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Nissan Altima — the used buyer's guide

Every generation: what ownership is like, what breaks at what mileage, what repairs cost, and what to check before you buy.

Search 'Nissan Altima years to avoid' and the answers cluster. 24/7 Wall St names 2002 as the worst year with over 1,000 NHTSA complaints. CoverageX says the CVT fails more often in one generation than any other, often before 100,000 miles, and says the 2007-2012 cars had early CVT issues too.

This page walks six Altima generations back to 1993. For each, it shows what breaks, what repairs cost where we found sources, and what to check in person. We also show our own numbers: NHTSA complaints per catalog listing and how often ads mention a problem, always with the denominators.

Our fixed rule flags two Altima years. 2009 has 13.68 complaints per listing (1,601 complaints across 117 listings) against a 2007-2012 median of 5.25, and 12 of 80 ads mention a problem. 2019 has 1.45 (234 complaints across 161 listings) against a 2019-present median of 0.29, but it is a young, low-volume generation, so read that flag as a reason to inspect rather than a pattern. Two years the rule does not flag are still worth knowing. 2002 has 1,047 complaints across 7 listings, which is 3.8 times its generation median, but we track only 7 listings for that year. 2013 has 2,314 complaints across 325 listings, the most of any Altima year, which is 3.6 times its generation median, but its ad rate is not above the median.

The 2013-2018 cars carry Nissan's CVT warranty extensions, which we read in the bulletins themselves: 84 months or 84,000 miles instead of 60 and 60,000, for 2013-2016 and 2017-2018 cars. Check the VIN before buying one.

The generations

problems cluster by generation, not by badge — know which one you're looking at

1993–1997

Gen 1 (U13, 1993-1997)

The first Altima, built from June 1992 as a 1993 model (Wikipedia), with the 2.4L KA24DE four-cylinder and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. It has no CVT.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 17.83 for 1997 (107 complaints across 6 listings) to 180.00 for 1995 (180 across 1), against a generation median of 30.67. The highest year, 1995, is 5.9 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. Our catalog holds very few cars of these years, so a complaints-per-listing figure is mostly a small-denominator artifact and our rule cannot fairly flag them. Read the raw complaint counts, not the rate.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Passenger air bag deployment (1994 and early 1995 cars)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recall 03V150000 covers 1994 and early 1995 Altimas for passenger air bag deployment. In our NHTSA pull, air bags are the largest complaint component for this generation. Confirm the recall by VIN.
any	Engine movement and the airflow meter/speed control (1993-1994), shift lever lock plate (1995), rear brake hose routing (1995), seat belt buckle (1997)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 94V035000, 94V165000, 95V008000 and 96V185000. Several predate the cars' second owner and may be long done. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the air bag and shift lock plate recalls were completed.
Check for oil and coolant leaks and the temperature gauge in traffic; engine and cooling is among the top complaint areas.
Test the cruise control and idle, since speed control is a leading complaint item in our NHTSA pull.

We have no cleared sales for 1993 to 1997 in our catalog, so there is no clearing price to show.

Full Gen 1 (U13, 1993-1997) guide →

1998–2001

Gen 2 (L30, 1998-2001)

The L30 redesign lasted four model years (CarBuzz). It is still a four-cylinder, four-speed-automatic car with no CVT.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 21.75 for 1999 (87 complaints across 4 listings) to 79.50 for 2001 (159 across 2), against a generation median of 47.17. The highest year, 2001, is 1.7 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. Our catalog holds very few cars of these years, so a complaints-per-listing figure is mostly a small-denominator artifact and our rule cannot fairly flag them. Read the raw complaint counts, not the rate.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
not stated by the sources	Engine and engine cooling complaints	No sourced repair price for this generation.	Engine and cooling is the top component in our NHTSA pull for 1998-2001 Altimas. We found no third-party source that prices a specific repair or gives a mileage window, so we do not invent one. Check coolant condition, hose and radiator leaks, and run a hot idle.
any	Recalls on file: Firestone Firehawk GTA-02 tires (01V065000, 2000-2001 cars with that tire)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	A tire recall concerns the tire, not the car; most surviving cars will have had tires replaced since. Confirm by VIN and read the tire date code.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Read the date code on the tires and replace any that are more than six years old.
Look for coolant seepage and watch the temperature gauge during a hot idle.

