2020 Nissan AltimaUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

158 federal complaints (263 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 145 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 34 model years of the Nissan Altima →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
28 city / 39 hwy
Federal complaints
158
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Driver assistance
43
Electrical system
42
Engine & cooling
38
Other
35
Brakes
18
Power train
17
Steering
13
Glass & wipers
10
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 26 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 16 complaints3 years old: 23 complaints4 years old: 31 complaints5 years old: 32 complaints56 years old: 15 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 158 of 158 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Driver assistance

43 complaint records8 crash reports
"When braking there is a popping noise coming from the front of the car. And the Foward Braking light comes on for 5-10 mins of driving time then goes off..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →

Electrical system

42 complaint records4 fire reports
"The warming lights for different items come on at random. Examples :Low washer fluid, gas cap open, speedometer digital speed not showing...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

38 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"Message popped up while driving saying “engine malfunction power reduced service now”. Pairs with the check engine light coming on..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
AQ22003
opened Dec 2022
OPENLatches/Locks/LinkagesHertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
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).
PE23023
opened Dec 2023
closed Jul 2025Engine And Engine CoolingComplete loss of motive power due to engine failure - led to recall 25V437
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
25V437000Engine And Engine CoolingNissan 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...Normally free
23V628000Back Over PreventionNissan 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.Normally free
21V169000TiresNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires.Normally free
21V138000SteeringNissan 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...Normally free
20V685000TiresNissan 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.Normally free
20V570000VisibilityNissan 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023504
2023-09-11
Visual System14,994Issue: On certain vehicles, the rearview camera wiring harness could be damaged by movement and vibrations. If this happens, the rearview camera image may not display correctly or may not display at all.
2021140
2021-03-12
Tires1,393Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure.
2021117
2021-03-05
Steering29Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering tie rod nut may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the tie rod could become loose and separate from the steering knuckle. This could result in a loss of steering control.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
NTB15-049CC
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemTELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported.
NTB26-003
Jan 2026
Forward Collision AvoidanceFALSE ACTIVATION OF AEB OR FCW IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states they have experienced false activation and/or unexpected braking of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) or Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, AND There are no related DTCs stored.
NTB19-033G
Feb 2025
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing.
NTB19-042F
Feb 2025
Service BrakesAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking,...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB20-066C
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemLANE CAMERA AIMING VEHICLE REFERENCE VALUES NOT IN ESM SERVICE INFORMATION If the lane camera requires aiming, the values in Table A on page 4 must be used.  For all other models/model years, consult the Electronic Service Manual (ESM).
NTB19-071D
Sep 2024
Air BagsDTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB12-103I
Jun 2024
Power TrainCVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-066C
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027D
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-038C
May 2024
Electrical SystemRAB WARNING LIGHT ON IN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR DTC B2724-23 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB21-106B
May 2024
Electrical SystemDTC C1A17-49 OR C2580-49 STORED IN LASER/RADAR This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-073B
May 2024
Electrical SystemREAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND/OR DTC C1B56-04 AND/OR C1B56-97 STORED IN THE ADAS CONTROL UNIT This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB19-042E
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018G
Feb 2024
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then select Infotainment Software Updates on the left side of ASIST.
NTB20-046G
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemVOLUME KNOB DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB20-080D
Jan 2024
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY below. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018F
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then select Infotainment Software Updates on the left side of ASIST.
NTB15-049AA
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemTELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-003F
Dec 2023
Power TrainFLUID LEAK CAUSED BY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY RIGHT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OIL SEAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB21-094B
Dec 2023
Power TrainTRANSFER ASSEMBLY SEAL REPLACEMENT FOR AWD FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
PC989 2019-2020
Nov 2023
StructureActive Grille Shutter Emission Warranty Extension Dealer Notification *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018E
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018D
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-051B
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemHORN INOPERATIVE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-038B
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemRAB WARNING LIGHT ON IN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR DTC B2724-23 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB12-103H
May 2023
Power TrainCVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-038
Apr 2023
Service BrakesWARNING LIGHT ON WITH DTC C111F STORED AS CRNT IN THE ABS IF YOU CONFIRM DTC C111F (G-SENSOR) is stored as “CRNT” in the ABS Actuator and Electric Unit (Control Unit). IMPORTANT: Do not replace the ABS control unit unless instructed to do so.
NTB14-012I
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemREMOTE ENGINE START NOT WORKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB18-071C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemSECURITY ALARM SOUNDS AFTER USING MECHANICAL KEY TO UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018C
Apr 2023
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB03-074Q
Apr 2023
Exterior LightingHEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-030
Apr 2023
Power TrainCVT SHIFT SELECTOR LEVER KNOB REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION SERVICE INFORMATION If the CVT Shift Selector Lever Knob needs to be removed or installed for any reason, refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin, beginning on page 2.
NTB20-046F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVOLUME KNOB DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB20-080C
Apr 2023
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY below. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB12-055J
Mar 2023
Power TrainCLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB21-013B
Mar 2023
Power TrainPREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018B
Mar 2023
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018A
Mar 2023
EquipmentSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB19-042D
Mar 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB19-071C
Mar 2023
Air BagsDTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB21-106A
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemDTC C1A17-49 OR C2580-49 STORED IN LASER/RADAR This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-145B
Mar 2023
Service BrakesABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-018
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemSOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing an infotainment issue or after replacement of the AV Control Unit, it is necessary to verify the current software version of the AV Control Unit to determine if a software version update is required.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
StructureWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
VisibilityREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB20-010C
Feb 2023
StructureWINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE PERFORMANCE/DIAGNOSIS SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-051A
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemHORN INOPERATIVE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB22-038A
Jan 2023
Service BrakesRAB WARNING LIGHT ON IN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR DTC B2724-23 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Showing 60 of 145 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →