Nissan Altima problems

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The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car manufactured by Nissan since 1992. It is a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1955.

The Altima has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The first through fourth-generation cars were manufactured exclusively in the United States and officially sold in North and South America, along with the Middle East and Australia. For other markets, Nissan sold a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana which was between the Altima and Maxima in terms of size. In 2013, the Teana became a rebadged version of the fifth-generation Altima.

The name "Altima" was originally applied to a top trim line of the Nissan Leopard for the Japanese market in 1986, and then to the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1992, Nissan discontinued the Stanza which was a Nissan Bluebird clone, replacing it with the US-built Altima, while remaining a compact car. The first Altima was produced in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altima models for the North American market were built in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant also began producing the model to meet high demand.

photo of Nissan Altima car production

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Nissan Altima model years

nissan altima 2024 photo
Altima 2024
Nissan

14

1

29

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2023 photo
Altima 2023
Nissan

9

0

22

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2022 photo
Altima 2022
Nissan

12

0

33

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2021 photo
Altima 2021
Nissan

30

2

28

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2020 photo
Altima 2020
Nissan

118

5

19

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2019 photo
Altima 2019
Nissan

159

6

36

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2018 photo
Altima 2018
Nissan

194

2

26

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2017 photo
Altima 2017
Nissan

331

3

36

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2016 photo
Altima 2016
Nissan

495

4

33

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2015 photo
Altima 2015
Nissan

876

10

32

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2014 photo
Altima 2014
Nissan

1058

8

34

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2013 photo
Altima 2013
Nissan

2266

12

35

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2012 photo
Altima 2012
Nissan

416

4

36

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2011 photo
Altima 2011
Nissan

236

1

34

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2010 photo
Altima 2010
Nissan

372

3

39

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2009 photo
Altima 2009
Nissan

1540

4

30

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2008 photo
Altima 2008
Nissan

1019

4

37

1.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2007 photo
Altima 2007
Nissan

495

3

40

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2006 photo
Altima 2006
Nissan

820

4

41

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2005 photo
Altima 2005
Nissan

1088

2

34

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2004 photo
Altima 2004
Nissan

276

5

33

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2003 photo
Altima 2003
Nissan

883

10

33

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2002 photo
Altima 2002
Nissan

1061

12

28

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2001 photo
Altima 2001
Nissan

174

2

43

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 2000 photo
Altima 2000
Nissan

181

2

32

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1999 photo
Altima 1999
Nissan

100

4

35

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1998 photo
Altima 1998
Nissan

128

4

35

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1997 photo
Altima 1997
Nissan

117

3

31

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1996 photo
Altima 1996
Nissan

109

2

22

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1995 photo
Altima 1995
Nissan

193

5

40

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1994 photo
Altima 1994
Nissan

120

4

31

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan altima 1993 photo
Altima 1993
Nissan

146

3

24

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Nissan Altima problems

The Nissan Altima, a popular midsize sedan, has faced numerous complaints from owners regarding various issues over the years. One of the most common problems reported is difficulty accelerating, which is often attributed to the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) system.

Another problem area is the engine, with many complaints about engine failure, jerking, and loss of power.

The 2019 Nissan Altima, in particular, has been subject to a high volume of consumer complaints, with problems ranging from the Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to the Forward Collision Warning System (FCW).

In addition, the 2019 Nissan Altima has been reported to have problems with the windshield, with several accounts of the windshield cracking or shattering at the slightest pressure.

The electrical system, key fob, and doors have also been problematic in the 2019 Nissan Altima, with many owners reporting that their car's doors do not lock using the fob and that they must manually lock and unlock the doors.

The 2013 Nissan Altima has been rated as the worst model year, with the most overall complaints and a high number of engine problems.

The 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2013 Nissan Altima models have been identified as problematic years, with issues ranging from transmission problems to excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failure.

In summary, the Nissan Altima has faced numerous complaints from owners over the years, with common problems including difficulty accelerating, engine failure, transmission issues, and problems with the windshield and electrical system. The 2013 and 2019 models, in particular, have been subject to a high volume of complaints, with issues ranging from the CVT system and brakes to the windshield and electrical system.

Nissan Altima

What is the main problem with Nissan Altima?

Failed Crankshaft Sensor

One of the most commonly reported Nissan Altima problems is related to the crankshaft or camshaft sensor. Drivers reported that the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor would fail, resulting in the engine stalling.

What years are bad for Nissan Altima?

Model years 2011 and 2012 are perhaps the best. Reliability is top-notch, and registered complaints are minimal. Nissan Altima's worst model years include 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2013-2015. From engine and powertrain failures to faulty electricals, these models are best avoided.

What year Nissan Altima has transmission problems?

A Little Background about the Nissan Altima Problems

CVTs are designed to provide smoother acceleration and better fuel economy than traditional automatic transmissions. However, early Nissan CVTs were prone to several issues. These problems were particularly common in Altima models from the 2007 to 2010 model years.

Is the Nissan Altima a reliable car?

For the most part, it is indeed a reliable vehicle. Copilotsearch.com indicates that buying a used Nissan Altima is a good idea thanks to the wide range of safe, reliable model years (so you aren't limited to one or two years during your search).

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Altima years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Altima cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan Altima model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Altima model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Altima years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Nissan Altima car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Altima , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Structure problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Altima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Altima model years

A total of 851 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Altima model years

There were a total of 210 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Altima model years

There were a total of 745 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Altima model years

