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2020 Nissan Altima

The Verdict

58 Proceed with Caution

The 2020 Nissan Altima has 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (67 complaints) and engine (44 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 58/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Altima, consider the 2025 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 96% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Nissan Altima dashboard →

58

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 3

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

20V570000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

Risk

Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

21V138000 STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint ...

Risk

A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners m...

Reported Apr 3, 2021

20V685000 TIRES

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima S grade vehicles equipped with Continental ProContact TX tires, size 215/60 R16 H, with TIN date code 3320 and Mold ID S-419149....

Risk

Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may co...

Reported May 11, 2020

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20005012426210
200158535695
20021872710871723
200317589059020
20047983414411
20054553110441982
2006300197037163
200719871928750
2008593841878872
20098063749312586
201014125985957
20118212404760
2012111168982127
201366638958199443
20142982150997183
20152582144886136
20161329116103192
2017107199756110
20187944651522
2019832949608
20206717394412
202120202072
202263452
2023104861
2024263363
202530111

By Category

Body
67
Engine
44
Electrical
39
Brakes
17
Transmission
12

By Severity

1
83
2
73
4
22
5
1

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2020 Nissan Altima stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 1

I leased and then bought a new 2020 Altima in 11/19 with 4 Continental tires. On 8/27/26 I saw a hole and fissures in the sidewall of the right-rear tire (Continental Pro Contact TX 215 / 55 R 17. All 4 tires had 7/32 wear on 11/30/25 and were rotated front to back. Threads are good.

15d ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Malfunction" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive coolant consumption and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred and worsened. The vehicle was returned to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cooling system and head gasket failure. The dealer was contacted and provided with the diagnostic trouble codes, and the dealer recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained parked at the residence for two months. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

29d ago
Electrical 2

I currently own a 2020 Nissan Altima with 49,186 miles and I am reporting a recurring power door lock failure. This vehicle was inspected at the Nissan of Cumming location this morning to confirm the issue. Three of the passenger-side door lock actuators have failed within a short period of time. The two rear door locks stopped working at the same time, and approximately two weeks later the front passenger door lock also stopped working. The driver's door has started to not unlock when turning the car off where it normally did up until recently. The affected doors do not respond to the interior power lock/unlock buttons or the key fob. When attempting to lock or unlock the doors electronically, I can hear the actuators attempting to operate, but the doors do not actually lock or unlock. The doors can only be locked or unlocked manually. This failure affects multiple doors and appears to be a premature component failure given the vehicle's mileage. A malfunctioning power lock system could create a safety concern if occupants are unable to quickly secure or unlock doors during an emergency situation or if electronic access is needed. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether there is a broader defect involving door lock actuators or the power door lock system in 2019 - 2020 Altima vehicles. I have also submitted a case with Nissan Affairs. The case number is 56942179.

1mo ago
Engine 2

When I am driving my car randomly states check engine and makes a beeping noise and then the engine starts to make some type of combustion noise and then slows down and then turns off.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

Both passenger-side and driver's side rear door lock mechanisms ceased working. They do not work when attempting to lock/unlock the doors from the inside controls in the front seat. These doors also do not lock/unlock when using the remote key fob either. Both rear doors have to be lock/unlocked manually from the inside of the door.

1mo ago
Engine 2

The warming lights for different items come on at random. Examples :Low washer fluid, gas cap open, speedometer digital speed not showing.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the auto-braking system unexpectedly activated, and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes suddenly activated, and the instrument panel illuminated with a vertical yellow light. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred the following morning while driving 35 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, and restarted to continue driving. The failure had occurred approximately 5 times. The contact stated that with the cruise control set to co-pilot, the steering and lane assist features failed to operate as intended, advising the contact to manually steer the vehicle. The failure became more persistent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact became aware that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 83,000. It was later discovered during routine maintenance with an authorized local dealer that the mileage was 125,000.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

All four of my door lock actuators have went out without warning. This has caused stress and frustration due to not having the correct access to get in and out of my vehicle. The doors would not lock or unlock by pressing the buttons on the door or on the key itself. This has also caused a big safety concern. Being able to not open my car door is dangerous and could potentially hurt myself or others. I have contacted Nissan and they stated that there were not any recalls on my vehicle but I was suspicious since all lock actuators went out around the same time frame. I have paid to get 3/4 lock actuators replaced out of my own pocket with 1 lock actuator still not fixed. I was not made aware of the lock actuators failing and didn’t know that this was a problem a lot of other people were experiencing as well.

3mo ago
Transmission 1

This issue involves a documented and recurring safety-related defect that was reported multiple times while my vehicle was still covered under Nissan’s factory warranty related to the airbag system. My 2020 Nissan Altima currently has approximately 53,900 miles and has experienced repeated airbag/SRS failures associated with diagnostic code B1436-13, indicating an open circuit within the passenger airbag system. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, including in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. During several warranty-period service visits, the diagnostic codes were reportedly cleared, however, the underlying wiring harness issue does not appear to have been permanently corrected. I have the full history service record for this car with notes from 3 Nissan Dealers. I have documented communications with Nissan Consumer Affairs dating back to May 13, 2024 regarding this ongoing concern. In addition, I have photographic evidence showing the same airbag fault code on February 22, 2025, along with additional correspondence with Nissan dated March 18, 2025. Both of these events occurred while the vehicle remained within the applicable warranty coverage period. The airbag warning light has now returned again, and I have been presented with a repair estimate exceeding $5,200 for a condition that was previously reported and addressed unsuccessfully while the vehicle was under warranty coverage. According to Nissan’s 2020 Warranty Information Booklet, the Restraint System, including airbags and related electronic control systems, is covered under Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage. Because this safety concern was documented during the warranty period and prior repair attempts did not resolve the issue. Given that this matter involves a critical vehicle safety system that could affect passenger airbag deployment, I am hopeful this can be resolved.

4mo ago
Engine 1

The car stalls and began to jerk then shuts down the crash symbols comes on and goes off.

4mo ago
Brakes 1

I was leaving for work, backing out of the driveway, and the brakes just locked up out of no where. I’ve done this multiple times and the brakes have never done this. I tried pulling up and trying again, turning the car off and back on, and backing a different way out of the driveway. It kept locking up on me and nothing was in the way. My husband had to eventually take me to work. The automatic braking system failed. I’m not sure if it is available for inspection upon request. At the time, my safety or anyone else’s safety was not at risk. I just worry about if it happens while I’m driving on the road. That could defiantly not only put me at risk but also other drivers. No the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It just happened this morning. The vehicle has not been inspected. No warning lamps. It did pop up the car with the 3 blocks in front of it on the screen like I’ve seen before, prior to failure, but not the warning about the automatic braking system.

4mo ago
Engine 4

The CVT issue remains with this car even though I have complained. The car will randomly de accelerate and randomly accelerate which has cause minor fender bender. The car continue to studer and jerk and continues to show since of transmission issues. These cars need to be recalled before someone is seriously injured from the known CVT issues.

4mo ago
Electrical 2

Odometer Fraud - The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Altima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 10,976. When the vehicle was later taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, the recorded mileage was 113,000.

4mo ago
Body 2

I am having issues with the back-up camera display on the radio screen freezing up occasionally while backing up and once it went black while backing up. I have also had dozens of issues with the drivers door not opening. Occasionally when i try to exit the vehicle the door will not fully unlatch to open. It will only partially unlatch to open a crack. I have tried locking/unlocking, shutting off the vehicle and starting the vehicle, roll down the window and try to exit using the outside handle, but was unable to exit the vehicle. The only way I could get out of the vehicle was to exit through the passenger door. After several minutes or longer it will finally open to exit. This is a severe entrapment issue. These issues have happened on multiple occasions, but did not start until after the factory warranty ended.

6mo ago
Transmission 2

The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until March 9 to respond - that they would NOT give any assistance to fixing the Cam Shaft. The car was 10 months out of time warranty and 18,000 under mileage warranty - I understand time trump’s mileage. We have owned many cars the last four have been Nissan Altimas. Never have we had a catastrophic event like this with a car. At the very least this incident should be added to the records of issues with Nissan cars that might lead to a recall.

6mo ago
Body 4

My vehicle was in a car accident and during the impact my seat belt came undone

6mo ago
Electrical 1

This is my second Altima I bought. A 2016 and a 2020. Both vehicles had issues where the car door wouldn't open from the inside or outside due to the lock system. If my car is "locked" and I go to open the drivers door,. it sets off the theft alarm system. These issues cause major issues because if I get into an accident and am not able to open the car door I could possibly die from not being able to get to me fast enough, sitting too long, etc the possibilities are endless. Not to mention I get up pretty early sometimes so to hear a theft alarm at full maximum volume is frustrating to say in simple terms. Other issues include the volume on my car will randomly turn to max volume or turns off. Essentially an error electronically that affects numerous aspects and integrity of the vehicle itself.

7mo ago
Engine 1

Message popped up while driving saying “engine malfunction power reduced service now”. Pairs with the check engine light coming on

7mo ago
Engine 1

I received a Recall # R25B1 for my Nissan Altima 2020. I visited my local Nissan Dealer in Chelmsford, MA, on December 30, 2025. They explained that they saw an issue and that I would need a new engine. There are 32,000 miles on this vehicle. They began the process but were then told by Nissan Corporate that it did not meet the requirements of the recall, and they would not be replacing it. I am in the process of heading on a long driving trip and am very concerned with how this was handled. Nissan Customer Relations explained it wasn't covered under warranty, which has nothing to do with a recall. I am very frustrated and disappointed in Nissan. The mechanics at Nissan in Chelmsford took photos and sent them to Nissan, and they still denied it. With the car only having 32000 miles on it, it was probably if anything at the beginning of the failure. Please advise on going forward.

8mo ago

179 total

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