--- title: "Used Nissan Altima Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy" description: "A used Nissan Altima review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, CVT notes and best years." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/nissan-altima-review-texas/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Used Nissan Altima Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy Choosing a car # Used Nissan Altima Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy A used Nissan Altima review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, CVT notes and best years. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202610 min read ![Used Nissan Altima Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/nissan-altima-review-texas.webp) Photo: [WNYY98](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2019_Nissan_Altima_S.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) This used Nissan Altima review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. In NHTSA's records, the 2015 Altima has by far the most complaints (956) and the most recall campaigns (10). Complaints then fall almost every year, and the 2021 and 2022 have the fewest of both. Transmission and CVT complaints are heaviest in 2015 to 2017 and drop sharply after that. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2021 or 2022, look at a 2018 if the budget points older, and treat a 2015 or 2016 with extra care. On a 2019 or 2020 with the 2.0-liter turbo, I would want proof the engine bearing campaign is done. Run the VIN for open recalls and get an inspection either way. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, and size and weight records from Transport Canada through NHTSA. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. ## Nissan Altima years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 The 2015 to 2022 span covers two designs. The size records show the break: one body starts in 2013 and the next starts in 2019. Every Altima version listed on [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) uses a continuously variable automatic, which fueleconomy.gov lists as "variable gear ratios" or AV-S7 and AV-S8. So every Altima here has a CVT. ### 2015 to 2018 fueleconomy.gov lists a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and, through 2018, a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive. Transport Canada lists the sedan at 192 inches long on a 109-inch wheelbase. Curb weight runs from 3,122 pounds for a 2015 2.5 to 3,474 pounds for a 2016 3.5. NHTSA rates this design 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover. ### 2019 to 2022 The 2019 model year brought a new body, slightly bigger: 193 inches long on a 111-inch wheelbase, and 3,406 to 3,435 pounds. The V6 is gone. fueleconomy.gov lists the 2.5 four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. NHTSA's recall records describe that 2.0 as a variable compression turbo, or VC-Turbo. From 2019, NHTSA crash-tests both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions and rates both 5 stars overall and 5 stars for rollover. The first year of this design, 2019, has 7 recall campaigns, the most outside 2015. ## Used Altima review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. Many cover only one engine, one tire size or a short build window. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top components. | Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint components (count) | NHTSA overall / rollover | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 10 | 956 | 46 / 5 | Exterior lighting (270), air bags (177), power train (161) | 5 / 4 stars | | 2016 | 4 | 555 | 28 / 3 | Power train (235), engine (86), air bags (72) | 5 / 4 stars | | 2017 | 3 | 394 | 24 / 7 | Power train (133), air bags (74), vehicle speed control (41) | 5 / 4 stars | | 2018 | 2 | 226 | 11 / 0 | Service brakes (49), electrical system (37), air bags (36) | 5 / 4 stars | | 2019 | 7 | 234 | 22 / 5 | Electrical system (58), engine (48), forward collision avoidance (41) | 5 / 5 stars | | 2020 | 6 | 183 | 16 / 7 | Electrical system (46), engine (38), forward collision avoidance (30) | 5 / 5 stars | | 2021 | 2 | 71 | 7 / 1 | Electrical system (22), forward collision avoidance (22), service brakes (21) | 5 / 5 stars | | 2022 | 0 | 20 | 4 / 1 | Forward collision avoidance (7), electrical system (5), engine (5) | 5 / 5 stars | Compare years within the Altima rather than across brands: popular cars collect more complaints, and newer cars have had less time to collect them. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) . **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Nissan%20Altima%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) ## The Altima recalls that matter most These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names. ### 2015 to 2018 - **Rear door latch cable (17V040000 and 18V915000), 2015-2017.** The cable may be routed wrong, so lowering a rear window may unlatch and open that door. The second campaign redoes cars where the first fix may have been routed wrong. - **Hood secondary latch (15V116000 and 16V029000 for 2015; 20V315000 for 2015-2018).** The secondary latch may bind open when the hood is closed, and the 2020 campaign says it may corrode over time. - **Passenger air bag sensor (15V681000, 16V911000 and 16V244000), 2015, with one also covering 2016.** These campaigns involve the occupant classification system, which decides whether the front passenger air bag should deploy. Air bags are the second-most complained-about component for 2015. - **Front brake calipers (15V733000), 2015.** The caliper mounting bolts may not be tightened properly. - **Fuel system (15V486000), 2015 with the 3.5 V6.** - **Rearview camera (19V654000), 2018.** NHTSA lists the back-up camera and display. This campaign also covers 2019; check the VIN for details. ### 2019 to 2022 - **VC-Turbo engine bearings (25V437000), 2019-2020 with the 2.0 VC-Turbo.** The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. Engine is a top-three complaint component for both years, and "engine fail" appears in 5 complaints each year. On any 2.0, I want proof this one is done. - **Fuel pump and fuel tube (19V316000 and 18V922000), 2019.** On front-wheel-drive 2.5 cars, the fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, which may leak fuel. A second campaign covers a fuel tube clip. - **Brake switch bracket (19V235000), 2019.** The bracket may be in the wrong spot, so the brake switch may stay on. - **Rearview camera harness (23V628000), 2019-2021.** Damage to the harness can distort or cut the camera image. - **Tie rod ball joint fastener (21V138000), 2020-2021.** The fastener may not be tight, and the tie rod ball joint could detach from the steering knuckle. - **Rear window glass (20V570000), 2020.** The glass may not stay secured to the car. - **Tires (21V169000 for 2019-2020; 20V685000 for 2020 S grade).** Some Continental tires may have been cured too long. ## Nissan Altima problems owners report most These are unverified reports filed with NHTSA. Term counts are substring matches in the complaint text, so they can over-match. **2015 to 2017:** In 2015, exterior lighting leads the components (270), then air bags (177) and power train (161). In the text, "transmission" appears in 122 complaints and "cvt" in 43. In 2016, power train leads (235), and "transmission" appears in 187 complaints, "cvt" in 67, "check engine" in 63, "stall" in 54 and "shudder" in 19. In 2017 the totals fall, but power train still leads (133), with "transmission" in 95 and "cvt" in 41. **2018:** The last year of the older design has far fewer complaints (226). Service brakes lead (49), and "sensor" and "brake" are the top terms. "Transmission" drops to 22 complaints and "cvt" to 13. **2019 to 2020:** Electrical system, engine and forward collision avoidance lead both years. "Brake" is the top term in 2019 (37), and "door lock" shows up 12 and 13 times. Transmission complaints are low: "transmission" appears in 5 of the 2019 complaints and 12 of the 2020 complaints, and "cvt" in 4 of the 2020 complaints. **2021 to 2022:** In 2021, electrical system, forward collision avoidance and service brakes lead, and "brake" appears in 21 complaints. The 2022 has 20 complaints in total. If a CVT is your main worry, my guide on CVT transmissions for used buyers covers what to check. ## Altima MPG and specs by engine EPA ratings from [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) (police and chassis versions excluded). Ranges cover all versions listed. | Engine | Years | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.5L four-cylinder | 2015-2022 (row covers 2015-2027) | CVT | Front or all-wheel drive | 25-28 / 33-39 / 28-32 | | 3.5L V6 | 2015-2018 | CVT | Front-wheel drive | 22 / 31-32 / 26 | | 2.0L four-cylinder (VC-Turbo) | 2019-2022 (row covers 2019-2024) | CVT | Front-wheel drive | 25 / 34 / 29 | All three run on regular gasoline, and the 2.5 is the efficiency pick. To see the 2019 Altima's specs next to a 2019 Camry, use my compare tool. ## Texas notes for Altima owners **Heat.** A sedan parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date. My [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) has the full list. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. **I-35 commuting.** The 2.5 rates 33 to 39 on the highway and 28 to 32 combined. For daily I-35 runs between Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio, that is the one I would pick. **Hail.** A sedan that lived outside may have hail damage on the roof, hood and trunk lid. Read my guide on hail-damaged cars. **Uber and Lyft.