CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2015 Nissan Altima shows multiple problem trends, continuing the poor reputation of the 2013 & 2014 Altima, prompting us to give it our "Beware of the Clunker" badge.

Owners are complaining about transmission problems related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
16,750 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
2015 Nissan Altima steering problems

steering problem

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2015 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #18

Dec 012014

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this new Nissan Altima 2015 and very early I noticed the uncomfortable ride on the highway (at about 50MPH and above) in which it feels like you are driving on a windy day. It is so hard to keep car on a straight line and you have to constantly keep putting pressure on the wheel to get back in the middle of lane. I am sure that traffic behind me must think I am drunk.

I mentioned it to the service department at my Nissan dealer on my first service day and all he told me is that the steering is electronic and cannot be adjusted and he dropped the subject.

I just bought new Yokohama tires after 6 years and at 67K and I was so excited to test it with new brand tires, but to my surprise, it feels worse!

I never drove such an uncomfortable vehicle in my life and by reading all these posts and some youtube videos, I know other owners have the same issue but there does not seem to have a solution.

- David S., Tucson, AZ, US

problem #17

Jun 152019

Altima S Special Edition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Steering does not feel aligned with the tires. It still continues to wander even after I took it to Nissan Service Dealer. Problem still exists.

- ebony.trahan, Tracy, US

problem #16

Oct 052016

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,000 miles

Buyer Beware. Car wanders at highway speeds. It is very difficult to keep car in the lane. Very stiff steering. It is a danger and unsafe to drive.

- Frank L., Novato, US

problem #15

Dec 232015

Altima S

  • CVT transmission
  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Girlfriend bought the car in December last year. Asked me to drive the car, complaining vehicle is all over the road on the highway. She was right, the car drifts from left to right making it hard to keep center of the road. Mainly noticeable on the highway around 50 to 70 MPH. Took the car in to Coral Spring Nissan in Florida. The service manager drove the car and kind of agreed. The car has Continental but tried changing them to Michelins. The car seem to drive much better with Michelin tires. Nissan stated that the car was fine and would not replace the tires. Still have the same issue. Vehicle has been in twice but can not fix the issue. Girlfriend bought the vehicle because she recently owned 2013 Nissan Altima sedan. Never drove or handle in this manor. Made the complaint because I see a lot of owners with the same issue. When the lease is up, will not buy another Nissan product. Just seems its a hassle for them to agree its a problem.

- Don D., Plantation, FL, US

problem #14

Jul 212016

Altima S 2.5L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 23,023 miles

This is a constant issue with my 2015 Altima. 50mph and up front wheels shake and it shifts left and right whenever it feels like it. Feels as if it is being blown by a large gust of wind or maybe the frame isn't square. Definitely a major nuisance. It will be a recall and fixed or this is my first and last Nissan and it will be out of my possession soon. The little man gets screwed again. Such a f*cking hassle.

- Matt G., Gautier, MS, US

problem #13

Mar 172016

Altima SV 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,512 miles

Finally Alhambra Nissan found the need of aligment, so they did but the problem continue up to date.

Update from Aug 22, 2016: on May 23 2015. I return to Alhambra Nissan whith the same complaint, but nothing was fix.

Update from Aug 22, 2016: On June 21 went to Glendale Nissan W/ the same problem. they align the 4 wheels and re Center the steering wheel. . Today. 8/22/2016 have to put the car in service, W/ the same problem, so now have to hope they fix the problem.

- coraly, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #12

Nov 182015

Altima SV 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,664 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I complain and complain about this problem, the car is hard to keep in the center of the lane, have to steer constantly to do this.

- coraly, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #11

May 312016

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 80 miles

I've notice all the problems listed ahead of me. Wondering on the road, little feel of the road, and stiff steering at high way speed. I can't make slight adjustments with out really muscling that wheel. I've never had a car in my life that steers like this one. I can't take my eyes of the road much because I never know where I will be when I look back. Super annoying. Wouldn't have bought the car. You have to drive it a bit before you actually notice how annoying this steering problem is.

The dealer says he has never had this complaint. I'm amazed.

- Edward H., Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #10

Feb 112016

Altima 2.5 S 2.5L 4-cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 27,000 miles

This car is unbelievable. Where do I even begin? The unbalanced suspension that feels like driving over legos on the flattest roads or like a bounce house when traversing the smallest hills? The steering wheel that feels completely disconnected from the rest of the car? The steering wheel that you have to constantly adjust, re-adjust, and correct for every single tiny gust of wind or crack in the road? The car drives like it has a mind of its own. There are plenty of other cars with electronic steering that do not drive anywhere near as poorly as this 2015 Nissan Altima. There's a significant amount of body roll when taking turns and the rear wheels feels as though they're about to lift off the ground. What are the shocks made out of? a Newtonian fluid? Driving this car is mind numbing, maddening, and terrifying. It's so bad that the only thing you want to do is focus on something other than driving this car. Except you can't. You can't even focus on the road ahead of you. You can't even focus on the cars around you. You can't even focus on being a defensive driver because by simply being in motion on the road you are anything but defensive. You are a threat to yourself and all the other people around you. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do not buy this car.

- Peter P., Fountain Valley, CA, US

problem #9

May 202016

Altima Special Edition 2.5S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

I do a lot of highway driving and the car drifts from left to right and trying to keep it straight is a struggle. I was wondering if the Altima's are made of nothing but plastic and we are just floating once we pick up speed because there is no weight to the car or what, but I don't like it.

It really sucks because this is my first ever Nissan and I don't know what to do about it, is there any fix to this, is there something they can do about it?

Should I change the tires? I know that's a whole separate complaint... but this drifting thing is bad. Do they know how bad it is, has Anyone from the Nissan corporation even acknowledged this issue, or is this one of the many issues that they see and won't address until it becomes an issue when someone dies or seriously gets hurt then that's when they'll truly care and will have to do something.

Update from Jun 4, 2016: I definitely do not like the feeling that I'm drifting especially because no matter how tight I grip wheel and try to compensate I feel as if I can't keep it straight.

This may not be a solution but it may be worth a shot I have never been a fan of Continental tires (personal opinion), so I am going to go with Yokohamas they have awesome handling and grip. I had them on my dodge and I loved them.

Sucks that I am saying this because the Altima isn't bad she has some pick up and go and amazing gas mileage but I almost wish I would've went with a dodge or a Honda because I know they don't have a drift problem.

- marleo, Stafford, VA, US

problem #8

Mar 032016

Altima S

  • CVT transmission
  • 21,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

All I can say here is that if you are on the freeway and above the 60-65 mph mark I personally noticed the vehicle swaying from side to side. You can hold the steering wheel firm in your grip and you feel the vehicle still flowing from side to side. Is this an all the time thing. No. However, the fact that it is noticeable is a big red flag. Be cautious and if you do test drive one of these take it out on the freeway a couple times and go over 65 mph. I know exactly what I experienced and it was not pleasant. Time will tell with this vehicle. Buyer beware.

- Scott C., Leander, TX, US

problem #7

Oct 192015

Altima S 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,200 miles

I purchased this vehicle used with 9,200 miles. I noticed the wandering problem but thought it was the road I was on. But after using a different highway with the problem still was there I became concerned. I took in to the dealer and they checked and adjusted the alignment. I left and the problem is still there and maybe worse. I took it back a day later and now it's an argument . Not sure what to do with this unsafe, in my mind, vehicle.

- Leland W., Andover, NY, US

problem #6

Oct 142015

Altima SV 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,950 miles

I took my car to the same dealer as before Glendale Nissan in Glendale Ca. and complaint about the car moves left and right. I have to correct the steering to keep this car in the center of the lane. I consider this is unsafe. When I talk to the head mechanic and the adviser the mechanic mentions that these Altimas have electric power steering and that can be the problem. They keep it overnight to check it. At the same time I complain about the clunking in the engine again. Next day they call me to go and pick up my car. When I got there the Adviser said nothing is wrong with the car, that they cannot duplicate my complaint.

