2018 Nissan Altima Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), particularly involving symptoms such as jerking, shuddering, and a sudden loss of power. These problems often occur around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with multiple complaints describing the vehicle failing to accelerate or shifting unexpectedly into neutral, posing a risk of collisions. Some owners mention that the CVT failure left them stranded on highways or caused near-misses with other vehicles. Additionally, there are reports of high repair costs and a lack of warning indicators prior to the failure. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers considering this model.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the brake sensor and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start due to a faulty brake sensor, the AEB system engaging unexpectedly without an obstruction, and warnings about front radar obstructions. These issues often occur around 24,000 to 59,000 miles. Two complaints describe crashes, one involving brake pedal failure and another where brakes did not stop the vehicle. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety risks, especially regarding the AEB system malfunctioning and unexpected braking events.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the steering system, with common symptoms including loss of power steering, a loose or uncontrollable steering wheel, and unusual noises such as clicking or popping. Some complaints describe the steering wheel becoming stiff or difficult to control, particularly at higher speeds or during turns. These issues are sometimes accompanied by warning lights or sensor malfunctions, such as the front radar obstruction warning activating without cause. Reports of these issues span various mileage ranges, but several mention occurrences around 30,000 to 100,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle slid into a snowbank, highlighting potential safety implications related to steering control.

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2018 Nissan Altima. Complaints frequently mention hesitation or lag when accelerating from a stop, with some describing a clunk or need to gently accelerate to avoid further issues. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the automatic emergency braking system, which intermittently activates or deactivates, sometimes causing unexpected deceleration. These issues are often reported between 2,500 and 60,000 miles. Safety implications arise from the sudden braking incidents, which could lead to potential accidents, especially at highway speeds.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the vehicle's front radar sensor, which affects the electronic stability control system. Common symptoms include warnings of "front radar obstruction" and unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system, even in the absence of any obstruction or other vehicles. These issues often occur in rainy conditions but are also reported in dry weather, and some owners note that the warning light remains on continuously. One complaint involves a crash where the emergency braking system failed to engage, leading to a collision with a pole. These problems are reported by owners who have had their vehicles for varying lengths of time, with no specific mileage pattern evident. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, as they can lead to unexpected braking or failure to brake, posing a safety risk.

Owners report persistent issues with the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) system on the 2018 Nissan Altima, with complaints frequently mentioning the system activating or deactivating unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include warning lights illuminating without obstacles present, and the system either failing to engage or engaging inappropriately, such as braking suddenly when no vehicle is ahead. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 8,500 miles and others noted around 24,864 miles. Safety implications include potential rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking and the system's failure to engage in genuine emergency situations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly if considering a vehicle outside of warranty coverage.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the engine unexpectedly shutting off, often while the vehicle is stopped at a light or traveling at low speeds. Symptoms commonly described include the engine failing to start despite a good battery, the car dying at a red light, and warning lights such as the check engine and ABS indicators illuminating. Some complaints mention these issues occurring around 7,000 to 39,171 miles. One report includes an injury when the vehicle abruptly stopped at 40 mph, causing the driver to hit their head on the steering wheel. Buyers should be aware of potential engine start and shutdown issues, as well as the possibility of needing repairs related to piston sensor failures.