** Ask how the car was used. If you plan to drive for a platform, check the platform's current rules for your city before you buy. My guides on buying a used car for Uber or Lyft in Texas and the [best used cars for Uber in Austin](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/best-used-cars-for-uber-in-austin/) have the extra checks. **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Best years: the Altimas I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully My opinion, based only on the data shown here. ### Years I would shortlist - **2021 Nissan Altima.** Two campaigns and 71 complaints, with transmission complaints in single digits. Confirm the camera harness and tie rod campaigns. - **2022 Nissan Altima.** No campaigns in this data and 20 complaints. It is also the newest year, with the least time to collect reports. - **2018 Nissan Altima.** The quietest year of the older design: two campaigns, 226 complaints and no fire complaints. Transmission complaints drop sharply from 2017. Confirm the hood latch and camera campaigns. ### Years I would check extra carefully - **2015 Nissan Altima.** The most complaints (956), the most crash complaints (46) and 10 campaigns. Confirm the door latch, hood latch and air bag sensor campaigns. - **2016 and 2017 Nissan Altima.** Power train leads both years, and transmission and CVT terms show up often in the text. I would want service records for the CVT and a long test drive. - **2019 and 2020 with the 2.0 VC-Turbo.** The engine bearing campaign is essential. The 2019 also has 7 campaigns as the first year of the newer design. ## Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used Altima Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist and test drive checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Nissan dealer for completed recalls. Re-check close to purchase. 1. Confirm the engine and drive from the build sheet or a dealer lookup, so you know if the 2.0 VC-Turbo campaign applies. 1. Ask for CVT service records. My CVT guide explains what to ask. 1. Drive it cold and warm, in traffic and on the highway. Note shudder, hesitation, whining or a slow response from a stop. 1. Have a mechanic scan for stored codes. 1. Lower each rear window and check that the rear doors stay latched. 1. Check that the brake lights go off when you release the pedal, and that the rearview camera image is clear. 1. Check the dash for forward collision or automatic emergency braking warnings. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. Check tire brand, age and wear. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands. For model data across years, see the Nissan Altima car data page. If you are weighing other midsize sedans, my [Toyota Camry review](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-camry-review-texas/) and [Camry vs Accord guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-camry-vs-honda-accord/) use the same kind of data. For the recall process, read my guide on [checking recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, Nissan Altima)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - Transport Canada size and weight records through NHTSA vPIC (vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov) - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best years for a used Nissan Altima?** Based on NHTSA data for 2015-2022, the 2021 and 2022 have the fewest complaints and recall campaigns. In the older design, the 2018 has the fewest. No year guarantees a good car, so inspect it. **Which Altima years have the most problems in NHTSA data?** The 2015 has the most complaints (956) and the most recall campaigns (10). The 2016 has the second-most complaints (555), with power train leading. **Does the Nissan Altima have CVT problems?** Every Altima in this span uses a CVT. In NHTSA complaint text, "transmission" and "cvt" show up most in 2015 to 2017. In 2019 to 2022 the counts are much lower. These are unverified reports, so rely on service records and an inspection. **What is the Altima VC-Turbo engine recall?** Campaign 25V437000 covers 2019-2020 Altimas with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine. NHTSA says the engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. **What MPG does a used Altima get?** On fueleconomy.gov, the 2.5 four-cylinder rates 28 to 32 combined, the 2015-2018 V6 rates 26 and the 2019-2022 2.0 rates 29. **How safe is a used Altima?** NHTSA rates every 2015-2022 Altima 5 stars overall. Rollover is 4 stars for 2015-2018 and 5 stars for 2019-2022. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Nissan%20Altima%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) 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Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free. [anthonyhunts.com](https://anthonyhunts.com)