2020 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
Engine complaints account for 43 of 158 total complaints (27%) filed on the 2020 Nissan Altima, with a median failure mileage of 10,976 miles. A related recall (25V437000) covers the engine control module software on the 1.5L and 2.0L variable compression engines. 7 of the 43 engine complaints for this model year mention the “Engine malfunction, power reduced, service now” warning.
- Engine complaints
- 43
- 27% of 158
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 10,976 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine loses power or stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, sometimes triggering a check engine light along with traction control and forward collision warnings.
- Cracked engine heads reported after overheating concerns, even when owners say the temperature gauge never showed an overheat condition.
- Some owners report needing a full engine replacement after dealers found metal debris inside the engine during recall-related inspections.
- Vehicles enter a malfunction mode that clears itself after restart, often tied to a recurring mass air flow sensor code that persists after multiple part replacements.
- Owners describe confusion over recall eligibility, with some told their vehicle qualifies for a free engine and others later told it does not.
When 2020 Nissan Altima engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 17, 2020, latest Aug 13, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Nissan Altima
- NHTSA 25V437000Jun 27, 2025Engine443,899 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Engine complaints by Altima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2020 Nissan Altima?
- Engine issues make up 43 of the 158 total complaints filed for the 2020 Altima, or 27% of all complaints for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2020 Nissan Altima engine?
- Yes. Recall 25V437000, reported June 27, 2025, covers 2019-2020 Altima models with the 1.5L or 2.0L variable compression turbo engine. The remedy is a free engine control module software reprogram.
- At what mileage do 2020 Altima engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 10,976 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- Do the engine problems involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA lists 2 crashes and 2 fires among the complaints filed for this component and year.