Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Nissan Altima Reliability Report
The 2019 Nissan Altima scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 230 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
8
Complaints
230
Complaint Rate
11per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$483
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$2,050
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)
- ENGINE (19)
- SERVICE BRAKES (19)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the first model year of the Sixth generation (L34).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Refreshed in 2023.
- 6th generation Altima (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.
2019: Sixth generation (L34) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Altima?
At 72/100, the 2019 Nissan Altima lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Owners log 230 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (47). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Nissan Altima, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Nissan Altima for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$43 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Door lock actuators failing to respond to the key fob or interior controls (44 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (30 complaints)
Compare 2019 Nissan Altima With

2019 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 71/100

2019 Honda Accord
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 49/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2019 Nissan Altima has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
25
Crashes
6
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Nissan Altima Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Nissan Altima. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Consequence
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
Buying a used 2019 Nissan Altima? Check its history first
Every 2019 Nissan Altima has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Nissan Altima NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.2%
Safety Technologies
Nissan AltimaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$483
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
29–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,350–$2,550/yr
Fuel + repair
25–28 city / 34–39 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Altima SR/Platinum 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Altima AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Altima AWD SR/Platinum 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Altima SR/Platinum 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Nissan Altima.
Test acceleration for delay or hesitation
Check all door locks with FOB and interior controls
Inspect forward collision and emergency braking systems for warnings
Verify transmission operation for shuddering or hesitation
Check for any engine warning lights or error messages
Test infotainment system for erratic volume control
Inspect for any signs of coolant leaks or engine overheating
2019 Nissan Altima Common Problems by Component
230 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
44 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving door lock actuators failing to respond to the key fob or interior controls. Complaints also highlight persistent problems with the check engine light, often linked to the Mass Air Flow Sensor and grille shutter actuator. Many owners describe erratic behavior of the radio and volume controls, as well as unexplained battery drainage, leading to multiple battery replacements. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, but several reports mention occurrences after a few years of ownership. Safety implications are noted, with three complaints involving crashes due to sensor failures, such as the Forward Collision Warning not engaging timely. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, particularly regarding the reliability of the vehicle's electronic components.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
30 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including erratic volume control and system crashes, particularly when using Apple Carplay with Microsoft Teams. Complaints also mention engine-related problems, such as overheating and loss of power, with some reports indicating these occur around 39,000 miles. Several owners describe malfunctioning backup cameras and issues with door locks not responding to remote commands. Safety implications are noted in four crash reports, including incidents involving unintended movement due to a snapped gas pedal and unresolved recall-related engine failures. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding electronic components and engine performance.
ENGINE
19 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently report engine issues that include warning lights for engine malfunction, reduced power, and stalling. Symptoms often involve the car shaking, jerking, and losing power, with some reports indicating the vehicle stalls or fails to restart, particularly at highway speeds or when stopped. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 12,000 miles. Multiple complaints highlight potential safety concerns, such as sudden loss of speed and inability to maintain highway speeds, which could pose risks in traffic. Some owners mention that their vehicles are not included in existing recalls despite experiencing similar issues, suggesting a potential gap in recall coverage.
SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently experiences issues with the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which often engages without any obstruction present. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle braking abruptly and unexpectedly, sometimes while driving under bridges or in parking lots, leading to potential safety risks. Several reports involve crashes, with one incident also involving a fire and injuries, highlighting serious safety implications. The issues are often noted in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 2,300 to over 46,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential for sudden braking and the possibility of brake system malfunctions.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (13 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
13 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently experiences issues with the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which activates unexpectedly without any apparent obstacles. Complaints often describe the vehicle suddenly applying brakes, sometimes at highway speeds or in parking garages, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. These incidents are reported at various mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Several owners mention warning lights for the forward collision system, and some report these issues persist even after attempts to address them at dealerships. The unexpected braking and warning light malfunctions present potential safety concerns, making it important for prospective buyers to consider these factors.
POWER TRAIN (8 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsOwners report multiple issues with the power train of the 2019 Nissan Altima, particularly involving the CVT transmission and rear differential. Complaints frequently mention transmission failures, often characterized by reduced power, hesitation, and an inability to accelerate, with some reports of the vehicle stalling. These issues are noted at various mileage points, including as low as 8,200 miles. Additionally, problems with the rear differential, such as vibrations and noise, are reported. Safety implications include potential risks when the vehicle stalls or loses power unexpectedly, which could be hazardous in traffic situations. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used 2019 Altima, as it highlights recurrent power train issues that may affect vehicle reliability and safety.
AIR BAGS (8 complaints)
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently experiences airbag non-deployment during crashes, with several incidents leading to injuries and one involving a fire. Complaints often describe the absence of warning lights or system alerts prior to these failures. A pattern emerges with issues related to the occupant detection sensor, which malfunctions and requires repeated resets or replacement, typically at mileages around 24,000 to 57,000 miles. Additionally, one report details airbags deploying under the steering wheel, causing injury. These issues present significant safety implications, as airbags are a critical safety feature, and potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems.
SUSPENSION (8 complaints)
SUSPENSION
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Altima frequently report suspension-related issues, with several noting abnormal noises such as clunking, banging, or grinding, particularly when turning or driving at various speeds. Complaints often mention worn tires and defective shocks or axles, with some issues arising as early as 800 miles and others around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. Two incidents involve crashes, one resulting from a wheel detachment that led to a collision, and another where suspension problems followed an impact. These reports highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning wheel integrity and vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Nissan Altima's vehicle speed control. A common problem involves delayed acceleration, where the car takes 3-5 seconds to respond after pressing the gas pedal, sometimes accompanied by engine stuttering or jerking, particularly noted around 45,000 miles. Another frequently mentioned issue is unintended acceleration, with vehicles accelerating without pedal input, requiring drivers to use brakes or shift gears to regain control. Additionally, owners describe malfunctions with adaptive cruise control and forward collision safety features, including sensor failures and unexpected braking, often occurring in vehicles with less than 1,000 miles. These issues can lead to potential safety hazards, such as increased collision risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Altima report issues with steering, including sudden steering wheel lock while driving, leading to loss of control and crashes. Two complaints involve crashes, one of which resulted in an injury. Symptoms described include the steering wheel locking in a turning position and failure of the emergency braking system to engage during an incident. These issues typically occur at low speeds and in clear weather conditions. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering and safety system malfunctions, particularly as they may lead to severe safety implications such as crashes and vehicle damage.
When Do 2019 Nissan Altima Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Nissan Altima Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Nissan Altima Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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
2019
(Current Model)
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Nissan Altima Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 78/100 | -4 | Good | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | 82/100 | -2 | Excellent | 1 | 31 |
| 2023 | 84/100 | +1 | Excellent | 0 | 24 |
| 2022 | 83/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | 79/100 | +8 | Good | 2 | 53 |
| 2020 | 71/100 | -1 | Good | 6 | 162 |
| 2019(selected) | 72/100 | -4 | Good | 8 | 230 |
| 2018 | 76/100 | — | Good | 2 | 217 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Nissan Altima reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Altima?
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Altima have?
Is the 2019 Nissan Altima expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Nissan Altima without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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