Nissan Altima research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Altima is a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan known for good highway fuel economy and comfortable seats. 2011-2012 cars are older and simpler; the 2013-2018 generation brought mpg up to the high 30s highway and kept a 270-hp V6 option; the 2019 redesign added available all-wheel drive, standard automatic emergency braking and the VC-Turbo engine. The 2023 refresh made a full safety suite standard. Every Altima here uses a CVT, so its condition and service history matter.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. Nissan has indicated the 2026 model year is the Altima's last; verify 2026 trims, features and pricing against current Nissan data.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Good highway fuel economy
Comfortable front seats
Roomy cabin and trunk
Available AWD 2019 and later
Strong V6 option through 2018
Standard safety shield 360 2023 and later
Affordable used prices

Things to know before you buy

CVT condition and service history are critical
Hood latch recalls on 2013 2018
Forward emergency braking false alerts reported on 2019 and later
Vc turbo needs premium fuel for full power
V6 ends after 2018
AWD only with 2.5 liter
Resale values trail camry and accord
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 4 (2007–2012)

The fourth-generation Altima (2007-2012) offered a 175-hp 2.5L four and a 270-hp 3.5L V6, mostly with a CVT and a manual on some trims. A coupe and, through 2011, a hybrid were also sold.

Buyer takeaway: Inexpensive transportation now; buy on condition, CVT behavior and service history. The 3.5 SR is quick but uses more fuel.

Generation 5 (2013–2018)

The fifth generation was lighter and more efficient: a 182-hp (later 179-hp) 2.5L four rated up to 38-39 mpg highway and a 270-hp V6, CVT only. The 2016 refresh added SR trims, new styling and available forward emergency braking. Hood-latch recalls cover these years.

Buyer takeaway: Good value commuters, especially 2016-2018 with the refresh. Confirm hood-latch recalls and favor cars with CVT fluid service; 2018 is the last V6 year.

Generation 6 (2019–2026)

The sixth generation added available AWD (2.5L only), a 188-hp 2.5L, the 248-hp VC-Turbo (2019-2024) and standard automatic emergency braking. The 2023 refresh added a new face, a 12.3-inch screen and standard Safety Shield 360; the VC-Turbo ended after 2024 and the line ends after 2026.

Buyer takeaway: Choose 2019+ for AWD and modern safety, 2023+ for the fullest standard safety suite, and a 2019-2024 SR VC-Turbo for the most performance. Test forward emergency braking behavior on any car.

Nissan Altima by model year

2026 Nissan Altima

The 2026 Altima continues with the 188-hp 2.5L four, CVT and front- or all-wheel drive, in a smaller lineup after Nissan dropped the S and SL trims. Nissan has indicated 2026 is the final Altima model year, so verify trims, features and pricing against current Nissan data. Parts and service remain available through Nissan dealers.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

S and sl trims dropped lineup reduced
Reported as the final altima model year

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; Warranty status and in service date; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2025 Nissan Altima

For 2025 the VC-Turbo was dropped, leaving the 188-hp 2.5L four with a CVT and front- or all-wheel drive on every Altima. A new SV Special Edition package adds the 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and dual-zone climate control. It is a straightforward, efficient commuter with standard Safety Shield 360.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Vc turbo engine dropped
2.5 liter is the only engine
Sv special edition package added

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2024 Nissan Altima

The 2024 Altima carries over the refreshed 2023 car with the 188-hp 2.5L four (front- or all-wheel drive) and Safety Shield 360 standard. It is the last year of the 248-hp VC-Turbo, offered on the front-drive SR, so a 2024 SR VC-Turbo is the pick for buyers who want the quickest late-model Altima. Confirm the engine by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft sr only
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2023
Last year of the vc turbo engine

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Vc turbo engine service records if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2023 Nissan Altima

The 2023 refresh brought a new front end, an available 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo) and Safety Shield 360 on every grade, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning and rear automatic braking. The 188-hp 2.5L (FWD or AWD) continues, and the 248-hp VC-Turbo is now offered only on the front-drive SR.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft sr only
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front styling
Available 12 3 inch touchscreen
Safety shield 360 standard on all grades
Vc turbo limited to the sr trim

