FaultScore

2019 Nissan Altima engine problems

55 of the 356 complaints about the 2019 Nissan Altima are about the engine — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 63,507 miles.

B

55

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 47 85.5%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 8 14.5%

Engine & Cooling across every Nissan Altima year

1993 18 0.5%
1994 14 0.4%
1995 30 0.9%
1996 10 0.3%
1998 14 0.4%
2000 55 1.6%
2001 68 2.0%
2002 752 21.9%
2003 591 17.2%
2004 142 4.1%
2005 407 11.8%
2006 358 10.4%
2007 76 2.2%
2008 75 2.2%
2009 118 3.4%
2010 54 1.6%
2011 43 1.2%
2012 72 2.1%
2013 166 4.8%
2014 80 2.3%
2015 66 1.9%
2016 86 2.5%
2017 40 1.2%
2018 13 0.4%
2019 55 1.6%
2020 38 1.1%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Los Angeles, CA

ENGINE

I’ve owned this vehicle since March 2023, and I have experienced several electrical issues. For instance, my car displays a malfunction warning and the check engine light multiple times throughout the month. When the engine malfunction warning appears, the engine will not accelerate, and if the vehicle is idling, it will shut off. I then have to restart the car. Another issue involves the door locks. I am sometimes unable to lock my doors using the key, or the lock will get stuck and not open. I have also seen other complaints reporting the same issue. This is concerning and poses a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11727623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Mendon, MO

ENGINE

Thermostat has been replaced twice. Car is still having issues with overheating. First replacement of thermoastat the car ran fine for about 2 months then the car started doing the same thing. It will overheat and then come right down again. Thermostat was replace again and was doing good then the same issue keeps occuring. My car currently has 175000 miles. No warning lights come on when the vehicle begins to overheat

NHTSA complaint #11726580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Compton, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that lead was found in the oil pan. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined to complete the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL

ENGINE

I've been having engine & engine cooling problems also fuel system how many car starting up etc.I've been having this problem around July

NHTSA complaint #11701876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Savannah, GA

ENGINE

My vehicle was taking to the dealership for an inspection for the nissan engine recall. During the inspection metal was found in my oil pan which the recall states they must repair or replace engine if any metal is found. I was told the engine would be replaced on 11/15/2025 but 2 days later 11/17/2025 I was contacted saying nissan denied my recall repair and to come back and pickup my vehicle. The recall states if any metal is found they must replace the engine but nissan refuse to fix the issue. The report they showed me Saturday stated oil was in my oil pan but now since they denied the recall the report was changed to nothing was found in oil pan. I notied the manager and after I mentioned that to the service manager they changed the report again stating metal was found.

NHTSA complaint #11699968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeport, CT

ENGINE

On August 30, 2025, while driving on the highway, my 2019 Nissan Altima displayed a “CVT (AT) Hot / Power Reduced” warning. Power was limited, but the engine did not shut off. I immediately scheduled service at Paul Miller Nissan in Fairfield, CT. At the September 2, 2025 visit, the repair order stated: “Customer states CVT (AT) Hot Power Reduced display in dash. All past codes stored; cleared all past codes stored.” No complete diagnostic test, CVT pressure test, or fluid inspection was performed. The dealership did not preserve the freeze-frame data from the TCM. I was told that no current fault codes were present and that the vehicle was safe to operate. Relying on the dealership’s professional assurance, I continued normal use of the vehicle. About a couple of weeks later, the vehicle began to jerk and lose smooth acceleration intermittently, worsening by the sixth week. I promptly returned for service. On October 21–22, 2025, the same dealership confirmed transmission codes P0776 and P17F0, diagnosing a CVT failure and recommending full replacement. When questioned about prior diagnostic data, the service manager stated that all data from the September visit had been cleared and that the freeze-frame information was deleted and no longer available. This handling contradicts Nissan’s standard CVT diagnostic protocol, which requires documenting stored codes, inspecting CVT fluid condition, and recording internal temperatures before clearing data. Nissan Consumer Affairs later stated their review relied solely on the dealership’s findings and that missing diagnostic data would not be retrieved. Since the confirmed failure, I have been forced to rent a vehicle at my own expense, exceeding $1000 to date. The vehicle’s reduced power and transmission failure created a serious safety risk, especially as I transport my children in this vehicle. The dealership’s erasure of diagnostic evidence prevented accurate evaluation and timely repair. The issue remains unresolved.

NHTSA complaint #11698682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Pinellas Park, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and hot air came out of the vents, entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the coolant reservoir needed to be refilled. The dealer refilled the coolant reservoir. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who then diagnosed that the radiator thermostat had failed. The thermostat was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 3 weeks after the repair. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine started to overheat, and the temperature gauge moved to "High". The vehicle stalled while on the side of the road and waited for approximately 30 minutes before being able to restart and drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the engine and failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V316000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 18V922000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11695388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE

I GET ERROR MESSAGE FOR MY 2019 NISSAN ALTIMA OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCE POWER, SERVICE NOW. ALONG WITH OTHER SAFTY FEATURES LIKE CASH DETECTION, TRACTION AND ENGINE LIGHT. MY CAR SHAKES, FEELS LIKE IT WILL STALL ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPED AND JERKS. MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW THIS RECALL. I HAVE GOTTEN THIS MESSAGE SEVERAL TIMES AND A OBD CODE READER GIVES CODE P0404.

NHTSA complaint #11693179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL

ENGINE

Having problems with the engine overheating and the cooling system also

NHTSA complaint #11691465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brunswick, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact became aware that warm air was coming through the vents while the A/C unit was activated. The contact then stated that the vehicle started jerking with the "Engine Malfunction, Power Reduced" message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where water was added to the coolant reservoir, and the contact was informed by the mechanic that there was likely an engine coolant leak and to monitor the coolant level. The contact then stated that there was white smoke coming from the vehicle at start up. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11688833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Mulberry, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a related recall would be issued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA complaint #11687617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bronx, NY

ENGINE

the engine makes a noise, and it like loses power when going up a hill. It also does like a hault while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11683968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

ENGINE

Well, first, my struts are bad on the right wheel. And I've went through about 5 tires now. And I guess my wheel bearing or something is messed up too. I don't I don't know exactly, but it does not sound good. Next would be the brake light is on and it won't shut off. No matter what I do, it will not turn off. The third thing is my cameras are not working, right and the fourth thing is, as it's making some kind of weird noise. I don't know if it's the engine or it could be where the wheel is. I don't know

NHTSA complaint #11683524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles Richmond Hill, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure due to a blown head gasket. The head gasket was re-machined, but the vehicle continued to experience engine failure, which included cylinder misfires and coolant leaks. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quincy, FL

ENGINE

I have a 2019 Nissan Altima SR 2.5. I have currently had the car for about 3 or 4 years now. For most of the time I have had the car, the check engine light stays on. I have had it tested, and it always states that it is the Mass Air Flow Sensor. When sitting in park idling, it will "malfunction" and state that the engine is reducing power. During this, the automatic emergency brake warning light and the VDC light will come on. It's rare that it happens while I am driving but it has happened. I recently had the vehicle checked again and again it stated that the Mass Air Flow Sensor and the Grille Shutter Actuator were throwing codes along with some other minor items. I purchased the MAFS and replaced it in hope that this would correct a lot of the idling issues, however after a few days of driving the vehicle, it again has started to malfunction and idle harshly. I do know it typically happens in the morning recently, but I was also having issues with my battery draining for no reason. This car is a certified lemon. I currently don't know what to do, as this sight states I have no unrepaired recalls for this vehicle, and I currently owe too much money to trade it in.

NHTSA complaint #11681862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iselin, NJ

ENGINE

Engine Failure while driving. While driving on NJ Turnpike, Engine light appeared on dashboard. Car began to jerk and immediately lost speed from 70 mph to barely 15 mph. The vehicle continued to jerk then rolled to a stop. Vehicle has had regular inspections, repairs and oil changes completed. Engine Malfunction Reduce Power lamp comes on occasionally and goes off after a few minutes. A State Trooper stopped & said I may call #95 if unable to get off at next exit. No Report was made. Problem with engine failure started on 08/08/2025. Vehicle is parked, I am afraid to drive vehicle because I have to stay in Far right lane or on shoulder with hazards when driving. I have an appointment with Nissan Edison NJ on 08/10/2025 to check if my vehicle is eligible for Upcoming RECALL. There is a Recall for 2019 Nissan possibly coming the End of August 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11679587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Monroe, LA

ENGINE

My 2019 Nissan Altima SL is having the same engine malfunctions that Nissan just recalled, but my specific VIN doesn’t seem to be a part of the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11678980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lumberton, NC

ENGINE

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11677117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Danville, AL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was hesitating. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle was sluggish while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. While attempting to start the vehicle the following day, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer found metal shavings inside the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11674000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Powder Springs, GA

ENGINE

I’ve been experiencing recurring issues with my 2019 Nissan Altima. The malfunction indicator light comes on randomly, often accompanied by several warning lights including the check engine light. When this happens, the car struggles to accelerate and feels like it’s stalling, creating serious safety concerns. I’m aware that there is an active recall for the same symptoms affecting the same model year of the Altima, but my vehicle is not included in the recall due to having the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine instead of the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo. Despite this, the problems I’m experiencing are nearly identical to those described in the recall notice. I believe this issue may extend beyond the current scope of the recall and deserves further investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11673079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Mcintyre, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact became aware there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the engine and coolant system. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11672412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Akron, CO

ENGINE

Drove my car started loosing power and pulled over. Engine and battery light came on.

NHTSA complaint #11672340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dothan, AL

ENGINE

I have had the most problems with this car. I have had it in the shop 2 times paid more than $600 both times to be rewired and a sensor was messed up 1 day later check engine light came on they wanted me to bring it back and charge me again I said no thank you check engine light is still on. 3 months in between the 2 times to get rewired. Only lock that works is front passenger side they stopped working they wanted to charge me 400 per door to get fixed. I had to replace battery 2 times I’m having problems with it again. The radio will change randomly that can last 10 minutes or 30 minutes. This is the most crap car I have spent money on! I can’t find the invoice for 12/14/22 but I did attach the bill from 2/24/23. I can show proof from credit card where it was paid on 12/14/22

NHTSA complaint #11671955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE

CARE IS GIVING ERROR OF "ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED SPEED, SERVICE SOON" WITH ENGINE, TRACTION AND COLLISION LIGHTS ACTIVATING AT THE SAME TIME. CAR THAN SLOWS DOWN AND HAS SHUT OFF. THIS ERROR HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR JUST BY HAVING IT ON. ALSO WHILE STEREO, BULETOOTH OR CARPLAY IS ON THE VOLUME WILL DECREASE ON ITS OWN UNABLE TO TURN UP VOLUME WITH KNOB. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CARE IN 2021

NHTSA complaint #11671138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2019 Nissan Altima problems

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