Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Nissan Altima problems

Owners filed 234 complaints about the 2019 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between Nov 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (58).

Complaints
234
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
22
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system58
  2. Engine48
  3. Forward collision avoidance41
  4. Service brakes29
  5. Visibility/wiper14
  6. Fuel/propulsion system12
  7. Air bags11
  8. Engine and engine cooling9
  9. Power train9
  10. Vehicle speed control9
  11. Suspension8
  12. Seats6
  13. Lane departure6
  14. Structure6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20182
201928
202022
202125
202229
202327
202428
202540
202633

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

58 reports5 crashes
“Ever since I bought the car with zero miles I been having electrical issues. From reverse camera to low wash fluid light that doesn’t turned off . Now even when it’s over 100 degrees outside my car marks inside that’s 26 degrees . And now my Ac completely stopped working. I don’t know what to do I only owe $4,000 on my car”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11747965

Engine

48 reports
“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 return call from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026EngineODI 11763065

Forward collision avoidance

41 reports3 crashes
“Have been getting “engine malfunction power reduced” already had it repaired once. Not sure what is causing this since it was just “repaired “. New battery in place. Also has accident icons on dashboard”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 6, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11736193

Service brakes

29 reports9 crashes2 fires
“I changed the Air Mass Flow sensor and it’s still showing the check engine light on my dash board and giving me the same code after replacing it brand new. My brakes sound horrible after replacing both sets of brakes, front and back. The Foward Collision Warning sensor did not respond in a timely matter, resulting in a minor fender bender.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11716913

Visibility/wiper

14 reports
“1st. I would like to report defective windshields, I've replaced it once and the one I replaced got a crack now also. I don't speed I don't tailgate I drive proper and my insurance records my driving. My car has less that 33k and I've owned it for 4 years. 2nd. I would to report crappy transmission, the car struggles to accelerate in times you need it most.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2024Power train, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11583696

Fuel/propulsion system

12 reports
“I continuously have issues with it showing a crash and with the warning "engine malfunction, power reduced, service now" light coming on. This has been a recurring issue. There is always a light coming on in this car. I don't know if it is sensitive sensors or if it was poorly made.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11733523
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.