Nissan Altima Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Nissan Altima model year (2002–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Nissan Altima Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 1499 complaints
27 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 1571
3 recalls · 1118 complaints
23 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 1178
2 recalls · 693 complaints
55 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 809
Best Nissan Altima Years to Buy
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 12
1 recall · 4 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 25
0 recalls · 29 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 39
Found the right year? Verify that specific Altima with a free VIN report.
Nissan Altima — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 4 | 9 | — | 25 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 27 | 7 | — | 41 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 | — | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 29 | 5 | — | 39 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 48 | 2 | — | 55 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 2 | 141 | 8 | — | 163 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 170 | 8 | — | 192 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 160 | 1 | — | 162 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 235 | 17 | — | 269 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 400 | 26 | 1 | 460 | Good |
| 2015 | 4 | 612 | 21 | — | 666 | Caution |
| 2014 | 3 | 729 | 31 | — | 800 | Caution |
| 2013 | 6 | 1499 | 27 | — | 1571 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3 | 290 | 22 | — | 343 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 158 | 7 | — | 175 | Good |
| 2010 | 3 | 268 | 22 | — | 321 | Good |
| 2009 | 3 | 1118 | 23 | 1 | 1178 | Avoid |
| 2008 | 2 | 696 | 20 | 2 | 752 | Caution |
| 2007 | 2 | 276 | 10 | 2 | 312 | Good |
| 2006 | 2 | 570 | 44 | — | 664 | Caution |
| 2005 | 2 | 693 | 55 | — | 809 | Caution |
| 2004 | 3 | 176 | 11 | — | 207 | Good |
| 2003 | 8 | 564 | 17 | — | 622 | Caution |
| 2002 | 8 | 715 | 34 | — | 807 | Caution |
All 25 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Nissan Altima Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Altima models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Altima units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Altima models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Altima should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Nissan Altima if possible. It has 6 recalls, 1499 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 1571 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Altima to buy?+
The 2023 Nissan Altima is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 12. It has only 0 recalls and 12 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Altima has the fewest problems?+
The 2023, 2025, 2022 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Nissan Altima Research
Check a Specific Nissan Altima VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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