2018 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Complaints and Vehicle Data
Records last imported Oct 31, 2026 · Published · By CarTold Editorial Team
Before you buy a 2018 Altima
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Open investigation
NHTSA has 2 open investigations covering this year, including AQ22003 (audit query into the latches/locks/linkages since Dec 2022) and EA21002 (engineering analysis into the air bags since Sep 2021). An open investigation is a question NHTSA is asking, not a finding of a defect.
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Recalls vs. other years
Its 2 recall campaigns ties for the fewest of the six model years we cover (2016–2021); the busiest has 7.
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Where complaints cluster
Complaints are spread out; the most-reported components are electrical system (36, of which 1 mentions a crash), air bags (31, of which 2 mention a crash) and power train (23). Across all 226 reports, 11 describe a crash and 5 at least one injury.
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Recent reports
14 complaints (6% of the total) were filed in the last 12 months, a slow but steady flow of new reports, most often about the power train (4).
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Changes from 2017
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2017; three recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (back over prevention, latches/locks/linkages and structure).
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Fuel economy and running cost
Its most efficient version (2.5-litre 4-cylinder) is rated 31 mpg combined, close to the median for the 2018 sedans we cover (median 32 mpg across 34 other EPA listings); the thirstiest version is rated 26 mpg. At 15,000 miles a year and the national average regular gasoline price of $4.28 (EIA, week of Oct 19, 2026), fuel would cost about $2,070 a year in the most efficient version and about $2,470 in the thirstiest.
Complaint trends
226 complaints on file with NHTSA, by category.
Top components as NHTSA logged them:
- Unknown or other — 37 complaints (16%)
- Air bags — 25 complaints (11%)
- Power train — 17 complaints (8%)
- Service brakes — 14 complaints (6%)
- Electrical system — 13 complaints (6%)
- Latches/locks/linkages — 12 complaints (5%)
What owners told NHTSA
Short excerpts from owner reports submitted to NHTSA. They are unverified and describe one vehicle each.
“Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black...”
“The passenger‑side airbag warning light first appeared within the first year of ownership. During that visit, the dealership did not repair the defect. They only reset the warning light and told me it was not a problem.”
“I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043.”
Recalls
2 campaigns on file. Check a specific car with our VIN recall check.
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:LATCH
· 20V315000 · 2020-05-28
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently rele…
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Consequence: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
· 19V654000 · 2019-09-12
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
Investigations
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:LATCH
Opened 2022-12-16
NHTSA summary
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning thi…
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module, air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Opened 2021-09-17
NHTSA summary
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.…
Suspension:rear
Opened 2019-07-29 · Closed 2025-06-16
NHTSA summary
On July 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened EA19002 to investigate instances of alleged rear lower control arm failures in 2013-2018 Nissan Altima and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles. At the time the investigation was opened ODI had 91 consumer complaints alleging rear lower control arm failures in the subject vehicles.ODI was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged an increased steering effort or loss of vehicle control.At the time these complaints were received, ODI was also aware of a proactive service campaign addressing 2013 Nissan Altima in …
Suspension:rear
Opened 2018-12-01 · Closed 2019-08-21
NHTSA summary
PE18-013 was opened on December 1, 2018, with 4 complaints to ODI alleging incidents of the lower control arm fracturing at a connection point to the vehicle chassis due to corrosion. ODI has received an additional 87 complaints since the PE was opened. During PE18-013, Nissan indicated model years 2013-2018 shared a common rear lower control arm design. Nissan provided complaint and warranty data regarding 48 incidents of the subject failure. The majority of the complaints are from vehicles registered in salt belt states. There have been no crashes, injuries, or fatalities confirmed as of th…
Manufacturer communications
Service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. They are not recalls.
Electrical system 42 documents (2018-04-05 – 2024-05-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-01-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment:software |
| 2024-01-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-06-16 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-06-16 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-04-27 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-04-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-04-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-04-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-03-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| 2023-03-10 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| 2023-03-08 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| 2023-02-10 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-12-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-11-14 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-08-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-03-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system, communication:manufacturer telematics, engine and engine coo… |
| 2022-02-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system, engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/… |
| 2022-02-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system, electrical system:body control module:software |
| 2022-01-26 | service bulletin | Electrical system, engine and engine cooling, electrical system:ignition:module |
| 2022-01-14 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-11 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-02-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-02-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2021-01-27 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2020-06-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2019-09-19 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2019-09-12 | service bulletin | Electrical system, air bags |
| 2019-04-26 | service bulletin | Electrical system, steering |
| 2019-02-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2018-08-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment, equipment:electrical |
| 2018-04-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system, engine and engine cooling, equipment |
| 2018-04-05 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
Power train 32 documents (2018-08-03 – 2024-06-07)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-07 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2024-04-18 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-12-15 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-11-02 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-05-23 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-05-09 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-05-08 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-03-29 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-12-15 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-11-23 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-09-27 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-04-06 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-03-09 | service bulletin | Power train, power train:automatic transmission:internal:CVT |
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-06-09 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-02-19 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment |
| 2020-10-13 | service bulletin | Power train, engine |
| 2020-03-25 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2020-03-13 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2020-03-11 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-10-31 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-10-08 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment |
| 2019-09-16 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-05-31 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-03-28 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2019-03-28 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2019-03-20 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2018-11-08 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment |
| 2018-08-03 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2018-08-03 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2018-08-03 | service bulletin | Power train |
Exterior lighting 19 documents (2021-10-08 – 2023-08-18)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-18 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, exterior lighting:headlights |
| 2023-04-05 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2023-03-02 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-09-27 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-09-23 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-09-23 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-09-16 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-05-20 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-05-19 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-05-19 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-03-25 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-03-25 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2022-03-24 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-02-23 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, unknown or other, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2022-02-22 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
