2020 Nissan Altima engine problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 13, 2026GAEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Malfunction" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive coolant consumption and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred and worsened. The vehicle was returned to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cooling system and…

   NHTSA complaint #11756811 · source
2. Filed Jul 26, 2026GAEngine

   When I am driving my car randomly states check engine and makes a beeping noise and then the engine starts to make some type of combustion noise and then slows down and then turns off.

   NHTSA complaint #11752874 · source
3. Filed Jul 15, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngine

   The warming lights for different items come on at random. Examples :Low washer fluid, gas cap open, speedometer digital speed not showing.

   NHTSA complaint #11750677 · source
4. Filed May 4, 2026FLCrashEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   The CVT issue remains with this car even though I have complained. The car will randomly de accelerate and randomly accelerate which has cause minor fender bender. The car continue to studer and jerk and continues to show since of transmission issues. These cars need to be recalled before someone is seriously injured from the known CVT issues.

   NHTSA complaint #11735472 · source
5. Filed Jan 29, 2026KSEngine

   Message popped up while driving saying “engine malfunction power reduced service now”. Pairs with the check engine light coming on

   NHTSA complaint #11714289 · source
6. Filed Jan 7, 2026MAEngine

   I received a Recall # R25B1 for my Nissan Altima 2020. I visited my local Nissan Dealer in Chelmsford, MA, on December 30, 2025. They explained that they saw an issue and that I would need a new engine. There are 32,000 miles on this vehicle. They began the process but were then told by Nissan Corporate that it did not meet the requirements of the recall, and they would not be replacing it. I am in the process of heading on a long driving trip and am very concerned with how…

   NHTSA complaint #11709354 · source
7. Filed Dec 26, 2025GAEngine

   Need a new engine / gasket confirmed by pep boys. Been at the dealership a lot more than usual lately and they kept telling me everything is fine with my vehicle

   NHTSA complaint #11707102 · source
8. Filed Dec 9, 2025TNTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the expressway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the engine started knocking significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to slowly pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later driven to the dealer, where it was test-driven. The dealer informed the…

   NHTSA complaint #11703886 · source
9. Filed Nov 24, 2025NCEngineOther / Unknown

   I am writing to request immediate assistance regarding the recall inspection for my 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum. Last week I received a letter notifying me of an open recall and instructing me to have my vehicle inspected. I brought my car to my local Nissan dealership on Saturday. During the inspection, I was told that metal debris was found in the engine and that the vehicle would need a full engine replacement. I was asked to leave the car at the dealership and was told I…

   NHTSA complaint #11701365 · source
10. Filed Nov 16, 2025MSEngine

    Unknown. The engine started have overheating issues but never was ran in the overheated zone. We took the car to the dealer and was told the head was cracked. We questioned how that was possible if we never ran it in the overheated zone. We were told they did not know but that several other Customers in the last few weeks have had the same issue. Then we heard about the recall but was told our car was not affected. It needs to be reevaluated. We never ran the car hot.

    NHTSA complaint #11699694 · source
11. Filed Sep 5, 2025FLEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint #11685315 · source
12. Filed Sep 1, 2025MOEngine

    I’ve received notice that my car is subject to engine failure. I’m afraid to drive it and I need this issue fixed ASAP. What should I do?

    NHTSA complaint #11684347 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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