I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and I felt the car jump and it felt like it was losing power and kicking me at the same time. It wanted to stall out. So I had to pull over to the far right lane and it continued to make a screaming noise when I would push on the had and not want to accelerate.
Nissan Altima loss of power problems
366 of the 15,497 owner complaints about the Nissan Altima describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 366
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 84,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 76Check engine light 72CVT failure 55Jerking 43Transmission failure 32Won't start 25Power steering loss 18Hesitation 18
Trouble codes mentioned
P0335 5P17F0 2P0776 2P0725 2P2135 1P1778 1P0507 1P0420 1P0340 1P0021 1
What owners say
The components and systems experiencing problems in my 2020 Nissan Altima S 2.5L include the engine, throttle body, and mass airflow (MAF) sensor system. The vehicle has experienced severe engine performance issues, including excessive fuel consumption, jerking, hesitation during acceleration, reduced engine power, and unexpected limp mode. The safety of myself and others were put at risk because the car did not accelerate anymore in the middle of on going traffic. It was me and my 2 underaged children in the car. Yes it has been confirmed by an independent service center. Yes, insurance representatives and others including mechanics. Check engine light appeared
While heading west on interstate after a Drs. Appointment my wife was driving our 2021 Nissan Altima when suddenly there was a loss of power to the engine as if the engine was overheating or had loss of fuel or only able to slowly exit the freeway to a safe place and call a tow truck, after 1 1/2 days of diagnosing and testing. I was able to drive the vehicle with no issues for approximately 4000 miles when the exact problem has occurred this past Friday 6-19-2026
Subject: Dangerous Transmission Failure in 2015 Nissan Altima While my 2015 Nissan Altima has always exhibited questionable performance—including abnormal acceleration, hesitation during throttle response, and mismatched RPMs relative to acceleration—the transmission has now begun to severely slip. I have also experienced sudden loss of power, pronounced shuddering, and complete power failure while driving. On multiple occasions, these issues have placed me in dangerous driving situations. It is important to note that I have regularly maintained the vehicle and kept it in mechanically decent shape throughout my ownership. I believe it is critical for other drivers to be aware of these ongoing problems, especially since Nissan appears to be avoiding responsibility for manufacturing such faulty powertrains. New car buyers and those purchasing used vehicles are becoming victims of this defective transmission, which poses a serious risk to passengers, drivers, and others on the road.
The engine mounted high pressure fuel pump became loose and unseated because the engine-side mounting threads failed. The pump lifted off its mounting surface, the head of the engine, and oil came out around the top of the engine. This failure caused sudden loss of engine power and created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic and there was fluid leakage in the engine compartment near hot engine components. The problem was confirmed by a Nissan dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, documented the failed mounting area on the engine head, and submitted a goodwill warranty claim to Nissan, which was denied. Prior to the failure, there were no 18repairs or service in this area from the factory. Symptoms at the time of failure were loss of power and visible oil leakage from the top/right side of the engine. No warning lamps/messages prior to the mechanical failure. Vehicle had 60,845 miles at the time of failure.
On August 30, 2025, while driving on the highway, my 2019 Nissan Altima displayed a “CVT (AT) Hot / Power Reduced” warning. Power was limited, but the engine did not shut off. I immediately scheduled service at Paul Miller Nissan in Fairfield, CT. At the September 2, 2025 visit, the repair order stated: “Customer states CVT (AT) Hot Power Reduced display in dash. All past codes stored; cleared all past codes stored.” No complete diagnostic test, CVT pressure test, or fluid inspection was performed. The dealership did not preserve the freeze-frame data from the TCM. I was told that no current fault codes were present and that the vehicle was safe to operate. Relying on the dealership’s professional assurance, I continued normal use of the vehicle. About a couple of weeks later, the vehicle began to jerk and lose smooth acceleration intermittently, worsening by the sixth week. I promptly returned for service. On October 21–22, 2025, the same dealership confirmed transmission codes P0776 and P17F0, diagnosing a CVT failure and recommending full replacement. When questioned about prior diagnostic data, the service manager stated that all data from the September visit had been cleared and that the freeze-frame information was deleted and no longer available. This handling contradicts Nissan’s standard CVT diagnostic protocol, which requires documenting stored codes, inspecting CVT fluid condition, and recording internal temperatures before clearing data. Nissan Consumer Affairs later stated their review relied solely on the dealership’s findings and that missing diagnostic data would not be retrieved. Since the confirmed failure, I have been forced to rent a vehicle at my own expense, exceeding $1000 to date. The vehicle’s reduced power and transmission failure created a serious safety risk, especially as I transport my children in this vehicle. The dealership’s erasure of diagnostic evidence prevented accurate evaluation and timely repair. The issue remains unresolved.
