2018 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 219 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2018 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Nissan Altima has 219 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 219
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Nissan Altima?
The 2018 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Investigate any Uncategorized Issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Investigate any Uncategorized Issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2018 Nissan Altima shows a high volume of reports, with the largest category being Uncategorized Issues. Brake System and Electrical Faults also have notable complaint counts. The data suggests potential areas of concern, but the low confidence level and nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints at 59.
- Brake System complaints total 49, making it the second most reported component.
- There are 11 crash-related complaints out of 219 total.
- Uncategorized Issues
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 59 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 49 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 34 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The problem is I have that transmission in my car that nissan was sued for . Yes I received a extended warranty 85 months or 85,000 miles . My transmission started going out as soon I rolled over 85,000. Dealer told me the warranty was no good. Now it's sitting in the yard. All…
In 2022, there was a recall on the hood latch system. At that time the dealership was able to spray a substance on the latch and close out the recall instead of replacing the latch. Now my car is having issues with the latch that should’ve been replaced from the start. Therefore,…
While driving my Nissan Altima 2018 on Sunday 2-1 the indicator light came on. I looked it up in the manual to the car and it stated it was something with the air bag. I took it to the Larry Miller Nissan Mesa AZ. Wednesday, 2-4. According to them I was told the light indicated…
Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps t…
NISSAN ALTIMA TORQUE STRUT MOUNT AND PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the halogen headlights failed to function as intended and were dimmed, which reduced the visibility of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle …
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The driver seat airbag module is defective and requires replacement. It is available for inspection at Northlake Kia or any authorized Nissan service center upon request. 2. How…
My Nissan Altima's power door locks failed making entry and egress sometimes impossible. While the key will unlock the driver's door, rear seat passengers have been unable to exit the vehicle without assistance due to the door being locked. Premature power door lock actuators in…
Suddenly airbag light has steady on when start engine. Scanner shows has failed code L4 and failed to reset.
I purchased this vehicle last month from Anderson in cockeysville, Md. last week the airbag light came on. I was able to take it to them today 9-15-25 where they at first told me I was over the 1,000miles warranty so I’d have to deal with it on my own. After speaking with a manag…
The headlights on my 2018 Altima SL are INCREDIBLY dim. I have tried two different LED manufacturer's bulbs with the same result. It is beyond dangerous to drive my car at night. Sadly, my floodlights are FAR brighter than my low beams. There are countless complaints for this…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle had identical stress fractures. The fractures allowed water to enter the headlight housings. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the headlight…
There is a recall for altimas from years 2019-2021 with an issue where the engine will not start after the battery light on the dashboard comes on. After a few minutes the car will start up and ride like normal. This also happens in the 2018 model of the altima. This happened …
The driver's side door lock actuator stopped working around June 2024. Haven't replaced it yet, but bought another part. Read where others are having same issue. Just in the last couple of weeks, around June 15th, 2025, my rear driver's side door actuator stopped working as well…
Anytime I pull my hood release, my hood never opens & I hear no click .
The airbag light in the dashboard always stays lit. It has been worked on at the dealership multiple times and they get it to go out only for it to come back on. It’s concerning not knowing if there is a problem with the airbags itself. This has been on going for years. It starte…
I’ve had to replace the break sensor a few times and it’s unusual… My check engine light came on and it reads the code for the catalyst converter.., the auto part store saw a recall on this for my make and model but not seeing it here . The code was cleared and hasn’t came back o…
It seems to be the transmission intermittently. I'd stop, push down on the accelerator and would go like a few MPH. Then it would lunge forward and I'd have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. The other thing was it didn't seem to shift from firs…
Took car for inspection check engine light on will not pass mechanic said same issueue as recall PC716. Said was under recall nissan recall does not include the vin so would not repair need to add vin to recall since it is same issue. Can not drive until repaired.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Altima.
2018 Nissan Altima Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Nissan Altima. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 219 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (59 complaints). #2: Brake System (49 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (37 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 219 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2018 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.