There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 15036 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Altima . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Altima vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Nissan Altima 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-11-04
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP1DN
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The headlamps are so dim, you can't even see the road at night. This is a well known issue to Nissan that the headlamps for this make and model are defective. The headlamp assemblies need to be replaced and this should be a recall. There was a civil lawsuit and I, like many others, tried getting the headlamps replaced during the acceptable time period, but my Nissan dealership was not able to get the parts in time. Looking online, this happened to the majority of people and people weren't able to get the proper repairs needed at no fault of their own. This is a major problem that Nissan needs to address. NHTSA also has a responsibility to be pushing Nissan on this recall. My automotive repair company said they've never seen so many complaints with the NHTSA without there being a full recall. It is an extreme safety hazard to not have the road visible at night. I, along with others, have received warnings from the police as well for not having proper lighting. Please help fix this issue.
Nissan Altima 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-11-02
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP6DC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The headlights are very dim and it's very hard to see when it's dark outside
Nissan Altima 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-11-01
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP1DC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: Delamination of headlight units has left low beam use unsafe. Seeing more than 20-25ft ahead of vehicle is impossible at night. There was a class action suit for this issue but I was not notified and now the window for replacement had passed. This seems like it should have been a safety recall. I attempted to get relief from Nissan but was stonewalled. Not even a discount on replacing the units.
Nissan Altima 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-30
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP7DC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Unsafe to drive due to transmission not registering lower gears when at complete stop, takes full minute before gears accelerate. I have unexpectedly stalled in the middle of traffic and was almost rear ended. Going under the legal miles per hour on standard roads causing delays in traffic and potential Fire Risk due to overheating because of transmission issues. Potential harm to myself and others by causing collisions. Big O's in Boise Idaho (208) 996-1306 has confirmed it is unsafe to drive 10/29/2024. appointment with Nissan dealership 10/30/2024 Check engine light has failed to appear. The closure of a class action lawsuit over CVT transmission issues in vehicles like the 2013 Nissan Altima, without a recall, poses significant safety risks. Without a recall, critical transmission problems such as stalling, power loss, or erratic shifting remain unresolved for many drivers. Financial constraints may prevent owners from paying out-of-pocket for expensive repairs, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. Unlike recalls, which require manufacturers to notify all affected owners and provide free repairs, lawsuits end without ongoing accountability, meaning these safety risks can persist indefinitely. Additionally, future owners, especially in the used car market, may be unaware of the defect, unknowingly operating cars with hidden risks. The lack of consistent resolution means thousands of vehicles with potentially faulty transmissions continue to pose dangers not only to their drivers but also to other road users. A recall would ensure that all affected vehicles are inspected and repaired, but without one, the burden unfairly shifts to owners, compromising road safety on a large scale.
Nissan Altima 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
  • VIN: 1N4BL4BW5LC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Car phantom brakes. There are multiple cases of it online where people are complaining when the front emergency brake warning light comes up at times and the car brakes automatically in empty highways. This happens fairly often
Nissan Altima 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
  • VIN: 1N4AL3APXHC
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: Hello, I have a 2017 Nissan Altima, VIN# 1N4AL3APXHC185845 and a few years ago there was a safety recall on the headlight system. The lights are very dim, they will not get bright after changing the bulbs multiple times and still not a fix. The lights are very dim at night and very hard to see. I tried scheduling an appointment and the Nissan dealership says this recall expired. My 21 year old daughter is driving the car and she keeps asking me that she cannot see with the lights on and working fine. Multiple times she has almost hit something close to the side of the road or another parked car because the lights are so dim but working fine. How can a safety recall expire, if an accident happens and Nissan refused to fix the safety issue and had a recall then Nissan Corporation may be liable for any injuries due to this accident. I just want to get the headlights fixed according to the safety recall but every time I call, it gets disconnected or I cannot get thru to anyone and they just keep me on hold.
Nissan Altima 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP5HC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The airbag light turns on whenever someone else drives the car and moves the driver seat. The light stays on until we clear the code and then starts over again when someone moves the seat. The airbag code said that there was a problem with the sensor in the driver seat and the airbag may not deploy. The dealer wants more than $3,000 to fix this problem but I believe it is a manufacturer defect that affects safety and there should be a recall. I have read that there are many other drivers of 2017 Altimas who are having the exact same problem as I am having.
Nissan Altima 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP8DC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Power train gives out when car warms up. I’ve had fluids checked for the power train and Everything was fine. When on high way power train would either jerk tremendously or just give out. It almost caused me to wreck one day ass there was a truck behind me who nearly avoided rear ending me because the car completely slowed down.
Nissan Altima 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-06-03
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP0FN
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: I take my wife's Nissan Altima (2015) to dealer (Jackie Cooper, Tulsa) regularly and (in 2020) asked them why the headlights were so dim. Told me there was a class action suit ongoing and that we could fix it and wait for the settlement to submit receipts, or we could wait and that they would call when the suit was settled. Was never notified by dealership that we could bring it in to get replaced. Called again to check status (10/24) I found out that the deadline is now passed and we can not get it repaired unless we pay. No dealer notification and because Nissan did not ever inform us, we now need to do it on our own. Unsatisfactory (and expensive). It is a known defect and should have been repaired when we brought it in for regular service. This car is unsafe to drive at night, but not due to anything we have done and it should be fixed since we were not notified. 2015 Nissan Altima with 74478 miles and has always been well cared for. Because this is a know problem, mileage and length of time should not have anything to do with fixing it, ESPECIALLY since they neglected to call us. It is a safety problem. My wife (the driver) is [XXX] and needs headlights that work. I never drive the car but I did last night to get gas. The lights are terrible. Dim and yellowish. I spent 80.00 on a kit to buff out the clear lens but that did little to nothing. THIS IMPACTS SAFETY AND I WANT IT FIXED!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan Altima 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP9HN
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there not been an air bag deployment. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,150.
Nissan Altima 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP2FC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: My car has been to Nissan service 3 times for a faulty airbag light - it thinks the driver seat is unoccupied when it is not - that means the air bag may not activate. The dealer has been able to turn off the light but it eventually comes back on. It meets all the criteria below for the recall but the VIN is excluded. I have paid $562.02 in service fees and now they want $2,000 to replace the seat. I would like my VIN added to the recall. 2015 Nissan Altima Air Bag Recall Nissan has announced that 919 vehicles have been affected by a Air Bag recall. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan Altima 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP7HC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s seat air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat occupant sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Nissan Altima 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: 1N4AL2AP3CC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle, followed by a dragging sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear driver side tire was hanging from the suspension. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.
Nissan Altima 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 1N4BL4BV7LC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: My issue began 1 month after buying the vehicle. Regardless if I'm on the highway or back road no transition from one lane to another needs to be initiated , my whole dash will light up red and the car will come to a complete stop , at this time I just hold on and brace myself .Im a RN w/2 kids I went back to the dealer they said they checked it out but on my own I found out the car was in 2 accidents those things were not revealed to me during the buying process. I didn't know how to report this Im pretty ignorant to this type of thing however I did complain to gm by way of phone few times I called early on. No one at the dealership will help. Im literally in fear of me and my children's life. I test my luck because I don't know what else to do and can't afford another vehicle. Please help this complete dead stop sometimes turns the back end of my vehicle if im going over 70 when it stops, for this reason I drive like 40mph. I hope knowing this issue you can help there is no reason I know of for this incident which is now happening approximately once a week. Again this happen almost immediately after buying ,I went to the Mngr no one will help but this is very scary for me and two children will it take a nurse dying in an accident before someone does something , I dont now what else to do Again out of nowhere no matter the speed the dash turns red all lights come on and vehicle comes to ABRUPT STOP.Thank you and its at this point once a week,by the way I only guessed the parts involved d/t effects of incident I do notknow which or what from the car would have these issues from because I absolutely bought it like this
Nissan Altima 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • VIN: 1N4AL3AP4HC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: After coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the car fails to accelerate into the intersection. Its hesitation leaves you vulnerable in the intersection and could cause a head on collision or even a T-Bone accident. I feel like driving this vehicle puts the lives of my family at risk. After reading all the very similar complaints I don't understand how Nissan hasn't issued a recall yet. Nissan is leaving themselves open to a wrongful death lawsuit. How can they let this issue continue unresolved?

