Nissan Altima problems
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.
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Nissan Altima model years
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.
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
Latest positive Nissan Altima car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2017
I'm so glad to hear that you love your Altima! Your 2006 Altima has an impressive 149,000 miles and it's great to know that you haven't had any serious issues with it. It's amazing that you still have the original engine and transmission!
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Vehicle year: 2015
I really love the Nissan Altima! I've owned a 2005, a 2010, and now I have the 2015 model. What I've always appreciated most about Altima's is the spacious interior and the ability to see 360 degrees from the driver's seat. There's plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat and even a very tall toddler. Additionally, the trunk space is ample and can fit a load of groceries AND my golf clubs. This new Altima even has Bluetooth, which is a great feature, although it can interrupt anything coming through the speakers when a call comes in, even if you have an external device plugged into the aux port. When I throw this baby down in
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Vehicle year: 2019
After my wife totaled our 2017 Hyundai Sonata, we spent over a month searching for a replacement. We test drove several cars, including the Camry (both hybrid and non-hybrid), Accord (hybrid, 1.5t, and 2.0t), Sonata (hybrid and non-hybrid), Optima, Legacy, Clarity, and Insight before finally trying out the Altima. We found the Altima to be superior in all areas, especially in terms of simplicity. It may sound strange, but many cars rely too heavily on touch screens and menus that can be distracting while driving. For those who complain about the CVT transmission, it's worth noting that the Accord has already switched to CVT and the 2020 Camry is also slated to be CVT. I have owned several CVT cars and while it does take some getting used to, it operates just fine! We opted for the Platinum trim with 19
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Vehicle year: 1994
I purchased my Altima new. It has unbelievable mileage on it and I can say this: 861.00 dollars in repairs have been done to this vehicle. Talk about one very dependable vehicle that still has no rust, never garage kept, and is still in awesome shape. Would not hesitate to drive it to California and back. Thanks Nissan for making the best car money can buy. Awesome job well done.
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Vehicle year: 2007
Congratulations on your 3rd Altima! It's great to hear that this one is the best yet. Safety is always a top priority, and it's good to know that the VDC feature is a must-have for you. The 3.5SL is a great option if you're not a fan of rear spoilers. The car looks fantastic and the 3.5-l torque is impressive, especially with the responsive CVT. The interior is also very comfortable with plenty of front legroom. The push-button ignition may not be a big deal for you, but the buttons on the handles for unlocking the doors/trunk are a nice touch. While the Nav system may not be perfect, it's still a useful tool to have. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Are you having problems with your Nissan Altima?
Bertrand Huel 2025-06-24
Vehicle year: 1996
The car has been reliable overall, with only a few minor issues such as the steering wheel locking in the first year and the driver side rear hubcap falling off when the vehicle was 5 years old. While I have noticed similar issues in other Altimas, these have not affected the car's performance. Additionally, the power antenna sometimes stops about 3/4 of the way up, causing bad radio reception, but this has not been a major issue. The gas cover was stuck for a while, but after greasing it up with WD-40, it is now functioning properly. In cold weather, the driver's side door lock can stick, but this is easily resolved by turning the key a few times. It is worth noting that the car has not shown any signs of rust, which is impressive considering it was purchased in Buffalo, New York!
Zackary Connelly 2025-06-22
Vehicle year: 2004
This car was the best thing I had ever driven for the first year or so. It has a great interior and exterior design, a powerful 4-cylinder engine, and decent fuel efficiency. However, over time, I encountered several issues such as a steering joint replacement, brake work, engine cover coming undone, and sensor malfunctions. Despite my meticulous servicing, these problems persisted, which is disappointing. The car is now 5 years old with just about 100,000 kms only, and it has become a nuisance. As a result, I have lost faith in Nissan and will not be purchasing another car from them. I am currently considering selling it or hoping that it gets stolen. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Jerod Hermiston 2025-06-19
Vehicle year: 2009
I have owned about 9 brand new Nissan cars and 10 used ones, including pick-ups, 200sx, Altimas, 240sx, and even my toys like the 2001 Skyline and 2001 Silvia S15 Bluetop (stationed in Japan and now in the states with daddy), plus 3 Sentras. I have never had any problems with any of them! However, my 09 Altima 2.5s has been the biggest disappointment ever. The engine had to be replaced at 30k for knocking, and the rear tires wear out every 20k even though the alignment shows it is fine. Now, the transmission is acting up at 59k and the engine noise is back, really loud in the mornings like the oil is not getting up to the top end. I am going to trade it in ASAP for a Hyundai or VW Passat. Sadly, I have owned my last Nissan.
Woodrow Yost 2025-06-18
Vehicle year: 2002
This car was purchased with 56,000 miles and unfortunately experienced some issues. However, it is important to note that these problems are not uncommon for Nissan vehicles. The catalytic converter did self-destruct at 90,000 miles, but it was caught in time and replaced with a new one. Additionally, the head gasket problem and transmission issue were addressed and resolved. While these repairs were unexpected, it is important to note that they were successfully resolved. It is also worth noting that there are many reliable cars available on the market.
Grayson Lueilwitz 2025-06-16
Vehicle year: 2005
I have noticed that Nissan's quality has decreased since the 90s. Unfortunately, the 2002-2005 2.5L model commonly experiences head gasket issues before reaching 100k miles. This happened to me at 98k miles and cost me $1,600 to repair. Additionally, there is a possibility that the forward catalytic converter may fail, causing debris to enter the cylinders and damage them. The Altima is designed to have a stiffer and sportier ride than other cars, but on really bumpy roads, it can be uncomfortable. The cloth seats are not very supportive and can cause pain in the thighs. In stop-and-go traffic, the throttle can be touchy and cause whiplash, so I often switch to 1st or 2nd gear. Lastly, there is some wind noise from the sunroof.