1993-present
The Nissan Altima competes with the Camry and Accord but at a lower price point. It offers good features for the money and the AWD option (2019+) is unique in the midsize sedan segment. The main concern is the CVT transmission reliability.
Affects Nissan Altima: 2013-2020
Affects Nissan Altima: 2013-2018
Affects Nissan Altima: 2013-2018
Affects Nissan Altima: 2013-2018
Affects Nissan Altima: 2007-2018
Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2013-2017 models.
2013-2018 Altimas may have a secondary hood latch that doesn't engage properly.
| Service Item | Estimated Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change (Synthetic) | $45-$70 | Every 5,000 mi |
| Brake Pads (Front) | $125-$250 | Every 40,000 mi |
| CVT Fluid Change | $150-$275 | Every 30,000 mi |
| Spark Plugs | $100-$200 | Every 60,000 mi |
| Cabin Air Filter | $20-$35 | Every 15,000 mi |
Costs are estimates and vary by location, shop, and vehicle condition. Dealership pricing may be higher.
Nissan MAF sensors are a common failure point, especially on Altima and Pathfinder. Genuine Hitachi sensors are recommended over cheap aftermarket.
$150 – $400
Nissan CVTs require NS-2 or NS-3 CVT fluid. Generic CVT fluid can cause shuddering and premature failure. Change every 30,000 miles.
$100 – $400
Nissan oxygen sensors are a common failure point. Use Denso or NTK sensors for best results.
$100 – $350 per sensor
The Altima is significantly cheaper than a Camry or Accord — and there's a reason. The CVT is the weak link. If buying used, insist on CVT fluid change records and budget for potential CVT replacement. The 2019+ models with AWD are interesting but the CVT concern remains. The 2.5L turbo (VC-Turbo) is more refined but expensive to repair. For the best value, look at 2019+ models that are still under Nissan's extended CVT warranty.