2020 Nissan Altima: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Electrical · OH

Multiple door lock actuators have failed, potentially trapping occupants in the vehicle.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Electrical · GA

I currently own a 2020 Nissan Altima with 49,186 miles and I am reporting a recurring power door lock failure. This vehicle was inspected at the Nissan of Cumming location this morning to confirm the issue. Three of the passenger-side door lock actuators have failed within a short period of time. The two rear door locks stopped working at the same time, and approximately two weeks later the front passenger door lock also stopped working. The driver's door has started to not unlock when turning the car off where it normally did up until recently. The affected doors do not respond to the interior power lock/unlock buttons or the key fob. When attempting to lock or unlock the doors electronically, I can hear the actuators attempting to operate, but the doors do not actually lock or unlock. The doors can only be locked or unlocked manually. This failure affects multiple doors and appears to be a premature component failure given the vehicle's mileage. A malfunctioning power lock system could create a safety concern if occupants are unable to quickly secure or unlock doors during an emergency situation or if electronic access is needed. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether there is a broader defect involving door lock actuators or the power door lock system in 2019 - 2020 Altima vehicles. I have also submitted a case with Nissan Affairs. The case number is 56942179.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Electrical · MN

Both passenger-side and driver's side rear door lock mechanisms ceased working. They do not work when attempting to lock/unlock the doors from the inside controls in the front seat. These doors also do not lock/unlock when using the remote key fob either. Both rear doors have to be lock/unlocked manually from the inside of the door.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Electrical · CA

All four of my door lock actuators have went out without warning. This has caused stress and frustration due to not having the correct access to get in and out of my vehicle. The doors would not lock or unlock by pressing the buttons on the door or on the key itself. This has also caused a big safety concern. Being able to not open my car door is dangerous and could potentially hurt myself or others. I have contacted Nissan and they stated that there were not any recalls on my vehicle but I was suspicious since all lock actuators went out around the same time frame. I have paid to get 3/4 lock actuators replaced out of my own pocket with 1 lock actuator still not fixed. I was not made aware of the lock actuators failing and didn’t know that this was a problem a lot of other people were experiencing as well.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Electrical · WI

This is my second Altima I bought. A 2016 and a 2020. Both vehicles had issues where the car door wouldn't open from the inside or outside due to the lock system. If my car is "locked" and I go to open the drivers door,. it sets off the theft alarm system. These issues cause major issues because if I get into an accident and am not able to open the car door I could possibly die from not being able to get to me fast enough, sitting too long, etc the possibilities are endless. Not to mention I get up pretty early sometimes so to hear a theft alarm at full maximum volume is frustrating to say in simple terms. Other issues include the volume on my car will randomly turn to max volume or turns off. Essentially an error electronically that affects numerous aspects and integrity of the vehicle itself.

Filed Jan 4, 2026 · NC

Door lock actuator will not function properly, causing my car to “lock” with my keys inside the vehicle. This is available for inspection upon request. This is a safety hazard because my drivers side, and both back doors do not lock properly and can be accidentally opened when driving. Mount Airy Nissan has been notified of this problem and have inspected my vehicle, and agrees there’s an issue. There were no warnings or notifications displayed prior to them going out. I bought the vehicle in October of 2024 unknowing the back drivers side door lock actuator was already broken. After going into a store, and accidentally locking my keys inside the vehicle, I realized there was a problem with the lock since I was able to open the back driver side door without needing to press the unlock button on my key fob. After this realization, my back passenger side and driver side door lock actuator broke.

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Electrical · NY

All 4 door lock actuators have failed, no warning lamps indicating this issue, first appeared in 2024. Car has been broken into as a result

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · NJ

All 4 door lock actuators prematurely fail, causing doors to remain unlocked or locked even after numerous times of locking/unlocking, posing a safety risk.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Electrical · TN

My 2020 Nissan Altima Door actuators are all currently broken. The doors will not unlock with the fob and have to be manually unlocked. This can cause a huge safety issue if they are unable to be unlocked.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · WA

I have a 2020 Nissan Altima SR that both rear door lock actuators have randomly gone out resulting in my back doors not unlocking in case of an emergency. My doors also do not lock with any of the buttons, and if I forget to manually lock my rear doors, they are left unlocked and someone can break into my car, resulting in injury.

Filed Jul 28, 2024 · Electrical · VA

3 of 4 vehicle door locks failed simultaneously caused difficulty trying to secure the vehicle. Appears to be a safety violation if vehicle can't be secured properly by the driver. Appears to be a common problem with the nissan vehicles

Filed May 8, 2024 · SC

All four door lock actuators have failed when the car was only 2 years old. We have lived with it but this seems to happen and could be a safety issue.