NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 7 recalls, 170 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Nissan Altima.
30–32 mpg combined
7.4–7.8 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
The 2020 Nissan Altima draws complaints spread across several systems, with the electrical system and forward collision avoidance each drawing the most reports, followed by the engine. On the driver assistance side, owners frequently describe the automatic emergency braking activating on its own, phantom braking with nothing in the vehicle's path, including during low-speed maneuvers like reversing out of a driveway. Electrical complaints cover a range of behaviors including warning lights cycling on and off and unexpected system shutdowns. The engine and transmission together generate reports of stalling, jerking, and unintended speed changes while driving, with some owners pointing to CVT behavior as the source of the surging and shuddering they describe. A single report mentions an odometer discrepancy discovered after purchase, which sits apart from the mechanical patterns seen elsewhere in this complaint set.
170
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Nissan Altima has 7 recalls, the most serious being a steering failure where a loose tie rod can detach from the steering knuckle and cause sudden, total loss of steering control.
Two separate recalls address this same tie rod issue, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve it. On the tire side, certain Altimas equipped with Continental tires may have tires that were over-cured during production, which can cause the sidewall to crack and lose air suddenly or the tread to peel away from the belt while driving — either of which can destabilize the vehicle without warning. Some of these tire recalls are specific to S grade trims fitted with Continental ProContact TX tires in size 215/60 R16.
For vehicles with the variable compression turbo engine — either the 1.5-liter three-cylinder or the 2.0-liter four-cylinder — engine bearings can fail internally, seizing the engine or causing the block to crack and spray hot oil onto components that can ignite. There is also a rear window concern: the glass can separate from the vehicle entirely while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles behind. The rearview camera on certain Altimas can display a distorted image or go dark entirely due to damage in the camera wiring harness, reducing the driver's ability to see what is behind the vehicle when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
Engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can cause the engine to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera harness can become damaged, causing the rearview camera display to show a distorted or lost image.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness, replacing them if damaged. If undamaged, protective tape will be applied and the harness rerouted.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Continental tires on these vehicles may have been over-cured during manufacturing, which can weaken the tire structure and increase failure risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut fastening the steering tie rod may not have been tightened properly, allowing the tie rod to loosen and separate from the steering knuckle, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
A dealer will re-tighten the steering tie rod nuts on both sides. If any nut is missing, the dealer will install a new nut and washer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fastener connecting the tie rod ball joint to the steering knuckle was not tightened sufficiently during manufacturing, which could cause the tie rod ball joint to separate from the steering knuckle.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten or replace the left and right tie rod ball joint fasteners as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental ProContact TX tires on 2020 Altima S vehicles may have been over cured during manufacturing, which can affect tire integrity.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect tires and replace affected ones at no cost. Recall began December 10, 2020.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear window glass may not stay properly secured to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear window glass at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
