I own a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV with approximately 130,000 miles. My vehicle has a serious water leak affecting both sides of the interior. Rainwater enters around both sun visors, soaks the headliner, and runs down the windshield pillars even when the vehicle is parked. I believe the sunroof drainage system may be defective. I understand the vehicle is outside its original warranty, but I would like Nissan to review this issue for goodwill assistance and consider covering the diagnostic and repair costs.I am concerned about water damage, mold, and possible damage to electrical components near the windshield pillars. There is already signs of mold on the headliner. That is huge health concern. For myself and my family Could you please open a case and let me know whether Nissan can authorize assistance through a dealership? Thank you
Nissan Altima water leak problems
34 of the 15,497 owner complaints about the Nissan Altima describe water leaks into the cabin, most of them for the 2005 model year.
- owner complaints
- 34
- worst model year
- 2005
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,058
- typical mileage
- 56,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 3Overheating 2Wipers 1Key fob 1Jerking 1Headlights 1Fire or smoke 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
Water leak...from trunk and sunroof....electrical problems airbag light on and off.....sensor issues i paid out of pocket.
1 of 2 problems! 1 the passenger head light seems to be leaking water into the headlight and blurring vission forwards and gives a blurring illusion and mabe shorting out the headlight. 2 the windshield wipers liquid sencer showes it needs windshield wipers fluid when it's full. The light on the dashboard keeps flashing showing this and keeps the odometer blocked.
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the door panels, and the sunroof was leaking water and the floor panel would be drenched with water. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof drain to be drained. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact had the vehicle repaired a third time. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Car power train started to go out at 88K miles. Started with a coolant leak issue as it mysteriously drained on my way home from work. Seemed to “fix” itself as a month went by after I was told by 2 auto shops they couldn’t find a coolant leak. Car then started to overheat and not hold coolant at all. Took it back in, was told again “no coolant leak”. Keep being told the same thing over and over again. But I am the one buying coolant and putting it in almost daily. No warning light for low coolant came on nor did check engine light kick in. Didn’t notice car started to overheat until I couldn’t feel cold air anymore coming out from AC and looked at the car temp gauge. Car is now around 100K miles and still being told “it’s just water leaking out”. Car does not drive like it supposed to. Warranty ended at 85K miles and when it first happened I asked and begged them to replace everything and was told no even though mileage wasn’t even far from 85K at the time. Car now jerks when stopped at a light or beginning to accelerate again after coming to a stop.
Took my car to Nissn dealership for water leak after heavy rain that could effect electrical components. Before they looked at they asked if I had a sunroof and advised it gets clogged easily with this vehicle and thats why I had water getting in my car. This is a known issue with Nissan but they dont address to consumers and. Mt car also had a mildew smell now as well
Had to replace rear brake pads at 21,100 miles…very odd to have to replace at such a low mileage. Also, the major issue I’m having is with water leaking into my car…the dealership first said they thought it was due to clogged sunroof drains….they were wrong…took it back after issue still happening, and now they are saying that the sunroof drains are deformed…the water is coming in from under the dash onto the passenger side of the floor and going to the back. Also, leaking from the top edge onto the passenger seat. There also is some water on the driver seat, and the driver’s seatbelt feels damp. Under both the passenger & driver’s seat there is rust….this car was brand new when I got it. The car has heated/power seats. I’m concerned that this water damage may cause other issues down the road..including safety issues. Rust and mold are not good. There also is a bad odor.
My wife's 2015 altima 2.5 sl has a tremendous water leak on the drivers side filling the cabin with inches of water. This vehicle has been garage kept for the 5yrs, but with the purchase of my new car we know keep the altima in the driveway. After a recent rain I noticed a very strong musty, moldy odor and the sound of water as I backed out of the driveway, as I reached level ground my feet where soaked with water. I have had the drain tubes cleaned and cleared as this was mention to me at the dealership as a common problem. This did not fix the water leak and nissan requires $475 to check the problem further. I did a search online and noticed this is a common problem with nissan vehicles, as this water leak seem to come from faulty structural welding it's a safety hazard to the electrical system and safety of the vehicle as a whole, we now experience slight electrical glitches with our altima which again I feel is a safety hazard.
Water leaks from window seal and ceiling
When it rains it leaks water in the vehicle near the sunroof in the headliner on both passenger and driver side of vehicle. It will leak (drip) while parked and while in drive
Related recalls
Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V‑040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.
- Risk
- If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7669.
Recall number 18V915000 · Recall details
Structure
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 altima vehicles manufactured from april 7, 2010 through april 13, 2010. Some of the front side member assembly components may not have been welded to specification due to a tool maintenance error.
- Risk
- If several structural welds are out of specification on a single vehicle, it may have an effect on the vehicle crash performance.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary repair free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 10V193000 · Recall details
Structure: body: door
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling 225 my 2009 altima vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have been manufactured with an out-of-specification weld on the door assembly.
- Risk
- This does not meet the standard requirements.
- Remedy
- All the affected vehicles have been brought back from the dealerships and remedied at the factory. No vehicles had been retailed.
Recall number 09V006000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Altima water leak
Which Nissan Altima years have water leaks into the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2005 (6 complaints), 2015 (6 complaints) and 2002 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix water leaks into the cabin on the Nissan Altima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,058 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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