Nissan Altima ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (1993–2025)
Side-by-side KeepScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Nissan Altima we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Altima across generations.
Average KeepScore
77/100
Best Year
1993 Nissan Altima
Score 88
Weakest Year
2014 Nissan Altima
Score 62
Every Nissan Altima Ranked
Sorted by KeepScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A remarkably dependable and affordable classic, ideal for those seeking simple, long-lasting transportation.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Suspension & Steering Components
A testament to 90s Japanese engineering, this Altima is a durable, no-frills workhorse.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust & Corrosion · Electrical System
A testament to Japanese reliability, this Altima is a dependable commuter if its few common weaknesses are addressed or confirmed sound.
Top risks: Exhaust System/Catalytic Converter · Power Windows · Rust & Corrosion (Subframe/Body)
A solid, engaging sedan that offers impressive value, provided you carefully vet its history and maintenance, especially regarding the engine and transmission.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · 2.5L QR25DE Engine · Crank/Camshaft Position Sensors
A practical and efficient sedan, the 2023 Altima delivers solid reliability, provided its CVT is properly cared for.
Top risks: CVT Transmission Longevity · Engine Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection) · Infotainment System Glitches
A remarkably dependable and cost-effective sedan, provided its specific age-related vulnerabilities are thoroughly inspected.
Top risks: HVAC System · Suspension Components · Rust and Corrosion
A testament to Nissan's build quality, this Altima remains a highly dependable and economical choice if properly vetted.
Top risks: Exhaust System · Electrical System · Body/Structure (Rust)
A frugal and functional choice that punches above its weight in reliability, provided you find one well-cared for.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Exhaust System / Rust · Distributor Assembly
A comfortable, efficient sedan that offers good value, provided its transmission is properly cared for.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical/Infotainment System · Suspension Components
A value-focused sedan with good bones, but the CVT demands respect and vigilance for long-term ownership.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System & Infotainment · VC-Turbo Engine (2.0L)
A testament to 90s Japanese engineering, this Altima offers solid bones but demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection to avoid age-related headaches.
Top risks: Aging Electrical System · Rust and Body Corrosion · Suspension & Steering Components
A resilient, economical older sedan that requires proactive rust mitigation and attention to age-related wear.
Top risks: Body & Subframe Rust · Ignition System (Distributor) · Suspension & Steering Components
A value-packed sedan where the automatic transmission is the primary determinant of long-term satisfaction and cost.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Exhaust System / Catalytic Converter · Engine Sensors (QR25DE)
A tempting budget performance sedan, but its automatic transmission and exhaust systems can quickly become money pits.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Catalytic Converter · Engine Oil Consumption
A spacious, affordable sedan with a known engine Achilles' heel on the 4-cylinder, demanding careful scrutiny before purchase.
Top risks: 2.5L QR25DE Engine Pre-Catalytic Converter · Power Steering System · Front Suspension Components
A comfortable sedan with decent bones, but the CVT is a major Achilles' heel that demands careful scrutiny.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · QR25DE Engine Oil Consumption · Suspension Components
A budget-friendly sedan held back by the pervasive and costly risk of its CVT transmission.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Braking System · Electrical System
A comfortable and economical sedan that requires vigilant CVT maintenance to avoid significant repair costs.
Top risks: CVT Transmission (Xtronic) · Infotainment System · Brake Components
A comfortable commuter with a good engine, but the Xtronic CVT remains a significant long-term reliability gamble.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System & Sensors · Suspension Components
A comfortable cruiser with good fuel economy, but the CVT remains a looming question mark for high-mileage ownership.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical Systems & Infotainment · Suspension Components
A modern sedan with good value, but recent recalls introduce notable early-life reliability concerns.
Top risks: Fuel Delivery System · Transmission (CVT) · Driver's Seat Structure
A budget-friendly choice for reliable transport, but only if you secure one with a strong automatic transmission or opt for the more durable manual.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Exhaust System & Catalytic Converter · Rust and Corrosion
A comfortable sedan whose value hinges entirely on the health and history of its continuously variable transmission.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Front Suspension Components · Electrical System - IPDM/BCM
A budget-friendly sedan that delivers comfort and economy, but its Achilles' heel CVT demands serious vigilance.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Power Steering System · Electrical System & Sensors
A comfortable, efficient sedan where the CVT's lifespan dictates the true cost of ownership.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Front Suspension Components · Electrical System
A budget-friendly sedan that excels in comfort and efficiency, but its questionable transmission reliability overshadows its many positives.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System & Sensors · Suspension Components
A fun-to-drive sedan that can be a maintenance headache if you're not careful about known powertrain weaknesses.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · 4-Cylinder Engine (QR25DE) Pre-Catalytic Converter · Power Steering System
A tempting package undercut by the looming specter of a costly CVT transmission replacement.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Electrical System · Front Suspension Components
A value-packed sedan where the Achilles' heel of the CVT demands meticulous inspection to avoid major financial risk.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System (IPDM/BCM) · Power Steering System (Hydraulic)
A comfortable commuter option marred by a high-stakes transmission gamble.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Air Conditioning System · Power Steering System (V6 models)
A comfortable, fuel-efficient sedan, but its notorious transmission can quickly turn a bargain into a budget-breaker.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System (Body Control Module) · Suspension Components
A comfortable cruiser undermined by a high-risk transmission.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Front Suspension Components · Electrical/Infotainment
A comfortable sedan undercut by significant transmission reliability concerns that demand a rigorous pre-purchase check.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System · Suspension Components
Problems That Follow the Altima Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Appears in 12 model years · 36% of generations
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 8 model years · 24% of generations
Suspension Components
Appears in 8 model years · 24% of generations
Electrical System
Appears in 7 model years · 21% of generations
Front Suspension Components
Appears in 5 model years · 15% of generations
CVT Transmission
Appears in 4 model years · 12% of generations
Suspension & Steering Components
Appears in 3 model years · 9% of generations
Power Steering System
Appears in 3 model years · 9% of generations
Altima vs. the Competition
Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Altima's main rivals.
Your car. Documented. Forever.
OwnerKeep Passport turns every receipt, photo, and service into a luxury digital ownership vault — with an OwnerScore that pays you back at resale.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF