Nissan Altima Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — 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.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
NISSAN ALTIMA 2017-2026 has 1173 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls. Top issues include POWER TRAIN (192), ENGINE (155), and SERVICE BRAKES (148). The 2017 model year accounts for 387 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,173
- Safety recall campaigns
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 96
- Fire-related complaints
- 23
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (387 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
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 — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP 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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Altima from 2017-2026 has 1173 total complaints and 22 recalls. The top complaint components are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (235), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (204), and POWER TRAIN (192). The 2017 model year has the most complaints (387), while 2025 and 2026 have very few. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- The 2017 model year has 387 complaints, the highest among 2017-2026.
- POWER TRAIN accounts for 192 complaints across all years.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM has 204 complaints, the second-highest component.
- POWER TRAIN issues with 192 complaints
- ENGINE problems with 155 complaints
- SERVICE BRAKES failures with 148 complaints
2017 has 387 complaints, driven by POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues.
2022 and 2025 have very few complaints (20 and 6 respectively), suggesting better reliability.
- Inspect the POWER TRAIN for transmission problems
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE
- Have a mechanic inspect SERVICE BRAKES before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
22 recalls foundSafety 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
TIRES
TIRES
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
TIRES
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,173 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,173 totalThese 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.
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.
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 driven—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).
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 .
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.
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.
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)
Read 14 more owner reports
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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.
Bcm
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.
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 ‘A” DTC. I was injured in the accident and concerned about safety of others
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.
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 1,173 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Nissan Altima
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Nissan Altima, in plain English.
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 — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan Altima has 1,173 complaints on record across 10 model years.
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.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 96 of the Nissan Altima's 1,173 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) 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.
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 — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan Altima vehicles on the road — 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.
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 — 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.
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Nissan Altima reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
Average. The Nissan Altima has 1,173 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Nissan Altima years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (387 complaints), 2019 (224 complaints), 2018 (223 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?
Top reported issues: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (235 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (204 complaints); POWER TRAIN (192 complaints).
Does the Nissan Altima have recalls?
Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Nissan Altima. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.