Nissan Altima: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Altima years to approach with the most caution are 2009 and 2013. The strongest years in our data are 2022 and 2023. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Altima year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 7 The optional 2.0L VC-Turbo (variable-compression) engine on early builds (2019–2020) can suffer main-bearing manufacturing defects that shed metal into the oil and lead to engine failure; addressed by recall 25V-437 (campaign R25B1).; Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.; The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.; The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.; The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.; The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Rear suspension control arms corrode and can fracture on salt-belt cars (2013–2015), the subject of a recall.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Crankshaft / camshaft position sensor failure causes sudden engine stalling while driving, often without warning lights.; QR25DE 2.5L excessive oil consumption: the pre-catalytic converter disintegrates and debris is drawn back into the cylinders, scoring the walls and rings (blue smoke, code P0420). Some 2.5L cars covered by piston-ring recall 06V223000.; Intake-manifold butterfly-valve screws can loosen and fall into the engine, causing internal damage (2002–2006 QR25DE). Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Crankshaft / camshaft position sensor failure causes sudden engine stalling while driving, often without warning lights.; QR25DE 2.5L excessive oil consumption: the pre-catalytic converter disintegrates and debris is drawn back into the cylinders, scoring the walls and rings (blue smoke, code P0420). Some 2.5L cars covered by piston-ring recall 06V223000.; Intake-manifold butterfly-valve screws can loosen and fall into the engine, causing internal damage (2002–2006 QR25DE). Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 4 CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 4 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2009 Avoid 4 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.; Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.; Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗

Nissan Altima problems by year

2024 Nissan Altima Caution

Mature, much-improved 6th-gen Altima with available AWD and Top Safety Pick credentials; newest year has a short track record, with backup-camera and brake-feel gripes the main early reports.

  • The optional 2.0L VC-Turbo (variable-compression) engine on early builds (2019–2020) can suffer main-bearing manufacturing defects that shed metal into the oil and lead to engine failure; addressed by recall 25V-437 (campaign R25B1).
  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2023 Nissan Altima Recommended

One of the most reliable Altima years on record, very few complaints, sorted 6th-gen mechanicals and strong used value; the CVT is far better than the 2013–2018 cars.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2022 Nissan Altima Recommended

Low complaint volume and a settled 6th-gen package make this a sound used midsize buy; main grievance is occasional automatic-emergency-braking false activation.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2021 Nissan Altima Caution

Reliable, Top Safety Pick+ 6th-gen Altima with AWD available; phantom-braking complaints against the collision-avoidance system are the notable blemish.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2020 Nissan Altima Caution

Solid redesigned Altima, but optional 2.0L VC-Turbo cars fall in the engine-bearing recall window and door-lock actuator failures are common on early builds.

  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2019 Nissan Altima Caution

First year of the improved 6th generation; the optional VC-Turbo engine carries a main-bearing recall and early electrical (door-lock, camera) gremlins push this below the later years.

  • The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.

2018 Nissan Altima Caution

Last of the 5th generation, with the CVT somewhat improved and lower complaint volume; still shares the generation’s transmission and headlight weaknesses.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Rear suspension control arms corrode and can fracture on salt-belt cars (2013–2015), the subject of a recall.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.

2017 Nissan Altima Caution

CVT failures dominate the complaint record; a usable used buy only with documented transmission service or remaining powertrain warranty.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
  • Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.

2016 Nissan Altima Caution

CVT shudder and failure remain the headline risk, alongside dim headlights; inspect for transmission service history before buying.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
  • Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.

2015 Nissan Altima Caution

Persistent CVT problems plus a headlight-dimness class action; corrosion-belt cars also risk rear-suspension rust.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
  • Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.

2014 Nissan Altima Caution

High complaint volume driven by CVT failures and a rear control-arm corrosion recall; buy only with proof of repairs.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
  • Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.

2013 Nissan Altima Avoid

The single most-complained-about Altima: the redesigned CVT failed in large numbers, often before 100,000 miles, with costly out-of-warranty repairs. Avoid unless the transmission is documented or replaced.

  • CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
  • Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
  • Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.

2012 Nissan Altima Caution

Final 4th-gen year; CVT failures (code P1778) were excluded from the earlier warranty extension, leaving owners exposed to expensive repairs.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2011 Nissan Altima Caution

4th-gen Altima with the familiar CVT-failure risk; lower reported volume but the same transmission and dashboard-melt weaknesses.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2010 Nissan Altima Caution

CVT reliability and dashboard melting are the recurring issues; otherwise a roomy, comfortable used sedan covered by the 2007–2010 CVT warranty extension.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2009 Nissan Altima Avoid

Peak complaints for the 4th generation: electronic steering-column-lock failures leave cars unable to start, on top of the CVT risk. A troublesome year to own.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2008 Nissan Altima Caution

High complaint volume from ESCL no-start faults, CVT failures and dashboard melting; approach with caution and a thorough inspection.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2007 Nissan Altima Caution

First year of the CVT and the 4th generation; transmission failures are common but were originally covered by Nissan’s extended warranty. Verify the CVT condition.

  • CVT (Jatco Xtronic) failure: slipping, shudder, loss of power and limp-mode at highway speed, often before 120,000 miles. Code P1778 (stepper motor) is common. Replacements run several thousand dollars; Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 but excluded 2011–2012.
  • Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure leaves the car unable to start (no-crank), stranding owners; the 2009 model year drew the most reports.
  • Dashboard surface melts and turns sticky in heat, producing windshield glare.

2006 Nissan Altima Caution

Pre-CVT 3rd-gen Altima; avoids transmission failures but the QR25DE 2.5L is prone to oil consumption and pre-cat engine damage (piston-ring recall 06V223000), plus crankshaft-sensor stalling.

  • Crankshaft / camshaft position sensor failure causes sudden engine stalling while driving, often without warning lights.
  • QR25DE 2.5L excessive oil consumption: the pre-catalytic converter disintegrates and debris is drawn back into the cylinders, scoring the walls and rings (blue smoke, code P0420). Some 2.5L cars covered by piston-ring recall 06V223000.
  • Intake-manifold butterfly-valve screws can loosen and fall into the engine, causing internal damage (2002–2006 QR25DE).

2005 Nissan Altima Caution

3rd-gen Altima with a conventional automatic; reliability hinges on the QR25DE 2.5L’s oil-consumption and stalling issues. The 3.5L V6 cars are stronger and more durable.

  • Crankshaft / camshaft position sensor failure causes sudden engine stalling while driving, often without warning lights.
  • QR25DE 2.5L excessive oil consumption: the pre-catalytic converter disintegrates and debris is drawn back into the cylinders, scoring the walls and rings (blue smoke, code P0420). Some 2.5L cars covered by piston-ring recall 06V223000.
  • Intake-manifold butterfly-valve screws can loosen and fall into the engine, causing internal damage (2002–2006 QR25DE).

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.