Problems · by component

2020 Nissan Altima engine problems

37 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Altima cite engine, 20% of all 182 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
37
20% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“SUBJECT: Improper Recall Remedy Denial – NHTSA Recall #25V437000 (Nissan R25A8/R25A9) Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Altima 2.0L VC-Turbo Mileage at Failure: 147,540 Incident Description: The vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure resulting in a permanent no-start condition. The vehicle had been parked normally and completely failed to start the following morning. An independent certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed substantial metal shavings and bearing debris in the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Nissan dealership service department for remedy under open NHTSA Campaign #25V437000. The dealership dropped the oil pan, re-confirmed the presence of metal bearing debris, and initially acknowledged this triggered an engine replacement under the recall. The claim was submitted to Nissan corporate warranty/Powertrain Call Center (PCC). Basis of Complaint (Recall Non-Compliance): Nissan North America and the dealership have officially declined the zero-cost recall remedy mandated by federal law, demanding nearly $10,000 for an engine replacement. Nissan claims the engine failed due to "loss of compression" rather than bearing…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026EngineODI 11772284
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2026EngineODI 11752874
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedODI 11735472
“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 this was handled. Nissan Customer Relations explained it wasn't covered under warranty, which has nothing to do with a recall. I am very frustrated and disappointed in Nissan. The mechanics at Nissan in Chelmsford took photos and sent them to Nissan, and they still denied it. With the car only having 32000 miles on it, it was probably if anything at the beginning of the failure. Please advise on going forward.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2026EngineODI 11709354
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 26, 2025EngineODI 11707102
“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 would receive a loaner vehicle on Monday. After waiting all day today for an update, I was informed that Nissan declined the engine replacement because the debris found did not “qualify” under the recall. I was told the dealership would clear the debris out of the engine and that I could pick up the car tomorrow. I am very concerned about this decision. Metal debris inside an engine—especially during an active recall related to engine failure—raises serious safety and reliability issues. Simply clearing out the debris does not address the root cause or provide confidence that the vehicle is safe to drive. This matter is urgent, as I must drive more than 1,000 miles soon to take my medically…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2025Unknown or other, EngineODI 11701365

Showing 6 of 37 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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