2020 Nissan Altima Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

34Engine complaints

19.8%Of all 172 complaints

#3Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36 · 20.9%

Unspecified / other34 · 19.8%

ENGINE34 · 19.8%

STEERING19 · 11%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS19 · 11%

Share of the 172 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 Nissan Altima overview page.

What owners report

“My 2020 Nissan Altima is having issues with the transmission . When you accelerate the engine Jerks, Vibrates , Shutters. It hesitates even when stopping…”NHTSA complaint 11574113 — filed 02/26/2024

“Vehicle goes into limp mode (shows all engine warring signs flashing ) and my speed goes down to 5-15 miles. This happens instantly and my…”NHTSA complaint 11573431 — filed 02/22/2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right there was an…”NHTSA complaint 11557406 — filed 11/29/2023

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Nissan Altima have engine problems?

Engine is the #3 most-reported problem area on the 2020 Nissan Altima: 34 of 172 complaints on file (19.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2020 Nissan Altima have in total?

172 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 16 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, 15 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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 07/14/2026.