Nissan Altima problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most widespread documented Altima problem is a secondary hood latch that can corrode or bind open on 2013–2018 models, covered by several recalls up to 20V315. 2015–2017 cars also had a rear door latch recall, 2019–2020 VC-Turbo engines a bearing recall, and CVT warranty coverage was extended on 2007–2010 and 2013–2016 models.

CarWhere lists 20 documented Altima issues, including 18 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Altima generations at a glance

Nissan Altima generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
Third generation2002–2006Exhaust and pre-catalyst conditions may cause a fire (recall 03V084)
Fourth generation2007–2012Suspension and steering rack bolts may be loose (recall 12V494) · Front strut insulators may crack (recall 09V358) · Passenger air bag sensor may cut out (recall 08V521) · 2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension
Fifth generation2013–2018Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654) · Secondary hood latch may corrode and stay open (recall 20V315) · Secondary hood latch may bind open (re-recall) (recall 16V029) · Rear door may open when its window is lowered (recall 18V915) · Passenger air bag may switch off with an adult seated (recall 16V244) · Occupant sensor software may read the passenger seat as empty (recall 14V138) · Spare tire may be badly over- or under-inflated (recall 13V158) · CVT powertrain warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles
Sixth generation2019 onwardFront passenger air bags may have the wrong fasteners (recall 26V526) · Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023) · VC-Turbo engine bearings may have manufacturing defects (recall 25V437) · Rearview camera harness damage can distort the image (recall 23V628) · Continental tires may have been over-cured (recall 21V169) · Tie rod ball joint fastener may be loose (recall 21V138) · Fuel tube clip may be unlocked (recall 18V922)

Third generation Altima problems (2002–2006)

Exhaust and pre-catalyst conditions may cause a fire (recall 03V084) (2002)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2002–2006)
Years:
2002
Powertrain:
All

On certain cars with the 2.5-liter engine, an exhaust hanger pin can catch road debris that ignites against the catalyst, and on 2002 Altimas and Sentras the pre-catalyst can overheat and break up, which can score the cylinders. Dealers trim the hanger pin, add heat shields and test the pre-catalyst, replacing the engine if damage is found, free of charge. The 338,000 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Rising oil consumption
  • Engine noise

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the exhaust hanger and pre-catalyst work

NHTSA recall: 03V084 (2003-03-11) · 338,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [25]

Fourth generation Altima problems (2007–2012)

Suspension and steering rack bolts may be loose (recall 12V494) (2012–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2007–2012) and 2013
Years:
2012–2013
Powertrain:
All

Transverse link and power steering rack bolts on certain 2012–2013 Altimas built May–July 2012 may not be torqued to specification and could loosen and fall out. Dealers tighten the bolts free of charge. NHTSA lists 13,919 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Clunking over bumps
  • Loose steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the bolt torque check

NHTSA recall: 12V494 (2012-10-10) · 13,919 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [19]

Front strut insulators may crack (recall 09V358) (2009–2010)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2007–2012)
Years:
2009–2010
Powertrain:
All

Upper front strut insulators on certain 2009–2010 Altimas and Maximas may be out of specification and crack, letting the strut rod come out of its mount. Dealers replace both front insulators free of charge. The 26,398 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Knocking from the front struts

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the strut insulator replacement

NHTSA recall: 09V358 (2009-09-16) · 26,398 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [20]

Passenger air bag sensor may cut out (recall 08V521) (2007–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2007–2012)
Years:
2007–2008
Powertrain:
All

A part in the passenger seat occupant sensor on 2007–2008 Altimas, Altima Hybrids and 2008 Altima Coupes, and other Nissan and Infiniti models, may be out of specification and interrupt its signal, suppressing the passenger air bag. Dealers test the system and replace the seat cushion sensor as needed, free of charge. The 204,361 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult in the seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the occupant classification system test

NHTSA recall: 08V521 (2008-10-07) · 204,361 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [21]

2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension (2007–2010)

Moderate
Generation:
Fourth generation (2007–2012)
Years:
2007–2010
Powertrain:
Xtronic CVT models

Nissan's owner warranty page states that 2003–2010 vehicles with a continuously variable transmission carry a 10-year/120,000-mile CVT limited warranty extension. EPA's listings show CVT versions of the 2007 and 2010 Altima alongside manual-transmission versions. By now the 10-year term has run out on almost every one of these cars.

