headlights needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Brake light switch went out 3 months after getting car. Car would not start then after it started it would not go in gear nor would the brake lights turn on dealership repaired it. The Brake light switch went out again one year later while driving causing my brake lights not to turn on resulting in me getting rear ended after. After I replaced the switch for the second time. It lasted maybe a year and a half or so and went out again leaving me stranded having to get a tow truck to bring car home and had to replace it a third time. I've had this car less than 5 years and I really believe it needs further review of the switch due to the safety risk it causes
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver-side heat would shine dimly without warning while in use. Due to the failure, the contact would have to use her high beam headlights to safely operate the vehicle at night. The contact had reached out to the dealer and was informed that both headlights would need replacement to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder; the vehicle had yet to be serviced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the interior dome light assembly detached from the ceiling of the vehicle and fell striking the head of the driver. No injury was reported. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the interior dome light assembly clip had failed, and the entire assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at 65-70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and briefly lost automotive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the stop lamp switch and wiring had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving up an incline at 60-70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and briefly lost automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights were extremely dim. The contact used high-beam headlights to see the road ahead. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the headlight bulbs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the side mirrors adjuster switch was no longer operable. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic, and he replaced the passenger's side headlight bulb. The contact stated that 6 months later, the driver's side headlight became inoperable. The light bulb was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the rear passenger's side and front driver's side parking lights, and the front driver's side and passenger's side fog lights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the headlight fuses and noticed that they were in good condition; however, the contact's husband replaced the headlight fuses, but the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds with the headlights activated, the illumination from the headlights was extremely dim, as if the headlights were not turned on. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, where it was determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced because the filament behind the light bulbs had disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (442), 2014 (299), 2015 (270), 2002 (42) and 2016 (42) model years. Headlight complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-235 (switch, Mar 25, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Altima headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (118 mentions), followed by the brake lights (6).
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.