Looking for Nissan Altima repair in Phoenix? We work on Nissan vehicles every day and cover the Altima across model years 2005 to 2027, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help Altima owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 12,262 owner complaints on file for the Altima and 44 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (2,031), air bags (1,648), electrical system (1,486).
Most-Reported Nissan Altima Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Altima (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 2,031 | 16% | |
| Air Bags | 1,648 | 13% | |
| Electrical System | 1,486 | 12% | |
| Structure | 1,415 | 11% | |
| Steering | 1,317 | 10% | |
| Engine | 1,218 | 9% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1,147 | 9% | |
| Suspension | 810 | 6% |
Power Train
2,031 of the 12,262 complaints (16%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
1,648 of the 12,262 complaints (13%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
1,486 of the 12,262 complaints (12%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Nissan Altima Complaints by Model Year
The Altima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2009, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,091 | |
| 2006 | 824 | |
| 2007 | 498 | |
| 2008 | 1,046 | |
| 2009 | 1,601 | |
| 2010 | 393 | |
| 2011 | 246 | |
| 2012 | 426 | |
| 2013 | 2,313 | |
| 2014 | 1,113 | |
| 2015 | 955 | |
| 2016 | 554 | |
| 2017 | 393 | |
| 2018 | 226 | |
| 2019 | 233 | |
| 2020 | 181 | |
| 2021 | 70 | |
| 2022 | 20 | |
| 2023 | 30 | |
| 2024 | 41 | |
| 2025 | 7 | |
| 2026 | 1 |
Most Common Nissan Altima Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Altima. The most-cited is P0776 (powertrain code), mentioned in 33 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0776 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 33 |
| B0020 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 22 |
| P0335 | Crankshaft position sensor circuit Failing crank sensor; can cause stalling or no-start. | 18 |
| P17F0 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 12 |
| P0101 | Mass airflow sensor range or performance A dirty or failing MAF sensor, or an intake air leak. | 10 |
| P0841 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 10 |
| P1778 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 7 |
| P0725 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 6 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Nissan Altima Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns for the Altima in these model years, most often involving air bags, latches/locks/linkages, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 26V023000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving.
- 2026 recall, Air Bags (campaign 26V526000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima vehicles. The front passenger air bag and front passenger knee air bag may have been installed with incorrect mounting fasteners, which can cause the air bags not to...
- 2025 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 25V437000): 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)...
- 2023 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 23V628000): 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.
- 2023 recall, Steering (campaign 23V882000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Altima vehicles. The bolts connecting the electronic power steering unit to the steering rack may loosen, resulting in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
- 2021 recall, Tires (campaign 21V169000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Altima, 564 involved a crash, 142 involved a fire, 497 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Nissan Altima Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Nissan will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Altima that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Altima owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Nissan Altima, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Nissan Altima Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Nissan Altima repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Nissan Altima FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Altima?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Nissan Altima are power train (2,031), air bags (1,648), electrical system (1,486). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Altima model years have the most complaints?
The Altima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2009, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Nissan Altima?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Nissan Altima, the codes cited most often are P0776 (powertrain code), B0020 (manufacturer-specific body code), P0335 (crankshaft position sensor circuit). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns for the Nissan Altima across model years 2005 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Nissan Altima in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Nissan vehicles including the Altima, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Nissan Altima?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Nissan Altima in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Nissan Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.