Reviewing The Nissan Altima Headlights

The Nissan Altima is a reliable sedan that can be driven for close to a decade with proper care. However, the Nissan Altima headlights do have some potential concerns, particularly with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) headlights. It is encouraged to learn more about what to expect from your headlights to know the issues that may develop.

Nissan Altima owners have reported issues with dim headlights and early oxidation of the headlight lenses. This can mean driving is less safe and the appearance of the vehicle may suffer if concerns develop. If there are issues, then we recommend upgrading your factory headlights with a high-quality replacement set.

The following is a complete overview of the Nissan Altima headlights. We review the most notable details of the headlights, including the quality, appearance and durability.

About Nissan Altima headlights

The Nissan Altima is a sedan that is ideal for families of four or five. It is best known for its comfortable interior, spacious back seat and above-average fuel efficiency. It is perhaps less ideal for those who are interested in a more stylish model. According to Kelly Blue Book, the 2016 Nissan Altima gets 31 miles per gallon and has 182 horsepower. They also consider it to have a fair purchase price.

Most parts with the Nissan Altima are reliable. Unfortunately, there have been some concerns with the Nissan Altima headlights. While they look great for several years, there are certain times when it is preferable to replace them with an upgraded set. By learning more about the potential concerns of the Nissan Altima headlights, you can make a more informed decision as to whether or not you should seek a replacement set.

What to expect with your Nissan Altima headlights

Every driver has a unique experience, but some find the Nissan Altima headlights to be far too dim. Some have also reported that they become dimmer quicker than they should, leading to early headlight set replacement. If any issues arise with the appearance or quality of the headlights, then Altima owners should consider the benefits of replacement.

Appearance

Perhaps the best part of the Nissan Altima headlights is the appearance. The factory headlights look great and work well with the rest of the vehicle. As long as they are cleaned regularly and kept in good condition then they can make your car stand out and look new for years. However, they tend to wear down earlier than headlights from competitor sedans. Most notably, they may become oxidized and cloudy too soon, which can also affect safety as well as the appearance.

Quality

Nissan Altima headlights have issues with quality. There have been reports that the headlights are not bright enough after purchase. This can be the result of a range of issues. Perhaps the main reason they appear dim is that the headlight bulbs are simply not bright enough. If the headlights become dimmer over time, then it might be the result of the bulbs burning out or oxidation on the headlight lenses. If cleaning the headlights does not fix the concern, then replacing the headlights and bulbs might be the best solution.

Durability

The durability of the factory Nissan Altima headlights has not received ideal feedback from owners either. Dim headlights are perhaps the primary concern in regard to durability. This can be largely contributed to the headlights not shining as brightly to begin with. The problem is then made worse when the headlight lamps become cloudy and oxidized. One way to solve this issue is by trading out the factory headlights with a reliable replacement set. This ensures you get the quality that you need and better long-term reliability.

Headlight bulbs

As discussed, the primary concern for the initial dimness of the Nissan Altima headlights can be contributed to the headlight bulbs. The OEM bulbs for the Nissan Altima do not shine as bright as many owners prefer, and they tend to become dimmer as time goes by. If the bulbs are the primary concern and the headlamps are in good condition, then owners can simply replace the Nissan Altima headlight bulbs with replacement bulbs.

When to replace your Nissan Altima headlights

There are many different reasons to consider replacing your Nissan Altima headlights. For some, a replacement set is necessary, whereas others may elect to upgrade their headlights. They likely need replacement if they become excessively dim because of oxidation. To check for oxidation, inspect your headlights for signs of cloudiness. If they appear dirty or cloudy and it does not improve by cleaning the headlights, then you may need a replacement set.

Additionally, Nissan Altima owners should consider headlight replacement if there is any damage, such as a chip or crack. This may impair the ability of the bulbs to shine through appropriately as well as increase the risk of failing a safety inspection or getting pulled over by law enforcement.

If there are no noticeable concerns with the headlights during your routine inspections, then you can continue to use them reliably. In some instances, they may last for more than a decade. However, the appearance of Nissan Altima headlights tends to worsen as the years go by. If the appearance is a concern, then upgrading the headlights is a great way to make your Altima look more like new.

The bottom line

Although the Nissan Altima is overall a reliable family sedan, the quality and durability of the factory headlights are not as reliable. The main concern is dim headlights. This can cause safety concerns and make it more difficult to see your surroundings while driving.

If headlights become excessively dim, damaged or develop aesthetic concerns, then you should consider a replacement set. We recommend the Nissan Altima Headlights Halogen that is available at our sister company Headlights Depot. They offer a Chrome Halogen Headlight Set and a Black Halogen Headlight Set. Each option fits the 2016 – 2018 Nissan Altima, and they come with both a driver side and passenger side headlight.