Nissan Altima spongy pedal problems

Filed May 19, 2026 · Brakes · FL

​Reporting a severe hydraulic/mechanical braking defect on a 2023 Nissan Altima with only 26,820 miles. Vehicle experiences persistent 'spongy' brake pedal feel, premature metal-on-metal rotor gouging, and severely darkened/degraded brake fluid, indicating a systemic hydraulic component failure or electronic brake-dragging defect. This is a severe safety hazard causing unpredictable stopping distances. ​Authorized dealer (Coral Springs Nissan) refused warranty coverage prior to the May 21, 2023 expiration date and attempted to extort a signed liability/warranty waiver under duress to release my vehicle, which has been documented in writing on the service order and on video footage. ***Manufacturer is actively concealing this safety defect to avoid a mandatory safety recall. I own an identical second 2023 Altima with no such issues, proving a manufacturing defect on this vehicle. I paid $63k for both cars brand new. The only difference is the color. This issue began 2023 just five months after purchase. I called Coral Springs Nissan who told me this was not the brakes but electrical components that are used now. I trusted what they told me. It made sense. How could breaks be like that on a new car? What they needed to tell me was get to the nearest Nissan immediately because they were aware they've been having cars with break issues especially between 2021 and 2023. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THESE ARE BRAKE ISSUES? And what is this I was told that they recently got a judge to sign off and block any more class action lawsuits?? If this was some kind of air-conditioner component and still it wouldn't be fair for people who are trusting in quality. But these are brake issues. These are safety issues! What the hell are they letting these cars out on the road? Issue confirmed by Auto Nation Nissan of Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs Nissan.

Filed Oct 24, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 154,000 miles · MD · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan altima. While attempting to shift the vehicle from park into drive, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that the vehicle had been purchased and delivered to her residence by an unknown dealer. The dealer was informed of the failure and the mechanic was able to replace the rear passenger side caliper at the contact's residence. Additionally, while driving 25 MPH, smoke emitted from the front driver's side wheel. The contact was informed that the brake rotor and caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000. *tt consumer stated police informed the consumer the vehicle was not inspected.

Filed Jan 25, 2017 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NY

My daughter drove the car to her hospital in nj and when she returned a few hours later to drive back to her home on li the car would not start. The remote opened the doors but the brake pedal was hard and car would not start when she pushed the start button. I was told the problem is a faulty escl. Apparently this is a common problem with the 2009 altima's. I called nissan and was assigned a case number. Don't know if it will help. Dealer quoted almost $700 just for the part, said the problem is so common he keeps the part in stock.

Filed Mar 18, 2016 · Steering · 85,000 miles · WI

At any given time or place, our 2009 nissan altima would lock up. The brake pedal was hard as a rock, or the steering wheel would totally lock up. Sometimes it would happen in july on a nice warm day, or in january when your driving across the country at 20 below. This is a huge and dangerous problem, please help us before somebody else gets killed. This problem always happened to our car when it was parked and turned off.

Filed Dec 5, 2015 · 95,000 miles · OH

Electronic steering column lock malfunction. Parked vehicle in the driveway, came out an hour later and the vehicle will not start. A yellow key light and a red vehicle light with a key symbol inside are the only things on the dash that will appear. Brake pedal is hard and the push to start will not work.

Filed Jan 14, 2015 · Brakes · 147,750 miles · MA

The car was parked in a driveway for 6 hours in 10 degree weather. It was required to move the car to allow another vehicle to leave when the nissan was driven forward to re-park the vehicle and the brakes were applied the peddle was rock hard and no brakes were available causing a collision with a garage door. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a vacuum valve, integral with a vacuum hose. The dealer tested the car at 7:30am on 1/16/2012 when the car had been sitting for over 24 hours in 23 degree weather, the brake pedal was hard (however not rock solid) once the pedal was pumped twice the brakes worked accordingly. The theory was the valve was not functioning in the cold weather. The dealer tested the theory by removing the faulty part and placing it in the cold weather for approximately 30 minutes and reinstalled part back into the car and created a similar scenario where the brake pedal was hard with limited brakes (temperature was 22 degrees). The part has been replaced and appears to have solved the issue. I am disappointed that the nissan altima can potentially have brakes in extreme cold weather as I live in a cold climate. - see more at: http://www.nissanusa.com/apps/contactus#sthash.gpxhtya7.dpuf this brakes issue should had been recalled.

Filed Aug 31, 2012 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NH

I believe a recall should be placed for this problem. When the temperature falls below 10 degrees f, the brake pedal is hard and won't move therefore the brakes won't apply. This could cause a serious injury or death. It happens intermittently. Since other less serious problems warrant a recall why wouldn't this? It seems to be a common problem not only on 05 models. Just search the internet.

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Transmission · FL

2012 nissan altima. Consumer writes in regards to clutch failure *tgw the consumer stated the clutch went to the floor and there was a spongy feel. The dealer found white grease in the fluid. The clutch master cylinder and salve cylinder were replaced several times.

Filed Jan 20, 2012 · Brakes · 95,200 miles · NY · crash

The car was parked in a driveway for 6 hours in 10 degre weather. It was required to move the car to allow another vehicle to leave when the nissan was driven forward to re-park the vehicle and the brakes were applied the peddle was rock hard and no brakes were available causing a collision with a garage door. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a vacuum valve, integral with a vacuum hose. The dealer tested the car at 7:30am on 1/16/2012 when the car had been sitting for over 24 hours in 23 degree weather, the brake pedal was hard (however not rock solid) once the pedal was pumped twice the brakes worked accordingly. The theory was the valve was not functioing in the cold weather. The dealer tested the theory by removing the faulty part and placing it in the cold weather for approximatley 30 minutes and reinstalled part back intot he car and created a similar scenario where the brake pedal was hard with limited brakes (temperature was 22 degrees). The part has been replaced and appears to have solved the issue. I am dissapointed that the nissan altima can potentially have brakes in extreme cold weather as I live in a cold climate.

Filed Mar 14, 2011 · Transmission · FL

I purchased a 2005 nissan altima in 2006 with 13, 000 miles. Shortly after purchasing it, I began to have issues with a "spongy" clutch...meaning it would become very loose. Often it would have to be pumped and then shoved into gear. I brought the car to a local nissan dealer complaining of the issues with the clutch. They had it for a day and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Of course, back then it was still under warranty. The problem never went away. In fact, it became worse until it was finally a safety issue. This clutch issue would occur at random times in different weather making it very difficult to predict or avoid. Often, I was driving in traffic and unable to shift into the next gear. Eventually, I had to have the master and slave cylinder replaced and the entire clutch system replaced at my own expense. Both were temporary solutions. Again, I had problems with the clutch. My car clutch now sticks to the floor making it impossible to switch gears. This is very dangerous. Often I am struggling to get the car moving in traffic or at turns putting me and my children in danger. Before I pay to have the same issue repaired again, I did some research this time, and this seems to be a common problem among this year and make of nissan. To me, this is an issue that nissan needs to address as it is a safety issue for thier consumers. I have records of all repairs beginning with the initial complaint. In my opinion, nissan needs to be accountable and recall and fix the problems before it results in a fatal accident.