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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026Methodology

Nissan Altima Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β€” NHTSA Data

Comparing used Nissan Altima options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

πŸ“‹
1,145
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
πŸ””
22
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
πŸ’₯
94
Crash-Related
crash complaints
πŸ”₯
22
Fire-Related
fire complaints
πŸ₯
70
Injuries Reported
across all years
πŸ“ˆ
Poor
Reliability Signal
overall trend

Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Nissan Altima you plan to buy.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Altima has 1,145 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.

Nissan Altima β€” key reliability facts
Make
Nissan
Model
Altima
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
1,145
Safety recall campaigns
22
Crash-related complaints
94
Fire-related complaints
22
Worst model year (by complaints)
2017 (380 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2025 (6 complaints)
Top reported issue area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Β· Data last refreshed Jun 9, 2026
This Altima has 22 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free β†’

Nissan Altima: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β€” lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

⚠ Years to Avoid
2017 Nissan Altima380 complaints2018 Nissan Altima221 complaints2019 Nissan Altima220 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

βœ“ Best Years to Buy
2025 Nissan Altima6 complaints2022 Nissan Altima20 complaints2023 Nissan Altima27 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β€” lower risk starting points.

⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

2026
2026 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 DR N/A AWD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
2025
2025 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
2024
2024 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
How to Read NCAP Stars
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5 stars - Excellent
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4 stars - Good
β˜…β˜…β˜…3 stars - Average
β˜…β˜…2 stars - Below average
β˜…1 star - Poor
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The NISSAN ALTIMA has 1,145 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 94 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key Findings
  • 1,145 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 22 federal recall campaigns
  • 94 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
⚠️ Worst Years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

βœ… Best Years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to Check Before Buying Used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

πŸ“… Problems by Model Year (Best vs. Worst Years)

2017
380
2018
221
2019
220
2020
171
2021
61
2022
20
2023
27
2024
39
2025
6
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jun 2026

πŸ”” NHTSA Safety Recalls

22 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Campaign #23V628000August 9, 2023

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #23V628000August 9, 2023

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #23V628000August 9, 2023

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #21V169000November 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: TIRES
Campaign #21V169000November 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: TIRES
Campaign #21V138000April 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Campaign #21V138000April 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Campaign #20V685000May 11, 2020

Safety Recall

Component: TIRES
Campaign #19V654000December 9, 2019

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #19V654000December 9, 2019

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #26V023000

Safety Recall

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Campaign #23V882000

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Campaign #20V570000

Safety Recall

Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Campaign #25V437000

Safety Recall

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Campaign #19V316000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign #18V922000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign #19V235000

Safety Recall

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Campaign #25V437000

Safety Recall

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Campaign #20V315000

Safety Recall

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Campaign #18V915000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

πŸ”§ Most-Reported Problem Areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,145 NHTSA complaints.

1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
232 complaints
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
194 complaints
3
POWER TRAIN
189 complaints
4
ENGINE
149 complaints
5
SERVICE BRAKES
143 complaints
6
AIR BAGS
130 complaints
7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
127 complaints
8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
66 complaints

πŸ“‹ NHTSA Complaint Reports

1,145 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAINMay 2026

This vehicle was rented to me on 04/23/2026. While driving, the gear shifter detached from its housing, causing the vehicle to become stuck in Drive. Due to this mechanical failure, I was unable to shift the vehicle into Park, Reverse, or Neutral. As a result, I was required to continuously apply pressure to the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving until law enforcement arrived and assisted me. This incident created a hazardous condition that placed both myself and other motorists at risk. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene and contacted Payless Rental Company, from whom the vehicle was rented, to report the incident. A police report was subsequently filed documenting that a defective and mechanically unsafe vehicle had been rented to a customer.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMar 2026

I am reporting a severe combined safety failure involving fuel delivery and electronic systems. Between 1:22 PM and 3:37 PM, documented evidence shows the vehicle's fuel range dropped by 37 miles while the odometer recorded only 6 actual miles drivenβ€”a 600% abnormal fuel consumption rate accompanied by excessive engine noise. The odometer also exhibited erratic behavior, reversing and then spiking while stationary. Additionally, the unit was provided with critically low tire pressure (26 PSI), which continued to drop while parked, indicating an active leak neglected by maintenance. Furthermore, there is a discrepancy in records: the VIN indicates a black vehicle, but the actual unit provided is white. These defects posed an immediate fire and road safety risk, causing significant psychological and physical distress (vertigo).

