Nissan Altima Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.

57
Total Recalls
9590
Total Complaints
477
Total Crashes
427
Reported Injuries
6
Reported Deaths
2013
Worst Year
2026
Best Year
0
Poor
Overall Reliability Score (0–100)
Accelerating +235%
Complaint Trend
67 last 24mo vs 20 prior 24mo

Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years

2
Fires Reported
17
Crashes Reported
14
Injuries Reported

Own a Nissan Altima? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Nissan Altima — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison

YearVerdictRecallsComplaintsCrashesInjuriesDeathsTop Issue
2026BestExcellentFull report →
2025Excellent1439Air BagsFull report →
2024Excellent2757SteeringFull report →
2023Excellent12Electrical SystemFull report →
2022Excellent2985Unknown Or OtherFull report →
2021Excellent14852Electrical SystemFull report →
2020Good214198Electrical SystemFull report →
2019Good2170248Electrical SystemFull report →
2018Good16041Service BrakesFull report →
2017Good2352217Power TrainFull report →
2016Good140022261Power TrainFull report →
2015Caution46123221Exterior LightingFull report →
2014Caution37293331Exterior LightingFull report →
2013WorstAvoid614995227Air BagsFull report →
2012Good32902322Power TrainFull report →
2011Good115867Power TrainFull report →
2010Good32681522Unknown Or OtherFull report →
2009Avoid3111823231SteeringFull report →
2008Caution269638202Unknown Or OtherFull report →
2007Good227612102SuspensionFull report →
2006Caution25702844StructureFull report →
2005Caution26933855StructureFull report →
2004Good31761311Engine And Engine CoolingFull report →
2003Caution85643017Engine And Engine CoolingFull report →
2002Caution87153234Engine And Engine CoolingFull report →

25 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.

Most Common Nissan Altima Problems

Power Train
1047
Engine And Engine Cooling
945
Structure
885
Air Bags
872
Electrical System
838
Unknown Or Other
740
Engine
720
Steering
704
Exterior Lighting
600
Suspension
415
Vehicle Speed Control
289
Service Brakes
230

Based on 9,590 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

Recent Safety Recalls — Nissan Altima (20222026)

#23V8820002024
21/12/2023
STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Altima vehicles. The bolts connecting the electronic power steering unit to the steering rack may loosen, resulting in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC997.

#26V0230002025
21/01/2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.

Showing 2 recalls from 20222026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.

Recent Owner Complaints

Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Nissan Altima owners — 20222026 model years.

Seats1 INJURY04/16/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact received third-degree burns to the buttocks from the driver’s side seat warmer. The contact was in a wheelchair due to the burns, and medical attention was required. A dealer was contacted and requested to open the vehicle seats. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,073.

Forward Collision Avoidance04/13/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes erroneously activated, and the vehicle felt as if it was sliding while driving in the rain. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided due to the address. The failure mileage was unknown.

Forward Collision AvoidanceCRASH2 INJURIES04/12/2026

During a traffic incident on March 26 2026 I was the driver of the 2023 Nissan Altima SL and I suffered unnecessary bodily injury due to the AEB system. I was in a forward collision, the warning indicator did not go off, and the AEB may have went off after the crash unnecessarily causing major damage to my right shoulder tearing one ligament partially, one ligament completely and tearing my rotator cuff and needing reconstruction and two joints anchored. The impact of the AEB jolt went up my wrist and the force through my shoulder to cause that damage is inexplainable since I was at a complete stop and maybe only one car length away from the other car. I hit my face on the steering wheel. Airbags did not deploy. My son in the passenger seat suffered a concussion as did I. The only thing we can find that could cause this amount of damage is if the AEB decelerated after impact unnecessarily and the airbag did not deploy. That means our bodies were already moving through the impact of the crash only to have been thrust into a second unnecessarily intensely strong AEB jolt. Had the AEB not engaged, we would not have injuries. The warning system failed to activate as well. This system has gone off in error multiple times and the AEB had also engaged several previous times in error when backing out of my driveway. I did not know that it could be an error with the system until I started researching my injuries and learned that this is an issue with this model of Nissan.

