Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% | 41,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% | — |
| 2016 | 10 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 0% | 2,000 miles |
| 2014 | 14 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2013 | 37 | 2% | 8,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2009 | 14 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2008 | 24 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% | 130,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% | 87,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% | 106,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% | 20,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% | 34,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Rear seatbelt sensors in my 2024 Nissan Altima repeatedly beep and show an unbuckled warning, even when the back seat is unoccupied and with zero belongings. This started around 2 months ago. This causes a distraction while driving and may indicate a malfunctioning occupant detection system.
On [redacted] I purchased a brand-new 2024 Nissan Altima SR from Vaden Nissan located at 10421 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, Phone [phone]; with approximately 25 miles on the odometer. On the day of purchase, the vehicle emitted a noticeable mold odor inside the cabin. The vehicle was returned to the dealership on March 11, 2024, due to the mold odor. It was again returned on March 13, 2024, after water was discovered inside the trunk area of the vehicle. At the time of sale and shortly thereafter, water was present inside the trunk area, and the vehicle continued to exhibit water intrusion. The water intrusion appears to be associated with defective weatherstripping or sealing, which allowed moisture to enter the vehicle. On March 19, 2024, the dealership returned the vehicle to me with visible mold present inside the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brakes independently activated, and the rear of the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated an unknown warning light showing an image of the rear of the vehicle was briefly illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the driver's side front seat frame was fractured, and the seat was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the driver's side front seat rack was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to several dealers; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was afraid to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. …
I was driving with my heated seat on when I felt pain and realized my lower back was burnt. When I got home and looked in the mirror, my whole bottom back was red and part of my skin peeling. My heated seat got extremely hot and burnt me.
My car's airbag light came on and would not go off. I took it to the dealership and was told that the sensor in my passengar seat that detects the weight of some one in the seat is not working. Because of this sensor failing, my air bags will not deploy if the car is involved in an accident. It puts me at a safety risk because air bags will not provide protection to me or passengars riding in my vehicle if I am in a accident. This problem has been confirmed by the dealership. I don't know if the manufacter has inspected the issue or not. There were no other warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to this issue.
Air bag dash warning light came on. Brought to dealer. They"fixed". Light came back on few days later. brought back to dealer. They said drivers side seat frame with air bag needs to be replaced. they ordered part & said 2 week wait. Called dealer back 2 weeks later & they said part not released by Nissan. Called Nissan consumer affairs. They informed me they have no ETA when parts will be available/shipped. Been about 2 months since first contact with dealer & have no idea if/when will be repaired. See recalls on older Altima & am wondering if this is an issue Nissan is not addressing.
The passenger airbag system failed, specifically the occupant sensor and the pad beneath the passenger seat. These components are responsible for detecting whether a passenger is present and ensuring the airbag deploys correctly in a crash. I've also been told that I may be at risk of not having my airbag deploy in an accident. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am a single mother. My child rides in the vehicle regularly, and my elderly parents occasionally ride in the passenger seat . Because the occupant sensor has failed, the passenger airbag may be suppressed entirely in the event of a collision. No passenger in the front seat would have airbag protection in an accident, and it's possible I would not either. We have been driving under these conditions for an extended period of time without a remedy. …
2017 Nissan Altima purchased used from large used dealer chain location in Albuquerque, NM on 11/24/25. At delivery, salesman demonstrated driver seat moved up/down and stated it just needed a bolt/belt. Co-signer who was present witnessed. Component failed: Driver seat front mounting bolt missing - seat not secured to floor, moves up/down and wobbles side to side. Vehicle was sold with this defect present at delivery. Safety risk: In crash or hard braking, unsecured driver seat can shift, ejection risk, loss of control, seatbelt and airbag will not protect correctly. Driver and any passenger at risk. Elderly co-signer also at risk as passenger. Reproduced/confirmed: Yes. Dealer had vehicle 10/09-10/12/26 for service, did not repair seat, attempted to charge $5,000 for transmission codes P0965 and P0776 limp mode. Vehicle returned 11:05 AM 10/12/26 by tow driver still with same defect. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (37), 2008 (24), 2009 (14), 2014 (14) and 2007 (11) model years. Seat complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 59% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (5 mentions), followed by the front assembly › head restraint (4).
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.