Owners have filed 356 complaints
about the 2019 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
74% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
2945.3%
Warnings
2031.3%
Body
57.8%
Blind Spot Detection
34.7%
Assist
23.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control
23.1%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
23.1%
Active Shutters/Grill
11.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1514.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3028.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2422.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1615.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
87.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
32.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
43.8%
150,000+ miles
54.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2018peak 15Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Nissan Altima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
AQ22003Opened 16 Dec 2022Still openLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Hertz/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). 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 this...
PE23023Opened 13 Dec 2023Closed 18 Jul 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
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 2.0...
Recalls on the 2019 Nissan Altima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
25V437000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
Risk: 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.
23V628000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
21V169000
TIRES
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.
Risk: 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.
19V654000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
19V316000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines. The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
19V235000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
Risk: If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
18V922000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nissan North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles. The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.
Risk: If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202350414,994 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: 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. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the rearview camera wiring harness, apply a protective tape, and reroute it. If the wiring is damaged, the rearview camera and wiring harness will be replaced.
Recall 20211401,393 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: 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. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.
Recall 2019459126,195 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on. Safety Risk: Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.
Recall 2019156533 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake light switch may not be in the correct position. This would result in the brake lamps staying on at all times. This could also allow the transmission to be shifted out of the park (P) position without applying the brakes. Safety Risk: Shifting out of park without applying the brakes could cause unintended vehicle movement. If the brake lights stay on, a following driver may not recognize when a vehicle ahead is braking. Either of these outcomes could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the brake pedal assembly. The assembly will be replaced as required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Durango, COCrash
AIR BAGS
A truck was turning without signaling and we were passing on right side assuming he was turning left- and he suddenly jerked right causing major impact and sent us into ditch where we were stopped by impacting a solid fence.
NHTSA complaint #11722802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clint, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I changed the Air Mass Flow sensor and it’s still showing the check engine light on my dash board and giving me the same code after replacing it brand new. My brakes sound horrible after replacing both sets of brakes, front and back. The Foward Collision Warning sensor did not respond in a timely matter, resulting in a minor fender bender.
NHTSA complaint #11716913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clint, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I changed the Air Mass Flow sensor and it’s still showing the check engine light on my dash board and giving me the same code after replacing it brand new. My brakes sound horrible after replacing both sets of brakes, front and back. The Foward Collision Warning sensor did not respond in a timely matter, resulting in a minor fender bender.
NHTSA complaint #11716913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clint, TXCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I changed the Air Mass Flow sensor and it’s still showing the check engine light on my dash board and giving me the same code after replacing it brand new. My brakes sound horrible after replacing both sets of brakes, front and back. The Foward Collision Warning sensor did not respond in a timely matter, resulting in a minor fender bender.
NHTSA complaint #11716913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
SEATS
I had my seat warmer on and smelled something burning my coat had caught fire and wires in back of seat were smoking.
NHTSA complaint #11713820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwich, CTCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On January 5, 2026, my son was driving to work at around 8:30 am EST. While waiting to turn left at a stoplight, his car inadvertently moved forward and collided with an oncoming vehicle. After the collision, he discovered the gas pedal had snapped off, causing the unintended movement. His vehicle was only traveling at 5 MPH or less at the time of impact, so the pedal breakage was not due to the collision. Stranded in the intersection, he was assisted by two individuals who pushed his car to safety. The police arrived, and a report was filed. Our insurance accepted liability for the accident, which was caused by the vehicle's malfunction, not my son's negligence.
NHTSA complaint #11709346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesLoomis, CA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger occupant sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the occupant sensor and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the occupant sensor and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11758367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMarietta, GA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to open. The contact entered the vehicle through the rear door. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to the door lock actuator, and the part was replaced under warranty; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome City, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cracked Engine Head- The vehicle is around 165,000 miles and the engine has cracked. No collisions or crashes or any fault of owner. At around 100,000 miles ALL four doors had the actuators stop working within 1 week. All doors now must be manually locked and unlocked.
NHTSA complaint #11753431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome City, IN
ENGINE
Cracked Engine Head- The vehicle is around 165,000 miles and the engine has cracked. No collisions or crashes or any fault of owner. At around 100,000 miles ALL four doors had the actuators stop working within 1 week. All doors now must be manually locked and unlocked.
NHTSA complaint #11753431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All 4 door actuators failed over the course of a few months. Now none of the locks work, and the cost to fix them is prohibitive.
NHTSA complaint #11752714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Well I can’t get into my car because the locks won’t work and someone broke into my car because of it. No warning signs.
NHTSA complaint #11749848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Well I can’t get into my car because the locks won’t work and someone broke into my car because of it. No warning signs.
NHTSA complaint #11749848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilson, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Coolant leak not visible egr cooler and egr valve malfunction catalytic converter malfunction. Diagnosted at nissan a known issue with nissan make and model.
NHTSA complaint #11748154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilson, NC
ENGINE
Coolant leak not visible egr cooler and egr valve malfunction catalytic converter malfunction. Diagnosted at nissan a known issue with nissan make and model.
NHTSA complaint #11748154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilson, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Coolant leak not visible egr cooler and egr valve malfunction catalytic converter malfunction. Diagnosted at nissan a known issue with nissan make and model.
NHTSA complaint #11748154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Feria, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ever since I bought the car with zero miles I been having electrical issues. From reverse camera to low wash fluid light that doesn’t turned off . Now even when it’s over 100 degrees outside my car marks inside that’s 26 degrees . And now my Ac completely stopped working. I don’t know what to do I only owe $4,000 on my car
NHTSA complaint #11747965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Feria, TX
ENGINE
Ever since I bought the car with zero miles I been having electrical issues. From reverse camera to low wash fluid light that doesn’t turned off . Now even when it’s over 100 degrees outside my car marks inside that’s 26 degrees . And now my Ac completely stopped working. I don’t know what to do I only owe $4,000 on my car
NHTSA complaint #11747965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro Valley, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11743253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaukauna, WI
POWER TRAIN
Engine and transmission disengaged from each other and I could no longer accelerate or keep speed. I had to pull over, turn off the car and turn it back on. Local shop took a look and confirmed a cooling System Failure. The system is not at the right pressure at operating temperature. Exhaust gasses in cooling system.
NHTSA complaint #11740696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Worth, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
February 14 early afternoon the car was just acting funny like I didn’t wanna go started jerking I pulled over on I-95 where the car continue to jerk and act funny so I cut the car off. Try to cut it back on and it wouldn’t crank up all the way, so I had to get the car to back to my address where I had a old mechanic come out to inspect with the problem. Engine light came on through some codes telling me it was ignition coils, and other things got those fixed same cold still appeared at the car inspected further, somehow some kind of way engine oil was in the connector to the ECM. Nothing ever been majorly wrong with the car maintenance and oil changes in engine oil just happened to be in the connector to the ECM. Bought those parts install still no change carbon setting since February and today’s date is May 22
NHTSA complaint #11739432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
ENGINE
Engine Malfunction light is on and off while at a stop light.
NHTSA complaint #11739167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Have been getting “engine malfunction power reduced” already had it repaired once. Not sure what is causing this since it was just “repaired “. New battery in place. Also has accident icons on dashboard
NHTSA complaint #11736193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venice, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought my 2019 Nissan Altima SR from Westshore Mazda in Tampa. The next day I locked and unlocked the car and noticed that only the driver‘s door was working so three out of the four doors don’t lock and unlock by either the driver side door or the key fobs. I looked this up online and noticed it’s a defect on a lot of these models and the sentras.
NHTSA complaint #11736209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Have been getting “engine malfunction power reduced” already had it repaired once. Not sure what is causing this since it was just “repaired “. New battery in place. Also has accident icons on dashboard
NHTSA complaint #11736193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I continuously have issues with it showing a crash and with the warning "engine malfunction, power reduced, service now" light coming on. This has been a recurring issue. There is always a light coming on in this car. I don't know if it is sensitive sensors or if it was poorly made.
NHTSA complaint #11733523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
I continuously have issues with it showing a crash and with the warning "engine malfunction, power reduced, service now" light coming on. This has been a recurring issue. There is always a light coming on in this car. I don't know if it is sensitive sensors or if it was poorly made.
NHTSA complaint #11733523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I continuously have issues with it showing a crash and with the warning "engine malfunction, power reduced, service now" light coming on. This has been a recurring issue. There is always a light coming on in this car. I don't know if it is sensitive sensors or if it was poorly made.
NHTSA complaint #11733523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BEL AIR, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger side window stopped going up resulting in the window being down at all times. Tried to repair with a master switch replacement was unsuccessful and replaced the window regulator but did not resolve issue. Safety issue for many.
NHTSA complaint #11731158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BEL AIR, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger side window stopped going up resulting in the window being down at all times. Tried to repair with a master switch replacement was unsuccessful and replaced the window regulator but did not resolve issue. Safety issue for many.
NHTSA complaint #11731158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 60,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11730860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.