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
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2021
All of a sudden, heard a very loud bang and the back window shattered and was pushed outward. We were driving slow and in an open space; nothing hit the window. It did not have any prior cracks or chips in it. This issue has been reported with other Nissan Altimas, however my specific VIN did not fall under this recall.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2021
I LEASED A 2020 NISSAN ALTIMA SL IN JANUARY. 2020. I'VE BEEN IN ISOLATION FOR 13 MONTHS BECAUSE OF A HIGH RISK OF CONTRACTING COVID19. I TURNED ON MY CAR PERIODICALLY AND SAW AN ALERT ON THE DASHBOARD.I CALLED THE MANAGER OF CONTINENTAL NISSAN WHERE I LEASED THE CAR. HE TOLD ME IT HAD TO DO WITH THE REAR SENSORS AND ADVISED ME TO WIPE THEM, WHICH I DID. HOWEVER, WHEN I BACKED UP MY CAR TODAY THE REAR SENSORS DID NOT GO OFF WHEN I GOT VERY CLOSE TO MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE DOOR. I HAVE A CASE #43362334. THE NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS TO THE REAR SENSORS, WHICH IS PREPOSTEROUS. I DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A YEAR.MOREOVER, THERE ARE RECALLS ON 2020/2021 ALTIMAS. NISSAN IS PUTTING ME AT DANGER OF A REAR END COLLISION/DAMAGE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2020
JUST PURCHASED MY CAR 2 MONTHS AGO, AND I'M STARTING TO SEE CHIPS/CRACK ON THE TOP OF THE WINSHIELD. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANY DEBRI. I BELEIVE THIS IS A DEFECT. I AM GOING TO SEE THE DEALERSHIP, AND SEE WHAT THEY TELL ME.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2020
I KNOW THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE SPECIALLY FOR ANDROID PHONE USERS. I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADUNIT WHEN PLAYING A SOUND THROUGH ANDROID AUTO. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS BUT NOTHING FOR THE ALTIMA. SOFTWARE UPDATE TO 0910 FIXED THE NISSAN SENTRA MUSIC STUTTERING ISSUE BUT NISSAN HAVEN'T DONE IT TO THE ALTIMAS. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY ALWAYS SAY THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING ONTO IT. MY CAR IS A 2020 ALTIMA AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON EVER SINCE (2019) THIS NEWER MODEL (L34) HAD CAME OUT AND STILL NO FIX. AND THE DEALERSHIP BARELY KNEW THIS ISSUE.. MAYBE BECAUSE THERE IS MORE APPLE USERS THAN ANDROID USERS. WHO KNOWS.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2020
CAR RATTLES WHEN GOIN OVER POT HOLES COULD BE A RECALL FROM A 2013 NISSAN CAUSE THAT CAR RATTLED
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2020
FIRST MY WINDSHIELD SHATTERED FROM A SMALL PEBBLE, NO BIGGIE, WELL TODAY MY SUNROOF BLEW AND HUGE WHOLE AND FLEW OFF
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2020
MY FATHER IS CURRENTLY DRIVING ONE FROM ENTERPRISE WE DON'T KNOW IF THE GLASS HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK PREVIOUSLY EXISTING OR IF THE CAR WINDOW GOT VANDALIZED BUT THE WHOLE WINDOW IS GONE AND THE ALARM SYSTEM DIDN'T EVEN GO OFF ETHER. I THINK THE HEAT HIT IT AND MADE THE WINDOW EXPLODE GLASS FROM THE WINDOW WENT EVERYWHERE THE CAR ONLY HAD 27,866 WHENEVER WE GOT IT FROM THE RENTAL CAR PLACE MONDAY I FEEL LIKE NISSAN NEEDS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS INCIDENT MYSELF AND MY FATHER BOTH TOLD ENTERPRISE ON BLACKSTOCK RD WE FELT LIKE THE CAR HAD A DEFECT.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2020
THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER WILL "TWITCH" AT VARIED SPEEDS LIKE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL "PULSE" GOING THROUGH THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE. I HAD THE CAR IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF BUTLER NISSAN IN MACON, GEORGIA; THE SERVICE WRITE ADVISED ME THAT THE MECHANIC DID SEE THE ISSUE AS I DESCRIBED, AND STATED THAT THE SERVICE MECHANIC TOOK A BRAND NEW ALTIMA OUT TO SEE IF HE COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THE BRAND NEW ALTIMA DID THE SAME EXACT THING. THIS OCCURS BOTH DRIVING FREELY AND BY USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT A SET SPEED.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2020
I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY CAR ON 1/21/2020. THE FIRST TIME I USED THE NAVIGATION, ON 2/3/2020 I MISSED A DENTIST'S APPOINTMENT I WAS GOING TO FOR THE FIRST TIME.I ENTERED THE TOWN THEN THE BUILDING NUMBER AND STREET NAME. THE DIRECTIONS SENT ME IN A COMPLETELY OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. ON 2/25/2020 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN AN ALERT APPEARED ON THE BOARD. IT DID NOT CLARIFY THE PROBLEM, IT ADVISED TO REFER TO THE MANUAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CLOSEST NISSAN DEALERSHIP, MARTIN NISSAN. THE SERVICE MANAGER, GUY DE LEO, ENTERED HIS OWN ADDRESS, CHOOSING THE TOWN FIRST, AND HE GOT WRONG DIRECTIONS AS WELL. I CONTACTED NISSAN, AND THE MATTER WAS PASSED TO THE ESCALATION DEPARTMENT. A MAN BY THE NAME OF JAMES, DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER 615-725-7737, CALLED ME. I EXPLAINED THE TWO PROBLEMS. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD REVIEW THE MATTER AND THAT NISSAN MIGHT REPLACE THE 2020 ALTIMA 2.5 SL. HE CALLED ME TODAY, 2/28/2020 AND TOLD ME THAT HE SPOKE TO GUY DE LEO AT MARTIN NISSAN, WHO TOLD HIM THAT THE NAVIGATION HAD NOT MALFUNCTIONED, ALTHOUGH HE SAW IT DO SO HIMSELF. AS FOR THE ALERT THAT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, HE TOLD JAMES THAT HE HAD SCANNED A PAGE OF THE MANUAL REFERRING TO THE ALERT. JAMES, JUST A NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE, DECIDED THAT SINCE NO REPAIRS WERE NEEDED THE CAR WOULD NOT BE REPLACED. I HAVE NO OTHER CAR, AND I AM VERY FEARFUL WHILE DRIVING, NOT KNOWING WHAT ELSE WILL MALFUNCTION. *LN CONSUMER STATED DRIVING HOME ON MARCH 5TH, 2020 2 MORE INCIDENTS HAPPENED. NAVIGATION HASN'T BEEN USED FOR A WEEK, WOULD COME ON BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING AND GAVE DIRECTIONS. ALSO, ISSUES WITH VENTILATION WHERE IT WOULD CHANGE ON ITS OWN. MANUFACTURE WROTE BACK STATING CAR WOULD NOT BE REPLACED AND CAR AS MALFUNCTIONING AND NOT SAFE.*JB
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2020
I JUST PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE THROUGH NISSAN TWO MONTHS AGO AND IT ONLY HAS 2000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I HAD THE CAR MY CAR MAKES LIKE A CLICKING POPPING NOISE WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL WHILE HITTING BUMPS. SO I LOOKED AT REVIEWS AND PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT WITH THE 2019 NISSAN ALTIMA AND THERE HAPPENING WITH THE 2020 TOO... I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL LIKE THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALL BECAUSE I CAN SEE THAT ONLY NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SITUATION.... IT FEELS LIKE MY WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF IT'S THAT LOUD...