2016 Nissan Altima: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Nissan Altima has 544 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag cvt transmission failure — 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

544
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
27
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Nissan Altima vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
233
engine
86
air bags
68
vehicle speed control
64
electrical system
42

Recalls affecting the 2016 Altima

structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit

Campaign 18V915000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the r…

latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Campaign 17V040000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently ca…

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 16V244000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 …

latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Campaign 20V315000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch ma…

What owners say across generations

Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and

  • CVT transmission failure — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT-related problems (general) — Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine issues (various) — 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical 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). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Build quality and interior issues — Noted decline in interior material quality over successive generations; components becoming loose or rattling; general perception of cheapening. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Altima.

Typical used price

Used Altima listings typically run $16,897–$25,989 across 2010 to 2025 model years.

Other Altima model years

2022 Altima2018 Altima2012 Altima2007 Altima2002 Altima
Full Nissan Altima owner reportCompare against another car