The Nissan Altima sells well, but the Jatco CVT transmission used from 2013 onward has been the subject of multiple class-action lawsuits. If you are considering a used Altima, the transmission is the single most important thing to investigate.
The 2013-2018 Altima with the Jatco CVT has documented widespread transmission failures - class-action settled. Repair costs run $3,500-5,000 for a CVT replacement.
The CVT shudders, jerks, hesitates, and ultimately fails - often between 70-120K miles. Symptoms: delayed engagement, RPM flares, and a rumble or whine. A class-action settlement extended warranties.
View P0700 Diagnosis →The QR25DE timing chain stretches with age, causing a rattle on cold start and eventual P0011 codes. Often appears around 100-150K miles.
View P0011 Diagnosis →The 2.5L Altima is notorious for premature cat failure, often related to oil consumption issues that contaminate the cat. P0420 is one of the most common Altima codes.
View P0420 Diagnosis →The QR25 burns oil - sometimes 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Over time this kills the catalytic converter and can starve the engine.
Run free diagnosis →Door handles, mirror caps, and clear coat peel on certain colors. Cosmetic but common.
Run free diagnosis →Window regulators fail and the window will fall into the door or refuse to roll up. Common across all four doors.
Run free diagnosis →Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
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2013-2018 (Jatco CVT class action), 2007-2012 (timing chain and oil consumption on the QR25)
2019+ Altima - redesigned platform with improved CVT software and the option of the VC-Turbo. Still has CVT, but reliability is better than 2013-2018 models.
If the CVT survives, $500-800/year. If it fails, add $4,000+. Plan for $6,000-10,000 in lifetime non-routine costs.
If your Altima is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
Be very cautious. The 2013-2018 CVT issues are well documented, and replacement is $3,500-5,000. If you do buy one, get a CVT inspection (fluid condition, road test for shudder) and confirm any class-action work has been done.
2019 and newer. The redesigned platform has more refined CVT calibration, and the 2.0L VC-Turbo is a more sophisticated option. Still a CVT - service the fluid every 30K miles.
The Jatco CVT used in 2013-2018 Altimas (and other Nissans) overheats, the belt and pulleys wear, and the valve body fails. Symptoms: shudder, hesitation, RPM flares, whining. Class-action settled in 2021.
On 2013-2018 models, expect 80,000-150,000 miles before significant issues. With diligent fluid changes (every 30K miles instead of "lifetime"), some last longer. Newer 2019+ models appear more durable.
The base maintenance is reasonable, but the CVT and catalytic converter risks make ownership costs unpredictable. Budget for potential transmission work.