Engine04/10/2026

The engine mounted high pressure fuel pump became loose and unseated because the engine-side mounting threads failed. The pump lifted off its mounting surface, the head of the engine, and oil came out around the top of the engine. This failure caused sudden loss of engine power and created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic and there was fluid leakage in the engine compartment near hot engine components. The problem was confirmed by a Nissan dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, documented the failed mounting area on the engine head, and submitted a goodwill warranty claim to Nissan, which was denied. Prior to the failure, there were no 18repairs or service in this area from the factory. Symptoms at the time of failure were loss of power and visible oil leakage from the top/right side of the engine. No warning lamps/messages prior to the mechanical failure. Vehicle had 60,845 miles at the time of failure.

Electrical System /Wheels /Fuel/Propulsion System03/19/2026

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 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).

Service Brakes /Forward Collision AvoidanceCRASH03/09/2026

The vehicle was unknowingly purchased with an improperly assembled braking system from which is formally known as Koeppel Nissan. The braking assembly failed during operation, resulting in loss of proper braking capability and causing a collision. The braking failure created a serious safety risk to the myself (the driver) and others on the roadway. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indicators prior to the braking failure. The issue with the braking assembly was not identified at the time of purchase and when the vehicle was returned to Koeppel Nissan to have cosmetic damages fixed. A request was made to thoroughly check of the braking system. After repairs, Koeppel Nissan assured there were no issues with braking system. It was discovered months afterward by Thruway Nissan dealership that the rear rotor pads were mismatched and the driver rear pad was installed upside down. The issue was viewed by a Thruway Nissan service technician, who identified the improper braking assembly. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Motor Corporation Consumer Affairs for this issue but has been reported. The vehicle and the braking system components are available for inspection upon request.

Electrical System03/09/2026

The driver’s seat heater malfunctioned and produced excessive heat while activated during normal vehicle operation. The heat became extremely intense at a low temperature and resulted in burns to the driver’s midsection, lower back, and upper buttocks. I, the driver sustained physical injuries including burning sensations, skin irritation, and visible discoloration marks in the affected areas. The excessive heat occurred without warning and created a safety hazard to the driver while operating the vehicle. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts indicating a problem with the seat heating system prior to the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Motor Corporation Consumer Affairs. An inspection appointment originally scheduled for February 24, 2026 was rescheduled to March 12, 2026. The vehicle and seat heating components are available for inspection upon request.

Structure /Wheels03/02/2026

Yesterday at around 9:10 AM I was driving home southbound on the New Jersey Parkway around exit 89. It was a clear day. It was about 43°, the sun was out. I was doing the speed limit which was 65 mph. I heard a loud bang and then my moonroof spontaneously exploded and all of the glass fell on me and in the car, luckily I was not hurt. I leased this vehicle a little over two years ago. Ever since I have driven it, I have stated to the dealership in writing and on the phone that I feel it is not right and unsafe. I have had three Popped tires in under a year , granted they were from potholes, but I have been complaining about the tires. I have said repeatedly they don’t feel right there is something wrong with them and they’re not even safe for the road because if you hit anything, it immediately pops out the side wall. They are clearly too thin, and not safe for driving even locally. There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan for spontaneous moonroof explosions and there are tons of people talking about online the inadequacies of the Bridgestone tires on the 2024 Nissan Altima.

Electrical System02/11/2026

I purchased my car earlier this year. Paid in full. After having it for about 3 months I had to get a new battery. Now, about 2 months later I’m having to get a new alternator. A licensed car mechanic purchased the battery and put it on. The alternator, I went to the Nissan dealership and they told me it was the alternator. Never any lights or warning lights or labels, with battery I had to boost it, with Alternator it just started making a loud sound. I was afraid if mind and willows(my 6 year old) safety, driving and breaking down on the road, so I took it to Nissan to run a test on it. With no warnongs and this loyd noise i was freaked out. The altinador cost $901.00, just for the part, with a 2 week back order.

