2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is also available, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). People often praise the Altima for its spacious interior and user-friendly technology, but some dislike the CVT’s performance and the sometimes-uninspired handling.

Engine

2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil pressure light illuminating and engine knocking due to low oil levels.
  • Solution: In some cases, the issue is addressed by replacing the piston rings. In more severe cases, engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ depending on the extent of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature engine mount failure causing excessive engine vibration, especially at idle or during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the damaged engine mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L VC-Turbo Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• CVT Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature CVT failure. Symptoms include slipping, hesitation, jerking during acceleration, unusual noises (whining or buzzing), and the transmission warning light illuminating. In extreme cases, the transmission may fail to engage.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can address the issue. However, the most common solution is CVT replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,500 - $5,000+ for CVT replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• CVT Hesitation/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation upon initial acceleration or jerking/shuddering during steady-state driving. This is often attributed to the CVT’s programming and behavior.
  • Solution: A software update from Nissan may help in some cases, but it may not completely eliminate the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for software update.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or failure of struts, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll in corners, and clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+ per axle (front or rear).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Sometimes a software update can resolve the issue. Other times, the infotainment unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update) to $500 - $1,500+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (e.g., Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions of the driver-assist sensors, resulting in false alerts, system failures, or inability to engage the features.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the faulty sensor, followed by replacement and recalibration.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, plus recalibration costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues (e.g., Failure to Open/Close, Leaks)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctioning, including failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or leaking water into the cabin.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rattling in Dash
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise coming from the dash.
  • Solution: Tighten screws, replace clips, or add padding.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2020 Nissan Altima, while praised for its comfort and tech, exhibits some notable issues. The most concerning is the potential for CVT failure, which can be a significant expense. The 2.5L engine can also suffer from oil consumption issues. Electrical glitches and suspension problems are also present, although less severe. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of the possible maintenance costs associated with these issues.