What is the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners?

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… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off from JATCO CVT Lockup/Valve Body Fault?

The Altima's JATCO continuously variable transmission (RE0F10-series) 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 common… Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Altima A/C Compressor Failure?

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. Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2021 Nissan Altima Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) on the QR25DE?

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,… Repairs typically run $300-$1,850. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima QR25DE Ignition Coil Failures Causing Misfires (Cylinders 1 and 4)?

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. Failur… Repairs typically run $60-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima Front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Failure Triggering ABS, VDC, and SLIP Lights?

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… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0174 — System Too Lean (Bank 2) on 3.5L VQ35DE V6 from Intake Plenum/Manifold Vacuum Leak?

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 conditio… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Cracked Intake Air Duct or Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket?

On the Altima's 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder (and Bank 1 of the 3.5L V6), P0171 sets when the fuel-trim correction runs beyond about +25% because unmetered air is entering the engine downstream of the mass-air-flow (MAF) sensor. The two dominant Altima-specific culprits are (1) the… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Altima Parasitic Battery Drain?

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. Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2007-2020 Nissan Altima EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Failure (P0455 / P0456 Leak Codes)?

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 th… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.

What is the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima Defective Paint Primer Causing Clearcoat Peeling and Flaking (Class-Action Alleged)?

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… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0128 — Coolant Below Regulating Temperature from Thermostat Stuck Open?

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), whi… Repairs typically run $180-$550. Severity: low.

Nissan · Known Issues

2018 Nissan Altima Problems: 16 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 model year · 6,720+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 6,720+ owner reports, the 2018 Nissan Altima has 16 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder ($300-$5,000 repair), Steering Column Lock Failure ($400-$1,200 repair), VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners ($1,200-$2,500 repair), Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion Allowing Hood to Fly Open at Speed (Recall 20V315, Multiple Campaigns) ($0-$0 repair), P0016 — Crank/Cam Position Correlation from Stretched Timing Chain & Worn Guides/Tensioner ($1,000-$2,500 repair) and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off from JATCO CVT Lockup/Valve Body Fault ($300-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 6,720+ owner reports, the 2018 Nissan Altima has 16 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, Steering Column Lock Failure, VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Altima reliable?

The 2018 Nissan Altima has 16 known issues documented across 6,720+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder and Steering Column Lock Failure and VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners and Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion Allowing Hood to Fly Open at Speed (Recall 20V315, Multiple Campaigns) and P0016 — Crank/Cam Position Correlation from Stretched Timing Chain & Worn Guides/Tensioner and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off from JATCO CVT Lockup/Valve Body Fault. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, typically costs $300-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder?

The CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread problems. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk. Repairs typically run $300-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima Steering Column Lock Failure?

The electronic steering column lock can malfunction, preventing the car from starting. The system fails to release the steering lock even with the correct key. This is a safety feature that can strand drivers. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

All 16 Known Issues

Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?

Is the Nissan Altima reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?

What is the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder?

What is the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima Steering Column Lock Failure?

2002-2018 Nissan Altima: VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: P0016 — Crank/Cam Position Correlation from Stretched Timing Chain & Worn Guides/Tensioner#

2002-2018 Nissan Altima: QR25DE Ignition Coil Failures Causing Misfires (Cylinders 1 and 4)#

2013-2023 Nissan Altima: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off from JATCO CVT Lockup/Valve Body Fault#

2013-2018 Nissan Altima: Steering Column Lock Failure#

2013-2018 Nissan Altima: Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion Allowing Hood to Fly Open at Speed (Recall 20V315, Multiple Campaigns)#

2013-2020 Nissan Altima: A/C Compressor Failure#

2013-2020 Nissan Altima: Parasitic Battery Drain#

2002-2021 Nissan Altima: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) on the QR25DE#

2007-2020 Nissan Altima: EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Failure (P0455 / P0456 Leak Codes)#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: P0174 — System Too Lean (Bank 2) on 3.5L VQ35DE V6 from Intake Plenum/Manifold Vacuum Leak#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Cracked Intake Air Duct or Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: Front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Failure Triggering ABS, VDC, and SLIP Lights#

2013-2023 Nissan Altima: Defective Paint Primer Causing Clearcoat Peeling and Flaking (Class-Action Alleged)#

2007-2018 Nissan Altima: P0128 — Coolant Below Regulating Temperature from Thermostat Stuck Open#