1998 to 2001 Altimas in our catalog clear between $2,495 and $2,950 depending on year (10 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2000 at $2,495 (3 sales) and the highest is 2001 at $2,950 (2 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 2 (L30, 1998-2001) guide →

2002–2006

Gen 3 (L31, 2002-2006)

The L31 generation covers 2002 through 2006 (Cars.com, CarBuzz). It predates the CVT, which CarBuzz says arrived with the next generation. The 2002 model year draws the most press attention (24/7 Wall St).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 13.73 for 2006 (824 complaints across 60 listings) to 149.57 for 2002 (1,047 across 7), against a generation median of 39.43. The highest year, 2002, is 3.8 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. Our catalog holds fewer than 30 cars each for 2002, 2003 and 2004, so those yearly rates are small-denominator figures and our rule cannot flag them; read the raw NHTSA counts.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
about 102,500 (average of 2002 complaints)	Catalytic converter failure (check engine light, P0420 or P0430)	$2,360 average reported on 2002 cars (CarComplaints). RepairPal's all-years Altima converter average is $1,577 to $1,682, and MechAI gives $600 to $2,400 for a Nissan bank 2 converter.	The mileage and the $2,360 come from a CarComplaints page for the 2002 model year, so they describe one year, not the whole generation. Go-Parts warns that a new converter will not clear P0420 if the real cause is an oxygen sensor or exhaust leak, so get the cause diagnosed before paying for a converter. We read these figures from search-result snippets, not full pages.
any	Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor failure (2.5L)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 03V455000 (2002-2003), 06V242000 (2003-2004) and 07V527000 (2002, 2005-2006) cover crank and cam position sensors on the 2.5L. Confirm each by VIN; a stalling or no-start history is the symptom to ask about.
not stated by the sources	2.5L excessive oil consumption (2006)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recall 06V223000 covers certain 2006 cars with the 2.5L for excessive oil consumption. Ask for the oil change history and check the level on the test drive.
any	Rear subframe cracking (2006)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recall 06V046000. Look under the rear of the car for corrosion and cracks at the subframe mounts; confirm the recall by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Scan for stored codes (P0420, P0430) and ask whether the converter was replaced. A cheap converter on an old car can set the code again.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the sensor, oil consumption and subframe recalls.
Check the oil level cold and ask for oil change records.

2002 to 2006 Altimas in our catalog clear between $2,000 and $2,900 depending on year (128 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2004 at $2,000 (7 sales) and the highest is 2002 at $2,900 (7 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 3 (L31, 2002-2006) guide →

2007–2012

Gen 4 (L32, 2007-2012)

The L32 ran 2007 through 2012 and was the first Altima generation with a CVT automatic (CarBuzz). A hybrid (2007-2011) and a coupe also sold; NHTSA lists the hybrid under its own name, so we merged its complaints into the Altima count.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.62 for 2012 (426 complaints across 263 listings) to 13.68 for 2009 (1,601 across 117), against a generation median of 5.25. The highest year, 2009, is 2.6 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2009.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
not stated by the sources for this generation	CVT problems (shudder, slipping, replacement)	$4,800 to $5,500 at a Nissan dealer (CoverageX). Other sources give wider all-Altima ranges: $1,500 to $8,000 (DMV JDM Depot) and $5,000 to $8,000+ for a remanufactured unit (I-90 Nissan).	CoverageX says the 2007-2012 cars had early CVT issues, but the extended-warranty bulletins we read name only 2013-2018 Altimas, so these cars are not covered by those two extensions. The cost figures are all-years Altima ranges read from search-result snippets.
any	Air bag and occupant sensor recalls	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recall 08V521000 covers 204,361 2007-2008 Altimas (including hybrids) for air bags; 11V408000 and 12V055000 cover 2012 cars. Confirm by VIN.
any	Steering and suspension recalls	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 12V494000 (2012-2013 steering), 08V363000 (2008 front suspension link bolt), 09V358000 (2009-2010 upper strut), 11V371000 (2011-2012 suspension). Steering is the largest complaint component for the generation in our NHTSA pull. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

On the test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and from 20 mph and feel for shudder or slip.
Ask for CVT fluid service records; none on an older car is a question to put to the seller.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for air bag, steering and suspension recalls.

