2017 Nissan Altima Safety Report

2017 Nissan Altima: High crash ratings, but significant CVT transmission and airbag sensor complaints raise real-world safety concerns.

375Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
23Crash Reports
7Fire Reports
20Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (93)Air Bags (56)Unknown Or Other (38)Engine (17)Structure (14)Latches/Locks/Linkages (12)Exterior Lighting (12)Electrical System (8)Steering (8)Power Train,Engine (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Nissan Altima

The 2017 Nissan Altima presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but significant concerns regarding powertrain reliability and specific recall-related issues. NHTSA awarded the vehicle a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover. This indicates robust occupant protection in typical collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 375 total complaints, with 23 crashes, 7 fires, and 20 injuries reported, suggesting real-world safety incidents despite high ratings. The most prominent safety concern revolves around the POWER TRAIN, which accounts for 93 complaints, frequently describing issues with the CVT transmission leading to sudden loss of acceleration or complete failure. This can create hazardous situations, especially when merging or in traffic, as evidenced by multiple complaints detailing near-misses or being almost rear-ended. AIR BAGS are also a significant concern with 56 complaints, often related to the airbag warning light illuminating or the passenger side airbag sensor malfunctioning, potentially compromising occupant protection in a crash. Three recalls have been issued for the 2017 Altima, primarily addressing latch and lock mechanisms. Two recalls (17V-040 and 17V-487) pertain to improperly routed rear door latch/lock cables, which could cause rear doors to open inadvertently while the vehicle is moving, increasing injury risk. A third recall (20V-315) addresses a corroding secondary hood latch, which, if the primary latch is released, could allow the hood to open unexpectedly while driving, as described in at least one complaint where the hood struck and cracked the windshield. While these recalls aim to mitigate specific risks, the high volume of powertrain and airbag complaints points to underlying reliability issues that could impact safety.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Nissan Altima receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Nissan Altima

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Altima:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Loss Of Acceleration
Numerous complaints (93 under POWER TRAIN) describe the CVT transmission failing, slipping, or causing a sudden loss of acceleration while driving, leading to dangerous situations. Some owners report multiple transmission replacements.		 High Common 30000-96000+ miles
Airbag Warning Light/Sensor Malfunction
56 complaints related to AIR BAGS, often involving the airbag warning light illuminating or the passenger side occupant control sensor system failing, indicating a potential compromise in airbag deployment readiness.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Hood Unexpectedly Opening While Driving
Related to recall 20V-315, corrosion of the secondary hood latch can cause the hood to open unexpectedly if the primary latch is released, as reported by at least one owner whose hood struck the windshield.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rear Door Opening Inadvertently
Recalls 17V-040 and 17V-487 address improperly routed rear door latch/lock cables that could cause rear doors to open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing injury risk for passengers.		 High Rare unknown miles
Dim Or Failing Headlights
Complaints mention front headlights failing to function as intended or being excessively dim, potentially reducing visibility during night driving.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Nissan Altima:

Power Train 24% of complaints

The most reported issue, with 93 complaints, primarily concerns the CVT transmission, including loss of acceleration, slipping, and complete failure, often requiring replacement.

Air Bags 14% of complaints

56 complaints relate to airbag system malfunctions, such as the airbag warning light illuminating or passenger seat sensor issues, indicating potential deployment problems.

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

38 complaints fall into this category, often describing various electrical glitches, interior component failures (e.g., sun visor, overhead console), or other miscellaneous issues.

Engine 4% of complaints

17 complaints, some related to check engine lights, oxygen sensor issues, or general engine performance problems, sometimes intertwined with CVT issues.

Structure 3% of complaints

14 complaints, including issues like the hood opening unexpectedly (related to a recall) or other structural integrity concerns.

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3% of complaints

12 complaints, directly related to the hood latch recall (20V-315) and door latch recalls (17V-040, 17V-487).

Exterior Lighting 3% of complaints

12 complaints, specifically mentioning dim or failing headlights.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Nissan Altima

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Nissan Altima received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover), indicating strong occupant protection in collisions. However, it has 375 total complaints, including 23 crashes and 20 injuries, with significant concerns regarding CVT transmission failures leading to loss of acceleration and airbag system malfunctions, which could compromise real-world safety. Three recalls also address latch and lock issues.

What are common problems with the 2017 Nissan Altima?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Nissan Altima are related to the POWER TRAIN (93 complaints), primarily concerning the CVT transmission failing or causing a loss of acceleration. AIR BAGS (56 complaints) are also a common problem, often involving the airbag warning light or passenger sensor issues. Other notable complaints include issues with UNKNOWN OR OTHER components (38), ENGINE (17), and STRUCTURE (14).

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Nissan Altima?

Yes, the 2017 Nissan Altima has three recalls. Two recalls (17V-040 and 17V-487) address improperly routed rear door latch/lock cables that could cause doors to open inadvertently. The third recall (20V-315) concerns a corroding secondary hood latch that could allow the hood to open unexpectedly while driving.

How does the 2017 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Nissan Altima performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Does the 2017 Nissan Altima have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2017 Nissan Altima has significant and common transmission problems, specifically with its CVT. The POWER TRAIN component has 93 complaints, with many detailing CVT failure, slipping, or a dangerous loss of acceleration while driving, sometimes requiring multiple replacements.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Nissan Altima boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent and serious CVT transmission issues and airbag sensor problems. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history for transmission replacements and ensure all three recalls have been addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Nissan Altima

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Nissan Altima. The data includes 375 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 23 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 20 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Nissan Altima an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.