2013-2018 Nissan Altima owners who paid to replace their headlamps due to dimming may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement. This settlement pertains to the case Rafael Suarez, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., Case No.3:21-cv-00393-WLC-AN. Claim deadline for this reimbursement is April 25, 2022.
Nissan Altima Headlight Problems
The class action lawsuit alleged that 2013-2018 Nissan Altima’s manufactured with halogen headlamps have a defect that causes an interior reflecting surface of the headlamp to deteriorate.
The deterioration of the interior reflecting surface causes low beam headlights to become dimmer effecting the overall brightness of the projected light. Driving at night with headlights that produce less light they did when brand new is a potential risk to overall drivers safety.
The alleged defect involves the headlamp assembly only, not light bulbs. Light bulbs are not covered by the Settlement.
Nissan Models Affected
All 2013 to 2018 Nissan Altimas were manufactured with halogen headlamps and are included in the settlement. The following Nissan models are affected by this defect:
- 2013 Nissan Altima
- 2014 Nissan Altima
- 2015 Nissan Altima
- 2016 Nissan Altima
- 2017 Nissan Altima
- 2018 Nissan Altima
Nissan Altimas manufactured with Xenon or LED headlamps are not included in this settlement:
- 2013-2015 3.5L SL
- 2017 3.5L SL
- 2016-2018 3.5L SL with Tech package
- 2016-2017 3.5L SR
- 2016-2017 2.5L SR with LED Appearance package
- 2016-2018 2.5L SL with Tech package
- 2017 2.5L SR Midnight Edition
Status of the Nissan Altima Headlight Defect Class Action Litigation
In Rafael Suarez, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., Case No.3:21-cv-00393-WLC-AN, was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division. This lawsuit is settled.
Nissan Altima Headlight Class Action Settlement Details
The Settlement Class consists of all United States residents who purchased or leased any model year 2013–2018 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured with halogen headlights.
What Action Nissan Altima Owners Need to Take
The Altima Settlement provides three forms of relief to Class Members:
- Current owners and lessees of Class Vehicles:
Owners will automatically receive a three-year warranty extension of Nissan New Vehicle Limited Warranty for a total of six (6) years of Warranty coverage for headlamp delamination. - Class Members whose Extended Warranty coverage is expired as of the effective date of the Settlement:
You will have a six-month window of opportunity to receive a free one-time headlamp replacement for headlamp delamination. You must complete an “Out-of-Warranty Claim Form,” within 65 days of the Effective Date of the settlement, and obtain replacement headlamps within 6 months thereafter from an Authorized Nissan Dealer. The form will be mailed to Class Members within five days of the Effective Date and is also available at: www.AltimaHeadlightSettlement.com. - All Settlement Class Members who incurred out-of-pocket expenses for headlamp assembly replacements prior to the Notice date, or who are within the extended warranty period and pay for replacements from an Authorized Nissan dealer at any time prior to April 25, 2022:
For qualified repairs performed by an Authorized Nissan Dealer, Class Members can receive reimbursement of all out of pocket expenses. For qualified repairs performed by an independent repair facility, reimbursements are capped at $1,200 per replacement pair. Class Members must submit a Reimbursement Claim Form no later than April 25, 2022, available at www.AltimaHeadlightSettlement.com.
Questions About This Settlement?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent settlement.
This post will be updated when/if new settlement information is released. Please considering subscribing to this post for updates.
Important Settlement Updates
We have been informed Nissan will be issuing a universal US recall for all 2013-2018 Nissan Altima sedans and 2013 coupes to address the defective headlights. Owners will be receiving a notice in the mail regarding how to go about getting headlight replacements under this recall.
According to KCC, the administrator handling the case, they are in process of reviewing the large volume of reimbursement claims currently. They expect that checks for those with approved claims, will begin going out in early fall of this year.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Angie
May 16, 2023 at 12:54 pmI completed all paperwork on time. I contacted 2 Nissan dealerships & received conflicting results. The “passed” result was vague & the dealership claimed to have limited knowledge of the process & solution at that time. The “failed” results yielded a similar response to the process to resolve the issue due to backlog & misinformation. No one will repair the recall at the expense of Nissan. My personal lawyer even sent a letter requesting Nissan honor the approval of repair. Loyalty Nissan ignored the letter even after determining a failed test. Hyman Brother Nissan denied there’s a problem. I will not purchase another Nissan.
Akeylah Wilson
January 14, 2023 at 11:41 pmI have been trying to get my headlamps replaced in my 2014 Nissan Altima since April 2022. I’ve been given the run around by the dealership that I bought the car from since I took the car in to be fixed. They are now telling me that my information was lost when several employees left and that now I will have to pay for the repairs myself. Is there anything I can do to get this resolved??
Christopher
January 15, 2023 at 8:02 amSounds like they are making things difficult for you. Have you tried calling Nissan corporate? If they are no help, you could locate your local Better Business Bureau and make a complaint about the dealership. Keep me posted.
Loy
January 6, 2023 at 2:07 pmWhat do I do if I just bought a used 2013 Altima in June, 2022, and am now having the problem with the headlights?
Bill
December 23, 2022 at 4:57 pmI have the claim id and the Freehold, NJ dealership agreed that I need to have headlights replaced. That was on April 19th 2022. I am still waiting on the dealership, they just say I have to wait. I have contacted Nissan US and they didn’t do anything for me. Can you recommend anything I can do?
Siri
November 14, 2022 at 12:33 amI have the cliam id and contacted a dealer in cleveland. After 6 months there is no update. Their excuse is shortage. I have contacted the Nissan US and they did not do anything. Last night I was one second away from an accident because you can’t see anything with this headlight. Any ideas?!! What should i do??
Harry Boles
October 19, 2022 at 2:01 pmI did everything I was supposed to do and now they will not replace my headlights and I have no one to talk to about this
SAMUEL BUTLER, JR
June 20, 2022 at 9:02 amThey said I could bring my 2013 Nissan Altima end at the end of March. I did. It is almost July and have yet to hear anything regarding replacement of these headlights. It is almost at the point where I can’t drive this car at night due to how dim these headlights are. They settled in court now how long do we have to wait before they fulfill their obligation not only to the court but to the consumer?
CHARLES R
June 10, 2022 at 12:58 pmDATES GIVEN 3/27/22 TILL 9/23/22 TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED AT DEALER IS TWO
MONTHS IN. HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE COMPLETED 6/1/22 BUT HEADLIGHTS NOT AVAILABLE.
WILL NISSAN EXTEND OUT ANOTHER 6MONTHS WHEN HEADLIGHTS AVAILABLE?
NISSAN TRYING TO DISCOURAGE CUSTOMERS FROM SEEKING TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS
VIA ‘ THE TEST ‘?
Jacqueline Moneymaker
June 9, 2022 at 6:10 pmHow do I know what type of headlights I have? I just came back from dealership and was told they were fine. I had a claim number but they said they didn’t need to be replaced.
Sorry, I just don’t trust them.
Christopher
June 10, 2022 at 12:46 pmJacqueline, check out this youtube video on how to identify what type of headlights you have.
Jaynal Pervez
June 8, 2022 at 5:32 pmI have missed the deadline. I barely can see at night with the faulty headlight. What are my options.
Christopher
June 9, 2022 at 7:40 amThis campaign bulletin might provide some guidance with regards to your situation.
Glenn Hoy
June 1, 2022 at 4:27 pmHas anyone who paid out of pocket previously been paid yet? I would like an update as to when I will be reimbursed seeing as my lights failed inspection last year and paid for this previously.
Sonya Gibson
May 23, 2022 at 1:33 pmI guess I won’t be holding my breath on reimbursement. I have drove Nissans the majority of my life but no more for me. Not only did I have issues with my headlights but the CVT transmission as well. My friend had same make and model and had issues with both also.
Leandra Alexander
May 23, 2022 at 9:25 amWhat is an NIE number? My dealership said they need that number to replace the headlamps.
Chris Harvey
May 21, 2022 at 12:26 pmFollowing the comments of those who filed for reimbursement and are waiting for their payment. I am in the same boat, I filed in Feb and received a claim # to reference. I tried to email the admin as described on the settlement website today but it came back as undeliverable. I did not try to call the number provided.
David F Burgio
May 15, 2022 at 12:10 pmI filed my claim online for my wife’s 2015 Altima, had both headlamp assemblies replaced in Oct, 2021 at a local collision shop.
Like others have stated I have a claim # , but have not heard from anyone about my reimbursement.
No answer to e-mails and no phone contact.
The lights were so bad, the car couldn’t be driven at night. and for the test if you can look into the lights while on ,they are junk.
No need for a high tech dealer test.
jen
May 12, 2022 at 9:36 pmSounds like most places aren’t even allowing people to schedule the service due to supply issues. What have people been told? “We will call you when ready,” “call back after this date?”
The settlement website states you have 65 days to get repair done, but….. is that even possible with supply issues?
jen
May 11, 2022 at 7:05 pmSounds like most places aren’t even allowing people to schedule the service due to supply issues. What have people been told? “We will call you when ready,” “call back after this date?”
The settlement website states you have 6 months to get repair done, but….. is that even possible with supply issues?
Geneva Lamberth
May 11, 2022 at 4:15 amMy 2015 Altima failed inspection at dealership over a month ago (I purchased this car month and half ago) parts have been on back order with no info on when they will arrive for repair. Since then I have gotten pulled over by police and given a written warning about using my high beams, then on a separate occasion I was pulled over and given a warning about my dim lights being too dim to where other cars cannot see me, never mind almost getting into a wreck because I cannot see, very frustrating, I don’t know if I should be mad at dealership (not Nissan dealership) for not telling me about dim lights not working or the Nissan dealership where I will have the lights repaired or supplier for parts being on back order? Either way I just hope no accidents happen while I’m waiting for parts to come in, I work night shift of course two hours from my home, very inconvenient and dangerous but I got to work, should I take my car to a different Nissan dealership and see if they can get parts in sooner?
Christopher
May 11, 2022 at 10:48 amAll manufacturers are having supply issues right now. Not sure taking the car to a different dealership will help.
James
May 12, 2022 at 10:15 pmSorry for your situation, I guess no more Nissan cars in the future. Just FYI, the dealer ordered parts for my car on 04/01/2022, I was told it would be lucky to get the parts in June.
Marc Beauont
May 9, 2022 at 10:58 amHas anyone heard of a reimbursement claim being paid yet??? I submitted a claim (Months ago) on the website with receipts and got a claim # but nothing since. Any updates???
Christina
May 15, 2022 at 3:29 pmNada! I am wondering the same. I submitted mine months ago also. I am looking to give em a call.
Wanda Peninger
June 15, 2023 at 12:26 pmHi, here I am over a year after your post, still waiting for out of pocket reimbursement. I’ve called and spoken with a live person 5 times that promised to forward my info and would be called, emailed administration @ over 7 times. Emailed firm that handled the case and was sent an individual’s email to contact at Nissan. In every attempt, I hear nothing but silence. Filed 10/31/2021. Received claim number. Today, June 14, 2023, still waiting. Absurd
Marc Beauont
May 9, 2022 at 10:49 amHas anyone heard if they are actually going to reimburse us for our claims for out of pocket repairs back in 2015 and 2017???
I filed a claim online and received a claim # months ago. Have heard NOTHING!!
ANNA
April 25, 2022 at 4:34 pmWHEN DID NISSAN START TO PUT THE NEW HEADLIGHTS?
ANNA
April 14, 2022 at 6:34 pmI filled out the out of warranty form online and called to make an appointment and the Nissan place said I don’t qualify because my car is a 2013 and there is no warranty. I tried to explain but he did not want to listen so I had them replaced. Can I still get reimbursed for this? When did Nissan start to put the new lamps on? They also told my friend that her car does not quality because they did some repairs to her car about 2 yrs ago and replaced them. Would they have been the new ones because it looks like hers are starting to dull? What do we do?
James
April 29, 2022 at 10:49 pmI have been waiting for parts to come in for a month, still do not know when. Would you mind telling me your cost for replacing headlights at the dealer. I was quoted for $2500.
Christy
April 12, 2022 at 5:38 pmI’ve called the number twice to have a claim form sent to my house. Time is running out and I need a claim number before the Nissan dealership will fix my headlights. What do I need to do? The website will not let me download a claim form. All it talks about being reimbursed.
Drbgt
April 7, 2022 at 6:57 amMy 2013 Altima 2.5 SL was denied replacement. My head lights are so dim they are not usable. Dealer told me they sprayed windex and look for a pattern. They do not care how dim the light is.
James
April 7, 2022 at 10:02 amTry other dealers and see how they “test” it.
S
April 5, 2022 at 11:59 amThey made me come in Twice and of course they made some lame excuse that because my headlight glass is yellow it is not qualified which is BS because we can not see at night at all. I have to drive with my brights on.
Lorraine Johnson
March 28, 2022 at 1:06 pmI went to a Nissan Dealer in Wallingford, CT They told me my car did not fail Nissan test to receive new headlights.
They said Nissan came up with a test to see if the headlight failed or passed and mine pasted. I did not receive notification concerning this new test?
My lights are very to the extent that I need to use my high-beams at night to drive my Nissan 2014 Altima.
Can you explain this pass or fail test?
Rishi L
April 5, 2022 at 3:56 pmLorainne, Yes, I went through the same exact scenario and drive a Nissan 2014 Altima as well. I am surprised because prior to the recall, the dealership had inspected and wanted me to shell OOP ~$1200 to get them replaced and now all of sudden with some other test, those same headlamps for no reason passed the test.
Angel
April 12, 2022 at 3:08 pmDid you receive a reply? I’m having the same problem.
Karen
March 28, 2022 at 11:52 amI filed an out of warranty claim on 1/29/22, took to dealership today. They confirmed my headlights failed and told me to contact the people whom I filed a claim with and tell them my vehicle failed and have them contact the dealership to approve the ordering of my headlights. No one answers the phone and I hope they reply to my email. I thought once the dealership confirmed they were faulty that they would order the parts.
Bob
March 28, 2022 at 1:21 pmHi Karen, I have almost exactly the same situation as yours. I just received a call from the dealership telling me my vehicle qualifies but they do not possess the replacement headlamps. He stated they are on backorder with no estimated timeline of when they might arrive. After reading the settlement wording, it stated the dealership confirms eligibility. Once eligible, they order the headlamp if not in stock. I suspect, there is a huge demand and now a supply issue. The dealer did tell me once the headlamp arrives they will give me a call to come in and have them replaced. I would call the dealership back and question their responsibility or go to another dealership.
James
April 6, 2022 at 10:36 pmHi, Bob,
I had exactly the same experience with my dealership (03/30/2022). They order the headlamp with no estimated timeline of when they might arrive. Let us know if any if you receive the parts.
Jamie Thomas
March 25, 2022 at 1:21 amSame here, submitted claim February 15th for reimbursement. Received confirmation email immediately after submitting claim. Confirmation email did not provide any contact information for questions regarding claim. There was no information provided on when I would receive reimbursement. Nor was there any information provided on the claim process. I haven’t received any other communication regarding claim. There is a major lack in communication regarding this settlement. All contact numbers and websites provide the same general information. Has anyone received a timeframe on when reimbursements will be sent out?
Lauren Pettine
April 9, 2022 at 1:33 amI’m actually in the same situation. I filed for a reimbursement claim, got the confirmation email after and that’s it! Not a peep since and I can’t find any place to check status of claim.
Does anyone have a telephone number for the lawyer that handled the lawsuit?
June 29, 2022 at 3:26 pmI took my car in to Nissan of Lewisville Texas they told me that headlights were back ordered until January they will contact me when they come in as of yet I have not heard anything…. Does anyone have a telephone number for the lawyer that handled the lawsuit?
Nizoreia H Moses
March 19, 2022 at 7:34 pmwhat is the start date to make an appointment to get my headlights replaced
Christopher
March 21, 2022 at 1:17 pmHave you received a notification in the mail yet?
Suzanne Gotto
June 8, 2022 at 3:17 amI am having the same concern about when the reimbursement can be expected. I have a confirmation number that I received immediately after submitting my claim and my evidence, supporting my claim, but have recieved nothing since….
Michelle
October 4, 2022 at 1:05 amWhats the status for the reimbursement? I sent proof of everything and haven’t heard anything yet
Christopher
October 4, 2022 at 3:04 pmHi @michelle. We are not the settlement administrator for this settlement. Please contact the admins at this website: http://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/
Dave
March 17, 2022 at 1:56 amI left a few emails to the administration about the out of pocket allocation of the funds. The website said its been approved since jan 20 2022 and i did my claim online in january and submited proff. What is the hold up? Anybody else going thru this
Christina
May 26, 2022 at 3:45 pmSame here…
Don
March 14, 2022 at 3:24 pmI also have concerns with how this is being handled. The contact number they have provided from the begining 1-855-786-0996 is non operational and no other numbers are listed. I returned my form by certified mail and it was received as certified by signature but no confirmation or email reply, called law office handling this but still no response!
Christopher
March 14, 2022 at 4:21 pmHi Don,
Sorry for the troubles with this. Call this number: 866-399-2487 and ask for Tim Mathews. Keep me posted.
Karen
April 21, 2022 at 11:51 amDon, or anyone else, has anyone called the # Christopher recommended? I’m curious as to when we could expect reimbursement (I filed by mail at the end of January).
Christina
March 10, 2022 at 3:36 pmI registered my claim and received a claim ID. I then went to the Nissan dealership and asked about my headlights. I knew it was too early to have them replaced but I wanted to make my appointment. I was told that I could pay $165 for the required inspection but that she could already tell me that we would not be eligible for the replacement. which was surprising to me as I have a 2013 Altima. When I asked for further explanation she kept repeating that we would not be eligible.
On the claim confirmation it does say in the last sentence ” The dealer will verify that your headlamps qualify due to delamination.” So if I interpret this correctly the replacement is not automatic, but the dealer has to give their blessing before that happens? I am confused and I am not sure what my next step needs to be. I hope you can provide some insight. Thank you
Christopher
March 12, 2022 at 7:31 amSomething doesn’t seem right here Christina. All 2013 to 2018 Nissan Altimas that are equipped with halogen headlamps and are included in the settlement. Do you happen to know if you have the halogen or Xenon or LED headlamps? If its Xenon or LED then you are not part of this settlement.
Nancy
March 9, 2022 at 4:06 pmI sent in the claim form and I read to give it a month to then contact the Nissan dealership and they would replace them. I called to make the appointment, the man said it was a “foil” around the lamp itself n not an actual headlight. He proceeded to tell me if my car had over 84 thousand miles on it this was no longer affective. How true is this? How can I get this resolved?
Christopher
March 9, 2022 at 4:22 pmNancy I would check with another Nissan dealership, as the mileage is not a deciding factor if you get a replacement or not. His dealer bulletin should explain this. Even if you are outside the extended warranty when the Settlement becomes “Effective” (January 20, 2022), you will still receive a one-time replacement set of headlamps. This language is in the case settlement filing. Also you should receive a letter in the mail regarding this settlement. You may want to check with another Nissan dealership. I think the issue might be the parts are hard to get right now.
JASON DENIG
March 2, 2022 at 11:11 amWHEN WILL THE REIMBURSEMENT CHECKS BE ISSUED FOR PEOPLE THAT PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT?
Christopher
March 3, 2022 at 5:08 pmHi Jason. I would check with the settlement administrator regarding this. Thanks.
Lisa Sheets
June 7, 2022 at 4:18 pmNow what?? There is little to no information on what to do for those who paid out of pocket and submitted a claim before the deadline.
Diane
March 1, 2022 at 11:55 amI called my Nissan dealer to take my car in under warranty, but they said they can’t do it right now because they don’t have the equipment to check the lights. They also said Nissan will be sending out a letter in May with further instructions. They said this is all very new for them and I need to wait until I get the letter in May. I have not read this anywhere, and it makes me very nervous. I’m afraid to take it in and pay for it myself for fear I won’t get reimbursed since they seem confused. What do you suggest?
Christopher
March 1, 2022 at 12:33 pmDiane have you submitted your information to this website yet? http://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/
If not please do so.
Neelie
March 2, 2022 at 5:02 pmI submitted an out of warranty claim online in January and was told that my claim was submitted and I would not receive any further notice and I would need to go to an authorized Nissan Dealership to get the headlights replaced. I just tried to set an appointment and they told me that my claim wasn’t approved yet and to wait until I received notice from Nissan. I am also anxious about this considering I printed the screen with my claim number and that screen specifically stated there would be no additional notices sent.
Christopher
March 3, 2022 at 5:09 pmNeelie, you should receive some form of notification via email or letter in the mail.
H. A.
March 3, 2022 at 4:00 pmI received a letter, stating that a settlement was reach on my 2014 Headlights, the Dealer stated that I have to wait untill the 27 th of March to make an appointment for service due to not having the Parts as of yet, what do you think??
Christopher
March 3, 2022 at 5:11 pmDiane that is great news! I’ve heard parts have been difficult to come by. This is a supplier problem.
Glenda Hancock
February 7, 2022 at 11:48 amWhen can I get my 2014 Nissan Altima headlights done with the settlement?? I can’t see at night and have to drive with lights on high beam. It’s dangerous. Need this done ASAP!!
Christopher
February 7, 2022 at 12:46 pmHi Glenda. You will need to file your complaint here:
https://kccsecure.com/altimaheadlightsettlement_OOW/Claimant
Hope this helps!
Gary Sanders
January 30, 2023 at 9:44 amMy daughter has a 2016 Nisan Altima and started having the low vision issue with her headlights. She knew nothing about the recall until I just looked it up. Is it to late for her to have Nissan replace them without it costing her a bundle.
Christopher
January 30, 2023 at 12:29 pmGary you may want to discuss this with a local Nissan dealer. My thinking is your may not get 100% reimbursement, but you may get something. Also, there is always the aftermarket for replacements too. The team here has been doing a little research on how effective aftermarket headlights are due to the demand for better headlights on this particular model. Stay tuned for that.
Nilesh
July 2, 2023 at 8:53 pmDo you know if 2016 Nissan Altima S was part of recall, I never got the mail or email, never saw the recall with Vin number, but my car headlights are dim and cannot drive in night
Christopher Rossen
July 3, 2023 at 7:38 amIf it has the standard spec halogen headlights, then yes.
Stephen Lee hoffman
July 20, 2023 at 1:20 amI just ordered interior lights the other day I had no clue about this recall and they usually send me the recalls for the 2016 Nissan Altima SL since I bought it in 2019 from CarMax I got the recall on the suspension the trunk latch and something else but I have not heard anything about the headlamps and I was just about to order new lights for my car because they’re down That’s so crazy. I’m going to call my local Nissan dealership tomorrow as well as CarMax.
Debra Davis
February 15, 2023 at 12:15 pmIs there anything I can do to get reimbursed for headlight replacement after recall has expired. I knew nothing about the recall until today.
Ricky Pope
September 2, 2023 at 4:01 pmI can’t not see at all with my headlights at night I went to the Nissan dealership as soon as I learned of the recall they said they would let me know when they got the headlights well that been a long time heard nothing I have called back did no good mine is a 2014 Nissan Altima I bought new!!!I would like to know why and what you could have a bad reck because the light are the same as none