Years flagged

A year is flagged by our rule only when all three hold: (1) its NHTSA complaints per catalog listing is at least 2.0x the median for its generation, (2) the share of ads that mention a problem is above the generation median, and (3) we track at least 30 listings for that year. The cutoff was fixed before we looked. Ad mentions are not failures, and a flag is a reason to inspect harder, not a verdict on any one car. We also re-ran the ad test with the 'rust' flaw left out, because the ad reader counts phrases like 'no rust' as mentions, and publish a flag only if it passes both ways.

2009 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 13.68 complaints per listing (1,601 NHTSA complaints / 117 listings) vs generation norm 5.25 (generation median) · ad mentions 12 of 80 enriched ads = 15.0% (generation median 9.4%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 11 of 80 · n=117

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2007 to 2012 Altimas in our catalog clear between $2,625 and $3,900 depending on year (682 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2007 at $2,625 (46 sales) and the highest is 2011 at $3,900 (89 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2007. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 4 (L32, 2007-2012) guide →

2013–2018

Gen 5 (L33, 2013-2018)

The L33 ran 2013 through 2018 with a redesigned CVT and a more upscale cabin (CarBuzz). Nissan Altimas from this generation carry a long list of recalls, including a hood latch campaign across all six years.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.99 for 2018 (226 complaints across 228 listings) to 7.12 for 2013 (2,314 across 325), against a generation median of 2.00. The highest year, 2013, is 3.6 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
about 202,000 in one owner report; extension runs to 84,000	CVT failure (judder, slipping, replacement) and the warranty extension	$4,800 to $5,500 at a Nissan dealer (CoverageX); $5,900 quoted by AAMCO on a 2015 at 202k miles (one owner post). The extension makes covered repairs free inside 84 months or 84,000 miles.	Nissan's bulletins extend the CVT warranty from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles on 2013-2016 Altimas (May 2020 bulletin) and 2017-2018 Altimas (May 2023 bulletin). Coverage runs from the original in-service date, so many cars are now past it, and some owners opted out of the class action. Check the VIN with a Nissan dealer. Cost figures come from search-result snippets.
any	Hood latch (can fail to latch or release)	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 14V565000, 15V116000, 16V029000 and 20V315000 cover the hood latch across 2013-2018 cars. Confirm each by VIN.
any	Air bag occupant classification sensor and air bag inflator recalls	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 15V681000, 16V911000 and 16V244000 cover air bag and occupant sensor issues on 2013-2016 cars; air bags are the third-largest complaint component for the generation in our NHTSA pull. Confirm by VIN.
any	Exterior lighting complaints and rear door latch	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	Exterior lighting is the largest complaint component for the generation in our NHTSA pull. NHTSA recall 17V040000 covers the rear door latch on 2015-2017 cars. Ads and complaints are not confirmed failures.

Buying one — check these

Ask a Nissan dealer to run the VIN for the CVT warranty extension and open recalls before you sign.
On the test drive, feel for judder under light throttle, and ask for CVT fluid service records.
Open the hood and confirm the latch works and the hood-latch recall was done.

2013 to 2018 Altimas in our catalog clear between $4,800 and $7,800 depending on year (1409 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2013 at $4,800 (242 sales) and the highest is 2018 at $7,800 (167 sales).

Full Gen 5 (L33, 2013-2018) guide →

2019–2026

Gen 6 (L34, 2019-present)

The L34 dropped the V6 and added a 2.0L variable-compression turbo and AWD (CarBuzz). The 2023 facelift made no powertrain changes. The CVT remains.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.04 for 2026 (1 complaints across 23 listings) to 1.45 for 2019 (234 across 161), against a generation median of 0.29. The highest year, 2019, is 5.0 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2019. Caution on the flags: most years in this generation are young and have had little time to collect complaints, so the generation median is very low and the 2x test is easy to pass. A flag here marks a year worth inspecting, not a pattern like 2009 and the 2013-2014 cars show.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Tie rod, steering rack bolts, fuel pump retainer, tire and rear camera recalls	Free at a Nissan dealer when open	NHTSA recalls 21V138000 (2020-2021 tie rod ball joint), 23V882000 (2024 steering), 18V922000 and 19V316000 (2019 fuel pump), 21V169000 and 20V685000 (tires), 23V628000 (2019-2021 rear camera). Confirm each by VIN. Newer cars have had less time to collect complaints, so low counts do not mean fewer problems per car.
not stated by the sources	CVT on 2019 and newer cars	CoverageX gives about $4,800 to $5,500 at a Nissan dealer for an Altima CVT, an all-years figure.	CoverageX says 2019 and newer models have far fewer complaints than the earlier CVT cars but are not problem-free. Our NHTSA pull supports the lower complaint volume; it cannot say how the CVTs will age. The extension bulletins we read do not list these years.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the 2019-2025 recalls above.
Read the remaining factory warranty on the window sticker or ask a Nissan dealer; the CVT extension does not list these years.
On the turbo cars, ask for oil change records.

Years flagged

2019 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 1.45 complaints per listing (234 NHTSA complaints / 161 listings) vs generation norm 0.29 (generation median) · ad mentions 4 of 126 enriched ads = 3.2% (generation median 1.5%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 2 of 126 · n=161

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2019 to now Altimas in our catalog clear between $9,999 and $21,925 depending on year (661 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2019 at $9,999 (116 sales) and the highest is 2026 at $21,925 (14 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2026. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 6 (L34, 2019-present) guide →

The wider family

Variant	Years	What it means for a buyer
Altima Hybrid (2007-2011)	2007-2011	Listed by NHTSA under its own model name. Its complaints are merged into the Altima counts on this page.
Altima coupe	2008-2013	Searched under the plain Altima name by NHTSA, so it is inside the counts and not separable.

The receipts — complaint & mention data

the story above, validated by two independent sources: federal complaints (NHTSA) + what sellers mention in 2827 real ads from our catalog

What sellers mention in their own ads

Issue	Ads mentioning	Rate
rust	69/2827	2.4%
electrical	54/2827	1.9%
transmission	28/2827	1.0%
engine replaced	14/2827	0.5%
suspension	12/2827	0.4%
ac failure	12/2827	0.4%
hybrid battery	3/2827	0.1%

These are mentions, not confirmed failures — a seller writing "hybrid battery just replaced" and one writing "needs hybrid battery" both count. High rates mean the issue is common enough that sellers address it unprompted.

Federal complaints by model year (NHTSA)

complaint volume spikes show where problems cluster — higher bars, more owner pain

Year	Complaints	Top components
1993	125	Vehicle Speed Control, Seat Belts, Air Bags
1994	113	Air Bags, Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling
1995	180	Air Bags, Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling
1996	92	Air Bags, Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System
1997	107	Air Bags, Visibility, Suspension
1998	123	Air Bags, Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline
1999	87	Tires, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Air Bags
2000	160	Engine And Engine Cooling, Tires, Electrical System
2001	159	Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Suspension
2002	1,047	Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure, Engine
2003	883	Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure, Engine
2004	276	Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure, Engine
2005	1,091	Structure, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine
2006	824	Structure, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine
2007	498	Suspension, Air Bags, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2008	1,047	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Air Bags
2009	1,601	Steering, Steering,electrical System, Electrical System
2010	393	Unknown Or Other, Air Bags, Power Train
2011	242	Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Structure
2012	426	Power Train, Air Bags, Unknown Or Other
2013	2,314	Exterior Lighting, Air Bags, Power Train
2014	1,113	Exterior Lighting, Air Bags, Power Train
2015	955	Exterior Lighting, Air Bags, Power Train
2016	555	Power Train, Air Bags, Unknown Or Other
2017	393	Power Train, Air Bags, Unknown Or Other
2018	226	Unknown Or Other, Air Bags, Power Train
2019	234	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2020	182	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2021	70	Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical...
2022	20	Unknown Or Other, Service Brakes,forward Collision...
2023	30	Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other
2024	41	Unknown Or Other, Structure, Back Over Prevention
2025	7	Service Brakes, Hydraulic,service Brakes, Air, Power...
2026	1	Electrical System,lane Departure

total: 15,615 complaints on file · source: NHTSA complaints database (api.nhtsa.gov)

Recalls (65 campaigns)

Show all recall campaigns

Suspension 08V363000 · 31/07/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 1,018 MY 2008 ALTIMA VEHICLES. THE LEFT SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE...

