Reliability
Nissan

Altima (L34)

2019-2024 · Midsize Sedan · 1 engine
571 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
16 Fire Reports
61 Crash Reports
View all 6 generations of the Nissan Altima → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.2 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar midsize sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 134 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 467.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall134 complaints against about 467 for similar vehicles
9.2
Last three years95 complaints against about 323 for similar vehicles
9.2
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced27 complaints against about 119 for similar vehicles
9.4
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating13 complaints against about 61 for similar vehicles
9.4

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20199.0
  • 20209.0
  • 20219.7
  • 20229.6
  • 20239.6
  • 2024n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record · researched

Recall and investigation25V437; PE23023
2019-2020, built to 2019-12-11 · KR20DDET 2.0L VC-Turbo bearings; bearing failure, engine failure, loss of drive · 443,899 vehicles in the whole campaign · maker's estimate: 1.2% (whole campaign) have the defect source
Warranty extension25V437 engine extension
10 years / 120,000 miles for the recall population source
Service bulletinNTB21-083A
2019-2020 · Xtronic CVT with 2.5L; judder / belt slip codes
Class actionBecker v. Nissan, 1:25-cv-00845 (D. Del.)

Complaints by Engine Code

Nissan Altima Unidentified Engine

571 complaints 95.2 per year
16 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
152
electrical
146
engine
121
other
87
brakes
82

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Altima, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 152 owner complaints
Electrical System: 146 owner complaints
Engine: 121 owner complaints
Brakes: 82 owner complaints
Transmission: 36 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2019-2024 Nissan Altima

On a used 2019-2024 Nissan Altima, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (152), the electrical system (146) and the engine (121). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 152 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 146 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima about the electrical system.
  3. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 121 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima about the engine.
  4. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 82 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima about the brakes.
  5. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima about the transmission and drivetrain.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima

Recalls (11)

25V437000Jun 27, 2025serious
Engine & Cooling

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 compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.

23V882000Dec 21, 2023serious
Steering

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 steering lock-up.

23V628000Sep 8, 2023serious
Back Over Prevention

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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V169000Mar 11, 2021serious
Tires

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 too long during tire production.

21V138000Mar 4, 2021serious
Steering

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 steering knuckle.

Show 6 older recalls
20V685000Nov 5, 2020serious
Tires

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 have been over cured.

20V570000Sep 22, 2020serious
Visibility

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.

19V654000Sep 12, 2019serious
Back Over Prevention

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 Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

19V316000Apr 18, 2019serious
Fuel System

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 leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

19V235000Mar 25, 2019serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

18V922000Dec 20, 2018serious
Fuel System

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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Optional

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2024 Nissan Altima complaints?

Owners have filed 571 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.

Is the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 571 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima have?

NHTSA has 571 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2019-2024 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls covering some 2019-2024 Nissan Altima vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Altima?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Altima?

The 2024 Nissan Altima received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 571 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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