Nissan Altima reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 7,167 complaints about the Nissan Altima with NHTSA since 2010, most often about transmission and drivetrain and airbags. Nissan has filed 15 warranty extensions and 53 service campaigns for it, and there are 33 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Nissan Altima? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Altima a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 7,167
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 15
- Filed by Nissan
- Service campaigns
- 53
- Filed by Nissan
- Safety recalls
- 33
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Altima with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Electrical system (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 | Airbags (14%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 41 | Other or unspecified (20%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 29 | Electrical system (34%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 31 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (32%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 70 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (31%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | 158 | Electrical system (27%) | 6 | 1 |
| 2019 | 232 | Electrical system (25%) | 7 | 4 |
| 2018 | 226 | Other or unspecified (27%) | 2 | 17 |
| 2017 | 391 | Transmission and drivetrain (34%) | 3 | 19 |
| 2016 | 553 | Transmission and drivetrain (42%) | 4 | 27 |
| 2015 | 954 | Exterior lights (28%) | 10 | 29 |
| 2014 | 1,114 | Exterior lights (27%) | 8 | 25 |
| 2013 | 2,312 | Airbags (22%) | 12 | 38 |
| 2012 | 426 | Transmission and drivetrain (35%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2011 | 241 | Transmission and drivetrain (28%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2010 | 381 | Electrical system (19%) | 2 | 15 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Altima model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Nissan
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Nissan filed with NHTSA for the Altima, in its own words. A warranty extension means Nissan pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2016
CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in a class action, Nissan will extend the…
- Warranty extensionNov 2023· Body and structure· model years 2019–2020
Active Grille Shutter Emission Warranty Extension Dealer Notification *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2018
CVT Class Action Owner Notification In mid-December, current and former owners and lessees of the following vehicles will receive a postcard from a Settlement Administrator informing them of the terms of a proposed class action that, subject to final court approval, could extend…
- Warranty extensionSep 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
Expiration Notification - Halogen Headlamp Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On March 25, 2022 Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain MY2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles with halogen headlamps dimming due to delamination to support the…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2018
Halogen Headlamp Warranty Extension REVISED February 23, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2022· Electrical system· model years 2013–2016
Oxygen Sensor Voltage Inspection Warranty Extension Dealer Announcement: In the interest of customer satisfaction, Nissan is providing a limited warranty extension to certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Altima 2.5L (SULEV and 50 states emissions) and certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Sentra…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2016
2013-2016 ALTIMA AND SENTRA; REAR OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION SERVICE INFORMATION Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Warranty extensionJan 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
2013-2018 ALTIMA; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION SERVICE INFORMATION Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Warranty extensionOct 2021· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
Halogen Headlamp Class Action Owner Notification Beginning October 25, 2021, current and former owners and lessees of certain 2013-2018 Altimas will receive a postcard from a Settlement Administrator informing them of the terms of a proposed class action that, subject to final…
- Warranty extensionMay 2020· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2016
CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage…
- Warranty extensionMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Voluntary Emission Recall Campaign ***** Campaign Summary ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign on approximately 116,479 specific MY2010-12 Altima 2.5L SULEV vehicles identified in…
- Warranty extensionMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
2010-2012 ALTIMA; MIL ON WITH DTC P2423 NOTE: The warranty period for the front exhaust tube with catalyst (20010-ZX10A) has been extended on the Applied Vehicles if the following criteria are met: ï· - The MIL is ON and DTC P2423 is stored in the ECM.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Suspension· model years 2013
Rear Lower Link Salt States Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain Model Year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles in USA (high road salt usage states) and Model Year 2013 and 2014 Nissan Altima vehicles in…
- Warranty extensionAug 2017· Airbags· model years 2013–2018
Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Temporary suspension of this campaign on all affected 2004-2006 model year vehicles.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2018
2016 Titan High Pressure Turbo- Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Announcement The announcement from December 15th, 2016 has been revised to include: - High pressure turbo kits and additional service parts for diesel engine repair are no longer on restriction and may…
- Service campaignSep 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2018 ALTIMA SEDAN; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC861 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 ALTIMA COUPE; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC889 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013
Expiration Notification - Halogen Headlamp Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On May 20, 2022 Nissan conducted a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 40 specific model year 2013 Nissan Altima Coupe vehicles to replace both the left and right front halogen…
- Service campaignMay 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2018 ALTIMA SEDAN; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignMay 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2018 ALTIMA SEDAN; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2013- 2018 Altima sedan vehicles, to replace both combination lamp (headlamp) assemblies…
- Service campaignMay 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 ALTIMA COUPE; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2013 Altima coupe vehicles, to replace both combination lamp (headlamp) assemblies (Halogen only).
- Service campaignMar 2022· Lane keeping· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN NISSAN NAVIGATION SOFTWARE UPDATE Service Campaign ID # P0337 is no longer active.
- Service campaignMar 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2018 ALTIMA; FRONT COMBINATION LAMPS (HEADLAMPS) INSPECTION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2013-2018 Altima vehicles, to inspect and, if necessary, replace both combination…
- Service campaignOct 2021· Electrical system· model years 2013
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 ALTIMA; TCM REPROGRAM Service Campaign ID # PC186 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Electrical system· model years 2013
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 ALTIMA; METER BACK LIGHT ILLUMINATION Service Campaign ID # P2537 is no longer active.
- Service campaignAug 2021· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN CALL WAITING FUNCTION NAVIGATION UPDATE Service Campaign ID # P1234 is no longer active.
- Service campaignMar 2021· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2021
Center Seat Latch Ownerâs Manual Addendum Voluntary Service Campaign Campaign Summary: Nissan is providing owners of approximately 30,733 MY2021 Nissan Altima (L34) vehicles with a supplemental Ownerâs Manual addendum booklet.
- Service campaignMay 2020· Steering· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 â 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC516 is No Longer Active.
- Service campaignMay 2020· Steering· model years 2010
Expiration Notification â Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE May 14, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions service campaign on certain specific model year Nissan vehicles (see APPLIED VEHICLES) registered in the state of California.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Altima model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Transmission and drivetrain1,582 (22%)
- Airbags1,232 (17%)
- Exterior lights1,066 (15%)
- Other or unspecified903 (13%)
- Engine699 (10%)
- Electrical system681 (10%)
- Suspension535 (7%)
- Body and structure342 (5%)
Safety recalls
33 recalls cover at least one Altima model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The front passenger air bag and front passenger knee air bag may have been installed with incorrect mounting fasteners, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving.
The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
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.
Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
The tires may have been over cured.
The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak.
The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.
The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied.
And 18 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE23023Preliminary evaluation· opened Dec 2023, closed Jul 2025· Engine and cooling· model years 2019–2021
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Led to recall 25V437.
- AQ22003Audit query· opened Dec 2022, still open· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2018–2022
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2013–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- EA19002Engineering analysis· opened Jul 2019, closed Jun 2025· Suspension· model years 2013–2018
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
- PE18013Preliminary evaluation· opened Dec 2018, closed Aug 2019· Suspension· model years 2013–2018
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
- EA15004Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2015, closed May 2017· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
Led to recall 15V681000.
- RQ15001Recall query· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
- EQ12002Investigation· opened Feb 2012, closed May 2012· Airbags· model years 2012
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Nissan Altima has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 7,167 owner complaints, 15 warranty extensions and 53 service campaigns Nissan filed, and 33 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (2,312), 2014 (1,114), 2015 (954). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Altima?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name transmission and drivetrain (22%), airbags (17%), exterior lights (15%). Nissan has filed 15 warranty extensions covering the Altima, listed on this page.
Which Altima model years have the most complaints?
2013 (2,312), 2014 (1,114), 2015 (954). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Altima with each other rather than with other models.
Has Nissan extended the warranty on the Altima?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2013–2016); body and structure (model years 2019–2020); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2013–2018), and 12 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Altima?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 33 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.