VISIBILITY/WIPERAug 2025

My car was parked in a driveway for 1 hour and when going to approach my car from that 1 hour of leaving I came back to my front windshield cracked in the center , crack did start from the bottom and go up , no forced trauma , no sign of rock or pebble hit , no sign of any issue on a ring camera within that 1 hour of sitting .

UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2025

Rear view camera visibility is not clear and brightness at night makes it difficult to see at night. I made appointment with Nissan dealer to check camera. Dealer agreed that camera was not clear and much to bright at night. Dealer said they checked with other Altimms that had same troubles with camera. Dealer said there is nothing they can do. dealer said maybe wait for a manufactures download to correct problem. Well it's been nine months and no downloads or call from dealer. This is definitely a safety hazzard.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONMar 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back-over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the image appeared blurry and distorted. The contact stated that it was difficult to identify a human from an object because of the failure. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, where it was confirmed that the images appeared blurry and distorted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 145.

πŸ’₯ CrashπŸ₯ 3 InjuriesAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SEATSFeb 2025

A tractor trailer hit my vehicle from behind/driver side rear in snowy road conditions and then jackknifed causing my vehicle to spin out of control across the interstate. My 2 children were in the backseat, my [XXX] son driver side rear & [XXX] daughter passenger rear. My husband was in front passenger seat. No air bags deployed, the vehicle was a total loss, we almost got killed. The impact was mainly on the driver side rear where the initial impact happened & my son’s seat was pushed up & completely detached from the rest of the vehicle and yet his SRS Side Airbag never deployed. Please see images below of the air bags not deploying . If that tractor trailer hit us 2 inches different, my son would be dead right now. There were injuries and we were seen by EMS on scene & then the hospital later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAug 2025

Since purchasing my car in 1-2022, brand new, my car will unpredictably brake. Recently while driving with no cars in front of me, my car again braked and I was almost rear ended. I did experience minor whiplash as it was a sudden stop. This has happened on surface streets as well as when going down into a parking structure. Additionally my sensors will randomly state that there are obstructions in the road when there are none. I have taken my car into First Nissan with these issues from when I first drove my car off their lot. First Nissan employees are great, but I believe my car has a defect that significantly concerns me about my safety when driving this car. I am a loyal Nissan car owner as I had my previous Altima for about 15 years.. with no problems. How will Nissan rectify this safety issue??

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJul 2025

Forward crash detection AEB system warning light goes on after a short time driving with a beep sound and stays on until the car is shut off. This happens every time I drive. Everything is clean- no obstructions to the sensor. Probable faulty sensor or bracket. Went to the dealer who said they could not recreate the situation and did nothing. I have been reading that this is not an uncommon problem with Nissans and feel there needs to be a recall.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJul 2025

My car constantly turns off mid drive and then turns back on , also all the lights on my dash pop up eveytime I start the car so I’m pretty sure it’s an electric issue sometimes it’s doesn’t start I have to play with the battery little bit and I’ve had it tested even bought a new one so ik it’s not the battery it’s electric, it frequently turns off for like 5 seconds while I’m driving and then turns back on

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJul 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Altima. The contact stated after the vehicle received brakes services, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact smelled smoke. The contact stated that two weeks later while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming the wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side rear caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2025

I just purchased this vehicle and the backup camera quality is horrible and doesn’t provide any safety or accident prevention. The year of this vehicle wasn’t recalled for the backup cameras, but needs to be!! It’s useless. I don’t know what could be wrong with it, but it’s distorted and unclear.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2025

My vehicle would not start on 03/20/2025. Vehicle connect assessed the vehicle stating that it is the hardware. The dealer has it now after the vehicle was towed. Not good. I am very concerned and unhappy.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2025

I purchased my 2022 Altima in June 2022. I didn’t encounter any problems until 5/2024. My horn stopped working for no apparent reason, the interior fuse that controls the light inside my car keeps blowing out every few months. My manufacturer warranty has expired. This is a hazard. Due to these issue I am not able to get an Inspection sticker and not able to use my horn. Can someone call me to help assist!!!

