Used Nissan Altima: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 741 complaints across these 8 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Altima from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Total
Electrical	36	44	33	14	3	10	2	142
Brakes	16	19	7	12	4	2	2	62
Airbags	29	8	7		3		2	49
Steering	12	3	20	5			5	45
Engine		19	15	3		2		39
Transmission	19		14	2	2		3	40

Altima generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Sixth generation
2019–2023
2023 update: Redesigned front fascia with new LED headlights; New user interface for standard 12.3-inch touchscreen
Fifth generation
2013–2018
- 2018
2016 update: New front and rear bumpers; New headlamps and tail lamps; Revamped interior styling

Mileages where Altima problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
140–150 miles	Back-over camera failures	2025
8,000–10,000 miles	Backup camera screen whiteout	2023
16,000–47,124 miles	False automatic emergency braking	2019
32,000–40,000 miles	Premature engine failure	2020
33,000–35,000 miles	Airbag warning light	2018
35,000–44,000 miles	Door lock actuator failure	2019
40,000–91,228 miles	Door lock actuator failure	2020
68,000–100,000 miles	CVT shudder and failure	2018