Nissan Altima VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Nissan Altima you are looking at. Then check its model year against 54 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefix1N4

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Nissan Altima

About the Nissan Altima

Nissan has sold the Altima in the US since the 1993 model year, and there have been six generations. The Gen 1 came first (1993–1997); Gen 2 (1998–2001), Gen 3 (2002–2006), Gen 4 (2007–2012), Gen 5 (2013–2018) followed, and the Gen 6 took over for 2019–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 54 vehicle recall campaigns and 15,583 owner complaints. The 2013 has the most complaints of any model year (2,312). EPA rates the Gen 1 at 21–24 mpg combined, while the Gen 6 gets 28–32 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1993–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4 · Gen 5 · Gen 6

NHTSA recall campaigns54

Owner complaints15,583 at NHTSA

Nissan Altima photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Nissan Altima generations

Six generations since the 1993 model year. The Gen 5 (2013–2018) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (16).

6 / 6

Gen 6

2019–20266th generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1993200020052010201520202025

2019–2026· Generation 6 of 6

Gen 6 · 6th generation

PlatformRenault–Nissan D

EPA combined mpg28–32

NHTSA recalls13

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2019–2024
2.5 L 4-cyl · 2019–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
CVT (2019–2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (143)Forward collision avoidance (135)Engine and cooling (114)3 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 568 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 61N4BL4BV?KC······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2019 Nissan Altima S, built in Smyrna, Tennessee

Check an Altima VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Altima model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 54 campaigns on file for Altima model years 1993–2026, and the 2013 shows up in more of them than any other year (12), ahead of the 2015 (10). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Nissan Altima owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2013 (2,312 of 15,583). Tap any bar or generation.

15,583NHTSA complaints, 1993–2026

873mention a crash

219mention a fire

744injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 6: 568 complaints · most for the 2019 (232)

Top complaint areas · Gen 6

Mentions in 568 complaints, 2019–2026.

Electrical system143

Forward collision avoidance135

Engine and cooling114

Brakes79

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)38

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)28

Crashes 63Fires 14Injuries 43

2019–2026 (Gen 6)

NHTSA data summary

The 2019 stands out. On its own it has 232 of the ’s 568 complaints (41%), and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (143 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (135).

What Altima owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2019–present (6th generation)

The 2019 model year draws most of the complaints for this generation, and the recurring theme is automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. CarComplaints ranks that false braking first for 2019, ahead of cracked windshields and CVT malfunctions. Recalls on early cars cover the fuel pump and a fuel tube (2019), a brake switch bracket, a rearview camera harness (2019–2021) and tie rod fasteners (2020–2021). A 2025 recall for 2019–2020 cars with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine addresses bearing defects that can cause engine failure. Later model years draw far fewer complaints. [1] [2]

2013–2018 (5th generation)

The CVT dominates complaints about this generation. CarComplaints names 2013 the worst Altima year, led by CVT shudder and hesitation, and lists transmission failure among 2014 complaints. A 2015 owner on Reddit describes a shudder at about 1,700 to 1,800 rpm near 45,000 miles, and a 2013 2.5 SV owner on NissanForums reports high revs, stalling at stops and a stored CVT judder code. NHTSA complaints for the 2015 repeat the theme. Recall 20V315 covers 2013–2018 cars whose secondary hood latch can corrode and stay unlatched, so the hood could open while driving. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

2007–2012 (4th generation)

On this generation the loudest owner complaint is not the transmission but the electronic steering column lock. NHTSA complaints for the 2009 are dominated by steering, and many describe the steering lock or key system keeping the car from starting. CarComplaints explains that 2009–2010 cars can suddenly refuse to start because that steering column lock fails. CVT complaints exist but are far fewer. A recall for 2009–2010 Altimas covered upper front strut insulators that could crack and let the strut rod come out of its mounting position. [8] [9]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup to confirm every campaign is closed, including the VC-Turbo engine recall on 2019–2020 cars and the hood latch recall on 2013–2018 cars.
On 2013–2018 cars, ask for CVT fluid service or transmission replacement records and feel for shudder or flaring revs under light throttle.
On 2019 and later cars, watch for false emergency braking alerts.
On 2009–2010 cars, start the engine several times and ask whether the steering lock was replaced.

Sources (9) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Nissan Altima owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Altima talk on Reddit keeps coming back to the CVT. Owners of 2019 and newer cars mostly report smooth, trouble-free driving, with some well past 100,000 miles, and they credit regular CVT fluid service every 30,000 miles or so. Owners of older cars tell more mixed stories, with some transmissions failing between about 130,000 and 170,000 miles while others keep going. A few owners steer buyers away from the VC-Turbo engine, and one 2020 owner complains about constant dashboard warning lights.

Pros

2019 and newer cars widely described as smooth and dependable
Several owners report over 100,000 miles with routine care
Comfortable and stable on the highway

Cons

CVT failures on older cars, often past 130,000 miles
Regular CVT fluid service is treated as a must and dealer prices vary a lot
Some owners avoid the VC-Turbo engine and report electrical warning lights

Thinking about trading my 2024 Nissan Altima because of all the CVT horror stories I’m seeing online. Should I switch to Toyota/Honda/Mazda for long-term reliability? r/altima · 2025-12-02
Looking to get a used Altima sometime soon. Has yours ever given you serious problems, including the infamous CVT? I love their design though, and they're one of the few vehicles I can afford with my credit score. r/altima · 2024-03-06
Looking to buy an Altima r/altima · 2026-05-02
2025/2026 Altima r/altima · 2025-10-23

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Altima complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid Altima versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

15,583complaints, 1993–2026

873mention a crash

219mention a fire

744injuries reported

14complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2013 (2,312), 2009 (1,601), 2014 (1,114)

2013 · 2,312 complaints

Crashes 63 · fires 9 · injuries 48 · complaints reporting a death 1

Air bags514

Power train505

Exterior lighting442

Suspension289

Unknown or other240

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Altima CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 135 Altima versions for model years 1993–2026 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 261 g/mi, for the 2010 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 11993–1997

21–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–423 g/mi

Gen 21998–2001

21–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–423 g/mi

Gen 32002–2006

19–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–468 g/mi

Gen 42007–2012

21–34 mpg · CO₂ 261–423 g/mi

Gen 52013–2018

25–31 mpg · CO₂ 287–354 g/mi

Gen 62019–2026

28–32 mpg · CO₂ 278–317 g/mi

Model year2025

31combined MPG

281CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,150EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: Altima · Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L — 31 MPG · 281 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Altima vs Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2007–2012. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Altima, against 20 for the Honda Accord and 16 for the Toyota Camry. Pick a range to compare.

Nissan AltimaGen 6

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 13
NHTSA owner complaints: 568
EPA combined mpg: 28–32
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2022)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 143
Forward collision avoidance 135
Engine and cooling 114

Honda Accord

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 17
NHTSA owner complaints: 2,338
EPA combined mpg: 26–48
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2022)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 685
Electrical system 494
Engine and cooling 435

Toyota Camry

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 17
NHTSA owner complaints: 1,328
EPA combined mpg: 25–52
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.5 L
Also listed: hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2022)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Air bags 201
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 200
Engine and cooling 178

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Nissan Altima VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Altima

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Nissan Altima (sixth generation) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The primary plate sits at the base of the driver's side windshield, with a door jamb sticker and a trunk lid label near the latch as secondaries. The Gen 6 generation starts with the 2019 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (K for 2019) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Nissan Altima VIN questions

Which Nissan Altima model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2013 leads with 2,312, ahead of the 2009 (1,601) and 2014 (1,114). Those first two alone make up 25% of the 15,583 Altima complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Nissan Altima had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 54 vehicle campaigns for model years 1993–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 5 leads with 16. Then come the Gen 4 (13), Gen 6 (13), Gen 3 (8), Gen 1 (5) and Gen 2 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Nissan Altima recalls are high risk?

03V-061 covers an air bag inflator module and how it deploys. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 03V-084, 06V-223, 07V-267, 10V-401, 15V-486, 18V-922, 19V-316 and 25V-437. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Altima generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1993–1997 and the Gen 2 1998–2001. Gen 3 spans 2002–2006, Gen 4 2007–2012, Gen 5 2013–2018 and Gen 6 2019–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (K is 2019).

What fuel economy does the Nissan Altima get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2019–2026 Gen 6 at 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 21–24 mpg for the 1993–1997 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Nissan Altima compare with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry on recalls?

For 2019–2026 models the Altima has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Honda Accord has 17, the Toyota Camry 17. Complaints run 568, 2,338 and 1,328 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Nissan Altima have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Altima 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

Other Nissan models

Check another Nissan model

Sentra Rogue Pathfinder Murano Frontier Titan

Nissan Altima VIN Number Check

About the Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima generations