2020 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 20%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Nissan Altima, 20% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine light constantly comes on. Have had the solenoid valve timing control replaces twice and engine light back on for the same problem. I have had my car for 6 months and has been in the shop frequently.”
NHTSA complaint #11361680, filed 2020-09, 5,208 miles“Parked the car for roughly 10 minutes. Came back and started car with all lights on dash illuminated. Hard to drive, hard to steer and could not tell how fast vehicle was moving as speedometer didn't work. This has happened before, had it taken to Nissan dealer. Advised that they couldn't duplicate the lights issues after it sat for 3 days before resetting itself.”
NHTSA complaint #11412753, filed 2021-04, 14,500 miles“During cold temperatures the car accelerates poorly, engine RPM is unusual. At least one instance of the engine warning light illuminates with a service now message displayed. In all cases the vehicle engine was running, in (slow) motion, and on a city street and one incident on a highway going straight ahead. A service department of a Nissan dealer was contacted and they stated that they have received multiple complaints of this nature about this call year and model.”
NHTSA complaint #11396918, filed 2021-02, 10,976 miles“I been having issues with my car stalling out and not wanting to start I got the spark plugs replaced by a mechanic and then my car starts over heating I have my car looked at by a mechanic again and I’m told the engine is corrupt by oil and the fuel pump is bad my car can be inspected for this issue as it is having a lot more issues due to the Nissan recalls but my vin doesn’t cover it”
NHTSA complaint #11684292, filed 2025-09“My 2020 Nissan Altima is having issues with the transmission . When you accelerate the engine Jerks, Vibrates , Shutters. It hesitates even when stopping acts like it doesn’t want to shift into another gear . My Tires are always loosing air as well . The Front of my car is always making a sound think suspension issues .”
NHTSA complaint #11574113, filed 2024-02Related service bulletins
- 10179613Aug 4, 2020MIL ON WITH P0101 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON and DTC P0101 (MAF SEN/CIRCUIT-B1) is stored in the ECM, AND There are no drivability concerns.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 20% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 6 | 9% |
| 2020 | 37 | 20% |
| 2019 | 48 | 21% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 39 | 10% |
| 2016 | 86 | 16% |
| 2015 | 66 | 7% |
| 2014 | 77 | 7% |
| 2013 | 158 | 7% |
| 2012 | 68 | 16% |
| 2011 | 36 | 15% |
| 2010 | 50 | 13% |
| 2009 | 107 | 7% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 31 | 7% |
| 2006 | 166 | 20% |
| 2005 | 141 | 13% |
| 2004 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 117 | 13% |
| 2002 | 92 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2020 Nissan Altima
46 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsForward collision avoidance
30 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology