The Altima's reputation rests on its CVT, and the record differs a lot by year. 2013-2014 Altimas have the most transmission complaints of any recent year, 2009 cars are known for CVT whine and a steering lock that strands the car, and 2019 and later cars have a much better record so far. Check the hood latch recall on 2013-2018 cars and the VC-Turbo engine recall on 2019-2020 cars before you buy.
RepairPal rates the Altima 4.0 out of 5, 11th of 24 midsize cars, with average unscheduled repair costs of about $483 a year and a 12 percent chance that a repair is major. That is close to average for the class. The Altima is also one of the most common used sedans on Palm Beach County lots and in rideshare service, so plenty of high-mileage examples are for sale.
CarComplaints shows how uneven the history is. The 2013 Altima has 974 complaints, the most of any year, and is rated the worst. The 2009 follows with 657, then 2014 with 403 and 2015 with 304. From 2017 the numbers fall sharply, to 50 for 2017, 31 for 2018 and 32 for 2019.
Every automatic Altima since 2007 uses a CVT. The four-cylinder has been the main engine throughout; a 3.5-liter V6 was available through 2018, and a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo replaced it for 2019-2024. Nissan has confirmed a 2027 model year in the US.
Nissan Altima generations
Sixth generation (L34)
2019-presentAll-wheel drive became available. VC-Turbo cars from 2019-2020 are in engine bearing recall 25V-437. Only the 2.5 remains from 2025.
Fifth generation (L33)
2013-2018Manual transmission dropped. The 2013-2014 cars have the worst CVT record of any recent Altima. All years are in hood latch recall 20V-315.
Fourth generation (L32)
2007-20122007-2010 CVTs had Nissan's 10-year, 120,000-mile extended coverage, now expired. 2009 is the most complained-about year of this generation.
Known Nissan Altima problems by year
CVT shudder, hesitation and failure
CVT shuddering, vibration and hesitation on the 2013 is the single most reported problem across every Altima year on CarComplaints, at about 56,000 miles and $3,100. The 2014 adds outright transmission failure at about 75,000 miles and $3,800. A class action settlement extended the powertrain warranty on 2013-2016 Altimas from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles. That window has closed on every car.
Guide: Why does my CVT shudder or whine?Extended CVT coverage on 2017-2018
Complaints fell sharply for these years, but a separate settlement approved in May 2023 still added 24 months or 24,000 miles of CVT coverage to 2017-2018 Altimas, with repairs reimbursable up to 84 months or 84,000 miles. Most cars are now past it. If you paid for a CVT repair inside that window, records may still matter in a dispute.
Guide: Why is my transmission slipping?Whine and shudder on early CVTs
The 2009 Altima's second and third most reported problems are shudder and hesitation when accelerating ($3,300) and a whine that rises with speed ($5,700), both around 80,000 miles. Nissan doubled CVT coverage to 10 years or 120,000 miles on 2007-2010 Altimas, so many have already had a replacement. A surviving original CVT at 150,000 miles is living on borrowed time.
Guide: Why does my CVT shudder or whine?Electronic steering lock that prevents starting
The top 2009 Altima complaint is a failed electronic steering column lock. The car can suddenly refuse to start because the lock will not release, which tends to happen at the worst moment, in a parking lot far from home. Repairs run about $900-$1,000 at a dealer. Test the battery first, since low voltage can produce similar symptoms.
Guide: Car won't start and makes no sound at all: where to look firstHood that can open while driving
Several recalls, ending with 20V-315, address a secondary hood latch that can corrode and stick open, so if the primary latch releases, nothing holds the hood down at speed. Dealers fit a stronger release spring and a warning label. In salty coastal air the latch still needs cleaning and lubrication, so do it at each oil change.
Dim headlights
Poor low beams are a top 2014 complaint at about 85,000 miles and $600. Hazy plastic lenses cut output badly, and in South Florida sun the lenses yellow quickly. Restoration is the cheap first step; new headlamp assemblies cost more but last longer.
Guide: Headlights dim or flickering? Bulb, lens, ground or charging systemAutomatic emergency braking false alarms
The most reported 2019 Altima problem is automatic emergency braking activating with no obstacle, at about 17,000 miles. A cracked windshield is the second, which matters because the forward camera looks through the windshield and needs clean, undamaged glass and correct calibration. Keep the sensor area clean and ask the dealer about updates.
Notable recalls
- 20V-315 (2013-2018 Altima): Secondary hood latch can corrode and bind open, so the hood may fly up if the primary latch releases. Dealers fit a stronger release spring and a warning label.
- 25V-437 (2019-2020 Altima with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo): Engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can cause engine failure. Dealers reprogram the engine computer free.
- 23V-882 (2024 Altima): Bolts joining the electric power steering unit to the rack may loosen, causing loss of steering or lock-up. Dealers replace the steering gear.
- 21V-138 (2020-2021 Altima): A tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly and the joint can detach, causing loss of steering control. Dealers tighten or replace the fasteners.
- 19V-316 (2019 Altima FWD with the 2.5-liter): The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, which can leak fuel. Dealers inspect and correct the ring.
- 18V-922 (2019 Altima): A retainer clip on the fuel tube to the high-pressure pump may not be locked, risking a fuel leak. Dealers secure the hose and clip.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Nissan dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| Every 5,000 miles or 6 months | Oil and filter at the grade on the cap. Hot short trips count as severe service. |
| Every 25,000-30,000 miles | CVT fluid drain-and-fill with genuine Nissan CVT fluid of the type listed for your year. Older cars benefit from two drain-and-fills spaced a few hundred miles apart. |
| Each oil change on 2013-2018 | Clean and lubricate the secondary hood latch, and check that the hood is fully latched with a firm press on the front edge. |
| Every 15,000 miles | Cabin air filter and a battery test. A weak battery can make the electronic steering lock and push-button start act up on older Altimas. |
| About 105,000 miles | Spark plugs on the 2.5-liter and V6; on the V6, check the motor mounts too. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Nissan Altima repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CVT replacement with a remanufactured unit | $3,300-$5,200 | Owner reports on 2013-2014 cars average $3,100-$3,800. Dealer quotes with a new unit run higher. |
| CVT fluid drain-and-fill | $180-$300 | RepairPal's national estimate is $162-$190; genuine fluid and South Florida labor push it up. |
| Electronic steering column lock replacement | $850-$1,250 | |
| A/C compressor replacement | $1,050-$1,550 | National estimate $980-$1,414 before tax. |
| Headlight lens restoration, pair | $80-$160 | New headlamp assemblies are typically $300-$700 each. |
| Front pads and rotors | $280-$480 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Nissan Altima
- A 2019 or later Altima with the 2.5-liter is the safest choice. It has the newer CVT, far fewer complaints, and no VC-Turbo recall exposure. On a 2019, confirm the two fuel system recalls; on a 2020-2021, the tie rod recall.
- A 2017-2018 is a reasonable middle option at a lower price, with much better complaint numbers than 2013-2016. Ask for CVT fluid records and drive it in traffic before buying.
- Price any 2013-2016 Altima as if the CVT may need replacing, and walk away from one that shudders from a stop or whines on the highway. Confirm hood latch recall 20V-315 is closed.
- A 2007-2012 Altima is only worth it cheap and with a documented CVT replacement. Test the steering lock and push-button start several times before handing over money.
- On 2019-2020 VC-Turbo cars, the bearing recall 25V-437 must be complete, and any knocking means walk away.
The Florida factor
The Altima is a favorite rideshare and commuter car in Palm Beach County, which means a lot of used ones have spent their lives idling at the airport cell phone lot or crawling on Federal Highway with the A/C maxed. That hot, slow duty is exactly what wears a CVT, so ask a seller about rideshare use and look for fluid changes every 25,000-30,000 miles.
The secondary hood latch sits right at the front of the car, where sea spray from A1A and humid salt air settle. Even with the recall done, a quick spray of lubricant on the latch every few months keeps it moving. Before a hurricane evacuation, press down on the hood edge to confirm it is latched.
Altima headlight lenses fade fast in South Florida UV, and dim low beams in heavy afternoon rain on I-95 are a safety problem. Restoring the lenses and applying a UV-blocking coat is a cheap fix that also helps at resale.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Nissan Altima FAQ
What are the worst years for the Nissan Altima?
2013 has the most complaints and is rated worst, mainly for CVT shudder and failure. 2009 and 2014 are close behind. 2017 and later are much better, and 2019 and later better still so far.
Is my Altima's CVT still under extended warranty?
Almost certainly not. The 2007-2010 extension ran 10 years or 120,000 miles, the 2013-2016 settlement ran to 84 months or 84,000 miles, and the 2017-2018 settlement added 24 months or 24,000 miles. Call Nissan with your VIN if you are close.
Why won't my older Altima start, and the steering wheel is locked?
On fourth-generation Altimas, especially the 2009, a failed electronic steering column lock is a common cause. A weak battery can mimic it, so test the battery first.
Should I buy an Altima with the VC-Turbo engine?
Only if recall 25V-437 is complete and the oil change history is good. The 2.5-liter four is the simpler, lower-risk choice for most drivers.
Guides for Nissan Altima owners
More for Nissan owners: Nissan owner's guide
- NHTSA recall 20V-315: Nissan Altima secondary hood latch
- CarComplaints: Nissan Altima problems by model year
- CarComplaints: 2013-2016 Altima CVT settlement terms
- CarComplaints: 2017-2018 Altima CVT settlement
- RepairPal: Nissan Altima reliability rating
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.