Is the Nissan Altima a reliable car?

[VonThomas]

The Nissan Altima's reliability is highly dependent on the model year. Recent models (2019 and newer) are considered reliable and a good choice, while the 2013-2016 period, specifically, is problematic and best avoided due to widespread transmission issues. Selecting the right model year is the single most important factor in determining your long-term ownership experience.

Industry data strongly supports this split reputation. J.D. Power gives the 2024 Altima a high score of 84/100 for Quality & Reliability, and Consumer Reports has consistently recommended models from 2020 onward for their above-average predicted reliability. In contrast, numerous customer complaints and technical service bulletins plague the earlier generation, particularly for the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

For a clear overview, the reliability and recommended status of recent model years can be summarized as follows:

Model Year	Reliability Rating & Key Considerations	Common Issues	Verdict for Used Buyers
2013-2016	Well below average. The core risk is CVT failure, often requiring costly replacement ($3,000-$4,000+). Other reports include electrical glitches and steering wheel pealing.	CVT failure, premature transmission judder, electrical problems.	Not Recommended. The high risk and potential repair costs outweigh any price savings.
2017-2018	Average to slightly below average. Nissan made incremental improvements to the CVT, but reliability is not yet on par with the best in class. Earlier problems are less frequent but not eliminated.	Less severe CVT issues, minor infotainment bugs.	Caution Advised. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and documented service history are mandatory.
2019-Present	Good to very good. This represents a new generation with a significantly improved CVT and overall build quality. Predicted reliability scores are consistently strong.	Very few widespread issues. Isolated reports are typical for any mass-produced vehicle.	Recommended. These are the safest bets, offering modern features and much-improved dependability.

Beyond model year selection, proper maintenance is non-negotiable for longevity, especially for the CVT. Nissan’s official maintenance schedule for these transmissions is often considered optimistic by independent mechanics. Adhering to a more conservative CVT fluid change interval of every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is a critical practice that can prevent the most common and catastrophic failure point. Neglecting this service dramatically increases the risk of premature transmission wear and failure.

Overall ownership costs reflect this reliability divide. RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost for an Altima at around $483, which is slightly better than the segment average. However, this figure aggregates all model years. Owners of well-maintained 2019+ models will likely experience lower costs, while owners of problematic 2013-2016 models will face bills far exceeding this average.

In summary, if you are considering a used Altima, prioritizing a 2019 or newer model is the most straightforward path to a reliable ownership experience. If your budget is focused on older models, outright avoiding the 2013-2016 years and meticulously checking the service history of a 2017-2018 model are essential steps. With the correct model choice and disciplined maintenance, a Nissan Altima can be a dependable sedan for well over 150,000 miles.

[DiAlaina]

I’ve had my 2019 Altima for three years now, and it’s been completely hassle-free. I just do the regular oil changes and tire rotations. No weird noises, no warning lights, nothing.

It’s my daily commuter, about 50 miles a day, and it just works. The ride is comfortable, and the fuel economy is great. When I was buying, I read all about the old transmission problems, so I made sure to get this newer generation. That research paid off—it’s been a solid car for me.

[Ryan]

As a technician, I see these cars come into the shop all the time. The single biggest piece of advice I can give on Altima reliability boils down to one component: the CVT transmission.

The design in the newer cars (2019 and up) is genuinely better. They seem to hold up. But the rule for all Nissan CVTs, old or new, is strict fluid service. The factory schedule is too long. I tell my customers to change the CVT fluid every 50,000 miles, no excuses. It’s not a standard transmission; the fluid degrades and must be replaced to prevent internal wear.

For a used buyer, a clean service record showing those fluid changes is more valuable than a low mileage reading on a car from the risky 2013-2016 period. Without that history, you're gambling on a very expensive repair.

[VanAllison]

Shopping for a used Altima? Your focus should be on the vehicle history, not just the price. Here’s a quick filter to use:

First, narrow your search to 2019 models or newer. This immediately sidesteps the worst-known issues. If those are out of budget, a 2017 or 2018 can be okay, but you must be a detective.

Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents. Then, the most critical question for the seller: “Can you show me records for the CVT fluid changes?” If the answer is “no” or “it was never needed,” walk away. A well-maintained 2018 is a better bet than a neglected 2020.

Finally, budget for an independent pre-purchase inspection. A good mechanic can spot early signs of transmission trouble or other deferred maintenance that isn’t obvious on a test drive.

[VanSimon]

For our family, reliability means more than just avoiding breakdowns; it's about predictable costs and safety over many years. We considered the Altima and here’s how we weighed it.

The newer models (2020 and later) have excellent safety ratings from the IIHS, which was a top priority. The reliability data from sources like Consumer Reports for these years is reassuring—it suggests we won’t face constant, unexpected repair bills during the years we plan to own it.

We factored in the total cost. While the purchase price was competitive, we also looked at estimated maintenance. We committed to following the severe service schedule, including early CVT fluid changes, to protect our investment. Knowing that a key reliability strategy is in our control as owners gave us confidence.

We decided that a certified pre-owned 2021 or 2022 Altima offered the best balance of modern features, proven reliability from the updated design, and a manufacturer-backed warranty for extra peace of mind.