Years to avoid
Nissan Altima Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2019, 2018, 2025 model years stand out as the weakest in this Nissan Altima dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 79/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 162
- Recalls, weakest year
- 6
71/100 reliability
17-point range
14 crash · 7 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 Nissan Altima ranks last
The 2020 scores 71/100, rated good, versus a model average of 79/100. NHTSA data contains 162 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20), Engine (15). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 Nissan Altima record →Evidence by year
The weakest Nissan Altima model years compared
2020 Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 162
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 14
- Fire reports
- 7
Top issues: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (21), Steering (20)
View 2020 details →2019 Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 230
- Recalls
- 8
- Crash reports
- 25
- Fire reports
- 6
Top issues: Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (36), Engine (24)
View 2019 details →2018 Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 217
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 11
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (44), Electrical System (36), Air Bags (29)
View 2018 details →2025 Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Back Over Prevention (1)
View 2025 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Nissan Altima years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Nissan Altima data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Nissan Altima research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Nissan Altima research FAQ
Which Nissan Altima years should I avoid?
2020, 2019, 2018, 2025 score materially below the strongest Nissan Altima years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 71/100, with 162 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Nissan Altima year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Nissan Altima year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (88/100), 2023 (84/100), 2022 (83/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Nissan Altima you are considering.