2023 Nissan Altima
The 2023 Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, is available on higher trims. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners often praise the Altima for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and user-friendly technology, but some criticize its somewhat uninspired styling and the performance of the base engine.
Engine
2.5L 4-Cylinder
- 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 or the engine running rough.
- Solution: The fix varies from replacing PCV valve to replacing the engine.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can occur due to faulty ignition coils or spark plugs. This can result in a rough-running engine, reduced fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause and replace faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can experience premature failure, leading to a loss of power, unusual noises (whining or hissing), and potentially the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- CVT Shudder/Jerking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported shuddering or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This can be caused by issues with the CVT’s internal components or programming.
- Solution: Transmission fluid change, CVT reprogramming, or in severe cases, CVT replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Premature CVT Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The CVT can experience premature failure, resulting in a loss of power, difficulty shifting, or complete transmission failure. This is a known issue with Nissan CVTs across multiple models.
- Solution: Replacement of the CVT.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Wear of Suspension Components
- Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported premature wear of suspension components like struts, shocks, and bushings. This can lead to a noisy ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of worn suspension components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and connectivity problems with smartphones.
- Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Issues with various sensors, such as the oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor, leading to incorrect readings and potential engine performance problems.
- Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The AEB system can activate unnecessarily or fail to activate when needed.
- Solution: Recalibration of the system or replacement of faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- No Issues Found
Summary
The 2023 Nissan Altima has several reported issues. The most concerning are potential problems with the CVT transmission, which can be expensive to repair or replace. Engine-related problems such as excessive oil consumption and turbocharger failure in the 2.0T are also notable. Electrical and suspension issues are less severe but still common enough to warrant consideration. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and consider them when making a purchase.