Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Nissan Altima
The 2014 Nissan Altima has significant owner-reported issues, primarily related to exterior lighting, powertrain, and airbag systems. It has had eight recall campaigns addressing hood latch, airbag, and electrical system problems. While there are common complaints, prospective buyers should inspect for these issues thoroughly and be aware of the recalls.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Nissan Altima has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,113 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V315000 Unintentional Release of Primary Hood Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V911000 Air Bag May Not Deploy Due to Software Issue NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V244000 Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V029000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V681000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V486000 Fuel Sending Unit may Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V116000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V138000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Exterior Lighting 299 complaints
- Power Train 209 complaints
- Air Bags 208 complaints
- Suspension 132 complaints
- Unknown or Other 82 complaints
- Engine 77 complaints
Of the 1,113 complaints on file, 51 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 1,113 complaints, owners report 58 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Hood latch may not secure
How to check: Ensure hood latch securely locks when closed
Airbag sensor misclassification
How to check: Check airbag warning lights on dashboard
Powertrain concerns
How to check: Inspect for unusual noises or vibrations
Occupant classification software error
How to check: Verify with updated software documentation
Suspension noise or wear
How to check: Listen for clunks during drive
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noise or hesitation
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights present
- 03
Neighborhood driving
What to check: Observe suspension noise over bumps
Red flag: Loud clunks or creaks
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth, responsive acceleration
Red flag: Delayed or jerky acceleration
- 05
Braking from speed
What to check: Feel for vibrations or noise
Red flag: Vibrations or squealing
- 06
Turning maneuvers
What to check: Listen for steering noises
Red flag: Grinding or squealing
- 07
Parking
What to check: Check hood latch security upon opening
Red flag: Hood fails to latch securely
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the hood latch been repaired?
- Have airbags been serviced under recall?
- Is there a record of software updates?
- Any engine issues or repairs noted?
- Have regular maintenance records?
- Ever experienced powertrain problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Hood latch recall repair receipts
- Airbag system inspection reports
- Software update records
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Nissan Altima at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Nissan Altima? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.