Last updated: 2026-03-04

Nissan Altima

2 Nissan Altima Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Altima average of 78/100

The Nissan Altima years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 71/100. The best Nissan Altima year to buy is 2023 84/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Nissan Altima score significantly below the model average of 78/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 71/100 due to electrical system (33) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 79/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Nissan Altima Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Nissan Altima average of 78/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202071/100Good6162Electrical System (33)
2201972/100Good8230Electrical System (47)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Nissan Altima

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).

6 recalls162 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20), Engine (15), Power Train (14), Air Bags (7)

View full 2020 reliability report →
72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Nissan Altima

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).

8 recalls230 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (36), Engine (24), Service Brakes (19), Forward Collision Avoidance (13), Visibility Wiper (11)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Nissan Altima Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Altima model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

142 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

112 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

62 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

49 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

48 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Nissan Altima Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Nissan Altima

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).

Score: 79/100 (Good)2 recalls53 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Nissan Altima Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Altima Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Altima years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Nissan Altima years: 2020 (score: 71/100), 2019 (score: 72/100). These model years score significantly below the Nissan Altima average of 78/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 24 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Altima have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Altima has a total of 20 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Altima worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Altima problems?
The most common Nissan Altima problems are electrical system (142 complaints), unknown or other (112 complaints), service brakes (62 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable long-term?
The Nissan Altima has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Altima generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Altima generation is the Sixth generation (L34) with an average score of 78/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Altima?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Nissan Altima is $483 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2023 Nissan Altima a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Nissan Altima is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 24 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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