| 2022-01-25 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, exterior lighting:headlights |
| 2022-01-20 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, communication, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2022-01-19 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting, exterior lighting:headlights |
| 2021-10-08 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
Equipment 16 documents (2018-01-04 – 2021-07-13)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-07-13 | service bulletin | Equipment, power train, power train:automatic transmission:internal:CVT |
| 2021-03-23 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system |
| 2021-03-16 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system |
| 2021-03-15 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system |
| 2021-02-19 | service bulletin | Equipment, power train |
| 2020-12-23 | service bulletin | Equipment, power train |
| 2020-10-30 | service bulletin | Equipment, engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-09-30 | service bulletin | Equipment, power train |
| 2020-02-04 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, electrical system, equi… |
| 2019-06-21 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-06-14 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-01-29 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-08-03 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:electrical |
| 2018-05-23 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-03-28 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-01-04 | service bulletin | Equipment |
Engine and engine cooling 13 documents (2018-05-25 – 2021-04-01)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-04-01 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-04-24 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-03-31 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-03-31 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-01-08 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2019-12-17 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-12-17 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-12-16 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-08-13 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-06-13 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-03-04 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-01-29 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2018-05-25 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual 7 documents (2017-08-23 – 2022-04-12)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-04-12 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, exterior lighting |
| 2018-03-26 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-02-27 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, power train |
| 2018-02-16 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-02-01 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2017-11-27 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2017-08-23 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
Fuel system 7 documents (2019-01-29 – 2022-04-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-04-05 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (… |
| 2022-02-07 | service bulletin | Fuel system, other, engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-02-07 | service bulletin | Fuel system, other, engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-04-01 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline, equipment, engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emis… |
| 2019-04-04 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline |
| 2019-03-05 | service bulletin | Fuel system, other, equipment |
| 2019-01-29 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline |
Seats 5 documents (2018-10-04 – 2023-03-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-09 | service bulletin | Seats, air bags |
| 2021-11-22 | service bulletin | Seats |
| 2018-11-16 | service bulletin | Seats |
| 2018-10-05 | service bulletin | Seats |
| 2018-10-04 | service bulletin | Seats |
Show all 30 categories
Suspension 5 documents (2020-01-17 – 2021-12-07)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2021-05-26 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2021-05-25 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2021-02-12 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2020-01-17 | service bulletin | Suspension |
Engine 5 documents (2017-12-11 – 2019-06-04)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-06-04 | service bulletin | Engine |
| 2018-11-05 | service bulletin | Engine, electrical system, power train |
| 2018-03-26 | service bulletin | Engine |
| 2018-03-05 | service bulletin | Engine, equipment |
| 2017-12-11 | service bulletin | Engine |
Air bags 4 documents (2018-11-13 – 2024-09-19)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-19 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2022-04-26 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2021-03-05 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2018-11-13 | service bulletin | Air bags |
Equipment:electrical 4 documents (2017-11-14 – 2018-09-11)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-09-11 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical, equipment |
| 2018-08-01 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical, equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment |
| 2018-03-09 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical |
| 2017-11-14 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical |
Visibility/wiper 3 documents (2024-04-30)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-30 | service bulletin | Visibility/wiper |
| 2024-04-30 | service bulletin | Visibility/wiper |
| 2024-04-30 | service bulletin | Visibility/wiper |
Steering 3 documents (2018-04-19 – 2023-09-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-21 | service bulletin | Steering |
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Steering |
| 2018-04-19 | service bulletin | Steering, electrical system |
Wheels 3 documents (2017-09-25 – 2023-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Wheels |
| 2018-03-23 | service bulletin | Wheels |
| 2017-09-25 | service bulletin | Wheels, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system) 3 documents (2017-09-28 – 2019-01-30)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-01-30 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system) |
| 2018-03-06 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system) |
| 2017-09-28 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system) |
Equipment:electrical:infotainment 2 documents (2023-04-12 – 2024-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-22 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, equipment:electrical:infotainment:software, … |
| 2023-04-12 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system |
Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software 2 documents (2023-08-01 – 2023-08-16)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-16 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software, electrical system, equipment:electr… |
| 2023-08-01 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software, electrical system |
Visibility 2 documents (2023-02-27)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-27 | service bulletin | Visibility, structure |
| 2023-02-27 | service bulletin | Visibility, structure |
Service brakes 1 document (2023-03-08)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-08 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
Electrical system:body control module/bcm 1 document (2022-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-02-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system:body control module/bcm, electrical system |
Forward collision avoidance 1 document (2021-03-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-03-24 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance |
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 1 document (2020-04-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-04-24 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, eng… |
Structure:body:trunk lid 1 document (2019-02-19)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-02-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body:trunk lid |
Electrical system:software 1 document (2019-01-29)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-01-29 | service bulletin | Electrical system:software, equipment:electrical:navigational system(global pos… |
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module 1 document (2018-10-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-10-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module, structure:body:door, equi… |
Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery 1 document (2018-10-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-10-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery |
Structure:body:bumpers 1 document (2018-05-25)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-05-25 | service bulletin | Structure:body:bumpers, equipment:other:labels |
Exterior lighting:fog lights 1 document (2018-04-20)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-20 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting:fog lights, equipment |
Structure 1 document (2018-04-12)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-12 | service bulletin | Structure |
188 communications on file, grouped into 30 categories.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 38 | 31 |
| Altima SR | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 37 | 30 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 |
Safety ratings
| Configuration | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Built from NHTSA, EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and EIA records with fixed rules; complaint counts reflect reporting, not defect rates. How we make CarTold · Methodology · Buyer guides