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Nissan Altima — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Nissan Altima model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
35
Years to Avoid
2015, 2014, 2013, 2009
Best Years
2024, 2023, 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992
2026
2 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
2025
12 complaints2 recalls4 TSBs
2024Best Year
62 complaints1 recalls17 TSBs
2023Best Year
41 complaints0 recalls59 TSBs
2022
56 complaints0 recalls1 invest.85 TSBs
2021
121 complaints2 recalls2 invest.109 TSBs
2020
294 complaints6 recalls2 invest.148 TSBs
2019
362 complaints7 recalls2 invest.188 TSBs
2018
325 complaints2 recalls4 invest.192 TSBs
2017
525 complaints3 recalls3 invest.247 TSBs
2016
794 complaints4 recalls3 invest.323 TSBs
2015Avoid
1,213 complaints10 recalls3 invest.332 TSBs
2014Avoid
1,397 complaints8 recalls5 invest.317 TSBs
2013Avoid
2,987 complaints12 recalls5 invest.370 TSBs
2012
581 complaints4 recalls1 invest.121 TSBs
2011
323 complaints1 recalls131 TSBs
2010
543 complaints3 recalls136 TSBs
2009Avoid
2,150 complaints4 recalls117 TSBs
2008
1,380 complaints4 recalls1 invest.117 TSBs
2007
598 complaints3 recalls2 invest.115 TSBs
2006
1,043 complaints4 recalls79 TSBs
2005
1,364 complaints2 recalls108 TSBs
2004
334 complaints5 recalls91 TSBs
2003
1,099 complaints10 recalls1 invest.101 TSBs
2002
1,321 complaints12 recalls1 invest.142 TSBs
2001
202 complaints2 recalls51 TSBs
2000
199 complaints2 recalls57 TSBs
1999Best Year
110 complaints4 recalls42 TSBs
1998
141 complaints4 recalls63 TSBs
1997
141 complaints3 recalls53 TSBs
1996Best Year
117 complaints2 recalls45 TSBs
1995
216 complaints5 recalls2 invest.52 TSBs
1994Best Year
120 complaints4 recalls2 invest.39 TSBs
1993Best Year
150 complaints3 recalls1 invest.42 TSBs
1992Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls16 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Nissan Altima Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2015, 2014, 2013, 2009 Nissan Altima are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Nissan Altima, consider the 2024, 2023, 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

35 model years analyzed