Seat Belt complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% | 141,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% | — |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% | 89,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2013 | 29 | 1% | 13,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 0% | 190,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 1% | 114,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% | 89,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 0% | 72,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% | 127,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% | 74,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% | 81,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% | 66,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% | 71,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% | 161,000 miles |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% | 111,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions, the front driver's side seat belt unintendedly unbuckled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would've been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carfax and the information provided to me it only had one owner previously. I'm not sure what the person did with the car but the battery was bad fast-forward to 2025. I was hit by a F150 truck. I got T-bone I had to go to the hospital, etc. it was a pretty bad hit. My windows were cracked or excuse me broken and my airbags were not deployed. No airbag was deployed. I did have my seatbelt on when the police came. My CB was still on so my car had to go. …
I purchased the 2019 Nissan Altima March 22,2024 for the last week the car will start when it wants , the collision sign on the dash comes on and states it's blocked , the car will stop or shut off while driving ( on the highway with my two children ) the car stoped & a big truck almost ran in the back of me , the seat belt on the right side doesn't work . Theirs 4 other problems with the car the could get me and my children killed I have documents from Autozone about my engine that's not good . ( and the computer I put on to check the car says stop and repair car immediately) . I have pictures of that also .
On Feb 04/24 I was getting to go to the store when I started my car and seat belt and supplemental air bag warning light came on. I have tried to contact dealer representative and no call back or respond my e-mail. My brother stop by dealer and they want me to pay $200 just to make a diagnosis. I will give you my name and information but share only if need it.
I was rear-ended in my car while at a red light. The car hit me 35 mph plus., Pushing me into the Tahoe in front of me. My shoulder strap driver side DID NOT restrain me and NONE of the air bags deployed. I flew forward towards the steering wheel and dash. Do to me being very short I didn't get hurt, just stiff neck, shoulders. The collision company who did my work stated that the seatbelt should have restrained me and at least 1 airbag should have deployed. I contacted Nissan and I was told that the air bags and seatbelts are only suppose to work in a roll over to prevent from being thrown from the vehicle and that the airbags and seatbelts are working properly. Nissan never offered to check to make sure that the safety components are working properly. There were no warning lights on before or after the accident. Over $10,000 worth of damage was done.
The driver seat airbag seems to be disabled. I am seeing a airbag warning light for driver airbag in the dashboard. The dealership doesnt see to car and a 4yr old car should not have airbag issues when it has never been in an accident. The driver seat seatbelt also seems to be disabled, if i step on the break the seatbelt doesnt seem to be gripping me its still freely moving which it shouldnt be. This is a big safety issue and seems to be a manufacturing defect.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the driver's side seat belt was in use, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Passenger seat belts does lock all the time. Front brakes I've had issues with since day one. Dealer tells me on 3 occasions there fine nothing wrong but have gone thur 5 brake pads sets. Now when I step on brakes or give gad to go it's like the throttle cable or something isn't working because it won't go. Have to either give it afew than try paddle or put in N than back to drive. Happens alot in traffic.
Related recalls (1)
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Certain buckle assemblies were produced with a "buckle base" that was improperly heat treated. This can cause the "buckle base" to be brittle failing to comply to FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have seat belt problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (29), 2015 (10), 2003 (9), 2005 (9) and 2014 (9) model years. Seat Belt complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima seat belt problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-185 (buckle assembly, Oct 10, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Altima seat belt problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear/other (9 mentions), followed by the front › anchorage (7).
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.