Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
42% of the 48 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 54/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
48
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections54/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10042%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 48 used Nissan Altimas we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 54/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
63%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
42%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
42%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
35%
Mounts · Engine
29%
Share of inspected Nissan Altimas where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 17%
Good 25%
Mediocre 29%
Poor 29%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
88%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
15%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
23%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Altima stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Nissan Altimas in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Nissan
Other Nissan models we've inspected — or see the full Nissan profile.
Straight from recent Nissan Altima reports
2020 Nissan Altima · 121k mi — flagged: fuel trim out of range, cv joints, tires condition & wear. Inspected Jun 10.
2022 Nissan Altima · 76k mi — flagged: supplemental inflatable restraint system. Inspected Jun 8.
The bottom line
These cars often hide collision work and engine trouble, so start every viewing with a paint-depth check and a frame inspection before you even turn the key. Repainted panels hit 88 percent of them, and when you add the elevated structural-repair rate the smart move is to treat any unclear history as a deal-breaker. Under the hood, oil leaks are the standout problem at 63 percent, with mounts and fuel-trim issues close behind, so either get those fixed in the price or keep walking.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Nissan Altima?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (63%), active error codes (42%), tires condition & wear (42%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 23% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Nissan Altima? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 48 inspections · updated Aug 12, 2026