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Altima continues the 2019 design: a 188-hp 2.5L four with front- or all-wheel drive (about 28/39 mpg FWD), or the 248-hp VC-Turbo 2.0L with front-wheel drive, both with a CVT. It offers more modern safety and connectivity than 2013-2018 cars. Test the forward emergency braking for false alerts and confirm open recalls and the exact engine by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2019 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Vc turbo engine service records if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2021 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Altima continues the 2019 design: a 188-hp 2.5L four with front- or all-wheel drive (about 28/39 mpg FWD), or the 248-hp VC-Turbo 2.0L with front-wheel drive, both with a CVT. It offers more modern safety and connectivity than 2013-2018 cars. Test the forward emergency braking for false alerts and confirm open recalls and the exact engine by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2019 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Vc turbo engine service records if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Altima continues the 2019 design: a 188-hp 2.5L four with front- or all-wheel drive (about 28/39 mpg FWD), or the 248-hp VC-Turbo 2.0L with front-wheel drive, both with a CVT. It offers more modern safety and connectivity than 2013-2018 cars. Test the forward emergency braking for false alerts and confirm open recalls and the exact engine by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2019 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Vc turbo engine service records if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2019 Nissan Altima

The 2019 Altima is all-new, with a new 188-hp 2.5L four (about 28/39 mpg with FWD) and, for the first time, available all-wheel drive on 2.5 models (about 26/36 mpg). The V6 was replaced by a 248-hp 2.0L VC-Turbo with variable compression, front-drive only (about 25/34 mpg). Automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration are standard. Early ones drew complaints of false automatic braking.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 188 hp 180 lb ft; 2.0 liter vc turbo variable compression I4 248 hp 273 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.5 liter only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new sixth generation
First altima with available all wheel drive
Vc turbo variable compression engine replaces the V6
Standard automatic emergency braking
Apple carplay and android auto standard

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; AWD system operation if equipped; Vc turbo engine service records if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2018 Nissan Altima

The 2018 Altima is the last of the fifth generation and the last with a V6. The lineup starts at the 2.5 S (179-hp four-cylinder, CVT), and the 270-hp V6 is offered only on the 3.5 SL. It is a sensible value buy if priced below a 2019; buyers who want AWD or newer safety features should look at 2019 and later.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp 177 lb ft; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp 251 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Base 2 5 trim dropped 2 5 s becomes entry
3 5 sr dropped 3 5 sl is the only V6
Last year of the fifth generation
Last year of the V6

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Secondary hood latch operation and recall status; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2017 Nissan Altima

The 2017 Altima largely carries over the refreshed 2016 car with a 179-hp 2.5L four (about 27/39 mpg) or a 270-hp 3.5L V6, both with the CVT. It offers the refreshed look and optional safety features at a lower price than the 2019 redesign. Confirm the exact trim and features by VIN, and check CVT behavior and hood-latch recall status.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2016
Apple carplay and android auto on some trims verify by VIN

2016 Nissan Altima

The 2016 refresh gave the Altima new front and rear styling, a sportier SR trim, a quieter cabin and available safety tech such as forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The 2.5L four now makes about 179 hp and is rated up to about 39 mpg highway; the 270-hp V6 continues. Like 2013-2015, it uses a CVT, so service records and a careful test drive are key.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling
New sporty sr trim for 2 5 and 3 5
Available forward emergency braking and blind spot warning
2.5 liter rated up to about 39 mpg highway

2015 Nissan Altima

The 2015 Altima carries over the 2013 design: a 182-hp 2.5L four-cylinder (about 27/38 mpg) or a 270-hp 3.5L V6, both with the CVT and front-wheel drive. It is a comfortable, roomy commuter with good highway mileage. Check the CVT for shudder, whine or hesitation, confirm the hood-latch recall work by VIN, and favor cars with documented fluid service.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 182 hp 180 lb ft; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Covered by secondary hood latch recalls

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Secondary hood latch operation and recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2014 Nissan Altima

The 2014 Altima carries over the 2013 design: a 182-hp 2.5L four-cylinder (about 27/38 mpg) or a 270-hp 3.5L V6, both with the CVT and front-wheel drive. It is a comfortable, roomy commuter with good highway mileage. Check the CVT for shudder, whine or hesitation, confirm the hood-latch recall work by VIN, and favor cars with documented fluid service.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 182 hp 180 lb ft; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Covered by secondary hood latch recalls

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Secondary hood latch operation and recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2013 Nissan Altima

The 2013 Altima was all-new, lighter and much more efficient: the 182-hp 2.5L four with the Xtronic CVT is rated about 27/38 mpg city/highway, among the best of its time, and the 270-hp 3.5L V6 remains for buyers who want more power. The CVT is now the only transmission. 2013-2016 cars were covered by an extended CVT warranty that has since expired, so check fluid service and drive it carefully.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 182 hp 180 lb ft; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new fifth generation
CVT becomes the only transmission
2.5 liter rated about 38 mpg highway
Lighter body and zero gravity front seats
Secondary hood latch recall campaigns begin

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Secondary hood latch operation and recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2012 Nissan Altima

The 2012 Altima is a late fourth-generation car (2007-2012). The 2.5 models use a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder, rated about 23/32 mpg city/highway with the CVT; the 3.5 SR has a 270-hp 3.5L V6 that makes it quick for the class. Most have Nissan's CVT automatic; a 6-speed manual was offered on some trims, so confirm by VIN. It is the last year of this design, so a 2013 is a big step up in mpg and cabin.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual 2 5 s and 3 5 sr verify by VIN
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Altima coupe sold separately
Last year of the fourth generation sedan

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; V6 engine mount and oil leaks if 3 5; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2011 Nissan Altima

The 2011 Altima is a late fourth-generation car (2007-2012). The 2.5 models use a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder, rated about 23/32 mpg city/highway with the CVT; the 3.5 SR has a 270-hp 3.5L V6 that makes it quick for the class. Most have Nissan's CVT automatic; a 6-speed manual was offered on some trims, so confirm by VIN. It is a simple, inexpensive midsize sedan; condition and CVT behavior matter more than trim.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 3.5 liter V6 270 hp
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual 2 5 s and 3 5 sr verify by VIN
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Altima coupe sold separately
Last year of the separate altima hybrid variant

Known issues and what to check

Xtronic CVT Shudder, Whine and Hesitation (2011–2026)
Every Altima in this period uses (or mostly uses) Nissan's CVT automatic. The 2013-2016 Altima CVT was the subject of a class-action settlement that extended powertrain coverage to 84 months/84,000 miles; those extensions have now expired. Owners of various years report shudder, whining, hesitation or loss of power, and CVT replacement is costly.
What to do: Test drive in stop-and-go and highway driving, and favor cars with documented CVT fluid service.
Secondary Hood Latch Recall (2013-2018) (2013–2018)
Several recalls cover 2013-2018 Altimas because corrosion can make the secondary hood latch stick open, so the hood could open while driving if the primary latch is also released. The remedy includes a stronger release spring, a warning label and latch lubrication instructions.
What to do: Confirm all hood-latch recall work is complete by VIN before purchase.
Forward Emergency Braking False Activations (2019–2022)
Owners of 2019-2021 and some later Altimas have reported the forward emergency braking system warning or braking for no apparent reason, and a class action was filed over the radar-based system. Nissan has issued service bulletins and software updates; the behavior varies by car.
What to do: Test drive on the highway and ask a Nissan dealer whether radar or software updates apply to the VIN.
VC-Turbo Engine Service and Fuel Requirements (2019–2024)
The 2.0L VC-Turbo (2019-2024) is a complex variable-compression turbo engine; its full 248-hp rating requires premium fuel, and on-time oil changes are important. Some owners report engine problems, so documented service matters more than with the simpler 2.5L. In December 2023 NHTSA opened an investigation into engine-failure complaints (main bearing damage, knocking, metal in the oil) on Nissan's VC-Turbo engines, so check the VIN for any related recall or service campaign.
What to do: If you want the VC-Turbo, buy one with complete service records; the 2.5L is the simpler choice.
Older Altima Wear Items (2011-2012) (2011–2012)
Fourth-generation Altimas are now well over a decade old. Engine and transmission mounts, oil leaks, suspension bushings and CVT condition are typical age-related checks, especially on higher-mileage cars.
What to do: Have an independent mechanic inspect older Altimas before purchase.
Altima Generation, Engine and Coupe Disambiguation (2011–2026)
Altima engines changed by year: 2.5L four throughout, a 3.5L V6 through 2018, and the 2.0L VC-Turbo for 2019-2024. All-wheel drive exists only on 2019 and later 2.5L cars. The Altima Coupe (through 2013) and the 2007-2011 Altima Hybrid are different from the sedan covered here.
What to do: Confirm the year, engine, drivetrain and trim before comparing prices or features.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls such as the 2013-2018 hood-latch campaigns and confirm completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Nissan Altima?
Does this Altima have the 2.5L, V6 or VC-Turbo engine?
Which Altima years have all-wheel drive?
Is the Altima's CVT reliable, and what should I check?
Has the hood-latch recall been done on this Altima?
What changed in the 2016, 2019 and 2023 Altima?
What fuel economy does the Altima get?
Is 2026 the last Nissan Altima?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar vehicles should I consider?