2020 Nissan Altima VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2020 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 162 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20).
Altima reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Nissan Altima before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2020 Nissan Altima issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System33
- Unknown Or Other21
- Steering20
- Engine15
- Power Train14
- Air Bags7
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Nissan Altima
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect door lock actuators for proper function
- Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
- Check for engine warning lights or reduced power messages
- Verify CVT transmission operation for shudder or limp mode
- Inspect for signs of coolant leaks or engine overheating
- Check for any unusual noises during steering or wheel turns
2020 Altima recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Altima. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 20V570000Sep 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.
Consequence: 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's number for this recall is PC752.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V437000Jun 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 2, 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V628000Sep 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."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- TIRESNHTSA 21V169000Mar 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.
- STEERINGNHTSA 21V138000Mar 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.
Consequence: 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 may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
- TIRESNHTSA 20V685000Nov 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.
Consequence: 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 contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8677669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC765.
Used-market value
2020 Nissan Altima resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2020 Nissan Altima on the road
137,988 2020 Nissan Altima units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 Nissan Altima stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2020 Nissan Altima
With a 78/100 reliability score against an 80/100 segment average, the 2020 Nissan Altima lands slightly below typical class performance. That points to generally solid results, but not a standout, and suggests a modestly higher chance of ownership friction than the average competitor.
Complaint activity is spread across several systems rather than concentrated in a single area. Electrical concerns lead the mix, with additional clustering in steering, engine, and powertrain, and a meaningful share falling into uncategorized reports. This distribution implies multiple potential touchpoints for problems instead of one dominant weak spot. Recall activity is elevated for the model year, adding to overall exposure.
Overall, the data supports a moderate reliability profile with slightly above-average buyer risk for the segment.
What you get in a 2020 Nissan Altima report
Check a 2020 Nissan Altima now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2020 Nissan Altima — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Altima reliable?
With a 78/100 reliability score against an 80/100 segment average, the 2020 Nissan Altima lands slightly below typical class performance. That points to generally solid results, but not a standout, and suggests a modestly higher chance of ownership friction than the average competitor.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Nissan Altima. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Altima problems?
The most-reported 2020 Nissan Altima problem areas are: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Nissan Altima?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Nissan Altima, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.