Symptoms

  • Shudder, slipping or whining from the transmission

Check before buying

  • Confirm the vehicle has the CVT, not a manual gearbox
  • Ask a Nissan dealer whether the 10-year/120,000-mile CVT coverage still applies to this VIN; on most cars of this age the 10 years have run out

Sources: [22][23][24]

Fifth generation Altima problems (2013–2018)

Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018) and 2019
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

On many 2018–2019 Nissans, including the Altima, the camera display settings can be adjusted so the rear image disappears and stays off the next time the car is in reverse. Dealers update the camera software free of charge. The 1,228,830 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Rear camera shows no image after display settings were changed

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the back-up camera software update

NHTSA recall: 19V654 (2019-09-12) · 1,228,830 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

Secondary hood latch may corrode and stay open (recall 20V315) (2013–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2018
Powertrain:
All

If the primary hood latch on a 2013–2018 Altima is released, the secondary latch is more likely to corrode, bind open and let the hood fly up if the primary is released again. Dealers fit a stronger release spring, a warning label and an owner's manual card on lubricating the latch, free of charge. NHTSA lists 1,831,818 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Hood lifts after closing without using the latch lever

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the hood release spring installation

NHTSA recall: 20V315 (2020-05-28) · 1,831,818 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Secondary hood latch may bind open (re-recall) (recall 16V029) (2013–2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2015
Powertrain:
All

Earlier hood latch campaigns on 2013–2015 Altimas (14V565 and 15V116) may not have removed the risk, so Nissan re-notified owners and dealers replace the hood latch free of charge. NHTSA lists 846,000 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Hood not secured after closing

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the hood latch replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V029 (2016-01-22) · 846,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][11][12]

Rear door may open when its window is lowered (recall 18V915) (2015–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2015–2017
Powertrain:
All

On 2015–2017 Altimas the rear door latch cable can be misrouted so lowering the rear window unlatches the door (recall 17V040). This campaign re-covers cars where the first fix may have routed the cable incorrectly. Dealers secure the cables using a new procedure, free of charge. NHTSA lists 341,003 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Rear door pops open when the window goes down

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the rear latch cable repair

NHTSA recall: 18V915 (2018-12-19) · 341,003 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13][14]

Passenger air bag may switch off with an adult seated (recall 16V244) (2013–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2016
Powertrain:
All

The occupant classification system in 2013–2016 Altimas and many other Nissans can misread an adult passenger as a child or an empty seat and switch off the passenger front air bag. Dealers reprogram the air bag and classification control units free of charge. The 3,296,947 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult in the seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the air bag and OCS reprogramming

NHTSA recall: 16V244 (2016-04-26) · 3,296,947 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15]

Occupant sensor software may read the passenger seat as empty (recall 14V138) (2013–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2014
Powertrain:
All

Occupant classification software in 2013–2014 Altimas and several other models could read an occupied passenger seat as empty and turn off the passenger air bag. Dealers update the software free of charge. The 989,701 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult in the seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the OCS software update

NHTSA recall: 14V138 (2014-03-25) · 989,701 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Spare tire may be badly over- or under-inflated (recall 13V158) (2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013
Powertrain:
All

Spare tires on certain 2013 Altimas built March 2012–March 2013 may have been significantly over- or under-inflated and could fail. Dealers check and adjust the spare free of charge. NHTSA lists 123,308 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Spare far off the placard pressure

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the spare tire pressure check

NHTSA recall: 13V158 (2013-04-24) · 123,308 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17]

CVT powertrain warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles (2013–2016)

Moderate
Generation:
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2016
Powertrain:
Xtronic CVT models

BBB National Programs, which arbitrates claims under Nissan's CVT class settlements, lists the 2013–2016 Altima among the covered vehicles and states that the powertrain warranty is extended from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, on certain CVT-equipped Nissans. This is a warranty extension, not a safety recall.

Symptoms

  • Shudder, hesitation or whining from the transmission
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Confirm the model year and the original in-service date and mileage; the extension is measured from the original start date
  • Ask a Nissan dealer to look up the VIN for any open warranty extension and for prior CVT repairs in Nissan's records

Sources: [18]

Sixth generation Altima problems (2019 onward)

Front passenger air bags may have the wrong fasteners (recall 26V526) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2025 Altimas may have the front passenger and passenger knee air bags mounted with incorrect fasteners, so they may not deploy as intended. Dealers replace the fasteners free of charge. NHTSA lists 149 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the air bag fastener replacement

NHTSA recall: 26V526 (2026-08-13) · 149 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2025 Altimas and Sentras, 2025–2026 Frontiers and 2026 Kicks may have door strikers with bad welds that can break and let a door open while driving. Dealers replace the strikers free of charge. The 26,432 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Door does not latch firmly

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the door striker replacement

NHTSA recall: 26V023 (2026-01-21) · 26,432 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

VC-Turbo engine bearings may have manufacturing defects (recall 25V437) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder

2019–2020 Altimas with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, along with 2021–2024 Rogues and some Infiniti QX50 and QX55 models, may have engine bearing defects that can lead to engine failure, and a bearing failure can breach the block and release hot oil. Dealers reprogram the engine computer free of charge. The 443,899 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Knocking from the engine
  • Loss of power

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the ECM software update

NHTSA recall: 25V437 (2025-06-27) · 443,899 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Rearview camera harness damage can distort the image (recall 23V628) (2019–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2021
Powertrain:
All

Damage to the camera wiring on 2019–2021 Altimas and 2020–2021 Sentras can distort or blank the rearview camera image. Dealers inspect and replace the camera and harness, or tape and reroute the harness, free of charge. The 153,376 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Flickering, distorted or missing camera image

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the rearview camera harness inspection

NHTSA recall: 23V628 (2023-09-08) · 153,376 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Continental tires may have been over-cured (recall 21V169) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
All

Some Continental tires fitted to 2019–2020 Altimas and 2018–2021 Titans may have been cured too long, which can cause sidewall breaks, sudden air loss or tread separation. Dealers inspect and replace the tires as needed, free of charge. The 36,141 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Altima.

Symptoms

  • Bulge or crack in a sidewall
  • Sudden air loss

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the tire inspection

NHTSA recall: 21V169 (2021-03-11) · 36,141 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Tie rod ball joint fastener may be loose (recall 21V138) (2020–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2020–2021
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2020–2021 Altimas the tie rod ball joint nut may not be tightened properly, so the joint could come off the steering knuckle. Dealers tighten or replace the fasteners free of charge. NHTSA lists 2,407 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or looseness in the steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the tie rod fastener check

NHTSA recall: 21V138 (2021-03-04) · 2,407 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

Fuel tube clip may be unlocked (recall 18V922) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2019 Altimas the clip joining the low-pressure fuel tube to the high-pressure pump may not be locked, which can cause a fuel leak and fire risk or a stall. Dealers route the hose and lock the clip free of charge. NHTSA lists 23,903 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell under the hood
  • Stalling

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the fuel tube clip inspection

NHTSA recall: 18V922 (2018-12-20) · 23,903 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Related Altima research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Altima was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?

The most widespread documented issues are the 2013–2018 secondary hood latch recalls, a rear door that can unlatch when its window is lowered on 2015–2017 cars, occupant-sensor air bag recalls on 2013–2016 cars, and a VC-Turbo bearing recall on 2019–2020 models.

Is there a CVT warranty extension for the Altima?

For 2013–2016 Altimas, BBB National Programs lists the model under a CVT class settlement that extended powertrain coverage from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles. Nissan's owner page also lists a 10-year/120,000-mile CVT extension for 2003–2010 CVT vehicles, which includes CVT-equipped 2007–2010 Altimas.

What is the Altima hood latch recall?

Recalls 14V565, 15V116, 16V029 and 20V315 address a secondary hood latch on 2013–2018 Altimas that can bind or corrode open, so the hood could fly up if the primary latch is released. The latest fix adds a stronger release spring and lubrication instructions.

Which Altima has the VC-Turbo engine recall?

2019–2020 Altimas with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine are included in recall 25V437 for possible bearing defects. Dealers reprogram the engine computer free of charge.

How do I check a used Altima for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for dealer repair orders. On a 2013–2018 car, confirm the latest hood latch remedy (20V315) and, on 2015–2017, the rear door cable fix (18V915).

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 26V526: Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 26V023: Improperly Welded Door Strikers/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 25V437: Engine Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 23V628: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 21V169: Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 21V138: Tie Rod Ball Joint Fastener Not Tightened Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 18V922: Fuel Tube may Leak or Disconnect — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 19V654: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 20V315: Unintentional Release of Primary Hood Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 16V029: Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 14V565: Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 15V116: Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. Recall 18V915: Rear Door May Open When Window Is Lowered — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 17V040: Rear Door may Open when Window is Lowered — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 16V244: Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 14V138: Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 13V158: Spare Tire may be Over- or Under-Inflated — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Nissan CVT Stringer class action arbitration program (Altima, Sentra, Versa, Juke) — BBB National Programs (settlement arbitration administrator)
  19. Recall 12V494: Loose Steering and Suspension Bolts — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 09V358: SUSPENSION/STRUT INSULATOR CRACKING — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 08V521: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Nissan vehicle warranty information (2003–2010 CVT limited warranty extension) — Nissan USA owner portal
  23. 2007 Nissan Altima: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. 2010 Nissan Altima: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. Recall 03V084: NISSAN/DEBRIS AND CATALYST SUBSTRATE/FIRE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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