Nissan Altima years to avoid and best years
Newer Nissan Altima years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 185 (2,312 complaints). From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 4 (from 20 complaints), 2023 at 7 (from 29 complaints), and 2021 at 7 (from 70 complaints). The Nissan Altima 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2013 Nissan Altima, 390 of 2,312 complaints name Exterior lighting.
Data as of .
2022
2023
2021
2025–26
Nissan Altima reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Nissan Altima. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 29 |
| 2025 Too early | 4 | 7 | 2 | Air bags, Structure, Seats | 29.7 |
| 2024 → | 14 | 41 | 1 | Back-over prevention | 29.8 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 7 | 29 | 0 | Electrical system | 29.8 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 4 | 20 | 0 | Air bags | 30.3 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 7 | 70 | 2 | Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance | 30.2 |
| 2020 → | 19 | 179 | 6 | Electrical system | 30.2 |
| 2019 → | 26 | 232 | 7 | Electrical system | 30.2 |
| 2018 → | 37 | 225 | 2 | Air bags | 29 |
| 2017 → | 23 | 391 | 3 | Powertrain | 29 |
| 2016 → | 31 | 553 | 4 | Powertrain | 29 |
| 2015 → | 67 | 953 | 10 | Exterior lighting | 28.5 |
| 2014 → | 83 | 1,113 | 8 | Exterior lighting | 28 |
| 2013 → Most | 185 | 2,312 | 12 | Exterior lighting | 27.3 |
| 2012 → | 23 | 426 | 4 | Powertrain | 24 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L); 5W-30 (3.5L V6)
- Tire size
- 215/60R16 to 235/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Nissan ran voluntary service campaign PC490 on certain 2013-2016 Altima (L33) vehicles to reprogram CVT software after hydraulic pressure could drop and allow belt slip (MIL P0776 and poor acceleration); Nissan states that campaign is not a safety recall. Separately, Nissan extended CVT assembly warranty coverage on 2013-2016 Altima (L33) to 84 months/84,000 miles. Safety recall 20V-315 covers certain 2013-2018 Altimas: if the primary hood latch is released, the secondary latch may corrode and bind unlatched so the hood can open while driving; dealers install a stronger release spring, a warning label, and an Owner's Manual addendum. Safety recall 18V-915 covers certain 2015-2017 Altimas previously remedied under 17V-040 whose rear door latch-lock cable may be misrouted and open the rear door when the window is lowered; dealers secure the cable.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L VC-Turbo and 2.5L engines)
- Tire size
- 215/60R16 (S) to 235/40R19 (upper trims)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 21V-169 covers certain 2019-2020 Altimas among Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires that may have been cured too long in production; over-cured tires can develop a sidewall break with sudden air loss or belt-edge separation and tread/belt loss; dealers inspect and replace tires as needed. Safety recall 19V-316 covers certain 2019 FWD Altima 2.5L vehicles whose fuel-pump lock ring may not be fully engaged and can leak fuel (FMVSS 301); dealers inspect and tighten or replace the pump. Safety recall 23V-628 covers certain 2019-2021 Altimas whose rearview-camera harness can be damaged so the display distorts or blanks (FMVSS 111); dealers inspect and replace or protect and reroute the harness.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 4 (from 20 complaints), 2023 at 7 (from 29 complaints), and 2021 at 7 (from 70 complaints).
Which Nissan Altima year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 185 (2,312 complaints). On the 2013 Nissan Altima, 390 of 2,312 complaints name Exterior lighting.
How do Nissan Altima owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Nissan Altima years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Nissan Altima years are too early to compare?
The Nissan Altima 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Altima take?
0W-20 (2.5L); 5W-30 (3.5L V6)
What does Nissan service campaign PC490 cover on the Nissan Altima?
Nissan ran voluntary service campaign PC490 on certain 2013-2016 Altima (L33) vehicles to reprogram CVT software after hydraulic pressure could drop and allow belt slip (MIL P0776 and poor acceleration); Nissan states that campaign is not a safety recall.
What generation is the 2014 Nissan Altima?
5th generation (L33) (2013-2018).