One of the best years for the Nissan Altima costs as little as $1,800, has two recalls, and is 20 years old. Another is much newer and falls into the worst category, with a dozen recalls and over 2,000 registered complaints. Wading through the last two decades, we compare the Altima’s best and worst years.
Key Points
- If you’re in the market for a used Nissan Altima, model years 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2012 are worth looking at for their high reliability and exceptional value.
- The 2001 model has decent reliability and is available from as low as $1,800. While 2004 and 2007 model years get more amenities and a better driving experience.
- Model years 2011 and 2012 are perhaps the best. Reliability is top-notch, and registered complaints are minimal.
- Nissan Altima’s worst model years include 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2013-2015. From engine and powertrain failures to faulty electricals, these models are best avoided.
Nissan’s Altima is a Decent Daily Driver, but Some Years are Better than Others, Including the Reliable and Decently-equipped 2001, 2004, and 2007 Models
If you’re shopping for a used Nissan Altima, model years 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2012 are worth considering. They aren’t perfect but, in comparison to some of the Altima’s other model years, these have turned out to be the best picks of the lot.
2001 Altima is Super-affordable, Reliable, and Decently Equipped
Part of the second-generation, the 2001 Nissan Altima is more reliable and far less problematic than its later model years. What’s more, it’s a spacious car with a fairly decent interior. As a family runabout, the 2001 Altima is quite generously equipped for the time. But sadly, it’s not perfect.
The 2001 Altima is not a handsome-looking thing nor is it very exciting to drive. Also, there are a few reported complaints. However, besides the engine gasket issues, the rest of the problems aren’t all that concerning. Plus, used 2001 Altimas are available from as low as $1,800.
2004 and 2007 Models Get More Amenities without Much of a Price Premium
Belonging to the third generation, the 2004 Altima grew even bigger and looked far better than its blandly styled predecessor. There are more interior appointments and better safety equipment than before. Reliability-wise, the 2004 model year fared much better than the 2002 and 2003 models, which had quite a lot of issues. The 2004 Altima is an attractive package, especially considering how affordable they are in the used market.
Available from $4,500, the 2007 Nissan Altima gets you a potent V6, HID headlights, soft-touch plastics, and a rearview camera. J.D. Power gives it an overall score of 81, with driving experience being its forte. Reliability is average but better than some of the newer models.
2011 and 2012 Altimas are Pricey but Come with Excellent Reliability
Perhaps the best Altima to buy would be the 2011 model. Not only is it stylish and contemporary, but it’s among the most reliable as well. J.D. Power gives it a reliability rating of 80, with an overall score of 81.
Used prices are on the higher side, and decent examples are worth around the $9k mark. That said, potential buyers should give the car a thorough look as engine and powertrain issues are not uncommon for this particular model year.
The 2012 Altima scores a reliability rating of 86, per J.D. Power. It’s the last model year before the fifth generation, and Nissan has ironed out most of the issues. However, there are records of owners reporting airbag malfunctions and CVT problems.
Which Nissan Altima Model Year should You Avoid Buying?
From engine and powertrain failures to faulty electricals and class-action lawsuits, let’s just say there are some model years that you don’t want to be driving. So if you’re looking to buy a used Nissan Altima, try avoiding 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2013-2015 models.
2002 and 2003 Altimas have Reports of Faulty Airbags and Fuel Leaks
Per the NHTSA, there are 12 recalls and over 1,000 complaints registered against the 2002 Nissan Altima, while the 2003 model has 10 recalls and 900 complaints. There’s also an investigation on record. Half the recalls pertain to smaller issues, like headlights and reflectors, while the other half is more serious and relates to faulty airbags and fuel leaks. The 2002 and 2003 models also have a prematurely rusting floorboard, which has led to several complaints and a class-action lawsuit.
2009 Nissan Altima Faces Consumer Complaints Over Malfunctioning Steering Column and Overheating Transmission
The 2009 model has fewer recalls but over 1,500 complaints have been registered, per the NHTSA. The majority of the complaints are about its electronic steering column locking unexpectedly. Additionally, suspension issues and transmission overheating are also common. Nissan has addressed these but, the added inconvenience and potential safety risk have left several owners unhappy.
Airbag Problems and CVT Failure Plague 2013, 2014, and 2015 Models, Part of Class-action Lawsuit
The fifth-generation had a rocky start. Model year 2013 received 12 recalls and over 2,000 complaints. Per the NHTSA, airbag malfunctions are the most common complaint followed by engine and transmission issues. Four recalls address the airbag problems, while the powertrain issues remain an out-of-the-pocket fix. On top of this, there are five investigations against the 2013 model. Probably why J.D. Power has given it a reliability rating of 76.
The 2014 and 2015 model years aren’t all that different. Recalls have come down to eight and 10, respectively. However, hundreds of complaints still kept pouring in. The NHTSA reports a fire risk courtesy of a fuel leak in addition to hoods and rear doors that fly open without warning. 2013-2015 Altimas are also part of a class-action lawsuit involving faulty CVT transmissions manufactured by Nissan’s subsidiary, JATCO.
Some Models have Questionable Reliability, but Overall, the Nissan Altima is a Fairly Dependable Midsize Sedan
Although there are several reliability concerns, it’s worth noting that the Altima is quite a celebrated model in Nissan’s lineup. When shopping for a used Altima, look out for CVT issues and electrical malfunctions. Check whether it’s part of a recall and see if the replacements are done. Whatever the model year, make sure to have a mechanic take a thorough look at the car before going ahead.
Photos: Nissan
