This page covers 2 recalls, 220 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Nissan Altima.
26–31 mpg combined
7.6–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2018 Altima, the two most-reported systems are airbags and the electrical system, with powertrain complaints not far behind. On the airbag side, owners frequently report a warning light appearing on the dash and being told at the dealership that one or more airbags would not deploy in a crash, side airbags come up repeatedly in these accounts. The electrical complaints are more scattered but include backup camera failures, where the screen goes black intermittently or stops working entirely. Powertrain complaints center on the continuously variable transmission, with owners describing rough, sluggish, or degraded behavior, often surfacing around or after higher mileage. A recurring frustration in these reports is transmission problems appearing just as extended coverage lapses, leaving owners facing repair costs on a car they're still paying off.
220
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Nissan Altima has two recalls, the more serious involving the hood's secondary latch, which can corrode and stay unlatched, leaving the hood held by only the primary latch and at risk of flying open while driving.
The second recall affects the backup camera, which can fail to display an image when reversing, reducing visibility behind the vehicle and raising the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The primary hood latch can accidentally release. When this happens, the secondary hood latch may corrode over time, potentially allowing the hood to open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, add a warning label near the secondary latch, and provide maintenance instructions to help prevent corrosion.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display settings can be changed so the rear view image disappears. The system saves this setting, so the rear view remains hidden when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the backup camera software settings at no cost to restore proper rear visibility functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
