2014 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan, 3.5sl 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,199–3,360 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2014 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,025 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 193 for similar models — most often about the exterior lighting.
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,199 lb (2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 21% better than the 2014 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1025 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2014
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,199 lb | 60/40 |
| 3.5sl 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,360 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 290 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 353 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Nissan Altima.
Similar 2014 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Nissan Altima (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2014 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 Chevrolet Impala | 28 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2014 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (8)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · May 28, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · 1,831,818 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
- Risk
- Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂs Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 19, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V911000 · 757 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jan 22, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V029000 · 846,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
- Risk
- If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V681000 · 919 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
- Risk
- If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 4, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V486000 · 46,846 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
- Risk
- If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Feb 27, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V116000 · 625,400 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
- Risk
- If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 25, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V138000 · 989,701 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
- Risk
- If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2014 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 279 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Power Train — 188 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 177 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →