Nissan Altima Acceleration Problems To Know Of

Jan 26, 2021

There’s no doubt you buy a car expecting it to be in the best condition for safety and reliability. Problems can happen. Some, like the Nissan Altima acceleration problems, are reported by consumers operating the vehicle. Knowing what these problems are in advance of making a purchase is always a good idea.

2020 Nissan Altima - Photo by Nissan

Are there Nissan Altima acceleration problems that could influence your buying decision?

Yes, there are some concerns you should know about before buying:

Delays in acceleration
Acceleration is lost during operation

Our goal is to help prepare you to make the right buying choice for your needs. To do that, you need information. We’ll break down the Altima acceleration problems and provide you with other support. You should also check the history of your Nissan Altima before making a buying decision.

Delays in Acceleration

One of the most common complaints from owners regarding the Nissan Altima, in general, is the problem of delayed acceleration. It has been reported heavily on the 2016 Nissan Altima, though others have noted it previously as well.

The problem occurs when the vehicle does not seem to accelerate for a short period of time. A driver is at a stop. He or she depresses the pedal. The vehicle does not rev. It does not do anything for a few seconds. Even with increased force on the pedal, the vehicle does not move.

The second concern is that, once it does move, it does so significantly with a jolt. This means that, after a few seconds of not functioning, the vehicle will suddenly accelerate quickly. This can create an increased risk of an accident.

A key concern with this problem is that the technicians have a hard time replicating it when they try to work on it. Because it happens so sporadically, it is hard to make happen in a workshop. Nissan has not issued any recalls or any information about this problem.

Acceleration is Lost During Operation

Another common problem with the Nissan Altima relates to a drop in acceleration that happens when a driver is operating the vehicle. Randomly, the owner will depress the pedal, and it will not accelerate. The vehicle does not stop, but it also does not increase as the driver wants it to.

This problem has been reported with various Nissan Altima years, including the 2016 and 2017 models. It tends to happen when the user is trying to accelerate above 55 miles per hour. This can happen at high speeds, making it hard for drivers to control the vehicle’s speeds. This creates a significant safety risk.

2015 Nissan Altima - Photo by Nissan

Drivers have reported that the rpms do not increase when they step on the accelerator. Others report that the gas pedal does not seem to do anything for a short period of time. Some reported they can allow the speed to drop below 55 miles per hour, and then step on the gas. If they do this, they are able to increase their speed slightly.

Dealerships have had a hard time replicating this problem as well. Some have noted that the problem can be fixed by maintaining the transmission. An early transmission flush may offer help with this.

Potential Causes for These Problems

Nissan has not issued a recall for this particular problem. The problem could be from more than one concern.

One potential cause may be due to the mass airflow sensor. This is located in the inlet air cleaner. It allows for the measurement of air mass moving into the intake.

If that area is clogged or there is a lack of flow, it can cause improper data to be sent to the vehicle’s computer. This can cause the wrong reaction by the transmission.

Another potential fix for this problem may be related to the oxygen sensor. This is another device that measures air. It is located on the vehicle to measure the exhaust system emissions. It can then analyze the air-fuel ratio that is moving through the vehicle. Again, this relates to a computer issue.

If it does not read the right amount of fuel present, it may not allow the vehicle to accelerate as it should.

2019 Nissan Altima - Photo by Nissan

A more mechanical problem relates to the condition of the fuel filter. In some Nissan vehicles, the fuel filter may be dirty or, even worse, clogged. This means that the vehicle is not getting enough fuel into it to allow for that increased acceleration to take place.

The vehicle will not respond when the driver depresses the gas pedal. This may be the easiest and least expensive fix.

Keep in mind that the same problems can occur with the vehicle’s air filter. The air filter helps to limit the amount of clean air moving into the vehicle. If the filter is clogged, it may not allow enough air to flow in, leading to problems with acceleration.

This may also make it hard for the vehicle to gain speed when at higher miles per hour as well. That is because the wrong air-to-fuel mixture is sent to the combustion chambers to burn.

Should You Worry about These Nissan Altima Acceleration Problems?

Not everyone has these problems with the Nissan Altima. Many vehicles never have any type of concern like this. However, you should still do some research.

Start with a search for your vehicle at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Just enter your VIN into the system to pull up all related safety concerns. If you are just buying a vehicle, enter the make, model, and year into the system.

This will show you all related problems, recalls, customer complaints, and service problems noted with the vehicle.

Photos: Nissan

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Caitlyn on February 25, 2023

Gas pedal looses power almost got killed

The cars battery and brake lights came on while driving and then after about 10 mins my gas pedal stopped working and I almost got in a really bad car accident. If i rev the car over 3000 rpms the lights go out. So while i was cruising i had to shift to natural and rev the car and shift back to drive when i needed to go faster. I brought the car to the mechanic got a new alternator and battery. When driving it home after picking it up the same thing happened after about ten mins. When the mechanic got it back he said the alternator was dead it was only putting out 3.5 volts. He figured maybe he got a defective alternator so he replaced it again with another battery. Same thing happened for the 3rd time. He said he couldn't figure it out and recommend me to bring it to the dealership. So I did and just for them to look at your car is 150 walking in the door. I explained everything to them and told them don't tell me it's my alternator and charge me 150 for information I already know. The guy said he wouldn't and a few days later calls me and tells me it's the alternator and it would cost 1000 $ to replace it. I told him again I already changed it out 3 different times with a new battery. He told me in order for them to find the issue they would have to do the alternator first and then move on from there. So I asked him ok what's gonna be the next step after I pay a 1000s dollars for something that's not going to fix the issue. He said he couldn't tell me till they did the first step. So pretty much what I got out of it was they just want to run my pockets and get as much money as the possibly could. I asked him if he could just do what ever you would do after changing the alternator and he told me nope. Also I believe this should be a recall because when I look up forms online a ton of people have this same issue and can't get answers to fix it. I think we should all file a lawsuit means it's alot of us with the same issue and there isn't any recall

Joyce on April 3, 2023

2015 ALTIMA FAIL TO ACCELERATE. DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR

April 2022 I was pulling into business Lott & car failed to accelerate & slowly came to stop. Attempts to start & the engine wouldn’t turn over at all. Tow to Nissan & they said car started right up when move to garage but I need new battery cause won’t hold full charge. I took car home & happened again enroute from O’Hare A/P. Towed to Nissan & they said their diagnostic “indicates transmission failing internally.” $9,000 to fix OR $4,000 credit towards other car on their Lott. No deal! I noticed every time my car stalled it needed battery “charge for at least 10 minutes.” Jump-start did nothing cause engine would stop again. Aamco tests found no transmission issue but I got transmission fluid change. Problem persisted & car unsafe so let sit 2 months while figure options. Shared sons car. My personal mechanic finally said “even though alternator tests say my alternator is good - suppose tests (3 different places) results are wrong. Wouldn’t u rather take a chance & eliminate that possibility. Spend $300 rather than $9,000. Your NEW battery keeps needing a charge so it HAS TO BE the alternator. He changed alternator & one year later still no problems. Old alternator had a loose part around the neck area that would spin- which is why it worked sometimes & other times would not keep battery charged. So glad I didn’t just GIVE my Altima to Nissan dealership :-).

Vee Mize on November 5, 2022

Have both problems- most likely the CVT

This carhas a CVT (Continuius Variable Transmission). It uses chains and not gears, and is kinda brittle when used to accelrate fast. It will get damaged if you often accelerate too quickly at ANY speed, which leads to this accelration and deceleration problem. If this is happening, try to baby the gas pedal... No stomping on the gas at any speed or from a dead stop. If you are accelreating from a dead stop, nudge the pedal a few times, and it will help. Unfortunately, these transmissiins act like a race car but are worn down quickly if driven that way. Baby the Nissan, don't show off with it, and hopefully that helps. Bad news- the transmission is ptobably samaged

Kimberly on March 10, 2023

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA DOES THE SAME!

So, I bought my nieces Altima from her because she never drove it because she has another car. I really wanted it because it's nice and not too bad on miles. Anyway, so I'm driving down the highway today and thank God it wasn't rush hour because it literally just decided it didn't wanna go. It freaked me out. I've been without a way to go for so long and now like many others on here, I'm scared to drive it. My daughter had same issue with her 2005 Altima. I should have learned from that one leaving us stranded too many times. Thanks for this post, I hope Nissan figures it out or recalls until it's fixed! I do love the car itself but I don't have a death wish.

Tori on October 9, 2022

My 2022 NissanAltima SR Midnight edition

My 2022 Nissan Altima is doing the exact same thing, I took it to the shop three times and they can’t get it to replicate they cleaned the mass airflow sensor and it’s still doing the same thing. I almost got into an accident on the highway being that the car stop accelerating in the middle of driving. When I depressed on the gas pedal, it did accelerate past 25 MPH I noticed my RPMs would not move as this was happening. My 2022 does it sporadic, and it also do it in residential area. I’m so scared to drive my brand-new car! It is a major safety risk.. I have also noticed that it seems to happen more when I run my AC.

Ceci on August 9, 2022

2012 Nissan

I have had my Altima for 8 years and this happens to me after doing 75 to 80mph for over an hour. If I can keep the vehicle under 70 for long distances it will not lose acceleration. I have had the hoses,fuel filter, and more. I recently had the mass airflow sensor replaced again, but haven’t driven a long distance to see if it works. This is especially scary on the highway when your driving at a 70 and the car drops to 50. I can’t believe Nissan has not issued a recall and is still manufacturing vehicles with the same issue! I will never buy another Nissan!

JC on December 8, 2023

On the highway and was not able to accelerate

I was on the highway when all of a sudden I went from 60mph to 20 mph. Thankfully there wasnt any traffic behind me so I stopped and parked on the side of the highway and called a tow truck to have my car taken back to my place. I have had the mass airflow senor and oxygen sensor changed but the issue persists. Reading other reviews here and it sounds similar to the issue that I am currently having. No recalls on this from what I researched. Nissan should be held responsible for this. Not a safe car.

Tiffany Chavis on January 12, 2024

2017 Acceleration Issues

I've noticed that my RPM's are racing high and the is under 10 miles. I've also noticed that when trying to accelerate onto the Parkway the RPM'S are racing high and the car takes a while to pick up speed. This is a real safety issue and I'am being told from the dealership that there's nothing they can do until a warning like comes up. This problem is also causing me to burn gas to times fast, and that shouldn't happen with a 4 cylinder car. Something has got to give this isn't fair to the drivers.

Kevin R. on November 22, 2022

2017 Nissan Altima Sedan

I just recently purchased a 2017 Altima as my new primary vehicle since the new car market is being crazy and charging thousands over the MSRP. The car has been great for the past few days until this morning. I could not accelerate on the interstate. It was like I was on cruise mode. Then when I stopped at the light, I could accelerate again; it moved slowly and eventually got up to 40 mph. This is unacceptable. I've been a Honda/Acura guy since high school and should've stuck with what I knew.

Brianna on February 8, 2023

Having the same issues

I literally changed the air filter Cavan air filter throttle position sensor body used fuel injector cleaner put a new catalytic converter manifold on it and a new accelerator pedal and still can’t barely accelerate I have a 2011 Nissan Altima they say me catalytic converter on the bottom isn’t clogged and my transmission doesn’t seem to be out cuz it goes in gears fineI just don’t know I’m coming out so much money they really should do a recall this sucks

Angela on July 28, 2022

I need help

I just bought a 2015 Nissan Altima, it’s happened to me several times in the past 6 months . Be at a light and go to pull out and it’s like it just decides not to go . I could havebeen hit today . So scared what’s going on with this why isn’t Nissan doing a recall ?????? Where is Nissians CEO . Something needs to be done about this . I bought this car hoping it would be reliable to get me and my husband back and forth to Atl Ga . For his cancer treatments .

Tiny Montana on April 14, 2023

2017 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition

So it seems after reading many of the replies, Nissan has just decided to not address any vehicles made after 2016? Has there been any developments? I am not even going to explain my specific situation...it is identical to most (Coming to a full stop and no acceleration, car holding high rpm while not having a speed to match, etc.) I am not one to post on pages like this at all but I am very frustrated and feel comfort in knowing I am not the only one.

Lois on March 11, 2023

Decreased acceleration with 2016 nissan altima SR

My 2016 Altima SR is doing the same thing. I've had the oxygen sensor replaced as well as filterscleaned andreplaced and still having acceleration problems. Pulled on major hwy with my pregnant daughter and was almost hit by an oncoming log truck. Thankfully I was able to get on out the way before being T-bone. There has got to be something that can be done to have these vehicles recalled as there are too many people with the same issues.

DM on December 26, 2023

2016 Nissan Altima

I have read all the postings. We purchasedI have read all the postings. We purchased this vehicle now have no real issues other than the usual where in tear. We are nowstarting to experience the same issues. So many people have been these issues and then knowing what to do about ours. Our government needs to step in and make the Nissan dealer accountable. II guess Nissan won’t be getting any more of our business.

Tammy McNeish,PA on September 15, 2022

2017 Nissan Altima

I have been experiencing the same problems. When I try to go from stop light or while I stop I press and press it won't move for like a second but I notice that sometimes while driving the RPM's go up but the speed doesn't and it pulsate going up the road and this doesn't ever happen when my husband drives just me. Notice no engine lights on dashboard come on but it doesn't run right. Kinda scary.

Annie on October 24, 2022

Transmission Issue

Had this issue with my Sentra. It was a transmission problem, took it to the dealer, they did a computer update but didn’t find the problem. Took it back after the problem happened again and with the new computer it noticed an error even though the check engine light never came on and they were able to replace the part of the transmission that caused the issue. Car only had 50,000 miles on it.

Zack on October 18, 2021

Same

My 2019 altima does the same thing only 40k miles. Had a few times where it wouldn’t accelerate on the main road while I was only got like 15 miles an hour. Another when I was at a red light it turned green and the car wouldn’t move even tho I was stepping on the gas and rpms went up. Had to turn on hazards and then put in park then neutral thenback to drive and it worked fine again.

Catrina on May 3, 2023

Don’t buy Nissan

I have been experiencing the same problems. When I try to go from stop light or while I stop I press the gas all the way and it won't move for a few seconds. If I switch through the gees and then put it in drive it will go again. No engine lights on dashboard come on but doesn't run right. It’s very scary. Nissan should really do a recall on this know issue. 2010 Nissan Altima SR

R on March 21, 2022

2012 Altima

I've had my car for 7 years, 140,000 miles, only problem is this acceleration issue. This was only happening once in a while when I was going fast on the highway but not every time. I've learned to not take my car on long trips just in case. I have had the mass air flow sensor replaced recently but other than that, it's been a great car. Will update if I ever figure out the issue.

Anita W on May 6, 2022

Need help with this issue

Thanks for the article but I still see no solution. I bought my car brand new 2016 Altima SL and have been having this issue since 40 k miles. At 126k now, just had it in for service and paid 250 bucks for them to check the trans and search for the issue. They found nothing. I left there and the car did the same but not for the technician. Lost at this point but need solutions.

Lena Allen on June 15, 2022

2016 lack of acceleration

I’m driving my car- stopped at a stop sign and went to take off and it would not go. Very scary. Any suggestions? I called dealer and they can’t get me in for another 4 days and no loaner cars. This is insane. I’m reading this is happening with how many cars? Why won’t Nissan place a recall????

Leslie Smiley on August 1, 2022

2012 Altima Coupe 2.5s/CVT, baby transmission

I did not knowthe car had CVTransmission when I purchased usidin 2016, 36k. I believe there has been warranty extension on 2013 and newer. Transmission failing anywhere from 40k to 100k. Approx 4K to replace transmission. Apparently Nissan sucks at CVT. I absolutely love my"s**y Little Car"

Jason D. on April 10, 2024

Altima won’t accelerate from a full stop

Sporadically, when I stop my 2015 Nissan hesitates and almost was in 2 accidents. I am stranded 500 miles from home and will have to go to a Nissan dealership tomorrow. Why has Nissan not addressed this problem since it’s being going on for the last several years?

Tom on December 1, 2021

2016 Nissan Altima SL

Yep, I have experienced this a few times and the dealer hasn’t the slightest clue. I had to pull into a parking lot, shut off the car. Restart and I was on my way with no issues the rest of the way home. Cars these days are such high priced pieces of s**t.

Erick Leonard on March 29, 2023

Possible Fix

I was having the same problem with a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 of pushing the gas petal and nothing happening. When I came across this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1NXkBkH9Q0. I changed both break switch relay and abs switch and my problem when away

CJ on June 30, 2022

Sucky situation

I’m having the same issue. Car wouldnt go over 25 mph. No lights on the dash. I’m so confused. I’ve learned when accelerating from a stop to just tap the gas pedal slowly until it accelerates. Pressing the pedal down hard will cause it to act stupid.

Elizabeth Steele, 9804419791. on June 30, 2022

Why isn't therea recall

I have a 2016 Nissan Altima and I am having problems with acceleration and stalling issues. I can't even turn the air conditioner on it will cause the call to stall and I have to pull over and turn the car off. This car only have 95 thousand miles on it.

don hutchins on September 2, 2023

Brogging out

2015 had brogging issue took it to town north nissan in austin texas had numerous parts replaced injectors fuel pump then engine got the car back a month later same issue spent 7 grand and they wanted another grand now the car just sit afraid to us it

Leon Sims on August 18, 2022

Me Too!

It happens when I start and stop, mostly at lightS and in traffic. I’ve heard so many stories about the dealership not being able to replicate so I just turn it off and then back on, and it’s good. I’ve just learned to work around it,

Ed J. on July 1, 2021

2017 Nissan Owner

My wife had an accident yesterday. She was taking a corner, slowed down, car did not accelerate out of the turn, then it suddenly accelerated and would not steer properly. She hit a fence and airbags deployed. No serious injuries. Lucky!!!!

Harold Ward on October 17, 2021

Wardj2071@gmail.com

2009nissian altima they said tat the speed Senors bad put that in and didn't work air flow Senors in and now they said st an to zone I need to take the tram is on filter out and they Senors up there but he didn' tell wat it was do u known

Jane on October 10, 2022

Nissan Altima 2016 Acceleration

How has Nissan not opened up a recall on this issue? This has happened to me and my husband with our car on several occasions and Nissan told us they can't fix it? They need to recall all of these cars before someone gets hurt!

Name123 on April 23, 2023

2017 Nissan Altima

My 2017 has to same problems . It’s stressful and scary as a woman having to constantly pull over at night for this issue . What are we all waiting for ? We need to file a lawsuit immediately. Nissan have the money to pay us

Anthony on November 7, 2021

Nissan Altima 15

Car doesn’t accelerate sometimes. I had the pedal all the way to the floor and it didn’t budge. It’s annoying I just got the car. Hoping it’s not the transmission. It also kinda studders on acceleration.

Ashley Turner on September 11, 2021

Nissan Altima

I had acceleration problems with my 2016 Nissan Altima this week. I was taking an exit on the interstate, and my car wouldn’t accelerate past 40 mph. It was a very scary situation.

Leonard on January 21, 2023

I found this on YouTube that addressed this issue

This same issue is happening to mydaughter's car. I just found this YouTube video. Https://youtu.be/B1NXkBkH9Q0 Might help us out. Worth $20 to buy the part and put it on yourself.

William Camac on January 6, 2022

Camacwilliam69@gmail.com

I bought my 2016 Nissan altama sl and it runs great never had any problems yet I'm very pleased with its mileage Iget 38 miles a gallon very happy with my Nissan altama sl

Gina Ramsey on February 16, 2023

2010 Nissan Altima looses acceleration

Just boughta 2010 Nissan Altima, later that night, lost acceleration. So scary.. Can't believewith all these same issues. No recall! Does someonehave to die first?

Jeff on December 21, 2021

2017 maxima

From a stop , push gas it would go but then have no throttle or rpm for about a second then it would go ! It’s the throttle body ! Needs replaced

Mac on June 12, 2021

Agree

This is happening to my Nissan Altima. I feel good at least knowing that this happened to other cars instead of mine

Korina on August 4, 2021

My car is

My car has been doing this randomly it’s so scary i’m scared i will get in an accident i need help

Mel on June 25, 2022

Problems

Ohh okay so it's not just my car that has these exact problems described! I have a 2012 nissan altima

melody on December 14, 2021

My Nissan pulsar does the same thing as Zack's，mechanics couldn't find the reason

Nissan Sentra owner on July 30, 2021

Trouble with acceleration

This is also happening with the newer Nissan Sentra.

Karen on September 24, 2021

2012 Nissan Ultima hesitates to accelerate

keith hall on December 17, 2021

2016 atima

Car want acclerate or speed up

Cj on June 17, 2021

Nissan Altima owner

Great info Thank you

Sandy B

Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)