The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the headlights were very dim, making it difficult to see while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with deteriorating headlight assemblies, causing the low-beam headlights to fail to properly illuminate the roadway while driving at night. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Nissan Altima headlights problems
1,183 of the 15,494 owner complaints about the Nissan Altima describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 1,183
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 79,087
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Won't start 13Check engine light 12Stalling 10No deployment 9Key fob 8Airbag light 7Wipers 6Steering lock-up 6
Trouble codes mentioned
P0335 2P0725 1P0420 1P0309 1P0300 1P0240 1
What owners say
The headlights are so dim we cannot see safely at night, we have had everything professionally cleaned and installed new super bright bulbs, it has made zero difference. Does someone really have to die for this to be taken seriously? There was a huge lawsuit apparently but we never heard about it and missed the window!
My car was hit and airbags did not deploy from driver side. The front driver side of my car is totalled. Not sure what force of an impact is needed for airbags to deploy but if my driver side tire rod broke and tire came off is this not sufficient force. This 2015 Nissan Altima has had many recalls. The last one was my front driver side head lamp almost caught on fire but mechanic found everything burned and melted because of electrical issue which was a recall. With my luck the recall expired apparently because it happened after the fact when it was no longer covered. I called and basically I was told too late. Now my airbags did not deploy.
My 2014 Nissan Altima has experienced loss of visibility from the headlights significantly to the point of feeling unsafe driving at night. I believe the cause of these issue is due to degradation of the reflective coating within the headlamps. New bulbs installed have not improved the quality of the headlights performance leading me to believe this is caused by a fault of the headlamp assembly itself.
The headlights are dangerously dim. There has been a class action lawsuit for these specific makes and models for the reflectors in the headlights being damaged over time, resulting in the entire headlight assemblies needing replaced.
1. Headlights. The headlights are dim to the point that vision at night is greatly impaired unless I use my high beams. It is available for inspection. 2. Impaired vision at night, I cannot see very well when driving at night, and others may be affected by not being able to see me as well. 3. This is a known manufacturing defect which has been confirmed by Nissan, and is actually subject of a class action settlement, however I was unaware of the class action settlement at the time and didn't participate before the deadline. 4. I have not been inspected yet, but am able to do so. 5. No, there are no warnings, the headlights are just too dim to see.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal headlight failure, and it was determined that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
The headlight housings metallic coatings for reflectivity are failing and reduce the efficacy of the headlights. There has been a class action lawsuit against Nissan for this but many, like myself, were not notified. The headlights are very dim and create a safety hazzard when driving in an area where high beams can't be used. NTSHA really needs to do what is right here and force a recall.
The headlights on this vehicle are very dim because of a defect by the manufacturer. The inside of the headlight has delamination and causes the lights to be very dim which is a hazardous situation when driving at night. A recalled was issued, but has since expired. Dealer wants to charge over 1800 to replace both headlights.
-Upon research, it appears my Nissan has an issue with the headlight lamps that have caused the low beams to diminish over time. This is a recorded defect (class action lawsuit [XXX], et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.) of Nissan Altimas years 2013-2018. -There is a Nissan Dealership in my city I can take the vehicle to for further inspection and subsequent replacement. I would like documentation to further provide to the dealership in case there is any resistance to replacement. -The headlights are so dim I cannot see the road ~15 feet beyond me. The car's high beams, turn signals, and brake lights are all in working condition. The only thing affected are the low beam lights, which further suggest the headlight lens is not of issue. This can cause difficulty seeing at night and could prove to be a safety issue for myself and others, as well as limiting others' visibility of me. -There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior. The check engine light is not on. I have had this car in my possession and under my name for about a year and the headlights have diminished over time to an unsafe degree. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
- Risk
- If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669.
Recall number 19V235000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Altima headlights
Which Nissan Altima years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (428 complaints), 2014 (286 complaints) and 2015 (267 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Nissan Altima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 132 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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