Avoid: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 30 model years, the Nissan Altima has 18,481 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 126 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2009 drew the most complaints (3,148), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (20).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Altima vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,439–$20,988.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2019 | 232 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2017 | 391 |
| 2016 | 553 |
| 2015 | 954 |
| 2014 | 1,113 |
| 2013 | 2,312 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2011 | 486 |
| 2010 | 774 |
| 2009 | 3,148 |
| 2008 | 2,076 |
| 2007 | 498 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2002 | 1,063 |
| 2001 | 174 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 1999 | 100 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1997 | 117 |
| 1996 | 109 |
Highest: 2009 (3,148 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (20).
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM. Associated with multiple class-action lawsuits, especially for 2010-2020 models.
Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability.
For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA recall (25V437). For older 2.5L engines, reports of oil consumption, misfires, and sensor problems.
Faulty camshaft/crankshaft position sensors causing stalling and erratic idle; alternator failures; flickering dashboard lights; stereo/infotainment malfunctions (volume changing randomly, resets).
Noted decline in interior material quality over successive generations; components becoming loose or rattling; general perception of cheapening.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Altima. Individual model years are broken down above.
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