2020 Nissan Altima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Altima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical4119.3%
- Engine3717.5%
- Driver assistance3416.0%
- Brakes188.5%
- Powertrain (other)167.5%
- Steering136.1%
- Visibility104.7%
- Airbags83.8%
- Fuel system73.3%
- Body & structure62.8%
- Other / unspecified62.8%
- Suspension52.4%
- Interior & seats41.9%
- Seat belts20.9%
- Tires & wheels20.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
- Transmission10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The two rear door locks stopped working at the same time, and approximately two weeks later the front passenger door lock also stopped working. The driver's door has started to not unlock when turning the car off where it normally did up until recently. The affected doors do not respond to the interior power lock/unlock buttons or the key fob. When attempting to lock or unlock the doors electronically, I can hear the actuators attempting to operate, but the doors do not actually lock or unlock. The doors can only be locked or unlocked manually. This failure affects multiple doors and appears to be a premature component failure given the vehicle's mileage. A malfunctioning power lock system could create a safety concern if occupants are unable to quickly secure or unlock doors during an emergency situation or if electronic access is needed. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether there is a broader defect involving door lock actuators or the power door lock system in 2019 - 2020 Altima vehicles. I have also submitted a case with Nissan Affairs. The case number is 56942179.
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 manually from the inside of the door.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The warming lights for different items come on at random. Examples :Low washer fluid, gas cap open, speedometer digital speed not showing.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the auto-braking system unexpectedly activated, and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes suddenly activated, and the instrument panel illuminated with a vertical yellow light. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred the following morning while driving 35 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, and restarted to continue driving. The failure had occurred approximately 5 times. The contact stated that with the cruise control set to co-pilot, the steering and lane assist features failed to operate as intended, advising the contact to manually steer the vehicle. The failure became more persistent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The car stalls and began to jerk then shuts down the crash symbols comes on and goes off.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the auto-braking system unexpectedly activated, and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes suddenly activated, and the instrument panel illuminated with a vertical yellow light. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred the following morning while driving 35 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, and restarted to continue driving. The failure had occurred approximately 5 times. The contact stated that with the cruise control set to co-pilot, the steering and lane assist features failed to operate as intended, advising the contact to manually steer the vehicle. The failure became more persistent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
I was leaving for work, backing out of the driveway, and the brakes just locked up out of no where. I’ve done this multiple times and the brakes have never done this. I tried pulling up and trying again, turning the car off and back on, and backing a different way out of the driveway. It kept locking up on me and nothing was in the way. My husband had to eventually take me to work. The automatic braking system failed. I’m not sure if it is available for inspection upon request. At the time, my safety or anyone else’s safety was not at risk. I just worry about if it happens while I’m driving on the road. That could defiantly not only put me at risk but also other drivers. No the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It just happened this morning. The vehicle has not been inspected. No warning lamps. It did pop up the car with the 3 blocks in front of it on the screen like I’ve seen before, prior to failure, but not the warning about the automatic braking system.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
This issue involves a documented and recurring safety-related defect that was reported multiple times while my vehicle was still covered under Nissan’s factory warranty related to the airbag system. My 2020 Nissan Altima currently has approximately 53,900 miles and has experienced repeated airbag/SRS failures associated with diagnostic code B1436-13, indicating an open circuit within the passenger airbag system. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, including in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. During several warranty-period service visits, the diagnostic codes were reportedly cleared, however, the underlying wiring harness issue does not appear to have been permanently corrected. I have the full history service record for this car with notes from 3 Nissan Dealers. I have documented communications with Nissan Consumer Affairs dating back to May 13, 2024 regarding this ongoing concern. In addition, I have photographic evidence showing the same airbag fault code on February 22, 2025, along with additional correspondence with Nissan dated March 18, 2025. Both of these events occurred while the vehicle remained within the applicable warranty coverage period. The airbag warning light has now returned again, and I have been presented with a repair estimate exceeding $5,200 for a condition that was previously reported and addressed unsuccessfully while the vehicle was under warranty coverage. According to Nissan’s 2020 Warranty Information Booklet, the Restraint System, including airbags and related electronic control systems, is covered under Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage. Because this safety concern was documented during the warranty period and prior repair attempts did not resolve the issue. Given that this matter involves a critical vehicle safety system that could affect passenger airbag deployment, I am hopeful this can be resolved.
The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until March 9 to respond - that they would NOT give any assistance to fixing the Cam Shaft. The car was 10 months out of time warranty and 18,000 under mileage warranty - I understand time trump’s mileage. We have owned many cars the last four have been Nissan Altimas. Never have we had a catastrophic event like this with a car. At the very least this incident should be added to the records of issues with Nissan cars that might lead to a recall.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Windshield Wiper Fluid Reservoir sensor going on even when reservoir is full. Gives drivers a warning light which is very distracting. If you go on line, this appears to be an extremely common problem that Nissan has not addressed. This can lead people to not know if they have fluid in reservoir as they will eventually ignore warning light or disconnect sensor (the two most common solutions in Nissan Altima forum).
