2024 Nissan Altima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2024 Nissan Altima ranged from $26,370 to $36,070 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- jalopnik.comhttps://www.jalopnik.com/2036273/nissan-altima-reliability-consumer-reports/
Known issues
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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).
occasional · typically 0k–90k miles · engine
-
Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
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.
occasional · typically 40k–120k miles · transmission
-
Door-lock actuators fail repeatedly on early cars (2019–2020), sometimes replaced multiple times.
commonly reported · electrical
-
Rearview/backup camera image can distort or go blank; a camera-harness recall covers 2019–2021.
occasional · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Available all-wheel drive, rare in the midsize-sedan class.
- Optional 2.0L VC-Turbo offers strong, flexible power.
- Roomy, comfortable interior and markedly better reliability than earlier Altimas.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick / Top Safety Pick+ with ProPILOT Assist driver aids.
Cons
- Early VC-Turbo engines were subject to a main-bearing engine-failure recall.
- CVT-only drivetrain still carries the model’s reliability reputation and a droning feel.
- Phantom-braking complaints against the automatic-emergency-braking system.
- Below-average resale value, dragged down by heavy fleet and rental sales.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $26,370 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $27,170 | $27,580 | — | — |
| SR | $28,570 | $28,980 | — | — |
| SL | $33,070 | discontinued | — | — |
| SR VC-Turbo | $36,070 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2024-nissan-altima-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,370). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,070), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2024 loses roughly another 32% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-altima-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2024 Nissan Altima have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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; Door-lock actuators fail repeatedly on early cars (2019–2020), sometimes replaced multiple times. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2024 Nissan Altima reliable?
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.
How much did the 2024 Nissan Altima cost new?
Between $26,370 and $36,070 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Nissan Altima expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.