Nissan known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 200 Nissan problems and 190 NHTSA safety recalls across 13 models — Rogue, Pathfinder, Frontier, Altima, Sentra, Kicks, Murano, Armada, Titan, Z, GT-R, LEAF and ARIYA — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue problems | First generation (2008–2013 (sold as Rogue Select for 2014)), Second generation (2014–2020), Third generation (2021 onward) | 24 | 22 |
| Nissan Pathfinder problems | Second generation (1996–2004), Third generation (2005–2012), Fourth generation (2013–2020), Fifth generation (2022 onward) | 25 | 24 |
| Nissan Frontier problems | First generation (1998–2004), Second generation (2005–2021), Third generation (2022 onward) | 18 | 18 |
| Nissan Altima problems | Third generation (2002–2006), Fourth generation (2007–2012), Fifth generation (2013–2018), Sixth generation (2019 onward) | 20 | 18 |
| Nissan Sentra problems | Fifth generation (2000–2006), Sixth generation (2007–2012), Seventh generation (2013–2019), Eighth generation (2020 onward) | 21 | 19 |
| Nissan Kicks problems | First generation (2018–2024), Second generation (2025 onward) | 9 | 9 |
| Nissan Murano problems | First generation (2003–2007), Second generation (2009–2014), Third generation (2015–2024), Fourth generation (2025 onward) | 18 | 15 |
| Nissan Armada problems | First generation (2004–2015), Second generation (2017–2024), Third generation (2025 onward) | 14 | 14 |
| Nissan Titan problems | First generation (2004–2015), Second generation (2016–2024) | 20 | 20 |
| Nissan Z problems | 350Z (2003–2009), 370Z (2009–2020), Z (2023 onward) | 6 | 6 |
| Nissan GT-R problems | GT-R (2009–2024) | 4 | 4 |
| Nissan LEAF problems | First generation (2011–2017), Second generation (2018–2025), Third generation (2026 onward) | 17 | 17 |
| Nissan ARIYA problems | ARIYA (2023 onward) | 4 | 4 |
Nissan Rogue problems
The biggest documented Rogue problems are engine recalls on the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo (2021–2025), wiring connectors that corrode from footwell water and salt on 2008–2016 models, and a jackknife-key recall covering 2014–2020. CVT powertrain coverage on 2014–2018 Rogues was extended to 84 months or 84,000 miles under a class settlement.
Nissan Pathfinder problems
The most serious documented Pathfinder problem is an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and start a fire, covered by recalls 18V601 and 19V807 for 2017–2019 models. 2013–2016 models also have hood latch and brake light relay recalls, 2002–2004 models carry Takata air bag recalls, and 2015–2018 CVT coverage was extended.
Nissan Frontier problems
The most significant documented Frontier problems are parking pawl recalls on 2020–2022 trucks that could let them roll away in Park, rust-related recalls on older trucks (2002–2004 steering shafts, 2005–2009 crash sensors in salt states), and a driver air bag emblem recall for 2008–2011. Newer trucks have door striker and ball joint recalls.
Nissan Altima problems
The most widespread documented Altima problem is a secondary hood latch that can corrode or bind open on 2013–2018 models, covered by several recalls up to 20V315. 2015–2017 cars also had a rear door latch recall, 2019–2020 VC-Turbo engines a bearing recall, and CVT warranty coverage was extended on 2007–2010 and 2013–2016 models.
Nissan Sentra problems
The most widespread documented Sentra problems are bending tie rods on 2020–2022 cars (recall 23V581), brake light switches that fail on 2016–2019 cars, Takata passenger air bag recalls on 2002–2006 cars, and driveshafts not seated in the CVT on some 2024–2025 cars. CVT warranty coverage was extended on 2007–2010 and 2013–2017 Sentras.
Nissan Kicks problems
The Kicks has fewer documented problems than older Nissans, and most are recalls fixed with software or a part swap. Key ones are a 2021 power steering sensor that can cut assist, and 2025–2026 recalls for a blank instrument display, rear camera, door strikers and labels. 2018–2019 models also share a back-up camera software fix.
Nissan Murano problems
The most serious documented Murano problem is an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and start a fire on 2015–2018 models, covered by recalls 16V636, 18V601 and 19V807. A 2025 class settlement extended transmission coverage on 2015–2018 Muranos to 84 months or 84,000 miles, and earlier models have intake duct and power steering hose recalls.
Nissan Armada problems
The most significant documented Armada problems are a driver air bag inflator that could rupture on 2013–2015 models, a fuel pump that can fail on 2020–2021 V8 models, and older recalls for brake pedals, fuel gauges, engine relays and condenser fans on 2004–2010 trucks. Newer Armadas have camera software and label recalls.
Nissan Titan problems
The most significant documented Titan problems are parking pawl recalls on 2020–2023 trucks that could let them roll away in Park, wiring harness recalls with fire risk on 2017–2020 V8s, and a driver air bag inflator that could rupture on 2013–2015 trucks. First-generation Titans also have brake pedal, fuel gauge and engine relay recalls.
Nissan Z problems
The Z cars have few documented recalls. The current Z (2023 onward) has two pop-up hood recalls and a parking pawl software recall on 2023 automatics. The 370Z's recalls are a small 2018 curtain air bag batch and a 2011 window auto-reverse fix, and 2007–2008 350Zs share a passenger occupant sensor recall.
Nissan GT-R problems
The GT-R has very few documented recalls. The most significant are a 2009 steering column bearing problem (15V054) and 2021 steering knuckles or rear axle housings that may be too weak (21V402). 2019 cars also need a back-up camera software update, and a few Puerto Rico cars needed corrected labels.
Nissan LEAF problems
The most significant documented LEAF problems are batteries that can overheat during DC quick charging on 2019–2022 cars (recalls 24V700 and 25V655) and a 2018–2023 software issue that can cause unintended acceleration after leaving cruise control. First-generation LEAFs have air bag sensor and cold-weather brake booster recalls.
Nissan ARIYA problems
The ARIYA's documented problems are four recalls on 2023 models. Two inverter software faults (23V657 and 24V560) can shut down the EV system and cut drive power, a small batch has front motor O-rings that can leak oil, and early cars may have a loose or missing steering wheel bolt.
Confirm how a used Nissan was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Nissan problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 13 Nissan models covered here, the most documented items are VC-Turbo engine oil can break down and damage bearings (recall 26V080) on the Rogue; front brake calipers may break (recall 25V173) on the Pathfinder; door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023) on the Frontier. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Nissan for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the brand’s owner site, or ask a Nissan dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Nissan USA newsroom — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Nissan North America, Inc.
More Nissan tools
- Nissan research hub
- Nissan trim levels explained
- Nissan engines and transmissions
- Nissan history
- Free Nissan VIN decoder
- Nissan specs by model
- Nissan reliability
- How long do Nissan models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.