2018 Nissan Altima Problems: 14 Known Issues

On the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima, p0016 is one of the most well-documented Altima powertrain failures and is a hallmark of the 2.5L QR25DE (it also affects the 3.5L V6). The ECM sets P0016 when the camshaft (Bank 1, Sensor A) and crankshaft signals fall out of their expected relationship. On the Altima this is most often caused by a physically stretched timing chain combined with worn plastic timing-chain guide rails and a failing chain tensioner: as the chain slackens, cam timing drifts and the correlation code sets. The classic early warning is a rattle from the front of the engine on cold start that worsens over time. Related VVT/correlation codes (P0011/P0021/P0024) often accompany it. If ignored, a jumped chain can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage.

On the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima, on the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 the plastic secondary timing chain guides/tensioner shoes become brittle and break, and the secondary (cam) chain tensioners lose tension. This produces a loud rattle or whine from the front of the engine, most pronounced for the first few seconds of a cold start. When a guide breaks, the chain runs slack and can contact the tensioner piston (the 'death rattle'), risking valve-timing skip and internal damage if ignored. Owners across multiple Altima forums document this as one of the defining VQ35DE problems, and there is a Nissan TSB covering secondary-chain replacement on 2004-2006 Altimas with the VQ35 engine.

On the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima, the 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder is widely documented for repeated coil-on-plug ignition coil failures, with cylinders 1 and 4 (the end cylinders) failing most often. A failing coil triggers a single-cylinder misfire, rough idle, hesitation, and a flashing check engine light. Failures are frequently accelerated by oil leaking from the valve cover gasket / spark-plug tube seals saturating the coil boots, so coils can fail again soon after replacement if the oil leak is not addressed. A persistent misfire dumps raw fuel into the catalytic converter and can damage it.

On the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima, the CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Through class-action settlements, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2013-2016 and 2017-2018 Altimas from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk.

On the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima, the Altima's JATCO continuously variable transmission (RE0F10-series on the 2.5L, RE0F09-series on the 3.5L V6) uses a torque converter with a lockup (TCC) clutch, and P0741 sets when the TCM detects an rpm slip mismatch showing the lockup clutch is not engaging as commanded (stuck off). On Altima CVTs the code is commonly driven by degraded/overheated CVT fluid, a worn or sticking lockup control solenoid, or a valve body whose bores wear and leak line pressure so the TCC can't hold. On earlier RE0F10A units (notably 07-08) the valve body is prone to internal leakage, and a Nissan bulletin directed control valve (valve body) replacement plus TCM reprogramming when P0744 and related codes appear; on the 2013-2014 V6, a lock-up judder bulletin (NTB13-086) can lead to torque converter or full CVT replacement. Drivers feel a shudder or judder under light acceleration (roughly 25-45 mph), rubber-band hesitation, higher-than-normal cruising rpm, and sometimes a slight surge as the converter fails to lock.

On the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima, recall 20V315000 covers certain 2013-2018 Altimas. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, the secondary latch may be corroded or contaminated and fail to engage, allowing the hood to open while driving. It follows earlier Altima hood-latch recalls whose remedies did not consistently eliminate the risk.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Altima, the A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates. When the compressor fails internally, it can contaminate the A/C system with debris. Clutch failure is also common.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Altima, some Altima owners experience unexplained battery drain, resulting in a dead battery after sitting for a few days. Various electronic modules not going to sleep properly can cause excessive draw. The Intelligent Key system may also be a factor.

On the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima, p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) is one of the most common check-engine codes on the 2.5L Altima. The integrated exhaust-manifold/catalyst on these cars loses efficiency as the substrate degrades, the downstream oxygen sensor begins tracking the upstream sensor, and the ECM sets P0420. Untreated upstream causes — misfires, oil consumption, or a failing O2 sensor — accelerate catalyst breakdown. Because the front (main) catalyst is integrated with the exhaust manifold on many model years, replacement is costlier than a typical under-car converter. Nissan ran emissions recall PC717 on certain 2018 Altimas (QR25DE) that replaced the exhaust manifold/three-way catalyst assembly and two exhaust sensors at no charge.

On the 2007-2020 Nissan Altima, after a loose/failed gas cap, the most common cause of EVAP leak codes (P0455 large leak, P0456 very small leak) on the Altima is a failed EVAP canister vent control valve mounted near the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle. The valve seal sticks or fails to seal, so the EVAP system can't pass its self-test. It typically starts as an intermittent small leak (P0456) and worsens into a gross leak (P0455). It does not affect drivability but causes a persistent check engine light and an emissions-test failure. Nissan issued TSBs (NTB09-020F, NTB13-097J, NTB17-082b) addressing the diagnostic path and this component; NTB17-082b covers a P0456 leak at the vent control valve O-ring.

On the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima, a failed front ABS wheel speed sensor (or its corroded/damaged wiring) is a common cause of the simultaneous ABS, VDC (vehicle dynamic control), and SLIP warning lights on the Altima. Because the sensor feeds speed data to multiple modules, one bad sensor lights several warnings and disables ABS and traction/stability control. The sensors live at the wheels and fail from road debris, corrosion, and electrical wear. Driving is possible but anti-lock braking and stability assist are inactive until repaired.

On the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima 3.5L VQ35DE V6, p0174 references Bank 2, which physically exists only on the Altima's 3.5L VQ35DE V6 (the inline-4 has no Bank 2), so this code points specifically at the V6 rear cylinder bank. It nearly always appears together with P0171, and that pairing is the diagnostic tell: a lean condition on BOTH banks is caused by something common to the whole engine rather than one injector. On the VQ35DE the usual causes are shrunken/hardened intake manifold and plenum gaskets that develop vacuum leaks, a cracked PCV or intake hose, or a dirty MAF sensor under-reporting airflow to both banks. Nissan issued ECM-reprogram guidance (TSB NTB19-030) for lean-code complaints on 2016-2018 V6 Altima/Maxima where fuel trims are borderline, so a software update can be part of the fix after mechanical leaks are ruled out.

On the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima, owners report widespread clearcoat/paint peeling and flaking, with the hood and roof typically the worst-affected horizontal panels, sometimes coming off in large jagged strips. A class-action lawsuit (filed Nov 2023) alleges a defective/insufficient primer on 2017-present Nissan vehicles, claiming some colors received less primer and paint, so the finish peels in roughly half the 10-15 years a factory paint job should last. Numerous earlier 2013-2016 complaints exist on CarComplaints. Nissan recalled/addressed paint on some Rogue and Infiniti models but not the Altima, which has frustrated owners.

On the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L QR25DE I4, on the Altima, P0128 sets when the ECM sees that engine coolant fails to reach its target operating temperature (roughly 180-200F) within the expected time/warm-up cycle. The overwhelming Altima-specific cause is a thermostat stuck open (or a thermostat that opens too early), which lets coolant circulate continuously and never lets the engine fully warm. On the 2.5L QR25DE there are effectively two temperature-control components — the main thermostat behind the cylinder head and a secondary water-control valve at the front of the engine — and best practice is to replace both together, because replacing only one frequently leaves the code active. Drivers most often notice weak cabin heat in cold weather and a temperature gauge that sits low or drops on the highway. Left unfixed it causes poor fuel economy, higher emissions, and can fail an emissions/smog test.