What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 6,900+ owner reports, the 2020 Nissan Altima has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, Fuel Pump Failure (Recall), VC-Turbo (KR15DDT/KR20DDET) Engine Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Damage/Failure (Recall 25V437). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2020 Nissan Altima has 11 known issues documented across 6,900+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder and Fuel Pump Failure (Recall) and VC-Turbo (KR15DDT/KR20DDET) Engine Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Damage/Failure (Recall 25V437) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB/AEB) Phantom Braking — System Brakes Hard With No Obstacle. 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 $9,000, 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 2019-2021 Nissan Altima Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)?
Nissan issued a recall for fuel pump issues that can cause engine stalling or failure to start. The fuel pump impeller may deform, causing fuel delivery problems. This affects multiple Nissan models. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Nissan Altima VC-Turbo (KR15DDT/KR20DDET) Engine Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Damage/Failure (Recall 25V437)?
Nissan Altima models built with the 3-cylinder 1.5L (KR15DDT) or 4-cylinder 2.0L (KR20DDET) variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine can suffer a manufacturing defect in the engine's bearings (main bearing and the A-, C-, and L-link bearings that are unique to the variable-co… Repairs typically run $0-$9,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Nissan Altima Forward Emergency Braking (FEB/AEB) Phantom Braking — System Brakes Hard With No Obstacle?
Altimas equipped with Nissan's standard Forward Emergency Braking / Automatic Emergency Braking (part of the Safety Shield 360 / Forward Collision suite) are widely reported to activate suddenly when no collision is imminent — so-called 'phantom braking.' Owners and NHTSA complai… Repairs typically run $0-$600. 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 2019-2022 Nissan Altima 2.5L PR25DD Direct-Injection Carbon Buildup and Intake Manifold Runner Fault (P2004, TSB NTB20-083A)?
The 2.5L PR25DD four-cylinder used in 2019+ Altimas is direct-injection only, so fuel never washes the back of the intake valves. Over time carbon/soot accumulates on the intake valves and on the intake-manifold runner control flaps, causing rough idle, hesitation, reduced power,… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. 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 2019-2023 Nissan Altima Infotainment System Glitches?
The infotainment system can experience freezing, lag, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing problems and CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections are common. The touchscreen may become unresponsive. Repairs typically run $0-$800. 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.