Check engine light came on will not go off transmission fluid burnt replaced transmission fluid because transmission was slipping out of gear not finding the correct gear I do believe it was starting off in second gear instead of first. Drive slightly better in manual after fluid gets warm but not overheating the car will start jerking and threatening to kill losing power in the accelerator and going uphill also having trouble with the car going into reverse and drive. I had no choice but to replace the transmission fluid myself due to lack of funds and now dealership refuses to touch my vehicle for repairs. I called Nissan to make a complaint and they hung up on me. Car was just paid off October of 2024. This situation with my transmission began November of 2025.
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at intersections, trying to accelerate forward when the stop light turns green causing me to stop in the middle of intersections or accelerate slowly through the intersection which is very dangerous. I've been on the highway going normal highway speeds over 60mph when I would lose power and try to keep my speed and my car would stay in the 15mph - 40mph, having to turn my hazard lights on so other drivers know I'm having issues accelerating. The first time I took my car to the dealership, they could not recreate the issue after having my vehicle for 30 days. I received my car back and the engine light finally came on after some time and I immediately took my car to the dealership where they confirmed the CVT transmission was the issue.
Many times while I'm driving, I feel a jerky motion. when I am at a stop light, and proceed to hit the accelerator, it will not pick up. I have lost power, the car will jerk while I'm driving. The RPM will rave go up. It's very dangerous because I can be driving and the engine will lose or reduced power. I get a whining sound, like my transmission, is gonna go out.
A few months ago, while at a stop light my car would not acceleration, I depressed the pedal all the way to the floor and there was no movement but rpm’s went up to 4000. I was almost rear ended as I was attempting to go. The car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed and drove normal. This occurrence happened intermittently a couple times, and is really dangerous while making left hand turns and almost being hit in the intersection. I took it to a shop to get a diagnostic but the mechanic said that since there was no check engine light or codes he’d “just be guessing.” I have been driving the car for sometime now without any issues. Last week I went an hour out of town and my car suddenly loss power on the highway while going 70 mph. It decelerated to 40 mph and would not go faster. I had to pull off the highway crossing 3 lanes of traffic barely going 40 mph. When I got to the shoulder, I turned my car off and waited a few minutes before turning it back on and the car drove fine for maybe 10 miles before it lost power again. I noticed a loud whining noise while accelerating and a smell of transmission fluid. It took me 2 hours to get home being I had to continue to pull over every 5-10 miles which seemed to reset the transmission. I had it towed to a different repair shop the next day and once again no check engine light, no codes and the car had not shown any reported symptoms, so the mechanics hands where tied but he did say that the CVT transmission in Nissan Altimas have been a major issue and of it is indeed the transmission it would cost 3k-6k for repairs. If this is truly an issue with Nissan’s CTV transmissions then there needs to be a recall and the repair should be covered. The sudden failure of engine mechanics is a safety risk for all drivers and needs to be investigated before Nissan is hit with a wrongful death suit.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800‑647‑7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1‑800‑662‑6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Recall number 25V437000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. Certain my 2006 altimas which have been previously remedied under recall campaign 06v223 (nissan r0606) are not included in this recall since the reprogramming for 06v223 also included this reprogramming. The recall began on december 31, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, if a sufficiently hot object enters the air filter housing through the engine fresh air intake system and contacts the engine air filter, the flammability characteristics of the air filter material are such that the filter may ignite.
- Risk
- If the air filter material ignites, a fire may occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air filter with a new one that has improved anti-flammability material characteristics. The recall began on july 3, 2007, and will continue through october 1, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 07V267000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crank angle sensor is affected by temperature variations. Under certain driving conditions, these variations in temperature can be large enough to cause a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. The recall began on august 21, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V242000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines may experience excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings.
- Risk
- If the oil is not maintained at least at the minimum level, engine damage can occur and in extreme cases result in an engine fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module (ECM or engine computer). Your vehicle will also be inspected to determine if it has been consuming engine oil at a higher than normal rate. In a small percentage of vehicles, engine replacement will be needed. On june 9, 2006, nissan notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level. Follow-up letter to owners advising them of the status of the recall was sent during august 2006. Followup letter to owners was sent on november 15, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V223000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
- Risk
- This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.
Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate.
- Risk
- Either of these two conditions could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of poor or improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube. Owner notification began on july 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261. Nissan recall nos. R3007, r3014, r3015, r3016, r3017. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they could score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. The pre-catalyst will be tested to ensure it is working properly and replaced if necessary. If damage is found inside the pre-catalyst, it will be necessary to replace the engine.
Recall number 03V084000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Altima loss of power
Which Nissan Altima years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (51 complaints), 2003 (44 complaints) and 2013 (36 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Nissan Altima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 43 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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