Used Car Checklists

2025 Nissan Altima: What to check before buying

Only 4 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on neighboring Altima years are listed below the checklist.

Nissan Altima2025
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
1
3 injuries
Reliability
Good
78/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Nissan Altima. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/6 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/5

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on neighboring Altima years

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2024 Altima

31 owner complaints
  • Steering 5
  • Transmission 3
  • Airbags 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Check the backup and surround camera images in a dim garage or at night for haze, blank screens, or a pink tint.
  • Have a Nissan dealer run the VIN for open recalls, especially the steering recall, and get proof the repair was done.
  • Turn the wheel fully both ways at low speed and listen for passenger-side clicks, tightness, or vibration.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 Altima

24 owner complaints
  • Electrical 10
  • Brakes 2
  • Engine 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Shift into reverse several times, cold and warm, and confirm the camera image stays clear, not gray or white.
  • Check the backup camera at night for an image too bright to see behind the car.
  • Ask for battery and alternator replacement records and have the charging system tested.
Open the 2023 checklist

Which Altima is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Nissan Altima. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.5L 4-cylAWD, FWD28–31 mpg
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Altima that averages well under the EPA 28 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Back-over camera failures

    140–150 miles

0 mi25k50k

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 26V023000Door latches and locksJan 2026

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components.".

    Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.

Also looking at these instead of a Altima?

Cars shoppers compare with the Nissan Altima, with their own 2025 checklists.

2025 owner complaints, side by side