Last updated: 2026-03-04
Nissan Altima Reliability by Year
The Nissan Altima averages 78/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Nissan Altima Reliability Overview
The Nissan Altima, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating excellent reliability overall. Common issues reported include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with door lock actuators, and problems with the automatic emergency braking system, especially in earlier models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $483, which is below the midsize car average, the Altima suits those looking for a reliable midsize sedan with manageable maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 6th gen (2019–2023), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Nissan Altima Years
Best Nissan Altima Years to Buy
The best Nissan Altima year is 2023 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (83/100) and 2024 (82/100).
Nissan Altima Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Altima year is 2020 with a score of 71/100, primarily due to electrical system (33) issues. Also avoid 2019 (72/100).
2020
6 recalls · 162 complaints
2019
8 recalls · 230 complaints
Nissan Altima Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Altima reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 82/100 compared to 75/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Nissan Altima
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Nissan Altima has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Nissan Altima.
2025 Nissan Altima
1 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2025 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Back Over Prevention (1).
2024 Nissan Altima
1 recalls · 31 complaints
The 2024 Nissan Altima has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Steering (5), Power Train (3).
2023 Nissan Altima
0 recalls · 24 complaints
The 2023 Nissan Altima has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 24 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (10), Unknown Or Other (3), Engine (2).
2022 Nissan Altima
0 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2022 Nissan Altima has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (4), Service Brakes (3), Electrical System (3).
2021 Nissan Altima
2 recalls · 53 complaints
The 2021 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (14), Service Brakes (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (5).
2020 Nissan Altima
6 recalls · 162 complaints
The 2020 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 162 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20).
2019 Nissan Altima
8 recalls · 230 complaints
The 2019 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 230 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (36), Engine (24).
2018 Nissan Altima
2 recalls · 217 complaints
The 2018 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 217 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (44), Electrical System (36), Air Bags (29).
Nissan Altima Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$483
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$43 below the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #11 of 24 among midsize cars.
Nissan Altima Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Nissan Models
Compare all Nissan models by reliability
Compare Nissan Altima With Similar Sedans
The Nissan Altima competes with other midsize sedans such as Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, and Kia K5.
Chevrolet Malibu reliability
8 years tracked · 1193 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Kia K5 reliability
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
Honda Accord reliability
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Hyundai Sonata reliability
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
- The Nissan Altima has good reliability with an average score of 78/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Altima?
- The best year for the Nissan Altima is 2023 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record. See full 2023 Nissan Altima analysis →
- What are the Nissan Altima years to avoid?
- The Nissan Altima years to avoid include 2020 (71/100), 2019 (72/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Altima?
- The Nissan Altima has an estimated annual repair cost of $483, which is $43 below the midsize cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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