Latest 5 recalls Nissan Altima

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 134 recalls for different components of the Nissan Altima.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Nissan Altima 2024
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
  • 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.
  • Model: Nissan Altima 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2023-09-08
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
  • Model: Nissan Altima 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2023-09-08
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
  • Model: Nissan Altima 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2023-09-08
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
  • Model: Nissan Altima 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2021-03-11
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
  • Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.

Latest negative Nissan Altima car reviews

  1. Esteban Schinner 2025-05-11

    Vehicle year: 2024

    I purchased a 2022 Altima SR, but unfortunately, there were some issues with the vehicle. Upon arriving home, I noticed a burning plastic smell coming from under the hood, as well as loud noises when braking and turning the steering wheel. I took the car to the dealership, where it has been for a month now. While this has been a frustrating experience, I am confident that the dealership will resolve the issues and provide me with a reliable vehicle. It's important to thoroughly research any car brand before making a purchase, but I remain optimistic about my Nissan Altima SR.

  2. Herman Smith 2025-05-10

    Vehicle year: 2003

    I purchased the car with 28,000 miles on it and my wife drove it for about 7 years, adding 40,000 miles. I made sure to keep up with regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire replacements, and the car ran smoothly with only minor issues such as broken door handles. However, recently the engine light came on sporadically and I noticed some hesitation in the engine. After getting the code checked, I discovered that there were up to five different systems that could be causing the problem. I replaced the plugs and ignition coils, which improved the motor, but there was still another issue. I took the car to a garage and had the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter replaced, which fixed the problem. Unfortunately, a week later the oil light came on and I had to add 3 quarts of oil. I plan to run the car for around 1,000 miles before getting an oil change. However, within another week or two, the car started sounding like the exhaust manifold was bad again. Before I could take it to the shop, the car died on the side of the road. Upon inspection, I found that the oil was black with less than 500 miles since I added the 3 quarts. Unfortunately, the engine is now dead and I have already spent around $2,000 on repairs in the last 2 months. It is disappointing that I expected the car to last well over 100,000 miles. I have decided not to purchase another Nissan again. If you are interested in learning more about the issues with this motor, I suggest looking up misfires, exhaust manifold, and precat.

  3. Clark Gerlach 2025-05-09

    Vehicle year: 2004

    I'm having trouble with my car and it won't start. I've taken it to a few mechanics and even the dealer, but unfortunately, they haven't been able to figure out the issue yet. As a real estate agent, it's been tough not having a car in this market, but I'm hopeful that we'll find a solution soon!