1 of 2 problems! 1 the passenger head light seems to be leaking water into the headlight and blurring vission forwards and gives a blurring illusion and mabe shorting out the headlight. 2 the windshield wipers liquid sencer showes it needs windshield wipers fluid when it's full. The light on the dashboard keeps flashing showing this and keeps the odometer blocked.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
This issue involves a documented and recurring safety-related defect that was reported multiple times while my vehicle was still covered under Nissan’s factory warranty related to the airbag system. My 2020 Nissan Altima currently has approximately 53,900 miles and has experienced repeated airbag/SRS failures associated with diagnostic code B1436-13, indicating an open circuit within the passenger airbag system. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, including in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. During several warranty-period service visits, the diagnostic codes were reportedly cleared, however, the underlying wiring harness issue does not appear to have been permanently corrected. I have the full history service record for this car with notes from 3 Nissan Dealers. I have documented communications with Nissan Consumer Affairs dating back to May 13, 2024 regarding this ongoing concern. In addition, I have photographic evidence showing the same airbag fault code on February 22, 2025, along with additional correspondence with Nissan dated March 18, 2025. Both of these events occurred while the vehicle remained within the applicable warranty coverage period. The airbag warning light has now returned again, and I have been presented with a repair estimate exceeding $5,200 for a condition that was previously reported and addressed unsuccessfully while the vehicle was under warranty coverage. According to Nissan’s 2020 Warranty Information Booklet, the Restraint System, including airbags and related electronic control systems, is covered under Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage. Because this safety concern was documented during the warranty period and prior repair attempts did not resolve the issue. Given that this matter involves a critical vehicle safety system that could affect passenger airbag deployment, I am hopeful this can be resolved.
On October 31, 2025, I noticed the Check engine light was on, after inspecting the car at the closest car shop the technician noticed white powder on the driver side knee airbag cover. Next morning I brought my vehicle to Temecula Nissan telling about airbag powder leakage. But this issue was completely ignored by the Advisor, who for some reason decided to fix another issue but ignoring my airbag issue concern. When I tried insisting to inspect the airbag saying:" I worry it may unexpectedly deploy or not deploy in case of a car accident. And my nose and throat are very irritated possibly because of inhaling the powder", the advisor looked at the airbag cover finally noticing the powder and said:" It's not a problem, we will wipe the powder off", despite my concerns. When I came to pick up my vehicle, I asked if my airbag issue was taken care of and documentations have been provided, I was told "Yes, we sent you a link". But it was no information about airbag inspection request or what work was done on it. I immediately went to speak with General manager of Temecula Nissan, who promised to inspect and fix the airbag issue next workday but nobody contact me since then and message I left for the manager on the phone was completely ignored. After filing a complaint to Nissan Consumer Affairs, I was told that nothing they can do about it and advised to get a second opinion from another Nissan dealership. So I did. Pedder Nissan Advisors took my concerns seriously, they said that it is dangerous to drive my vehicle in that condition, they did an inspection and took my car to replace the defective airbag.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The CVT issue remains with this car even though I have complained. The car will randomly de accelerate and randomly accelerate which has cause minor fender bender. The car continue to studer and jerk and continues to show since of transmission issues. These cars need to be recalled before someone is seriously injured from the known CVT issues.
I been having issues with my car stalling out and not wanting to start I got the spark plugs replaced by a mechanic and then my car starts over heating I have my car looked at by a mechanic again and I’m told the engine is corrupt by oil and the fuel pump is bad my car can be inspected for this issue as it is having a lot more issues due to the Nissan recalls but my vin doesn’t cover it
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side front and passenger rear doors locks stopped working when trying to lock doors. Stopped working a few months ago. Door doesn't lock when put into gear to drive.
