2020 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2020 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and emergency braking system.
158 complaints 6 recalls, 1 fire risk 13th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2020 Nissan Altima problems
Electrical problems
42 complaints (27%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer and wiring harness.
Engine problems
38 complaints (24%) name the engine.
Emergency braking problems
28 complaints (18%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Brake problems
18 complaints (11%) name the brakes.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (28 of 158). The amber line is the middle value, about 14,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2020 Nissan Altima recalls
Hard parts internal / mechanical
Fire risk5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. 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.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Recall 25V437000 · Jun 2025Camera
Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness.
Recall 23V628000 · Sep 2023Sidewall
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production. Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 21V169000 · Mar 2021Loose tie rod can cause loss of steering
Crash riskThe tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, so the joint could separate from the steering knuckle. If that happens, the driver can lose steering control and the risk of a crash goes up.
Fix: The dealer will tighten the left and right tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V138000 · Mar 2021Tires may have been over cured
Crash riskSome tires may have been over cured during manufacturing, which can cause a sidewall to break or the tread to separate. Either failure can cause a sudden loss of air and raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect your tires for the defect and replace any affected tires free of charge.
Recall 20V685000 · Nov 2020Glass, side / rear
The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle. Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge.
Recall 20V570000 · Sep 2020Get an email when your 2020 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and emergency braking system.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, engine, emergency braking system and brakes. 42 complaints (27%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer and wiring harness.
At what mileage do 2020 Nissan Altima electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 15,000–55,000 miles, with a middle value near 21,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?
6. Hard parts internal / mechanical (25V437000); Camera (23V628000); Sidewall (21V169000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2020 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.