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Nissan Altima Problems

The Nissan Altima has been Nissan's volume midsize sedan, competing directly with the Accord and Camry for decades. With 39,974 complaints, the Altima's CVT transmission has been its Achilles heel, dragging down an otherwise competitive vehicle. Choosing the right model year is crucial to avoid costly transmission repairs.

39,974
Total Complaints
71
Total Recalls
33
Model Years
42
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2013 2009
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1993 1994 1995

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 4,364
Engine And Engine Cooling 4,058
Air Bags 3,884
Structure 3,522
Electrical System 3,476

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 12 0 6 0 Good
2024 88 1 22 4 Good
2023 60 0 16 0 Good
2022 100 0 16 6 Good
2021 184 2 22 6 Good
2020 522 6 52 20 Good
2019 630 7 72 12 Average
2018 620 2 32 0 Average
2017 988 3 62 16 Average
2016 1,540 4 86 8 Average
2015 2,348 10 122 22 Below Average
2014 2,750 8 148 22 Below Average
2013 5,934 12 206 38 Avoid
2012 1,150 4 78 10 Average
2011 632 1 36 16 Average
2010 1,074 2 80 26 Average
2009 4,298 1 110 30 Avoid
2008 2,750 1 146 44 Below Average
2007 1,190 0 78 58 Average
2006 2,086 0 116 36 Below Average
2005 2,720 0 142 46 Below Average
2004 668 0 36 6 Average
2003 2,198 0 122 32 Below Average
2002 2,640 0 82 86 Below Average
2001 404 0 58 4 Good
2000 398 0 68 12 Good
1999 220 1 58 6 Good
1998 282 1 40 6 Good
1997 282 1 80 14 Good
1996 234 1 54 10 Good
1995 432 1 98 22 Good
1994 240 1 74 4 Good
1993 300 1 50 6 Good

Nissan Altima Years to Avoid

The 2013 Altima is the worst model year, with widespread CVT transmission failures often occurring between 60,000-100,000 miles. The 2014-2018 models continued CVT problems, with Nissan extending warranties to 84,000 miles after class-action pressure. The 2009-2012 Altimas suffered from both CVT issues and excessive oil consumption in the 2.5L engine. The 2002-2006 models had catalytic converter failures and engine problems with the 2.5L QR25DE. Avoid any Altima with a CVT and over 80,000 miles unless the transmission has been replaced.

Best Nissan Altima Years

The 2025 Altima shows Nissan has finally improved CVT reliability with redesigned components and better cooling, making it a reasonable choice for new car buyers. The 2019-2022 models represent improvements over earlier years, with lower CVT failure rates. The 1998-2001 Altimas with the 2.4L engine and traditional automatic are reliable and simple.

Frequently Asked Questions