Most Nissan Altimas will reach at least 200,000 miles in their lifespan, which is average for the class. However, mechanical problems in some model years make the Altima inferior to its rivals in terms of overall durability.
Key Points
- A Nissan Altima can last about 200,000 miles as long as it is taken care of properly, which is average for a midsize sedan.
- CVT failures around 50,000 to 100,000 miles are common across most of Altima’s model years and cost roughly $3,000 to fix.
- 2013 is the worst year for the Altima regarding reliability and the annual ownership cost, making it a model buyers should avoid.
Nissan Altima’s Lifespan can Reach 200,000 Miles and Over 15 Years of Use if Maintained Properly
Most reputable auto sources suggest the Nissan Altima can generally last over 200,000 miles, with some Nissan dealerships suggesting 250,000 to 300,000 miles as the optimal life expectancy of a well-maintained Altima.
Though the 250,000-mile mark is echoed by some owners on popular enthusiast forums like Altima Forums and Nissan Club, it is more realistic to set the bar 50,000 to 100,000 miles lower.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the average driver drives roughly 14,000 miles annually. That means the Nissan Altima can typically reach 14 to 15 years of use.
Exceptional maintenance can help an Altima put out more than 250,000 miles without having to replace the transmission or engine. But other reliable midsize sedans, such as the Toyota Camry, are more likely to surpass a quarter-million miles.
Many Altima Years are Plagued with Transmission Problems at Under 100K Miles that can Cost $3,000 to Fix
Typically, you’d expect major expenses over vital repairs to surface at around 150,000 to 200,000 miles on any car. But the story might be a little bit different for some Altima model years due to transmission problems.
The CVT in some Altima model years, including 2010 to 2016, has caused problems for drivers, including a noticeable reduction in speed and loss of power.
The issues usually occur below the 100,000-mile mark. For some models, like the 2015 Altima, transmission problems can pop up at as low as 40,000 miles.
Typically, owners would have no other option than to replace the entire transmission system for roughly $3,000.
2013 Altima may be the Vehicle’s Most Unreliable Year Due to Excessive Recalls Over
The worst of the bunch is the 2013 model, which garnered 12 recalls and 2,081 filed complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Quite a few of the recalls concern serious problems over faulty airbags.
Among owner complaints, more than 380 are related to exterior lighting, mainly pertaining to low-beam headlights being too dim, causing limited visibility.
Nissan Altimas from 2017 onwards have so far had a better record with fewer recalls and overall problems. However, there are still a few complaints for each year on the Car Complaints website, indicating the Altima still suffers from transmission failures in relatively low mileages.
Nissan Altima’s 200,000-mile Life Expectancy Falls Short of More Durable Midsize Sedans, Dire Transmission Problems Make Matters Worse
The Nissan Altima lasts roughly 200,000 miles, which is average for its class. That translates to about 14 years of use driving an average of 14,000 miles per year.
However, many owners have had to spend $3,000 on average to replace the entire transmission in their Altima before hitting 100,000 miles on the odometer due to widespread transmission failures.
This is while the Altima’s rival, the Toyota Camry, can effortlessly reach 300,000 miles without any major overhauls.
If you’re in the market for a used Nissan Altima, skipping on models earlier than 2017 would be a safer bet since the transmission issue seems to be more common in them. The 2013 model is the most problematic member of the family and should be avoided.
However, opting for a newer Nissan Altima doesn’t guarantee you won’t face any frustrating difficulties with the transmission. A Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord can offer much better durability within the same price range.
Photos: Nissan
