Nissan Door Lock Actuator Lawsuit: Is There a Recall?

A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Nissan over faulty door lock actuators affecting several popular models.

The complaint alleges that actuators in certain 2013–2025 Altima, 2014–2025 Rogue, and 2013–2025 Sentra vehicles may malfunction—causing doors to unexpectedly lock, unlock, or even open while the vehicle is in motion.

These issues pose serious safety concerns, potentially trapping occupants inside or allowing doors to swing open while driving.

The lawsuit urges legal action “as a matter of public safety,” emphasizing the risks posed not just to occupants but also to others on the road.

Since 2014, approximately 151 complaints regarding Nissan door actuator problems have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Why Is There a Door Lock Actuator Lawsuit Against Nissan?

The 2025 Nissan Door Lock Actuator class action lawsuit against Nissan arises from alleged defects in the door lock actuators found in several models, including the 2013–2025 Altima, 2014–2025 Rogue, and 2013–2025 Sentra.

According to the lawsuit, these vehicles may experience serious malfunctions that impact both safety and vehicle security. Owners have reported a range of troubling issues, including:

• Doors opening while driving: Some doors may unexpectedly open on their own, increasing the risk of injury to occupants and others on the road.
• Random locking or unlocking: Doors may lock or unlock without warning, potentially trapping passengers inside or leaving the vehicle exposed to theft.
• Simultaneous power lock and window failure: In some cases, both systems fail at once, making it difficult or impossible to exit the vehicle during emergencies.

The lawsuit contends that Nissan has known about these issues since at least 2014 but failed to properly notify consumers, issue a broad recall, or offer free repairs addressing the door actuator problem.

The suit also claims that Nissan’s failure to disclose the defect caused consumers to unknowingly overpay for their vehicles and bear out-of-pocket costs for repairs.

Some drivers reportedly had to climb out of their cars through windows due to door lock failures—an even greater concern when both power locks and windows stop working simultaneously.

The class action was filed by California resident Deena Khalifa, who purchased a 2020 Nissan Rogue. Although she does not claim to have experienced actuator problems firsthand, she alleges that Nissan failed to disclose the defect at the time of sale.  

Because the alleged defect has been concealed for over a decade, the lawsuit also argues that the statute of limitations should be suspended. The case seeks over $5 million in damages on behalf of affected consumers.

Is There a Nissan Door Lock Actuator Recall?

Yes, but the recall coverage has been limited. Previously in July 2015, Nissan issued a recall for certain 2015 Rogue, Sentra, and Versa Note vehicles due to door lock actuator problems.

However, the recall was extremely narrow—impacting only 6,595 vehicles—and applied solely to the front and rear driver’s side doors.

According to the class action lawsuit, this limited action did not go far enough to address the widespread nature of the problem.

To find out if your vehicle is affected by any recalls, you can use the NHTSA VIN lookup tool, which provides current information about recalls and service campaigns for your specific model. In addition to the limited recall, Nissan issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to guide dealership repairs, but these were not direct notifications to customers:

• TSB NTB15-059 (July 2015): Issued alongside the recall, this bulletin addressed actuator issues in specific Rogue, Sentra, and Versa Note vehicles. It focused only on front and rear driver’s side door locks.
• TSB NTB16-092 (September 2016): This bulletin covered 2013–2016 models with potential door latch problems in extremely cold conditions (below 14°F or -10°C). According to Nissan, affected doors might require extra effort to close or might not latch properly at all. The lawsuit alleges that dealerships were instructed to replace actuators only if customers specifically complained about cold weather-related door issues—effectively keeping the problem under wraps from the broader public.
• TSB NTB22-104 (December 2022): This more recent bulletin included several 2021–2023 Nissan models and addressed issues such as doors not opening, not closing properly, or becoming stuck.

The class action lawsuit claims these service bulletins and the single recall were inadequate responses to a safety defect that Nissan allegedly knew about since 2014.

The lawsuit also accuses Nissan of shifting blame to a Tier 2 supplier for manufacturing door latch components out of specification—causing the ratchet mechanism to bind when trying to close the door.

Despite numerous complaints, the lawsuit argues that Nissan has failed to offer widespread repairs, failed to notify owners directly, and has refused to reimburse those who paid out of pocket for repairs.

The filing emphasizes the public safety implications, alleging that defective door locks not only endanger drivers and passengers but also pose risks to others sharing the road.

When It’s a Good Idea to Join a Class Action Lawsuit

In some situations, joining a class action lawsuit can be a practical and cost-effective path to justice—especially if you’re dealing with non-unique issues in older vehicles, such as those from 2019 or earlier.

When many people have experienced the same problem, pooling resources through a class action may offer a stronger legal stance than going it alone.

One of the main advantages is reduced litigation costs. Because the expenses are shared among all plaintiffs, it’s far more affordable for individuals to pursue legal action.

Class actions also streamline the legal process by consolidating cases into a single court under one judge, leading to greater efficiency and more consistent outcomes for everyone involved.

And by joining forces, plaintiffs often gain increased negotiating power, which can lead to more favorable settlements.

To be part of a class action, your situation typically needs to align with a few key factors. You must have suffered harm similar to others in the group, and there must already be an active class action related to your issue.

Timing also matters—your claim must fall within the statute of limitations, and you may need to show how the issue directly impacted you.

That said, there are trade-offs to consider. When you join a class action, you give up control over key decisions, including whether or when to settle.

The compensation you receive may be smaller since it’s divided among all class members, and these cases often take time to resolve due to their complexity.

Still, a class action can be the right choice when your individual claim is too small to pursue independently or when the issue at hand affects a large group of people—such as widespread manufacturing defects or deceptive business practices.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speaking with a legal expert can help you better understand your options and determine the best course of action.

When It’s a Good Idea to File a Lemon Law Claim

If you’re dealing with ongoing issues in a vehicle manufactured in 2020 or later, filing a lemon law claim might be a smart move—especially if the problems continue despite repeated trips to the dealership.

Lemon laws exist to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles that can’t be properly repaired within a reasonable timeframe.

To be eligible, your vehicle generally needs to meet certain criteria. One of the key factors is repeated repair attempts: the manufacturer or dealer must have tried several times to fix the same problem—usually at least four attempts, or just two if the issue involves a serious safety concern.

Another common requirement is extended time in the shop. If your vehicle has spent more than 30 cumulative days out of service due to repairs, it could strengthen your case.

It’s also crucial that these issues occur while the vehicle is still under warranty, typically within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.

There are several benefits to pursuing a lemon law claim. If your car qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer is obligated to either replace it or provide a full refund.

You might also be reimbursed for related out-of-pocket expenses like towing or rental cars. In many successful claims, the manufacturer is required to cover your legal fees, which can make the process more accessible.

If you’re considering a claim, documentation is key. Keep thorough records of every repair visit, including service invoices and correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer.

It’s also wise to notify the manufacturer directly about the ongoing issues and your intent to file a lemon law claim.

Some manufacturers participate in arbitration programs that offer a faster resolution process without needing to go to court.

However, if that doesn’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, speaking with a lemon law attorney can help clarify your rights and improve your chances of success.

Timing also matters as claims typically need to be filed while the vehicle is under warranty and within six years of the original purchase date.

If your car has been in and out of the shop and still isn’t performing as it should, a lemon law claim may offer a path to compensation or a replacement. When in doubt, reaching out to a legal expert can make all the difference.

Below is an approximate range of potential settlements for Nissan models impacted by these door lock defects.

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2020–2025 Nissan Altima	$44,914
2020–2025 Nissan Rogue	$48,002
2020–2025 Nissan Sentra	$36,546

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

If your Nissan vehicle has been affected by door lock actuator problems—whether due to recalls, technical service bulletins, or unresolved malfunctions—it’s important to understand your legal options.

Whether you’re considering joining a class action lawsuit or pursuing an individual lemon law claim, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help clarify your rights and determine the best course of action.

Get a Free Consultation with the Lemon Law Experts

Nissan owners across the country have reported ongoing issues with faulty door lock actuators—defects that can lead to doors failing to lock or unlock properly, compromising both convenience and safety.

While some models have been subject to technical service bulletins, many consumers are left dealing with recurring problems that aren’t resolved after multiple visits to the dealership.

If your Nissan has experienced repeated door lock failures, especially within the warranty period, you may be entitled to relief under your state’s lemon law.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have helped thousands of vehicle owners secure buybacks, replacements, or cash compensation for defective vehicles.

We offer free consultations to determine whether your situation qualifies for legal action. Don’t let an unresolved defect affect your peace of mind—reach out today to find out how we can help.