Electrical System:ignition:module 07V599000 · 28/12/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) REPLACED DURING SERVICE AT A DEALERSHIP, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY DEACTIVATED DUE TO AN ISSUE...

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch 20V315000 · 28/05/2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood...

Vehicle Speed Control 94V035000 · 28/02/1994

ENGINE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIRFLOW METER/FILTER HOUSING AND SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE ENGINE AIR DUCT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE. THIS MAY PREVENT...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 25V437000 · 27/06/2025

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable...

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch 15V116000 · 27/02/2015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and...

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 03V061000 · 27/02/2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification 16V244000 · 26/04/2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 07E087000 · 25/10/2007

CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTOMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 07E054000 · 25/07/2007

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE...

Air Bags:frontal 03V150000 · 25/04/2003

NISSAN IS RECALLING MY 1994 AND EARLY 1995 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOLLOWING REPORTS THAT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN THESE VEHICLES HAD CAUSED A NUMBER OF MODERATE-TO-SEVERE EYE INJURIES. NISSAN HAS DEVELOPED A NEW...

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch 19V235000 · 25/03/2019

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.

Electrical System:software 14V138000 · 25/03/2014

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60...

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire 13V158000 · 24/04/2013

Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013. The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 95V008000 · 24/01/1995

CERTAIN OF THE BRAKE HOSES FOR THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WERE ROUTED INCORRECTLY SO THAT CONTACT IS MADE WITH A SUSPENSION COMPONENT. THIS CAUSES ABRASION TO THE HOSE AND EVENTUAL LEAKAGE.

Exterior Lighting 06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS...

Tires:tread/belt 01V065000 · 23/02/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 , SIZE P205/55R16 89H TIRES. THE RECALLED TIRES ARE IDENTIFIED BY DOT SERIAL #W2 T2 VF3 XXX OR W2 T2 VF3 XXXX; WHERE XXX MAY BE 289,...

Visibility:glass, Side/rear 20V570000 · 22/09/2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch 16V029000 · 22/01/2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and...

Steering:rack And Pinion 23V882000 · 21/12/2023

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...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 07E063000 · 21/08/2007

CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND...

Engine And Engine Cooling 07V267000 · 21/06/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF A SUFFICIENTLY HOT OBJECT ENTERS THE AIR FILTER HOUSING THROUGH THE ENGINE FRESH AIR INTAKE SYSTEM AND CONTACTS THE ENGINE AIR FILTER, THE FLAMMABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIR FILTER...

Engine And Engine Cooling 06V223000 · 21/06/2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch 26V023000 · 21/01/2026

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 18V922000 · 20/12/2018

Nissan North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles. The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.

Air Bags:frontal 15V681000 · 20/10/2015

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...

Structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit 18V915000 · 19/12/2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when...

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification 16V911000 · 19/12/2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12,...

Suspension 11V371000 · 19/07/2011

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 19V316000 · 18/04/2019

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines. The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to...

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch 17V040000 · 18/01/2017

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may...

Engine And Engine Cooling 03V455000 · 17/11/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF...

Exterior Lighting 06E064000 · 17/07/2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF...

Air Bags 02I001000 · 17/04/2002

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON CERTAIN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO MARCH 16, 2002,...

Suspension 09V358000 · 16/09/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT...

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch 14V565000 · 15/09/2014

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013. In the affected vehicles, interference between the hood inner panel...

Wheels 08V464000 · 15/09/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD CAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG NUTS ATTACHING...

Engine And Engine Cooling 07V527000 · 14/11/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Exterior Lighting:headlights 07E074000 · 14/09/2007

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING...

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 03V251000 · 14/07/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI,...

