2019 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Nissan Altima, most often about engine. There are 7 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
202
Recalls
7
Crashes
16
Fires
4
Injuries
9
Median mileage
32,812 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 56 of 202 complaints (28%).
  • Electrical System (53) and driver assistance & safety tech (51) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 32,812 mi.
  • Owners reported 16 crashes, 4 fires and 9 injuries.
  • The 2019 Nissan Altima has 7 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 7th of 22 Nissan Altima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 24% more complaints than the 2018 model year (163).

2019 Nissan Altima problems by category

  • 56 complaints
  • Electrical System · 4 crashes
    53 complaints
  • 51 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 5 crashes
    43 complaints
  • Brakes · 5 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    12 complaints
  • Airbags · 7 crashes
    10 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    10 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    9 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    8 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Suspension · 2 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    5 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system52
Engine47
Unknown or other43
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking29
Forward collision avoidance: warnings20
Service brakes18
Fuel/propulsion system11
Air bags9

When problems happen (mileage)

9Under 10k1310k–30k1130k–60k1060k–100k4100k–150k4150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2019 Nissan Altima complaints that list mileage.

2019 Nissan Altima recalls (7)

  • Recall 25V437000Jun 27, 2025443,899 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Recall 23V628000Sep 8, 2023153,376 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • Recall 21V169000Mar 11, 202136,141 vehicles
    TIRES · TIRES:SIDEWALL

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Recall 19V654000Sep 12, 20191,228,830 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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."

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • Recall 19V316000Apr 18, 2019374 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    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."

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

    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.

  • Recall 19V235000Mar 25, 20195,744 vehicles
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Recall 18V922000Dec 20, 201823,903 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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.

    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.

    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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE23023Opened Dec 13, 2023Closed Jul 18, 2025led to recall 25V437

    Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure

    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 2.0…

  • AQ22003Opened Dec 16, 2022Open

    Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls

    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…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★
2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★

Recent 2019 Nissan Altima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 24, 2026ORDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    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 · source
  2. Filed Sep 10, 2026WAOther / Unknown
    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],…
    NHTSA complaint #11763470 · source
  3. Filed Sep 9, 202670,000 miCATowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11763065 · source
  4. Filed Aug 25, 202680,000 miALTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11759394 · source
  5. Filed Aug 20, 2026120,000 miCAAirbags
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11758367 · source
  6. Filed Aug 13, 202645,000 miGABody & Structure
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11756644 · source
  7. Filed Jul 29, 2026INEngineOther / Unknown
    Cracked Engine Head- The vehicle is around 165,000 miles and the engine has cracked. No collisions or crashes or any fault of owner. At around 100,000 miles ALL four doors had the actuators stop working within 1 week. All doors now must be manually locked and unlocked.
    NHTSA complaint #11753431 · source
  8. Filed Jul 24, 2026WIElectrical System
    All 4 door actuators failed over the course of a few months. Now none of the locks work, and the cost to fix them is prohibitive.
    NHTSA complaint #11752714 · source

Compare the 2019 Nissan Altima with another vehicle →

Other 2019 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology