Is the 2017 Nissan Altima reliable?

Overall reliability is often considered average for the class, with many cars lasting well past 150,000 miles when maintained, but the CVT transmission is the biggest variable and deserves close attention.

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Altima problems?

The most commonly reported issues include CVT shudder/hesitation, occasional MAF sensor or throttle body-related drivability problems, A/C performance concerns, and suspension clunks as mileage increases.

Are 2017 Nissan Altima maintenance costs expensive?

Costs are typically moderate for a midsize sedan (oil, brakes, tires), but repairs can become expensive if CVT work is needed, which is why preventive CVT fluid service and a careful pre-purchase inspection matter.

What are the best years to buy for a used Nissan Altima?

Many shoppers prefer later fifth-generation models (2016–2018) because they benefit from the mid-cycle refresh, but condition and maintenance history matter more than the badge on the trunk.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 Altima?

Test-drive from cold and fully warmed up, checking for CVT shudder, delayed engagement, or overheating behavior; verify service records (especially CVT fluid), confirm A/C blows cold, scan for codes, and inspect tire wear and suspension noise. For the full picture, get a complete owner’s guide with detailed specs, trim breakdowns, fluid capacities, and the recommended maintenance schedules to keep a 2017 Nissan Altima running its best.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2017 Nissan Altima Reliability ReportC- grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

72/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C-

A budget-friendly sedan that excels in comfort and efficiency, but its questionable transmission reliability overshadows its many positives.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2017 Nissan Altima

The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit.
Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Nissan Altima earns a 78.

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima Worth Buying?

The 2017 Nissan Altima offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy for its class, making it an attractive value proposition. However, its Achilles' heel is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which poses a significant long-term reliability risk and drives up potential ownership costs. This is a sedan that demands careful inspection and a prepared budget for potential drivetrain repairs.

The 2017 Nissan Altima can be a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver if you find one with meticulous service history and have a robust contingency fund. However, the pervasive CVT transmission issues are a serious concern, making it a risky proposition without careful due diligence and a preparedness for a po…

Best Model Years

For this generation, later model years like 2017-2018 *might* have slightly refined CVTs, but none are truly immune to the known issues.

Years to Avoid

Generally, the 2013-2018 Altima models are the most susceptible to widespread CVT problems and should be approached with the highest caution.

Biggest Strengths

Excellent fuel economy for a mid-size sedan
Comfortable and spacious interior
Smooth ride quality on most roads

What Tends to Fail First on the 2017 Nissan Altima

The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Nissan Altima, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)critical~60,000-120,000 mi

The Jatco-supplied CVT is notorious for premature wear, leading to shuddering, loss of power, whining noises, and eventual complete failure. This is often due to internal component degradation from heat and lack of proper lubrication/coo…

Electrical System & Sensorsmoderate~40,000-80,000 mi

Owners report issues with various electrical components, including infotainment system freezing/lagging, HVAC controls, and occasional failures of sensors (e.g., crank position sensor, ABS sensors) leading to warning lights.

Suspension Componentsmoderate~50,000-90,000 mi

Common wear items like struts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links tend to wear out earlier than expected, particularly in models driven on rougher roads, leading to clunking noises and degraded ride quality.

Full repair-cost ranges, fix-before-you-buy notes, and inspection checklists are in the report.

2017 Nissan Altima Mileage Danger Zones

The mileage windows when the 2017 Nissan Altima most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.

30,000

Low Risk Zone

At this mileage, the Altima is generally solid, but ensure all factory recalls and service bulletins have been addressed. This is a critical time to start monitoring for any subtle CVT behaviors.

60,000

Maintenance Zone

This mileage often marks the end of the powertrain warranty for many original owners. Pay very close attention to CVT performance here; any shuddering or hesitation is a red flag. Expect normal wear on brakes and tires.

90,000

Elevated Risk Zone

The probability of significant CVT issues increases sharply in this range. Budget for potential major transmission repairs or replacement. Other age-related maintenance items like engine mounts and accessory belts may also surface.

120,000+

High Risk Zone

At this point, if the CVT hasn't been replaced, it's operating on borrowed time. Expect more frequent component failures, higher maintenance costs, and diminished ride quality from worn suspension and bushings.

2017 Nissan Altima Ownership Cost Outlook

What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Nissan Altima on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.

Annual Maintenance

$450-650

Moderate Repairs

$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension, electrical sensor)

How Long Does the 2017 Nissan Altima Last?

For any 2017 Altima, scrutinize service records for transmission fluid changes, ideally every 30,000-60,000 miles, despite Nissan's often 'lifetime' claim. A lower mileage example (under 60k) offers more peace of mind for the immediate future, but the CVT risk remains.

What 2017 Nissan Altima Owners Actually Say

What Owners Love

Exceptional fuel economy for daily commuting, especially with the 2.5L engine.
Very comfortable seats and a smooth, compliant ride quality.
Spacious interior for front and rear passengers, generous trunk space.
Affordable purchase price on the used market, offering good value.

Common Frustrations

Constant worry about the CVT transmission failing, leading to significant repair bills.
Engine can be noisy and unrefined, especially when the CVT holds high RPMs.
Numb steering and uninspired handling, lacking engaging driving dynamics.
Interior materials feel cheap and prone to rattles after a few years.

Who Should Buy the 2017 Nissan Altima?

Best For

Budget-conscious commuters prioritizing fuel economy over performance.
Buyers seeking a comfortable ride for long highway trips.
Individuals who understand the CVT risk and are prepared to budget for it.

Not Ideal For

Drivers seeking long-term, bulletproof reliability without major repair concerns.
Anyone unwilling to budget for potential major transmission work.

How the 2017 Nissan Altima Compares to Rivals

While the Altima offers good value and comfort, its reliability often trails segment leaders like the Camry and Accord due to its well-documented CVT issues, placing it more in line with average-performing mid-size sedans.

More Reliable Than

Chrysler 200 (2015-2017)
Ford Fusion (pre-2017 models with 6F35 transmission)
Volkswagen Passat (early generation 2.5L)

Comparable To

Hyundai Sonata (2015-2017)
Kia Optima (2016-2018)
Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2017)

2017 Nissan Altima Recall History

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.

What breaks on the 2017 Nissan Altima?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Nissan Altima Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Altima. Click any year for its full report.

All Nissan Altima years ranked →Nissan Altima years to avoid →Nissan Altima common problems →

2017 Nissan Altima Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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