HOOD UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHIELD. EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. VIEWED BY MECHANIC AND TOW TRUCK. NO WARNINGS BEFORE UNLATCHING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My 2020 Nissan Altima is having issues with the transmission . When you accelerate the engine Jerks, Vibrates , Shutters. It hesitates even when stopping acts like it doesn’t want to shift into another gear . My Tires are always loosing air as well . The Front of my car is always making a sound think suspension issues .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I been having issues with my car stalling out and not wanting to start I got the spark plugs replaced by a mechanic and then my car starts over heating I have my car looked at by a mechanic again and I’m told the engine is corrupt by oil and the fuel pump is bad my car can be inspected for this issue as it is having a lot more issues due to the Nissan recalls but my vin doesn’t cover it
My 2020 Nissan Altima is having issues with the transmission . When you accelerate the engine Jerks, Vibrates , Shutters. It hesitates even when stopping acts like it doesn’t want to shift into another gear . My Tires are always loosing air as well . The Front of my car is always making a sound think suspension issues .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while using the key fob to unlock the doors, the rear driver’s and rear passenger’s side doors failed to unlock as needed. The contact also stated that over time, the front driver’s, and passenger’s side doors failed to open while using the key fob. In addition, it was difficult to unlock the front driver’s door manually with the key. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
I WAS IN A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THREE PASSENGERS, TWO IN THE BACK SEATS AND ONE IN THE FRONT SEAT. WHEN IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING LEFT SOMEONE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. BOTH THE FRONT SEATS BROKE AT THE HINGE PUSHING THE SEATS BACK INTO THE BACKSEAT PASSENGERS. THIS RESULTED IN MINOR INJURIES TO THEM; SCRAPS ON LEG AND HEAD, BLOODY NOSE AND BRUISED TEETH. IF THE SEATS HAD NOT FAILED, THESE MINOR INJURIES WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURED. IT IS ALSO UNCLEAR HOW NECK ISSUES ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE EXACERBATED. MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING SLOW AND WAS NOT YET AT A FULL STOP. IT WAS ON A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 50 MPH.*DT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle was in a car accident and during the impact my seat belt came undone
•My driver’s seat motor tract assembly failed to move back & forth. It can be available for inspection. •My Safety was @ risk due to the seat inability to move back & forth. My foot couldn’t reach the accelerator or the brakes because the seat malfunctioned while the seat was moved so that I could get out of the car. •The problem has been confirmed & inspected by the Nissan Dealership where I purchased the car. •No, there were no warning signs or messages that indicated the seat malfunctioning. • This driver seat motor tract assembly has failed 2 times now. •The first time the seat motor tract malfunctioned was on 07/08/2023. The Dealership stated that a small comb was lodged in the tract. There was N/C. •The second time the seat motor tract malfunctioned was on 06/13/2024. There was nothing blocking the seats’ movement. The Dealership charged me $175.99 to find out what was causing the seat to fail again. The serviceman said that he beat on the motor until the seat eventually moved. It was stated that I’d have to replace the seat motor tract assembly if it malfunctions again.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
235/40R1992V
CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT TIRE: NON-ROAD HAZARD TIRE SIDEWALL FAILURE ON BARELY WORN TIRE, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND/OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER. TIRE CONCERN WAS INITIALLY INDICATED WITH A MILD (~26 PSI) LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT, NO DEBRIS OR OTHER INDICATION OF PUNCTURE WAS NOTED, SO PRESSURE WAS ADDED TO RETURN TO FACTORY SETTINGS. HOWEVER, HOURS LATER AND AT HIGHWAY SPEED, LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION RETURNED (TO A SIMILAR LOW VALUE IN THE MID-20'S, FOLLOWED WITHIN MINUTES BY SUDDEN PRESSURE DROP AND TIRE DISINTEGRATION. VEHICLE CONTROL WAS COMPROMISED DUE TO SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE. UPON TIRE REMOVAL AT SIDE OF FREEWAY, I NOTED THAT THE INTERIOR TIRE SIDEWALL WAS MISSING SUBSTANTIAL CHUNKS OF RUBBER, A CLASSIC "BLOW OUT." THE NEXT DAY A VERY CAREFUL INSPECTION BY LOCAL DISCOUNT TIRE STORE REVEALED ABSOLUTELY ZERO INDICATION OF PRE-FAILURE PRESSURE LOSS: NO NAIL OR OTHER DEBRIS PUNCTURES IN ANY PART OF THE REMAINING TIRE, AND ZERO/NO INDICATION OF PRIOR LOW-PRESSURE OPERATION (WHICH COULD LEAD TO TIRE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE). STRONGLY SUSPECT EITHER A MAJOR CONSTRUCTION OR MATERIAL DEFECT WAS LIKELY CAUSE OF THIS HAZARDOUS AND NEARLY SPONTANEOUS TIRE FAILURE, ON A TIRE MOUNTED ON A NEW CAR UNDER A YEAR OLD, AND WITH MINIMAL TIRE WEAR. UPON SUBMISSION OF THIS COMPLAINT I WILL CONTACT DISCOUNT TIRE AND REQUEST TIRE BE RETAINED FOR SUBMISSION/INSPECTION, IF DESIRED; PLEASE ADVISE PROMPTLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO INSPECT THE TIRE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill in a parking lot and using the seat heater for approximately 30 minutes, the front driverside seat heater caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire with bottles of water he had available. The contact sustained superficial burns on his lower back and continues to have trouble breathing but hasn't sought medical attention. The contact drove to the nearest fire department but was under construction and was unable to file any fire report. The contact also stated later on that day he drove to a police department and filed a police report. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
1 of 2 problems! 1 the passenger head light seems to be leaking water into the headlight and blurring vission forwards and gives a blurring illusion and mabe shorting out the headlight. 2 the windshield wipers liquid sencer showes it needs windshield wipers fluid when it's full. The light on the dashboard keeps flashing showing this and keeps the odometer blocked.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .