Nissan Altima Years to Avoid
We analyzed 6519 owner complaints and 58 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Nissan Altima model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2013 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Nissan Altima Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Nissan Altima Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 426 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Nissan Altima | 2314 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Nissan Altima | 1113 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | 955 | 10 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Nissan Altima | 555 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Nissan Altima | 393 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Nissan Altima | 226 | 2 | 61/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Nissan Altima | 234 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Nissan Altima | 182 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Nissan Altima | 71 | 2 | 39/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Nissan Altima | 20 | 0 | 15/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2023 Nissan Altima | 30 | 0 | 18/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
Buying a Used Nissan Altima: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Nissan Altima years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Nissan Altima model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Nissan Altima?
The most reliable used model year for the Nissan Altima is 2022 (as well as 2022, 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Altima?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Nissan Altima are Powertrain & Transmission, Exterior Lighting, Airbags & Restraints. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Nissan Altima?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 58 safety recall campaigns and recorded 6519 official owner complaints for the Nissan Altima.