  4. Jaren Cole 2025-05-05

    Vehicle year: 2003

    This vehicle has been a complete disappointment. From the very beginning, the engine has been consuming oil excessively, even with only 33,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, the issue only worsened over time, and I was eventually informed that the catalytic converter had fallen apart and caused significant damage to the engine. It's frustrating to learn that this is a common problem with this particular vehicle, likely due to a recall on the sensor. It's clear that this is a factory defect that needs to be addressed. Despite reaching out to Nissan to make them aware of the issue, I have yet to receive a response. It's important for potential buyers to be aware of this problem and take it into consideration before making a purchase.

  5. Carroll Schulist 2025-05-04

    Vehicle year: 2008

    We had both cars for 12 years and sold them in 2020 after they had reached over 110k miles. Although we drove them very little during their 12th year as we had purchased newer vehicles, both cars had some electrical issues. Even after changing the battery, it seemed that the alternators began having problems. One car had issues with the braking system beyond just the brake pads. The paint on the roof of one car was peeling away. However, we maintained them well with synthetic oil changes and routine maintenance. We bought them both when they were 2 years old with 17K and 30K miles respectively. While they were not as reliable as my previous Honda Civic, which I sold at 13 years old with 270K miles and no problems until 220K miles, my 2018 Honda Accord and my wife's 2015 Toyota have been extremely reliable. In my opinion, if you want to keep a car for over 100K miles, it's better to spend slightly more and buy a Honda or Toyota, or an Acura or Lexus. These cars have much better short-term and long-term reliability than Nissans, at least not the ones from the 2008 period of time.

Latest positive Nissan Altima car reviews

  1. Michel Bergnaum 2025-05-12

    Vehicle year: 2021

    The 2019 model is a great car with excellent suspension and 19

  2. John Blick 2025-05-11

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I purchased my one-owner car in the spring of '17 with only 17,000 miles on it. It's a fully loaded SV model, complete with Navigation, cold weather package, technology package, and moonroof. I paid $16,300 for the car, which included a lifetime powertrain warranty. After fees and everything, I paid a little over $18,000 out the door, which also included a full bumper-to-bumper lifetime warranty. I have a pamphlet with an extensive coverage list on it. I've owned the car for a year this month, and it now has 34,500 miles on it. The car drives great and gets excellent gas mileage. I drive 60 miles round trip to work every day, and I average 34-36 with the cruise set at 75. The response and pick up for a 4 cylinder are impressive, and it handles well. The only issues I've had were with the infotainment system, which was buggy and didn't work correctly all the time. However, an update seems to have fixed that problem. The navigation is still a bit difficult to use, though. The transmission

  3. Nasir Anderson 2025-05-11

    Vehicle year: 1994

    In November 2002, I experienced a serious accident caused by a faulty engine distributor in my 94 Altima. Unfortunately, the 94 Nissan Altima has a high failure rate for its engine distributor, which can cause the engine to suddenly stall while driving. This can result in the power steering and foot brake failing. However, I was able to avoid a car accident by quickly pulling the hand brake. After spending $550 to replace the distributor, my car has been running smoothly ever since.

  4. Karley Wiza 2025-05-08

    Vehicle year: 2006

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car I purchased 2 months ago. It had just over 40,000 miles on it and I was pleasantly surprised by how roomy it was when I first sat in it. The car is also incredibly fast - I even burnt rubber right out of the dealership on the test drive! Passing speed is no problem at all, it does it in the blink of an eye. On a recent trip from NJ to NC, I got an impressive 32 mpg at an average speed of 75 mph. In the city, it gets around 21-22 mpg, but overall it's getting 26 mpg combined. I think it's a great car for the money, with fantastic fuel economy for the power that comes with it. The interior is very nice and has lots of gadgets, and it looks great too. The only downside is that I see a ton of them on the road. Thanks for listening!

  5. Reinhold D'Amore 2025-05-07

    Vehicle year: 2008

    I love the overall feel of the car, inside and out. I must say that Nissan has stepped it up a notch with the design of this car. The interior is very plush and the controls are nice and simple. The instrument cluster is nicely laid out, not too busy. The acceleration is pretty good for a grocery getter. I have gotten a lot of looks. This car turns heads. Good job Nissan.

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