The Nissan Altima's biggest issue is well-known: the JATCO CVT. Multiple class actions and an extended 84-month/84,000-mile warranty cover many years. Here is the year-by-year breakdown of which Altimas to skip and which are safer used buys.
Avoid: 2013-2016 (CVT failures), 2009-2010 (CVT first-gen)
Buy: 2019-2020 (post-CVT extended warranty, 2.5L QR25DE late builds)
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4.5/10 | New 5th gen. CVT failures spike. Steering recall. | · CVT shudder/failure · Steering tie-rod recall · Hood latch |
AVOID |
| 2014 | 5/10 | Worst-rated Altima year on NHTSA. | · CVT failure · Power steering · Sun visor |
AVOID |
| 2015 | 5.5/10 | CVT extended warranty announced (84mo/84k mi). | · CVT (extended warranty) · Transmission cooler · Brake squeak |
AVOID |
| 2016 | 6/10 | Mid-cycle refresh. CVT still risky. | · CVT (extended warranty) · Brake recall (some VINs) · Sun visor |
AVOID |
| 2017 | 6.5/10 | CVT mature. Many extended-warranty replacements done. | · CVT (some) · Brake actuator · Audio |
AVOID |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | New 6th gen. VC-Turbo and new CVT. | · Infotainment · 12V battery · VC-Turbo early bugs |
CAUTION |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | Mature 6th gen. Best modern Altima. | · Infotainment · Backup camera (recall) · Sensor calibration |
CAUTION |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | Mid-cycle refresh. Generally reliable. | · Infotainment lag · Sensor recalls · Minor electrical |
CAUTION |
Shudder, slipping, whining, and complete failure. Class action Falk v. Nissan settled 2018 - extended warranty to 84 months/84,000 miles on many Altimas. Replacement cost is the main risk.
Run AI diagnosis →NHTSA recall 14V-053 covered improperly tightened transverse-link bolts that could loosen and damage steering. Verify completion.
Run AI diagnosis →Driver's sun visor breaks at the hinge. Nissan TSB ITB14-038 extended coverage for some VINs.
Run AI diagnosis →The variable-compression KR20DDET turbo can develop intake-valve carbon at 70-100k. Walnut blasting is the fix.
Run AI diagnosis →ABS/VDC actuator failures cause warning lights and reduced brake assist.
Run AI diagnosis →Recall 14V-053 also covered secondary hood-latch wear that could allow the hood to open while driving.
Run AI diagnosis →NissanConnect head unit freezes or reboots. Software updates partially address.
Run AI diagnosis →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
Diagnose My Altima for $5.99Year-, make-, model-specific AI · Powered by NHTSA + AI
If your Altima is throwing a check engine light, these codes are most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for diagnosis steps.
2013 and 2014 are widely cited as worst due to CVT failures and the steering tie-rod recall.
Class action Falk v. Nissan settled in 2018 extended CVT coverage to 84 months/84,000 miles on many 2013-2017 Altimas. Check VIN status before buying used.
If buying 2013-2016, only with documented CVT replacement or remaining extended warranty. 2019-2020 6th gen models are a safer used pick.
If the CVT survives to 150,000 miles it usually lasts to 200,000. The engine itself (QR25DE) is durable - the transmission is the wildcard.
Mostly yes. Some first-year VC-Turbo bugs and infotainment complaints. 2020+ is more sorted.
2019-2020 6th gen with the 2.5L QR25DE. Avoids the worst CVT era and benefits from the redesigned transmission.