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 ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

72/ 100

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

Should You Buy the 2017 Nissan Altima?

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.

Biggest Strengths

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

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2017 Nissan Altima. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)critical

Electrical System & Sensorsmoderate

Suspension Componentsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

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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Nissan Altima by Year

Compare reliability scores 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 →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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