Brake light came on. Added brake fluid and light went off. Brakes became increasingly mushy and sometimes it appeared that brakes would not work at all as brake pedal went almost to the floor. Frequently had to pump brakes well before intersection to make sure I was able to stop. Took to dealer and spent $625.08 to replace master cylinder. It appears that Nissan has known of the defect for some time and isn't concerned.

- Sand Springs, OK, USA

Brake booster was leaking into the master cylinder causing reduced braking efficiency and poor brake operation. Brakes were also catching when releasing the brake pedal from use. Low brake fluid levels in the reservoir were observed along with the illumination of the brake warning light due to low fluid levels. When fluid was topped off, the illumination light turned off, but brake catching problems continued. Dealer replaced master cylinder and brake booster and the problem was resolved. Dealer stated that the leak between the two components was the issue. I was charged approximately $800 for the repair.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

On September 30th, 2011 I had to have my master cylinder replaced due to leaking. This was identified at the mccarthy Nissan dealership in olathe, ks and replaced at the same location on the same date. Approximately three months ago, noticed that my emergency brake light would intermittently illuminate while driving. This was noticeable during acceleration and the light would go off after I let off the accelerator or started to brake. I had the dealership look into this issue when I took my car in for a routine oil change. After the master cylinder was replaced I noticed that the braking was much smoother and more efficient. I have kept my vehicle well maintained since owning this. Bought the vehicle from the dealership and have been the only owner.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

I noticed around 55K miles that my brake light started coming on intermittently. It would go away if I pressed down the brake, and seemed to come on most while I was accelerating. I needed an oil change anyways, so I took it in and asked them to look at the brakes as well. They said my pads were fine. Eventually the light started coming on more and more until it was on more than off. I started searching around and found that there were a lot of 2007 Altima with master brake cylinder failures where they start to leak. I went out to my car and checked the brake fluid, it was just above min. I stopped off on the way home from work, purchased some dot 3 fluid, topped it off, and the brake light hasn't been on since. It is my understanding though, brake systems are closed systems more fluid should not need to be added. I will monitor it to see if the fluid level goes down, but it appears that I have the same problem as everyone else with the master brake cylinder problems. Apparently Sentra have already been recalled for this, so I hope it is only a matter of time before Altima are. I really don't want to spend $500 to get this fixed if it is a widespread problem and equipment failure of Nissan.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

At 50,000 miles, the brake light warning indicator on my 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S began intermittently illuminating on the dashboard. Upon depression of the brake pedal, the light would turn off. At first, the warning light did not illuminate again after another week of driving. However, during the next several weeks, the brake warning light illuminated intermittently again and again during driving. Now, it is on almost all the time unless I am depressing the brake pedal. The brake fluid level is just North of "low." So, perhaps refilling the reservoir will correct the issue. Additionally, my pads are fairly worn and simply may need to be replaced. However, I have seen dozens of similar complaints online that indicate the master brake cylinder may be failing, and that is my chief concern. I have no difficulty stopping the car at this juncture. But, I have noticed that, if I depress the brake pedal just before starting the car, the pedal demonstrates a considerable amount of mechanical resistance. The amount of demonstrated resistance is directly proportional to the duration between engine starts (e.g., if the car sits for a few hours, there is minimal pedal stiffness. However, if the car is not driven for three days or more, the pedal is nearly impossible to depress until the engine turns over). I am uncertain if this is a related issue, but it is worth mentioning.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

I noticed a leak on the garage floor and a flashing on/off of the dash board brake warning light. I am taking it into the dealer today to have it checked out. I have a fear of a master cylinder after reading about all the complaints for this make/model. Concern as well due to recall summary research about the defect investigations related to Altima brakes. NHTSA campaign id # PE11020.

- O'fallon, MO, USA

After noticing my brake light coming off and on at random times of driving I decided to have the issue checked out. I have been informed that the cause of the problem is from my master cylinder leaking. I'm extremely disappointed at the fact that the cost of the repair is so expensive. After doing some research I have found this to be a common problem with the 2007 Nissan Altima model and I'm highly suggesting a recall be issued as soon as possible!

- Greenwod, IN, USA

Master cylinder is leaking. Requires topping off to max line every 2-4 weeks or ~200 miles. No pressure loss yet (brake fluid has not dropped below minimum yet). Vehicle had ~27, xxx at time of incident, and currently only has ~28,000 since.

- Vienna, VA, USA

Brake master cylinder leaking fluid - requires topping off every few weeks (2-4 weeks, 200 miles). No loss of pressure as of yet (has not dropped below minimum).

- Vienna, VA, USA

I was told when I got my oil changed at an express oil change that my brake fluid was a little low and to keep an eye on it. With in a couple days the brake light was coming on and then it would go off. It would do this on and off every time the car was driven. Took the car to moore Nissan in bessemer, al and told them of the problem. They checked out the car and I was told that I needed rear brakes and that my master cylinder was leaking. They showed me the leakage and I inquired as to what would cause the brake master cylinder to leak in a car that is only 4 1/2 years old. The tech said its actually a common Altima problem. I said, really. I had the repairs made.

