2018 Nissan Altima: common problems and reliability
The 2018 Nissan Altima has 222 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 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 2018 model year
222
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
11
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Nissan Altima vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
service brakes
49
electrical system
37
air bags
35
power train
22
forward collision avoidance
15
Recalls affecting the 2018 Altima
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…
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Vers…
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.