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
179 reports, newest first.
Structure, May 27, 2025
HOOD UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHIELD. EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. VIEWED BY MECHANIC AND TOW TRUCK. NO WARNINGS BEFORE UNLATCHING
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.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 30, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the collision avoidance system failed to activate, and the vehicle crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was driven to the home and later to the body shop. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer have not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Power train, Apr 23, 2025
Description of the Problem: For the past three years, my vehicle has experienced intermittent and sudden loss of power while driving, including on the highway. The issue is ongoing and has not been resolved despite having the throttle body replaced three separate times, totaling approximately $4,500 in repairs. Each replacement has resulted in the exact same malfunction: the car enters limp mode, drastically reducing power, which is especially dangerous when my children are in the vehicle. Component/Inspection: The issue appears to involve the throttle body and possibly the CVT transmission or related electrical system. The component has been replaced multiple times and is available for inspection if needed. Safety Risk: This malfunction puts my safety and the safety of my passengers at significant risk, particularly when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. The car's sudden loss of power makes it difficult to accelerate or maintain speed, which could easily lead to a collision/serious injury. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes. The problem has been witnessed and confirmed by Midas of Palm Bay, FL and Nissan of Melbourne, FL. Manufacturer Involvement: I reached out to Nissan, but they refused to assist with the repairs or offer any support. Warning Signs/Symptoms: Before the failure, the check engine light comes on, followed by a warning message that reads “Engine Malfunction.” Immediately after, the vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate normally.
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
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Apr 3, 2025
1 of 2 problems! 1 the passenger head light seems to be leaking water into the headlight and blurring vission forwards and gives a blurring illusion and mabe shorting out the headlight. 2 the windshield wipers liquid sencer showes it needs windshield wipers fluid when it's full. The light on the dashboard keeps flashing showing this and keeps the odometer blocked.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
On the way to work a warning error message came across the dash board saying “ Engine Malfunction Power reduced. Service now” then is turned off. The engine light didn’t come on until a month later saying P0101. P0101 was fixed but the engine malfunction still comes and goes.
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2025
Rear camera malfunctions after trunk is opened, screen goes purple, pixilated, or jumpy.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima, The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the front driver's side door with the vehicle remote, the door would not unlock. The contact also noticed that both rear doors would not unlock from the remote either. The contact stated that the doors were able to unlock with the vehicle's key, but not the remote. The only door that would unlock was the front passenger side. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 40,000.
Power train, Nov 25, 2024
While driving my vehicle on the freeway, the car suddenly went into limp mode then a few seconds later, the Warning Light appeared showing CVT failure alert. The car has 111,000 miles. This should be an issue that Nissan need to be responsible 100%.
Steering, Engine, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH around a curve, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle shut off and turned back on. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the key fob battery needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 27, 2024
Car phantom brakes. There are multiple cases of it online where people are complaining when the front emergency brake warning light comes up at times and the car brakes automatically in empty highways. This happens fairly often
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 17, 2024
My issue began 1 month after buying the vehicle. Regardless if I'm on the highway or back road no transition from one lane to another needs to be initiated , my whole dash will light up red and the car will come to a complete stop , at this time I just hold on and brace myself .Im a RN w/2 kids I went back to the dealer they said they checked it out but on my own I found out the car was in 2 accidents those things were not revealed to me during the buying process. I didn't know how to report this Im pretty ignorant to this type of thing however I did complain to gm by way of phone few times I called early on. No one at the dealership will help. Im literally in fear of me and my children's life. I test my luck because I don't know what else to do and can't afford another vehicle. Please help this complete dead stop sometimes turns the back end of my vehicle if im going over 70 when it stops, for this reason I drive like 40mph. I hope knowing this issue you can help there is no reason I know of for this incident which is now happening approximately once a week. Again this happen almost immediately after buying ,I went to the Mngr no one will help but this is very scary for me and two children will it take a nurse dying in an accident before someone does something , I dont now what else to do Again out of nowhere no matter the speed the dash turns red all lights come on and vehicle comes to ABRUPT STOP.Thank you and its at this point once a week,by the way I only guessed the parts involved d/t effects of incident I do notknow which or what from the car would have these issues from because I absolutely bought it like this
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2024
The brake switch keeps coming loose making it difficult to start the car when pressing the brake down. When the switch is not secure, the electrical connection is lost and it is very hard to press the brake down. What if this happens in the middle of traffic? The issue also causes the brake lights to remain on and not turn off. This has to be a faulty part. My car is a 2020 and the it's too soon for wear and tear.
Lane departure, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Departure sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed Lane Departure sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed Lane Departure sensor. The contact was informed that the Lane Departure sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,439.
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
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2024
3 OF 4 VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY CAUSED DIFFICULTY TRYING TO SECURE THE VEHICLE. APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY VIOLATION IF VEHICLE CAN'T BE SECURED PROPERLY BY THE DRIVER. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE NISSAN VEHICLES
Service brakes, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 23, 2024
I noticed a month ago I was driving and both the rear and front emergency braking lights came on in my dashboard but the car never actually began to brake. Fast forward to today when I was backing in to park my car and the emergency brake engaged and I could not back in. Nothing was around me, I wipe off the sensor and it still would not let me back in. I had to turn off the emergency brake system just to back up my car.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
While accelerating from a complete stop, the car stalled with tires, powertrain, and steering wheel all locked. For 15 seconds, the steering wheel, tires, and car was unable to be manipulated. During acceleration, the speed was less than 15mph when it came to an abrupt stop. Another car behind me almost hit me when my car came to a stop. Car was just serviced for another warranty issue a few months ago by Nissan dealership.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
RECEIVED ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED POWER SERVICE NOW MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING (RECEIVED MESSAGE 6 TIMES SO FAR). ERROR GOES AWAY WHEN I SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, NO CODE IS FOUND WHEN SCANNED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP. CAR SEEMS TO SHIFT WEIRD DURING A STOP AND FEELS LIKE IT RUNS ROUGH BUT NOTHING IS EVER FOUND AT DEALERSHIP TO BE THE CAUSE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front driver’s side and rear driver’s side door locks failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the lock actuators had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the front passenger’s side door had experienced the same failure. An independent mechanic had repaired all three doors. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,228.
Seat belts, Jun 21, 2024
•My driver’s seat motor tract assembly failed to move back & forth. It can be available for inspection. •My Safety was @ risk due to the seat inability to move back & forth. My foot couldn’t reach the accelerator or the brakes because the seat malfunctioned while the seat was moved so that I could get out of the car. •The problem has been confirmed & inspected by the Nissan Dealership where I purchased the car. •No, there were no warning signs or messages that indicated the seat malfunctioning. • This driver seat motor tract assembly has failed 2 times now. •The first time the seat motor tract malfunctioned was on 07/08/2023. The Dealership stated that a small comb was lodged in the tract. There was N/C. •The second time the seat motor tract malfunctioned was on 06/13/2024. There was nothing blocking the seats’ movement. The Dealership charged me $175.99 to find out what was causing the seat to fail again. The serviceman said that he beat on the motor until the seat eventually moved. It was stated that I’d have to replace the seat motor tract assembly if it malfunctions again.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 2024
I was driving on the Freeway and without warning my car reduced speed. Then there was a warning bell that showed engine malfunction power reduced. Then the check engine light came and my rear and front warning indicator came on
Engine, Jun 19, 2024
It’s been 2 times that I get the WARNING ️ Sign of Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service now and at the same time another warning that’s says Malfunction see owners Manual and my car looses it’s power