The problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
The risk
If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
The fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 15V-486 (15V486000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline |
| Report date | August 4, 2015 |
| Owners notified | September 28, 2015 |
| Vehicles affected | 46,846 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 15V-486 repair free?
Yes. Nissan dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 46,846 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.