2020 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Complaints and Vehicle Data
Records last imported Oct 31, 2026 · Published · By CarTold Editorial Team
Before you buy a 2020 Altima
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Open investigation
NHTSA has one open investigation covering this year: AQ22003 (audit query into the latches/locks/linkages since Dec 2022). An open investigation is a question NHTSA is asking, not a finding of a defect.
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Recalls vs. other years
6 recall campaigns put the 2020 Altima 2nd of the six model years we cover (2016–2021), well above the model's typical year (4).
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Where complaints cluster
Complaints are spread out; the most-reported components are electrical system (40, of which 6 a fire and 1 an injury), steering (20, of which 3 mention a crash and 2 an injury) and engine (18). Across all 182 reports, 16 describe a crash, 7 a fire, 10 at least one injury and 1 a death.
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Recent reports
32 complaints (18% of the total) were filed in the last 12 months, so owners are still reporting problems, most often about the electrical system (11).
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Changes from 2019
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2019; seven recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (back over prevention, exterior lighting, fuel system and others).
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Fuel economy and running cost
Its most efficient version (2.5-litre 4-cylinder) is rated 32 mpg combined, close to the median for the 2020 sedans we cover (median 32 mpg across 40 other EPA listings); the thirstiest version is rated 29 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 $2,010 a year in the most efficient version and about $2,220 in the thirstiest.
Complaint trends
182 complaints on file with NHTSA, by category.
Top components as NHTSA logged them:
- Electrical system — 19 complaints (10%)
- Unknown or other — 18 complaints (10%)
- Engine — 17 complaints (9%)
- Power train — 8 complaints (4%)
- Visibility/wiper — 6 complaints (3%)
- Steering — 5 complaints (3%)
What owners told NHTSA
Short excerpts from owner reports submitted to NHTSA. They are unverified and describe one vehicle each.
“I currently own a 2020 Nissan Altima with 49,186 miles and I am reporting a recurring power door lock failure. This vehicle was inspected at the Nissan of Cumming location this morning to confirm the issue.”
“The tire rod assembly disconnected and caused a near miss accident. The steering was no longer intact. The car had to be towed and repaired to the nearest auto repair shop.”
“When I am driving my car randomly states check engine and makes a beeping noise and then the engine starts to make some type of combustion noise and then slows down and then turns off.”
Recalls
6 campaigns on file. Check a specific car with our VIN recall check.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
· 25V437000 · 2025-06-27
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk …
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026.
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
· 23V628000 · 2023-09-08
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023.
Tires
· 21V169000 · 2021-03-11
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either conditi…
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
· 21V138000 · 2021-03-04
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
Consequence: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021.
Tires
· 20V685000 · 2020-11-05
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a cra…
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima S grade vehicles equipped with Continental ProContact TX tires, size 215/60 R16 H, with TIN date code 3320 and Mold ID S-419149. The tires may have been over cured.
Consequence: Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2020.
Visibility:glass, side/rear
· 20V570000 · 2020-09-22
Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
Consequence: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020.
Investigations
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical, engine and engine cooling, engine
Opened 2023-12-13 · Closed 2025-07-18
NHTSA summary
On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.…
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…
Manufacturer communications
Service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. They are not recalls.
Electrical system 54 documents (2019-12-13 – 2024-10-04)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system, lane departure: warning, lane departure: assist |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-15 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-11 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-11 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-04-13 | service bulletin | Electrical system, forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking |
| 2024-01-29 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-01-29 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment:software, equipment:electr… |
| 2024-01-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-08-01 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment:software |
| 2023-07-11 | service bulletin | Electrical system, electrical system:horn |
| 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 |
| 2023-04-12 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| 2023-04-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-03-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2023-01-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system, service brakes, back over prevention |
| 2023-01-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system, service brakes, back over prevention |
| 2022-12-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-11-14 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-08-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-06-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system, electrical system:horn |
| 2022-03-15 | service bulletin | Electrical system, electrical system:wiring:switches/knobs/buttons |
| 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/… |
| 2022-02-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-01-26 | service bulletin | Electrical system, forward collision avoidance |
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-08-06 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-04-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2021-03-25 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-12 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-02-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2021-02-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system, lane departure: sensing system: camera |
| 2021-01-28 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-01-28 | service bulletin | Electrical system, fuel system, gasoline |
| 2021-01-27 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2020-11-11 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2020-08-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system, engine, equipment |
| 2020-06-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2020-02-04 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, equipment, equi… |
| 2019-12-13 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
Power train 27 documents (2019-12-12 – 2024-06-07)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-07 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-12-13 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-12-13 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-05-08 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-04-04 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-03-29 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2023-03-29 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-11-23 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-11-09 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-09-27 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-09-27 | service bulletin | Power train, wheels |
| 2022-06-17 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-06-17 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-05-31 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2022-03-15 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, power train:driveline… |
| 2022-03-01 | service bulletin | Power train, power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:seals/gaskets |
| 2022-02-16 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-11-30 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-10-25 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-09-16 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-06-09 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-05-27 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2021-02-26 | service bulletin | Power train, equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2020-03-25 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2020-03-13 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-12-12 | service bulletin | Power train |
Engine and engine cooling 9 documents (2019-11-11 – 2022-11-04)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-04 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-02-07 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, other |
| 2022-01-26 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, electrical system:ignition:module, electrical system |
| 2022-01-24 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control modu… |
| 2021-04-01 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2021-02-19 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, electri… |
| 2021-01-14 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-12-20 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2019-11-11 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
Equipment:electrical:infotainment 6 documents (2023-03-08 – 2024-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-22 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system, equipment:electrical:info… |
| 2023-08-16 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system, equipment:electrical:info… |
| 2023-04-03 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system |
| 2023-03-21 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system |
| 2023-03-10 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system |
| 2023-03-08 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, electrical system |
Equipment 5 documents (2019-11-07 – 2021-02-02)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-02-02 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system |
| 2020-10-30 | service bulletin | Equipment, engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-09-14 | service bulletin | Equipment, engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-07-07 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system:ADAS:blindspot:sensors |
| 2019-11-07 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, equipment adaptive/mobi… |
Air bags 4 documents (2021-03-05 – 2024-09-19)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-19 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2023-03-09 | service bulletin | Air bags, seats |
| 2022-04-26 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2021-03-05 | service bulletin | Air bags |
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 |
Structure 3 documents (2023-02-22 – 2023-11-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-11-09 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2023-02-27 | service bulletin | Structure, visibility |
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Structure, visibility |
Show all 27 categories
Back over prevention 3 documents (2022-05-19 – 2023-06-20)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-06-20 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, electrical system |
| 2022-08-17 | service bulletin | Back over prevention |
| 2022-05-19 | service bulletin | Back over prevention |
Forward collision avoidance 3 documents (2020-11-05 – 2023-03-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-09 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance |
| 2021-11-15 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance, electrical system |
| 2020-11-05 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance, lane departure: sensing system: camera |
Equipment adaptive/mobility 3 documents (2020-06-26 – 2020-11-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-11-24 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment, engine and engine cooling |
| 2020-07-29 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, electrical system |
| 2020-06-26 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc. |
Steering 2 documents (2023-02-22 – 2023-09-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-21 | service bulletin | Steering |
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Steering |
Service brakes 2 documents (2023-03-08 – 2023-04-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-04-24 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2023-03-08 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
Fuel system 2 documents (2022-02-07 – 2022-04-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-04-05 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline, electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge:fuel level… |
| 2022-02-07 | service bulletin | Fuel system, other, engine and engine cooling |
Suspension 2 documents (2021-02-12 – 2021-12-07)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-12-07 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2021-02-12 | service bulletin | Suspension |
Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software 1 document (2024-01-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-24 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software, electrical system |
Exterior lighting 1 document (2023-04-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-04-05 | service bulletin | Exterior lighting |
Visibility 1 document (2023-02-27)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-27 | service bulletin | Visibility, structure |
Wheels 1 document (2023-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-22 | service bulletin | Wheels |
Electrical system:body control module:software 1 document (2022-02-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-02-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system:body control module:software, electrical system |
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm):software 1 document (2021-12-06)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-12-06 | service bulletin | Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy c… |
Visibility:windshield 1 document (2021-02-03)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-02-03 | service bulletin | Visibility:windshield, electrical system, forward collision avoidance |
Vehicle speed control 1 document (2020-10-12)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-10-12 | service bulletin | Vehicle speed control, lane departure |
Lane departure 1 document (2020-09-16)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-09-16 | service bulletin | Lane departure, electrical system |
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc. 1 document (2020-08-26)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-26 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc., electrical system:wiring:switches… |
Electrical system:wiring:switches/knobs/buttons 1 document (2020-08-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system:wiring:switches/knobs/buttons, equipment:electrical:radio/tap… |
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 1 document (2020-06-17)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-06-17 | service bulletin | Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) |
140 communications on file, grouped into 27 categories.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 |
| Altima SR/Platinum | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 |
| Altima AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 30 |
| Altima AWD SR/Platinum | 2.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 |
| Altima SR/Platinum | 2.0L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 |
Safety ratings
| Configuration | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 2020 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
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