Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2551 model-years tracked on this site.
158Complaints
6Recalls
15Crashes
5Fires
13Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (23.4% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Electrical System complaints here are 2.1× the median for that category across the 2551 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
37 · 23.4%
No official action
—
Engine
33 · 20.9%
Recalled
Recall 25V437000
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
19 · 12%
No official action
—
Service Brakes
17 · 10.8%
No official action
—
Power Train
16 · 10.1%
No official action
—
Steering
13 · 8.2%
Recalled
Recall 21V138000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 158 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I was driving on the Freeway and without warning my car reduced speed. Then there was a warning bell that showed engine malfunction power reduced…”NHTSA complaint 11595567 — filed 06/20/2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“I can be driving and all of a sudden the collision symbol starts flashing,it has done it at least ten times”NHTSA complaint 11577229 — filed 03/13/2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“The information system head unit crashes (reboots) on demand when a MS Teams call is answered or initiated via CarPlay. Crashing of the head unit…”NHTSA complaint 11545173 — filed 09/18/2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Altima?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 37 of 158 NHTSA complaints (23.4%), followed by unspecified/other issues (35), engine (33), forward collision avoidance: warnings (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?
158 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2020 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V138000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Nissan Altima's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.
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