Buy Nissan Altima Headlight Assembly

Model Fit Guide

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Common Problems

• Dimming on 2013-2018 halogen lamps-a peeling chrome reflector cuts light to a small yellow glow. Nissan added a 3-year warranty extension after a class-action case. (NHTSA, altimaheadlightsettlement.com)
• Cloudy or yellow lenses-aged polycarbonate passes only ~20 % of new-lamp light; a quick sanding/polish kit can restore ~70 % output, but full housing replacement brings 100 %. (AAA Newsroom)
• Mis-aimed beams-threads in the vertical adjuster strip out; always turn gently with a 6 mm hex through the fender access hole. (Altima Forums)
• Condensation-check for missing rear caps or hairline cracks; bake-and-reseal or replace the gasket. (General headlight maintenance best practice.)

Bulb & Upgrade Choices

• Halogen → LED retrofit: choose an H11 LED kit that keeps the light-source plane in the same spot; otherwise glare or dark spots occur. Recent SAE tests show output improvements but large beam-pattern variation between housings. (SAE International, SAE International Papers)
• HID projector swap: factory HID Altima housings bolt into 2013-2018 cars and plug into existing wiring harnesses; no drilling required.
• High-beam assist: 2019-up LED units add automatic high-beam switching; the sensor is behind the inside mirror and must remain clean. (Nissan USA)
• Legal rule of thumb: any replacement lamp or bulb must self-certify to FMVSS 108 photometric and aimability limits. (Federal Register, NHTSA)

Safety & Regulations

FMVSS 108 says every U.S. passenger car needs a distinct low and high beam, the lamps must be aimable, and the beam cut-off must sit below a defined glare line so oncoming drivers are not blinded. The latest 2024 update also describes how adaptive-beam (ADB) systems on future Altimas will be tested on-track. (Federal Register, Legal Information Institute)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing found 2019-25 Altima LED projectors give "good" visibility on straight roads and "fair" on most curves, earning an overall "A." (IIHS Crash Testing)

Maintenance Tips

1. Wash the lens with car-soap weekly; dirt scatters light.
2. Polish & seal cloudy plastic every 12-18 months. A UV-blocking clear coat slows yellowing. (AAA Newsroom)
3. Aim the beams: park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall, center the cutoff at or just under head-lamp height, and adjust using the white gear behind the fender liner. (Altima Forums)
4. Check DRL LEDs by releasing the parking brake-if they stay dark, inspect the 15-A head-lamp fuse (location in owner's manual). (Nissan USA)

DIY Installation

Replacing a halogen bulb (2007-2018):

1. Turn steering wheel outward.
2. Remove three push-pins in the wheel-liner flap.
3. Reach in, twist off dust cap.
4. Squeeze the metal retainer; pull the bulb straight back.
5. Seat new H11 bulb without touching glass; reverse steps to seal.
   Full LED or HID housing removal requires bumper-cover removal-15 clips and four screws in total. Allow two hours for the first time. (Procedure condensed from Nissan workshop guide.)

Cost Snapshot

• Halogen bulb: $12-$25 per side.
• Quality LED retrofit kit: $90-$150.
• Factory halogen housing: $230-$300 each (base trim).
• Factory LED projector: $450-$650 each.
  Prices vary by market; verify local parts pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are my 2013 Altima low beams almost dark?
A: Many 2013-2018 halogen reflectors peeled inside, cutting light. Nissan extended the warranty and will replace both lamps for eligible owners. (NHTSA)

Q: What bulb size fits the low beam on a 2015 Altima?
A: The stock low beam is an H11 halogen; optional HID cars use a D2S capsule. (Nissan USA)

Q: Is it legal to switch to aftermarket LED bulbs?
A: Yes-if the finished beam still meets FMVSS 108 glare and aim rules. Choose bulbs tested for your housing and aim them carefully. (Federal Register, Intertek)

Q: How do I aim my Altima headlights?
A: Turn the white adjuster gear behind the fender liner until the cutoff sits just below head-lamp height on a wall 25 ft away. (Altima Forums)

Q: My lens looks foggy inside. Can I fix it?
A: Remove the rear cap, dry with low-heat air, and reseal the gasket; persistent water means the housing is cracked and should be replaced.

Q: Do newer Altimas let me keep high beams on automatically?
A: Yes. 2019-up LED units include High-Beam Assist that lowers the lights under 16 mph or when sensors see traffic. (Nissan USA)

Q: Are LED headlights brighter than halogen?
A: Lab tests find good LED kits can triple usable light, but poorly designed ones can scatter and cause glare. (Car and Driver, SAE International)

Q: What does the DRL light do?
A: Daytime Running Lights are low-intensity LEDs that make the car easier to see in daylight; they dim when head-lights are on. (Nissan USA)

Q: How long do LED head-lamps last?
A: Sealed automotive LEDs are rated for 10,000-30,000 hours-often outlasting the vehicle.

Q: Can I polish my own cloudy lens?
A: A DIY sanding kit restores about 70 % of lost light; professional replacement brings performance back to 100 %. (AAA Newsroom)