Air Bags:side/window 12V055000 · 14/02/2012

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED,...

Air Bags:critical Fasteners 26V526000 · 13/08/2026

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima vehicles. The front passenger air bag and front passenger knee air bag may have been installed with incorrect mounting fasteners, which can cause...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 06E023000 · 13/03/2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR...

Suspension:rear 06V046000 · 13/02/2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 19V654000 · 12/09/2019

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE...

Tires 21V169000 · 11/03/2021

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...

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe 03V084000 · 11/03/2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES,...

Suspension 10E002000 · 11/02/2010

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED...

Steering 12V494000 · 10/10/2012

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts...

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly 96V185000 · 10/10/1996

CERTAIN BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WERE PRODUCED WITH A "BUCKLE BASE" THAT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CAN CAUSE THE "BUCKLE BASE" TO BE BRITTLE FAILING TO COMPLY TO FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(Global Positioning System) 10V401000 · 10/09/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-Inactive 11V408000 · 09/08/2011

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011...

Structure:body:door 09V006000 · 09/01/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED...

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 23V628000 · 08/09/2023

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,...

Air Bags 08V521000 · 07/10/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES...

Engine And Engine Cooling 06V242000 · 07/07/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE...

Structure 10V193000 · 07/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO...

Exterior Lighting 09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE...

Tires 20V685000 · 05/11/2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima S grade vehicles equipped with Continental ProContact TX tires, size 215/60 R16 H, with TIN date code 3320 and Mold ID S-419149. The tires may...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper 15V733000 · 05/11/2015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose...

Fuel System, Gasoline 15V486000 · 04/08/2015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14,...

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 21V138000 · 04/03/2021

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (Prndl) 94V165000 · 02/09/1994

THE SHIFT LEVER LOCK PLATE, WHICH PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING INADVERTENTLY MOVED FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR NEUTRAL POSITION, CAN BE BROKEN BY THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION PIN.

Air Bags 13V069000 · 01/03/2013

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification....

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Questions people actually ask

What Nissan Altima years should you avoid?

We don't tell you to skip a year; we flag by a fixed rule, and it flags 2009 and 2019. 2009 has 13.68 NHTSA complaints per catalog listing (1,601 complaints across 117 listings) against a 2007-2012 median of 5.25. Third-party lists most often name 2002 (24/7 Wall St) and the CVT years. 2002 has 1,047 complaints across 7 listings in our NHTSA pull, but only 7 catalog listings, so the rule cannot flag it. 2013 has 2,314 complaints across 325 listings, the most of any year.

How much does an Altima CVT replacement cost?

CoverageX puts it at about $4,800 to $5,500 at a Nissan dealer. DMV JDM Depot gives a wider $1,500 to $8,000, and I-90 Nissan says $5,000 to $8,000+ for a remanufactured unit. One 2015 owner reported a $5,900 AAMCO quote at 202k miles. These are search-result snippets, not full-page reads.

Did Nissan extend the Altima CVT warranty?

Yes. Nissan's May 2020 bulletin extends the CVT warranty on 2013-2016 Altimas from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles, and its May 2023 bulletin does the same for 2017-2018 Altimas. Both say owners who opted out of the class action may not be covered, so check the VIN with a Nissan dealer. Coverage is measured from the original in-service date, so many of these cars are now past it.

Is the 2002-2006 Altima catalytic converter a known problem?

CarComplaints counts 131 catalytic converter failure complaints for the 2002 model year, with an average repair of $2,360 at 102,500 miles. RepairPal's average for an Altima converter is $1,577 to $1,682. Go-Parts warns a new converter will not clear a P0420 code if the cause is an oxygen sensor or exhaust leak. These are snippet reads.

Which Altima generation is the most reliable?

We don't rank reliability. The 2019-present generation has the lowest complaints per listing in our data (median 0.29 against 2.00 for 2013-2018), but newer cars have had less time to collect complaints, so that partly reflects age.

Does the Altima Hybrid have its own problems?

NHTSA lists the 2007-2011 Altima Hybrid under its own name. We merged its complaints into the Altima counts and did not analyze it separately.