- coraly, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #5

Jan 152015

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 2,000 miles

I have a 2015 Nissan Altima S model. At high speeds 65 mph the car is veering to the right and left and I have to constantly keep correcting the steering wheel to keep in my lane. Took the POS to the dealership and was told it depends on if I am driving on asphalt or concrere. What does it matter what the road is made of????? It is very dangerous and I have owned 7 Nissans prior to this one and never had a problem. Nissan has gone downhill since I had my first 1989 Sentra. They do not want to hear about any complaints. I was in arbitration for the MANY problems I am having with this car and all Nissan wants to do is sugarcoat it. Its time to lawyer up!!!!! After I am done with this mess.....goodbye Nissan hello Toyota or Honda......they just lost a VERY loyal customer

- Cheryl D., Salisbury, NC, US

problem #4

Apr 282015

Altima SL 3.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 20 miles

New 2015, 3.5 Altima - Didn't notice until after I purchased the vehicle, that at around 50 mph, the vehicle is unable to keep straight without constant correction. Being able to drive straight with little effort is something one would take for granted while test driving and not pay any attention to (test driving to see if a new car can drive straight?), but it appears not to have been one of Nissans concerns of basic features. No one else likes to drive the vehicle because of this. Checked on line and it appears even the 2014 has an issue. Would anyone want to hear about the crankshaft seal leaking @ 6k miles and serpentine belt shredding? It's ok, the towing is covered.

- Samuel R., Rosedal, MD, US

problem #3

Jun 212015

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles

SO, THIS IS THE SECOND NISSAN I HAVE HAD SINCE I'VE HAD MY LICENSE. THE FIRST ONE WAS A 1996 NISSAN MAXIMA THAT I JUST GOT RID OF A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. I BOUGHT THIS ONE BRAND NEW AND FRANKLY, THERE ARE NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS ALREADY. BETWEEN THIS HAVING TO ADJUST MY STEERING BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANDERS (BADLY) TO THE LATCH NOT WORKING QUITE RIGHT ON MY TRUNK, THESE NEW NISSANS SUCK.

- hilhaz, Bolivar, TN, US

problem #2

Aug 272014

Altima Sedan 2.5L Sl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25 miles

I GOT MY NEW 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA ON AUG 2014. WHEN I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 50 TO 70 MPH CAR WANDERS MORE LEFT THAN RIGHT. I NEED TO CORRECT ALL THE TIME.. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THE CAR IS NOT SAFE AT HIGH SPEED. THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME IT WAS FINE. I TOLD THE DEALER TO TAKE A TEST DRIVE WITH ME AND HE SAW THE WANDERING. HE ALSO DROVE THE CAR. WE WENT BACK 3 TIMES THE SAME DAY TO FIX THE WANDERING PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT FIX IT. HE TOLD ME HE PUT THE WANDERING PROBLEM ON RECORD AND SAID TO DRIVE THE NISSAN ALTIMA 2015 AND SEE IF THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY. BY THE TIME I COME BACK TO GET MY FIRST OIL CHANGE, NOW I HAVE 2,600 MILES AS OF TODAY'S DATE MAY 06 2015 AND I STILL HAVE THE SAME WANDERING HIGH SPEEDS PROBLEM , I FEEL THE CAR IS NOT SAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 50 TO 70 MPH. I HAVE NOT GONE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MY FIRST OIL CHANGE YET.

- John P., Westwood, NJ, US

problem #1

Dec 212014

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 4 miles

Constantly wandering at highway speeds 50-70mph left to right and or right to left. No rhyme or reason. I need to correct all the time. It feels like a gust of wind is pushing from side to side. Reduced the PSI down to 30 but it is still noticeable.

Update from Jun 10, 2015: Still no resolution. My car has been at the dealers for repair 5 times now. They have done an alignment 4 times with no help. My car now has 9000 miles and has spent a total of 10 days at the dealer.

- daviscalifornia, California, CA, US

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