Seat Belts /Structure /Seats02/10/2026

On [XXX] I purchased a brand-new 2024 Nissan Altima SR from Vaden Nissan located at 10421 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, Phone 912-920-5600; with approximately 25 miles on the odometer. On the day of purchase, the vehicle emitted a noticeable mold odor inside the cabin. The vehicle was returned to the dealership on March 11, 2024, due to the mold odor. It was again returned on March 13, 2024, after water was discovered inside the trunk area of the vehicle. At the time of sale and shortly thereafter, water was present inside the trunk area, and the vehicle continued to exhibit water intrusion. The water intrusion appears to be associated with defective weatherstripping or sealing, which allowed moisture to enter the vehicle. On March 19, 2024, the dealership returned the vehicle to me with visible mold present inside the vehicle. The mold condition was observable at the time it was returned to consumer use. The vehicle was not professionally remediated for mold contaminated before being released back to consumer possession. A professional mold inspection later identified over 100,000 mold spores and at least ten (10) different types of mold inside the vehicle. Although the source of water intrusion was reportedly repaired on October 25, 2024, the vehicle remains inoperative and unsafe due to mold contamination. The mold condition persists despite repair attempts. I remain in possession of the vehicle, which cannot be safely driven or occupied. The manufacturer was notified of the water intrusion and mold contamination; however, the safety issue remains unresolved. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether the water intrusion and resulting mold contamination present a broader safety concern and whether the handling and return of the vehicle to consumer use was appropriate given the visible mold condition.INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System /Engine01/28/2026

Attempted to start 2023 Nissan Altima. Engine did not turn over. Dashboard lights came on and then shut off. No further response. Had Altima towed to Nissan Dealer and after two weeks of sitting at the dealership. We were informed that the BCM unit needed to be replaced and fobs reprogrammed. Cause of BCM FAILURE UNKNOWN.

Electrical System /Service Brakes /Engine01/24/2026

MY 2024 Nissan Altima, with approximately 13,000 miles stalled while driving in 10 degree Fahrenheit weather with snow on the road. My speed was around 45 MPH. The vehicle immediately stalled and all the lights on the dashboard went on. The warning flashed something about an engine error. The brakes seized up while in snowy weather and with cars very close behind me. Easily could have caused an accident and was a pretty scary event. The car is maintained well and have very low mileage and is taken care of well. I slowed down and then another error screen popped up saying to immediately take care for service. While I was attempted to slow down with brake pedal super hard to push; I attempted to put car in neutral with my hazard lights on by now. Car started again while I was coasting about 20 mph, with engine light showing. I immediately took it to the closest dealership to me for service and left it there. This is completely unacceptable behavior for a new car of this type and I never experience anything ever like this with my old 2012 Nissan Altima. This could have caused a very bad accident had I not been driving and my wife or something else not as calm as me were to be driving. I suggest investigating this because I have read about recalls for this type of thing on previous models of Nissans. Currently vehicle is parked at dealership for service on 1-24-2026.

87 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 20222026. For older model years, see individual year pages.

Altima Years to Avoid

2013 Altima
1499 complaints · 6 recalls · 52 crashes
Details →
2009 Altima
1118 complaints · 3 recalls · 23 crashes · 1 deaths
Details →
2005 Altima
693 complaints · 2 recalls · 38 crashes
Details →

Ranked by combined complaints, recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Best Altima Years to Buy

2026 Altima
0 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →
2023 Altima
12 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →
2025 Altima
4 complaints · 1 recalls
Details →

Years with fewest complaints and recalls.

Nissan Altima Problems by Year

Select a year to see detailed complaints, recall notices, and safety incident data.

Frequently Asked Questions — Nissan Altima Reliability

What year Altima has the most problems?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Nissan Altima had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 1499 complaints and 6 safety recalls. See the full 2013 report for specific defects.

Is the Nissan Altima reliable?

The Nissan Altima has accumulated 9,590 owner-filed complaints and 57 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 6 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Altima.

What are the most common Altima problems?

The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (1047 reports), Engine And Engine Cooling (945 reports), Structure (885 reports), Air Bags (872 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.

How do I check if my Altima has an open recall?

Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Check a Specific Nissan Altima VIN

Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

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