Problems · by component

2017 Nissan Altima engine problems

39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Nissan Altima cite engine, 10% of all 393 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
39
10% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2025EngineODI 11697998
“Check engine light came on at approximately 96,000 miles in which vehicle would have a delayed acceleration upon stepping on gas pedal or going up hills. Took it to 3 different mechanics including Nissan dealer and all confirmed a CVT failure and need a replacement. Nissan of America is refusing to help even after there have been documented lawsuits and known issues with the CVT failing. This is unsafe and a recall is needed not just an extended warranty that doesn’t help consumers who are over the 7 years but still under 100,000 miles like me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11696679
“The 2017 Nissan Altima has a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. I couldn't accelerate pass 35-40 mph when I was driving. Thankfully it was bumper to bumper traffic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2025Unknown or other, EngineODI 11685138
“I need to preface this by stating I fundamentally don’t understand how an issue that directly results in the failure of inspection which dictates road safety/emissions quality and was identified by two mechanics as a part known to fail cannot be under a recall. The part addressed is #14001-3TA1E but more specifically it is an issue with the value position sensor. It is a small part which dicates whether the Swirl or tumble control activates which triggers the P2004. If you look up the code it’s common side effects are as follows: Decrease in low-end engine torque: You may notice a decrease in acceleration, particularly at low RPM levels. Engine surging or sputtering: The engine may run unevenly, particularly when starting up. Sluggishness: The vehicle may feel less responsive to the throttle. Difficulty reaching higher speeds: You may find it challenging to accelerate quickly or reach your desired speed. Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly and potentially stall at low speeds or while idling. 2. Decreased Fuel Economy: The IMRC system's primary function is to optimize the air/fuel mixture for different driving conditions. When it's not functioning correctly…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2025EngineODI 11665137
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while exiting a car wash, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC code: P0130 (Oxygen Sensor). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2024EngineODI 11618642
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, inadvertently shifting between gears, and then lost motive power. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,960.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11604684

Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.