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEJan 2025

Vehicle battery stops working not starting until a jump is given. We had the battery tested at Advance Auto they told us nothing was wrong with the battery. January 24,2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEOct 2024

On 6/5/2024 I purchased a vehicle from lithia Dodge in Twin Falls Idaho. On July 6th 2024 my wife and I we're driving through Walmart parking lot and the car just up and died. I called the car dealership to try and get a hold of the salesman that sold it to me or the finance manager and continue to have issues getting hold of someone, well in the process of trying to get a hold of someone one of the times that I called the salesman that answered the phone laughed at me when I told him the car had died on us and asked me how did it die. I took the car back to the dealership and told him to either fix it or keep it, they kept it to have the service department look at it. I received a call from the service department saying that the car was done and that they had hooked up their computer to it and nothing came up as having issues with the car or within the car, and they also asked me to go to the dealership and take a test drive with one of the service techs and try to make the car die no one can make a car up and die. On the same day I reported the car dying on us I also reported that the transmission had been slipping and they stated that when they drove it they didn't have any issues with the slipping or anything and the service manager of the service department kept giving me the runaround or an excuse and just didn't plainly want to look at it or even talk about it anymore. I also complained to them about the car not being serviced before they put it on the or selling it to us and that none of the filters had been changed on it. They told me that the oil and filters have been changed which it hadn't even after I took it back to them, after calling the service department and complaining about this they just told me that it had been done and that they need to prior authorization from the sales department to replace the air filter and cabin filter. I feel like they knew this car was a lemon and was just doing what they could to get rid of it.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 2024

Bcm

πŸ’₯ CrashSERVICE BRAKESNov 2023

I got into 2 accidents with my 2022 Nissan Altima (October 12 & 13). on Oct.12 I backed into a parked vehicle in a parking lot.I did drive the car home. The next day after getting an estimate at a local auto body shop I drove home and my car would not stop in my driveway and I crashed into my garage door. The auto body shop towed the car back there. I have filed a consumer complaint with Nissan (case#49847642) they want to inspect the vehicle before any repairs are done to it. Estimated damages are car=$5000, garage door $4000. The contact stating the lack of progress concerning the damaged 2022 Nissan Altima. The vehicle is still at an auto body repair shop. Also the contact was told the decision would take 2-4 weeks and was advised not to have the car repaired until then.

πŸ’₯ CrashπŸ₯ 1 InjuryAIR BAGS,ENGINEAug 2023

I was driving along I55 at 65-70 mph when my car had multiple lights come on the dash w d started ringing. My car then shot left into the median wall. It spun at least twice hitting the wall and stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes. The vehicle is currently at the ins inspection lot. The code was u0100. ECM/PCM β€˜A” DTC. I was injured in the accident and concerned about safety of others

πŸ’₯ CrashπŸ₯ 1 InjuryAIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2023

I was driving to work. As I was doing so multiple lights came on my dashboard and it started dinging. At the same time my car immediately shot left so hard into the concrete median barrier at 70 mph. It all happened so fast I was not able to see what lights came on. My steering wheel would not turn. I did at least two 360’s off of the concrete wall finally stopping facing southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate. My car is totaled. I’m suffering from a concussion. Waiting MRI results to be referral to the neurosurgeon for my spine. The police have told me I’m lucky I didn’t die. Nissan really don’t seem to care. They want me to be without a vehicle and not settle the loss for 3-4 months for when they get around to investigating the cause. There is so much body damage the insurance doesn’t have a need to do a mechanical investigation. The vehicle is currently sitting at the copart as I’m waiting to decide what to do since Nissan doesn’t seem to care their faulty product almost cost me my life and could cost others theirs. I’m trying to find someone who will come and do a mechanical investigation on the car.

STRUCTUREApr 2023

The drivers side door would not open from the inside or outside. I was able to lock and unlock the door but when I pulled the handle it did not initiate the latch to open. I have had issues with the door not opening from the inside for several months but could open it from the outside, until today. I have had to climb through the passenger side to get out of the car on a couple of occasions.

Showing 20 of 1,145 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Before You Buy, Check the Exact Nissan Altima

These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

πŸ“– Understanding This Data

πŸ“‹

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan Altima has 1,145 complaints on record across 10 model years.

πŸ””

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Nissan Altima has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

πŸ’₯

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 94 of the Nissan Altima's 1,145 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

🧭

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

πŸ“Š

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

πŸ”

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan Altima vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two Nissan Altima vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

πŸ”Ž

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Nissan Altima has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Buyers Also Compare

How does the Nissan Altima stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

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πŸ“ Check a Nissan Altima by State

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Nissan Altima.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check β†’

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