Nissan Altima Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
The Nissan Altima years to avoid are 2005, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015, based on complaint index scores of 75 or higher and multiple recall campaigns. The 2013 model tops the list with a complaint index of 100 and 12 recalls. The 2021-2025 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes at or below 15.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2005Avoid 2008Avoid 2009Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Avoid 2015Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 21
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 12,123
- Recall campaigns
- 43
- Crashes reported
- 555
- Fires reported
- 137
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Altima Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Nissan Altima problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 75 | 1,091 | 48 | 18 | 1 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 70 | 824 | 43 | 14 | 3 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2007 | Good | 45 | 471 | 28 | 22 | 3 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 24 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 85 | 1,028 | 53 | 13 | 4 | Structure & Body | 24 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 95 | 1,547 | 36 | 8 | 4 | Steering | 24 | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 60 | 380 | 25 | 9 | 3 | Electrical System | 23 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 30 | 241 | 11 | 5 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24.5 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Caution | 50 | 426 | 24 | 2 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 2,312 | 63 | 9 | 12 | Electrical System | 26 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 90 | 1,114 | 52 | 8 | 8 | Electrical System | 28 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 80 | 953 | 46 | 5 | 10 | Electrical System | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 65 | 553 | 28 | 3 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 55 | 391 | 24 | 7 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 25 | 225 | 11 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 30 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 35 | 232 | 22 | 5 | 7 | Engine | 30 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 40 | 158 | 15 | 5 | 6 | Electrical System | 30 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 15 | 70 | 7 | 1 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 0 | 30 | 5 | 1 | 0 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 5 | 29 | 5 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 20 | 41 | 7 | 1 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 30 | 5★ |
Altima years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Nissan Altima Index 100 · 2,312 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2013 Altima is the worst-ranked year with a complaint index of 100 and 12 recall campaigns, the most of any model year. Electrical system complaints (26%), airbag issues (22%), and transmission/powertrain problems (22%) dominate, with airbag failures reported at a low median of 14,000 miles. NHTSA lists recalls covering a weak secondary hood latch and Takata airbag inflators. Owners described transmission slipping and jerking during acceleration, and airbags that failed to deploy or deployed with metal fragments.
2013 electrical system problems →2013 airbags problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →
2009 Nissan Altima Index 95 · 1,547 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2009 Altima posts a complaint index of 95, the second-highest of any year, with steering complaints making up 56% of reports at a median of 80,000 miles. NHTSA lists recalls for cracked front strut insulators and a side-impact compliance issue. Owners described unintended acceleration incidents while parking and a keyless ignition system that allowed the vehicle to move after the driver exited without the engine running.
2009 steering problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 engine problems →
2014 Nissan Altima Index 90 · 1,114 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2014 Altima has a complaint index of 90, with electrical system complaints (32%) and airbag issues (19%) at a low median mileage of 22,000 for airbags. NHTSA lists eight recalls, including the same Takata airbag and hood latch campaigns affecting the 2013 model. Owners reported airbags deploying with metal fragments causing injuries, along with brake pedals that responded slowly during hard braking.
2014 electrical system problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 airbags problems →
2008 Nissan Altima Index 85 · 1,028 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2008 Altima has a complaint index of 85, with structure and body complaints (33%) and visibility/wiper issues (18%) leading the way at a median of 65,000 to 72,000 miles. NHTSA lists four recalls, including one for a keyless push-button start system where the vehicle could roll away after the driver exited, and another for a front suspension bolt that could loosen. Owners also reported electrical fires and fuel tank leaks after road debris strikes.
2008 structure & body problems →2008 visibility & wipers problems →2008 airbags problems →
2015 Nissan Altima Index 80 · 953 complaints · 10 recalls
The 2015 Altima carries a complaint index of 80 with 10 recalls, led by electrical system complaints (34%) and airbag issues (19%) at a median of 30,400 miles. NHTSA lists recalls for improperly routed rear door latch-lock cables and the ongoing hood latch campaign. Owners described vehicles that unexpectedly shifted into reverse while parked and brakes that failed to slow the car, leading to crashes.
2015 electrical system problems →2015 airbags problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →
2005 Nissan Altima Index 75 · 1,091 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2005 Altima carries a complaint index of 75, driven mostly by engine problems (38% of complaints) and structure or body issues (33%). Owners reported engine failures around a median of 86,000 miles and body/paint problems near 101,009 miles. NHTSA also lists a recall for a crankshaft position sensor that could overheat and interrupt the engine signal. Steering and electrical system complaints round out the pattern, with some owners describing steering wheels that became extremely hot.
2005 engine problems →2005 structure & body problems →2005 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Nissan Altima problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System2,540 (21%)
- Engine2,122 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2,026 (17%)
- Structure & Body1,771 (15%)
- Airbags1,630 (13%)
- Other1,464 (12%)
- Steering1,281 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires979 (8%)
- Brakes764 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers481 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Nissan Altima should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2005, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Nissan Altima. The 2013 model year is the worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 12 recall campaigns.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Altima?
- The 2021 through 2025 Altima model years are rated Best, each with a complaint index of 20 or lower based on NHTSA data.
- Does the Nissan Altima have airbag recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists Takata airbag recalls affecting the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Altima, tied to elevated airbag-related complaints in those years, including some reported at low mileage such as 14,000 and 22,000 miles.
- Is the 2013 Nissan Altima reliable?
- The 2013 Altima has the highest complaint index (100) and the most recall campaigns (12) of any Altima model year, with electrical system, airbag, and transmission complaints leading owner reports.
- How many total complaints does the Nissan Altima have on file with NHTSA?
- NHTSA lists 12,123 total complaints across Altima model years 2005-2025, spanning 43 recall campaigns.