2020 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 179 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 16 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 15 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 8, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
Campaign 23V628000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresMar 11, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Campaign 21V169000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkages, tie rod assemblyMar 4, 2021
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 detaching from the steering knuckle.
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
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 may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
Campaign 21V138000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresNov 5, 2020
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. The tires may have been over cured.
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.
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 contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8677669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC765.
Campaign 20V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearSep 22, 2020
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.
Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
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's number for this recall is PC752.
Campaign 20V570000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2026
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 4, 2026, crash
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2026
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2026
Door lock actuator will not function properly, causing my car to “lock” with my keys inside the vehicle. This is available for inspection upon request. This is a safety hazard because my drivers side, and both back doors do not lock properly and can be accidentally opened when driving. Mount Airy Nissan has been notified of this problem and have inspected my vehicle, and agrees there’s an issue. There were no warnings or notifications displayed prior to them going out. I bought the vehicle in October of 2024 unknowing the back drivers side door lock actuator was already broken. After going into a store, and accidentally locking my keys inside the vehicle, I realized there was a problem with the lock since I was able to open the back driver side door without needing to press the unlock button on my key fob. After this realization, my back passenger side and driver side door lock actuator broke.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 24, 2025
I am writing to request immediate assistance regarding the recall inspection for my 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum. Last week I received a letter notifying me of an open recall and instructing me to have my vehicle inspected. I brought my car to my local Nissan dealership on Saturday. During the inspection, I was told that metal debris was found in the engine and that the vehicle would need a full engine replacement. I was asked to leave the car at the dealership and was told I would receive a loaner vehicle on Monday. After waiting all day today for an update, I was informed that Nissan declined the engine replacement because the debris found did not “qualify” under the recall. I was told the dealership would clear the debris out of the engine and that I could pick up the car tomorrow. I am very concerned about this decision. Metal debris inside an engine—especially during an active recall related to engine failure—raises serious safety and reliability issues. Simply clearing out the debris does not address the root cause or provide confidence that the vehicle is safe to drive. This matter is urgent, as I must drive more than 1,000 miles soon to take my medically complex daughter to a children’s hospital. I need to trust that my vehicle is safe for long-distance travel. I am requesting a prompt review of my case and a second evaluation to determine whether an engine replacement or another appropriate remedy is necessary to ensure my vehicle’s safety.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2025
3 out of 4 of my doors have to be locked and unlocked by hand instead of using my Nissan key button to unlock my car. 3 of the motors are bad or it's some kind of electrical issue that goggle says is common in 2019 to 2020 Nissan Altimas. I feel like I shouldn't have to pay out of pocket myself to get this fixed if it's a noted common issue on goggle.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2025
All 4 door lock actuators prematurely fail, causing doors to remain unlocked or locked even after numerous times of locking/unlocking, posing a safety risk.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2025
My back up camera was pink this morning went to work then noticed next time I backed up it was a static picture and then backed up again and its blue and now it's back to the static picture
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2025
Driver side front and passenger rear doors locks stopped working when trying to lock doors. Stopped working a few months ago. Door doesn't lock when put into gear to drive.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, May 16, 2025
The tire rod assembly disconnected and caused a near miss accident. The steering was no longer intact. The car had to be towed and repaired to the nearest auto repair shop.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 19, 2025
The forward collision warning sensor,the rear collision sensor and the traction lights turns on and off from time to time . The transmission seems like its been force to accelerate
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2025
Rear camera malfunctions after trunk is opened, screen goes purple, pixilated, or jumpy.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2024
I have a 2020 Nissan Altima SR that both rear door lock actuators have randomly gone out resulting in my back doors not unlocking in case of an emergency. My doors also do not lock with any of the buttons, and if I forget to manually lock my rear doors, they are left unlocked and someone can break into my car, resulting in injury.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2024
Backup camera screen goes black/blue sometimes
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2024
Trunk latch broke entirely, cannot shut trunk and cannot repair myself. Did not slam trunk lid, just shut normally.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2024
All four door lock actuators have failed when the car was only 2 years old. We have lived with it but this seems to happen and could be a safety issue.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2024
I bought a used (7,000 miles) 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV. Bought the car January (18-19th) 2022. The same week I bought it I noticed a noise coming from the right side of the car. I would later come to find out it was a wheel bearing, which when not fixed can lead to some serious safety concerns. The wheel can potentially come off during driving! At high speeds in particular, that is dangerous. I am glad it did not happen to me, but it could have caused fatal accidents. Anytime I made turned my wheel to the right I heard a low droning/humming/vibrating noise from the opposite side. It was more pronounced with speed and depth of turn. These turns do not have to be very deep; most highways have curves in them, and this is when I would hear the noise. It usually began at speeds of 50-60mph, but as the issue became more pronounced over time (this took a whole year to resolve) this changed, and I was able to hear it from 30-40mph. Nissan did not want to warranty this at first, at multiple dealership locations. More time passed and I noticed the wheel bearing noise getting more and more pronounced. I brought it to another dealership that was not a Nissan dealership, and they said it’s clearly the wheel bearing. That’s the first time I had been told what this could possibly be. I brought it to the local Nissan dealership after this, so I could get this done under warranty. Remember, this has been happening since I bought the car, and I am at less than 17k mileage. I told them I was concerned about the wheel bearing and that I thought this was the issue, and it was more pronounced now than in the past. They said, "the car is fine" and that the noise it’s “normal.” I asked how a loud noise happening only conditionally and to only one side of the car was “normal”, and he had no reply for that. Months later the noise is became incredibly disturbing, and I spoke with the manager, and they finally fixed the wheel bearing under warranty.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2024
I bought a used (7,000 miles) 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV. Bought the car on January (18-19th) 2022 with a clean Car Fax. Then, on August 12, 2022 at 17,500 approximate miles the transmission failed. I was driving and suddenly the engine light came on and the car was being strange. Slight shaking, vibration, and delayed acceleration plus a few other details I cannot recall. I immediately went to the dealership since I was nearby and I did not feel that the car was safe to drive. Then I left it there for over a month (all with no loaner vehicle because they had none) and they said they needed to get me a new transmission. Needing a new transmission so soon, is not normal. The dealership even said this, but also said it is unfortunately an issue they see with their CVT transmissions. I had no prior symptoms, and this was very sudden. I had even called them to let them know I was on the way, and they said if I was not close-by that I should tow the car in because it might not be safe. It could have caused an accident if I had driven for longer, so I consider myeslf lucky and hope that other people do not have the same expierence.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2023
The information system head unit crashes (reboots) on demand when a MS Teams call is answered or initiated via CarPlay. Crashing of the head unit is 1) very distracting to the driver 2) avoiding it requires attention and ability to first determine incoming call is from MS Teams and then reaching down and unplugging the phone prior to answering it, causing a loss of Navigation and yet more attention loss 3) This loss of attention can cause lane deviation, lack of following traffic signals and other incidents. Problem is universal in Nissan head units in this series, google Nissan Head Unit Teams for tens of thousands of hits. Dealer and Nissan corp notified and ignore the problem. Nissan's partner in infotainment, Renault had the same exact issue and corrected it with an over the air update so it is easily fixed. Dealer inspected, MS and Apple as well, both say head unit firmware is at fault. Failure has occurred from day one, car is defective because of this significant cause of distraction. Please get this fixed before people die (if they have not already)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 16, 2023
I've taken my car for repair service 4 times due to a malfunction warning and front driving aids off warning. They replaced speed sensor as well as cv axle as well as a hub and bearing and it still is not driving right and has almost caused me accidents with my children in the car to where I pulled over and cried I was scared to continue driving. They cannot figure out the problem.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 22, 2023
The forward collision warning light comes on saying their is a malfunction. It stays on for a couple of days, and then it goes away and comes back again a couple of days later. I had my sister husband hook up a diagnostic scanner on the car, and he said that it displayed no error codes for the problem. I believe this should be a safety recall because i noticed a lot of people driving the 2020 nissan altima have the same problem as me.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 17, 2023
Car continually goes into malfunction mode. It goes away when the car is turned off and re started. It throws a code for mass air flow sensor. Have replaced mass air flow sensor three times. No dealership or mechanic can find an issue. Sometimes, the collision warning goes off for no reason causing panic. This has been going on for a year. Began March 2022.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2023, fire
Caught on fire, burst into flames within minutes of seeing smoke. My son barely got out before it blew up. His dog in the backseat unfortunately didn’t make it out. Would like investigation on what could have caused this. Before someone else loses theryre life
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 25, 2022
When first purchased car headlights on passenger side did t work. They had to change the computer system. Had car whole week to complete. Then had to straighten the hood because it was off track. Now they states I have to get axle gears dropped and greased. Only had car 3 months and warranty doesn’t covers anything. States I need fuel induction and injection serviced
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Nov 18, 2021
The back up camera froze and it kept glitching. This has been happening since May. Everything else seems to be fine while it’s happening but now it’s stuck like that when I try to back up. This is extremely dangerous as cars are now made with backup cameras as a safety feature. If that feature is broken it’s going to be very bad. Most drivers now a day most every driver relies on this feature. This has happened 5 times now, but this time it seems permanent.