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Nissan · NHTSA safety record

2019 Nissan Altima

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 232 safety complaints about the 2019 Nissan Altima with the US government. Of those, 22 describe a crash, 5 mention a fire, 11 people were injured and no death is recorded. 7 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 58 complaints, 25% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 18,074 miles, the median across the 76 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers November 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

232 complaints on file

232

Complaints

22

Describe a crash

5

Mention fire

11

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints more than doubled year on year: 48 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 21 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 58 · 25%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 49 · 21%
ENGINE 48 · 21%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 41 · 18%
SERVICE BRAKES 29 · 13%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 14 · 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12 · 5%
AIR BAGS 11 · 5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9 · 4%
POWER TRAIN 9 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 · 4%
SUSPENSION 8 · 3%
0 27 54

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 232.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 40.

44 33 22 11
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Nissan ALTIMA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR AWD 4 DR FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 9.2% 9.2%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

7 on file

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

25V437000 · June 27, 2025

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
The risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
The remedy
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 443,899 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

23V628000 · September 8, 2023

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 153,376 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES

21V169000 · March 11, 2021

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
The 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. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 36,141 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

19V654000 · September 12, 2019

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 1,228,830 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

19V316000 · April 18, 2019

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines. The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 374 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

19V235000 · March 25, 2019

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
The risk
If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 5,744 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

18V922000 · December 20, 2018

The defect
Nissan North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles. The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.
The risk
If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will route the fuel hose into the holding clip and lock the retainer clip into place, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Nissan North America, Inc. · up to 23,903 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

2 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure

PE23023

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened December 13, 2023 · closed July 18, 2025 · led to recall 25V437

the engine, the engine and its cooling

On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. ODI also identified early warning reports describing thermal incidents that occurred immediately after the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure.  The failures were the result of a manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings (main, A-, C-, and L-link) or other engine components that may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. Engine failure can result in a loss of motive power event that can increase the risk of a crash.  Engine failure might also result in a fire if internal components detach and impact the engine block creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces. In its April 2024, May 2024, and June 2025 responses to ODI’s information requests, Nissan provided 998 customer reports (including complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 1,107 warranty claims related to the alleged defect.  When combining ODI and manufacturer report data, there are 1,878 unique VINs that have experienced failures across all subject vehicles.  In one of the early warning reports, ODI identified an incident involving a 2022 Infiniti QX55 that resulted in an engine fire following an alleged engine failure. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 was not included in the scope of this investigation but the vehicle model shares the same 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo engine.  Based on the information included with the early warning report, the fire can be directly related to the alleged defect.   A further review of ODI and manufacturer data, identified 12 allegations of engine compartment fires in subject vehicles; three were confirmed as directly related to the engine failure, and nine reports described an under-hood fire that occurred following a loss of power event. Additionally, ODI identified multiple reports describing an engine block crack or hole surrounded by oil residue following an engine failure. On June 27, 2025, Nissan submitted recall 25V-437 involving 443,899 MY 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50; and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles. The recall remedy provides the dealer instructions to inspect the engine oil pan for the presence of specific metal debris. For customers with the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected during the inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM). For customers with the 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected, dealers will replace the engine oil. In the case where specific debris is detected and confirmed by Nissan Powertrain Call Center, dealers will be instructed to replace the engine. In addition, Nissan will extend the vehicle warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for the recall subject vehicle population after the dealer performs the inspection. Nissan has implemented multiple corrective actions to address the identified manufacturing defects of certain engine block internal components.  In view of the recall action (25V437) taken by Nissan, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls

AQ22003

Still open audit query · opened December 16, 2022

the latches, locks and linkages

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 32,812 miles

The contact owned a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph and making a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. All the air bags did deploy. The contact stated the driver-side air bag deployed under the steering wheel causing him to fracture his right leg and his right knee. The contact sought medical attention at a hospital for 11 days and had surgery on his right leg. The contact also stated his front passager had injuries caused by the seat belt. The front passenger sought medical attention and had surgery to have a small portion of her bowel removed. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the

NHTSA complaint 11505108, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 injured

I’m driving on expressway going southbound with no traffic & out of no where the hood jumps open, the result of that resulted in the windshield being cracked also the sunroof. The glass from sunroof came Shattered & hit me & my daughter forehead leaving glass inside the car. These was a traumatic experience, and actually my very first Nissan.

NHTSA complaint 11503878. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · fire · crash · 25 miles

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) FUNCTION FAILED AT A RED LIGHT. AEB HAD BEEN SET IN A 3-VEHICLE DISTANCE. HOWEVER, UPON ARRIVING AT THE RED LIGHT, ON A CITY STREET, WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US, NISSAN ALTIMA 2019 DIDN'T ACTUALLY RESPOND TO THE CONDITION AND KICK OFF ITS AEB SYSTEM TO 1) SLOW DOWN 2) STOP THE MOVING VEHICLE. THIS IS A DRIVING EXPERIENCE DATED ON JUNE 01 2019.

NHTSA complaint 11254091. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 1,300 miles

I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY AND OBTAINED SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE TOTALING OVER 5000.00 AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL, I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 0N THE 30TH OF MAY 2019

NHTSA complaint 11229515. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Back up camera did occasionally did work properly. Some time the image went dark, other time the picture changed. It cost me $674 to have the unit replaced and software updated at the dealer. Was told that the Altima has had recalls for this issue, my car was not part of the list. When the dealer ordered the camera they where on backorder.

NHTSA complaint 11766767. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Active grille shutter failed with DTC P059F, covered under Nissan warranty extension PC989 (15 years/150,000 miles). Vehicle at 64,867 miles. Campbell Nissan of [XXX] denied warranty coverage citing outside influence from debris. However, dealer removed the debris and shutter still does not function, proving debris was not the cause. Tech video shows electronic connection to grille shutter motor — motor did not react to close/reopen commands. Independent shop ([XXX], Seattle) also confirmed motor non-responsive with proper power and ground. Dealer's own OEM report confirms warranty extension is active. Nissan Consumer Affairs Case #XXX opened. Dealer has not submitted warranty claim to

NHTSA complaint 11763470, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 70,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure. The contact was informed that there was oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was awaiting a

NHTSA complaint 11763065, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

towed · 80,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a trade-in, and during the test drive, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the cam actuator and the bearings were falling apart. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil and in the oil pan. The engine replacement fees were provided. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the mechanic was unable to force the dealer to

NHTSA complaint 11759394, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

120,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger occupant sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the occupant sensor and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the occupant sensor and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint 11758367. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

45,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to open. The contact entered the vehicle through the rear door. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to the door lock actuator, and the part was replaced under warranty; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA complaint 11756644. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Nissan Altima

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 7 2 —
2024 41 1 —
2022 30 0 —
2021 70 2 —
2020 158 6 1
2018 225 2 —
2017 391 3 —
2016 553 4 1
2015 954 10 —
2014 1,114 8 1
2013 2,312 12 1
2012 426 4 —
2011 241 1 —
2010 381 3 —

Other 2019 Nissan models

Rogue 337 Leaf 259 Sentra 222 Kicks 134 Rogue Sport 100 Armada 77 Pathfinder 76 Titan 47

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Nissan on this site — 205 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst