repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
2020 Nissan AltimaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 162 owner complaints about the 2020 Nissan Altima, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-628 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Nissan Altima has problems
162 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
43Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
35Engine3 crash/fire/injury
29Forward collision avoidance4 crash/fire/injury
18Power train
17Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
13Steering
10Visibility/wiper
8Air bags
7Fuel/propulsion system
4813 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 43 | 4 |
| Engine | 35 | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 29 | 4 |
| Power train | 18 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 17 | 3 |
| Steering | 13 | 3 |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 3 |
| 13 other systems | 48 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2020 Nissan Altima recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Tires
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.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q3
Tires
Risk. Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Visibility: glass, side/rear
Risk. Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Altima year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Altima median. How we score
12210618092108123871601591,0478832761,0918244711,0311,5473812424262,3151,1149565553952262351627132304471
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Nissan Altima safety ratings
2020 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Nissan Altima, and the recalls they led to.
- Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open RecallsOpen
- Complete loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-437
In owners' words
What Altima owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. Three of the passenger-side door lock actuators have failed within a short period of time.…
Both passenger-side and driver's side rear door lock mechanisms ceased working. They do not work when attempting to lock/unlock the doors from the inside controls in the front seat. These doors also do not lock/unlock when using the remote key fob either. Both rear doors have to be lock/unlocked…
The warming lights for different items come on at random. Examples :Low washer fluid, gas cap open, speedometer digital speed not showing.
Own a 2020 Altima?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.