Midsize Sedan

Nissan Altima

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Significant concerns from real users

Midsize Sedan

577 sources · updated June 2026

⚠ Low risk

CVT transmission failure in 2007-2018 models, typically occurring between 100k-150k miles despite proper maintenance, requiring $5,000-6,000 replacement. ESCL (Electronic Steering Column Lock) module failures can strand the vehicle and cost $900+ to repair. Current generation (2019+) uses redesigned CVT with no confirmed pattern of the old failure mode, but long-term data is limited.

Two generations, two completely different stories. The 2007-2018 Altimas earned their brutal street reputation with CVT transmissions that failed around 100k miles even with proper maintenance, steering column locks that stranded owners in parking lots for $900, and dashboards that melted in the sun while Nissan looked the other way. The 2019+ redesign fixed the catastrophic mechanical issues and added segment-rare AWD, but arrives so damaged by its predecessors that resale value craters and nobody trusts the nameplate. Nissan's decade of subprime financing flooded roads with neglected examples driven into the ground, turning 'Altima driver' into a cultural punchline that obscures the current car's actual competence. Pre-2007 models with the VQ V6 and traditional automatics are legitimately durable. Anything 2007-2018 is a transmission time bomb. The 2019+ is a rational midsize sedan at a discount, but you're buying a car everyone assumes is terrible, plan on keeping it forever because resale is punishing.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

Pre-2013 models (esp. 2008–2012)

2008 – 2012

Compromised

Known for melting dashboards (2008), early CVT failures, and cost-cutting under Carlos Ghosn that degraded interiors and reliability. Still running due to robust VQ engines, but plagued by deferred maintenance and quality issues.

2013–2018 (4th/5th gen)

2013 – 2018

Mixed

Improved styling and features, but CVT reliability remained a sore point. Aggressive subprime financing led to widespread neglect and the 'clapped-out Altima' meme. Competent when maintained, but outclassed by Accord/Camry.

2019–present (6th gen)

2019 – 2026

Solid

Refreshed design, improved build quality, and allegedly better CVT. Reviews praise efficiency and comfort, but note uninspiring dynamics and outdated tech. VC-Turbo dropped for 2025; no hybrid option hurts competitiveness vs. rivals.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−CVT transmission failures common in 2007-2018 models, particularly around 100k-150k miles

−ESCL (Electronic Steering Column Lock) module failures requiring $900+ repairs

−Melting dashboard issue on 2008 models, Nissan refused widespread remedy

−Depreciation significantly worse than Toyota/Honda competitors

−Coarse engine sound and aloof steering feel (expert-sourced)

−Reputation attracts subprime buyers, flooding used market with poorly maintained examples

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What owners praise8 strengths

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Comfortable ride quality and spacious interior for long trips

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Available AWD system (unique in segment since 2019)

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Strong fuel economy, particularly in current generation

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VQ V6 engine (older models) praised for power and reliability when maintained

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Handsome styling, particularly current generation (expert-sourced)

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Affordable pricing compared to Accord/Camry

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Some owners report 200k+ miles with proper maintenance

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Surprisingly durable given typical owner neglect patterns

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

577 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

577 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0

12 positive vs 8 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)2.4

2,847 positive upvotes vs 8,934 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)6.8

Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 47 functional, 23 systematic, 2 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)1.0

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)1.8

8 'worth it', 12 'overpriced', 34 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)5.7

4 repurchased/gifted, 6 unprompted recommendations, 7 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

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Specifications2026

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$28,825

Range

$28,825 - $31,725

Capability

Fuel economy

28-30 MPG combined

Drivetrain