- Woodstock, AL, USA

There has been no incident, but I have a concern of future failure. My car is losing brake fluid, as I've had to refill the reservoir periodically when the dash light illuminates. Today, the dealer confirmed that there are no external leaks in the brake system, so it is likely inside the master cylinder. First occurrence of low brake fluid was at about 75000 miles. I am concerned that the corrosive fluid may be causing damage that will lead to a sudden failure in the braking system. I know there is an ongoing investigation for this problem, so I wanted to register my car as having the problem.

- Princeton, TX, USA

Brake fluid leaking into master cylinder on 2007 Nissan Altima. Brake warning light comes on in car and brakes acts as if it doesn't want to stop. Took my car to the dealership sutherlin Nissan and they explained it just needed a new master cylinder and there was a leakage. Never mentioned a possible recall or anything. Sad thing is 9 times outta 10 they were most likely aware of the issue and still charged me to diagnose the symptom. Their greed to get paid $467 for the job itself, that they never went into details of what could happen or the dangers of continuing to drive the car, mainly what the car needed. I googled the issue and to my surprise I wasn't the only consumer affected. I never received any notices about this issue and now wants to know why. This is dangerous and deemed unsafe. I'm thankful my instances led me to google this issue because the dealership never mentioned it.

- Lehigh Acres, FL, USA

After the brake light was sporadically coming on and off while I was driving, I brought my 2007 Altima into the dealership. The technicians diagnosed that the master cylinder is leaking. The car has just over 27,300 miles on it. The mechanic topped off the fluid and advised me to bring it back in a few days when they had an open appointment. I am the first and only owner.

- Schererville, IN, USA

Was advised at the dealer that there was a leakage and that I could lose my brakes if I didn't change the master cylinder, the master cylinder was replaced, and I noticed a big difference in the brakes after this problem getting repaired.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

I bought this vehicle brand new and it has been properly maintained. While driving down the road the vdc off and slip light came on. After turning the car off, and restarting the light would go out. This happened twice so I made an appointment with Nissan, while driving there it came on again. The stated that my master cylinder was bad and needed to replaced, the cost was $620. This car was recently inspected and has not even needed new brake pads yet. I also have a problem with the tire pressure light coming on even when tires have correct pressure. I had to pay $ $50 to have it reset so it would not stay on. After doing some research this seems like a common problem, that Nissan is doing nothing about.

- Chesterfield , VA, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start immediately. When the vehicle does start and is turned off it would not restart for approximately fifteen minutes. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the harness assembly, brake switch and a hose band needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. The failure mileage was 36,114. The current mileage was 36,600. Updated 08/31/11 updated 2/21/12

- El Sobrante, CA, USA

Problem: Master cylinder leaking into the brake booster. I was fortunate to have it discovered during a routine oil change appointment prior to any brake problems on the road. When I got home, I did an internet search to see if there was any information on this issue. In doing so, I discovered that the NHTSA had received several complaints and was investigating it. Also, there had been a recall of 2007 Nissan Sentra due to the same component. This is a safety concern as well as a costly repair job so please add my complaint to your file. Thanks.

- Nicholasville, KY, USA

On June 8, 2009 took vehicle into Nissan North for routine maintenance, but also requested the brakes to be checked because they had just recently began to grind. With this service, Nissan noted a complete brake inspection was performed and nothing was found to be wrong with the brakes. Before I got home, the brakes began grinding again so took the vehicle back into Nissan North on June 9, 2009. Although, just the day before we'd been told nothing was found wrong with the brakes they charged us $100 to machine the front rotors. On July 8, 2009 took the vehicle back into Nissan North because the brakes were now grinding much worse than initially. Nissan said they could lubricate pads, but not much else. On March 19, 2010 took the vehicle back into Nissan and they replaced the front pads and turned the rotors as well as replaced the rear brakes and turned the drums and rotors at a cost of $400 to us. Brakes have squeaked off and on, especially when it rains and Nissan says this happens sometimes? June 2011 the brake light began coming on when the car is started, and has continued to do so intermittently.

- Columbus, OH, USA

The "brake" light on my 2007 Altima had been coming on briefly then going off again for extended periods for about three or four months. I had the car at the dealership for a transmission issue at 40,000 miles and mentioned the "brake" light issue as an aside. Dealer then inspected and said there was an internal leak inside of the brake master cylinder and that it would need to be replaced at a cost of $460 I agreed to the replacement because dealer said that brake failure could occur if not replaced. My research indicated that others were having a similar issue with the faulty brake master cylinder with this make and model.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

I have a 2007 Nissan Altima with only 23,000 miles. The brake light comes on frequently. Sometimes it goes back off quickly, and other times it stays on for a while. I was told that the master cylinder needs replacing, but is not covered by warranty or recall. It seems like a very common problem that should be handled with a recall from Nissan, they have already done so for the Sentra.

- Durham, NC, USA