Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 17 | 11% | 15,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% | 82,000 miles |
| 2018 | 24 | 11% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 133 | 34% | 67,000 miles |
| 2016 | 235 | 42% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 161 | 17% | 62,000 miles |
| 2014 | 209 | 19% | 70,000 miles |
| 2013 | 505 | 22% | 69,000 miles |
| 2012 | 149 | 35% | 93,000 miles |
| 2011 | 68 | 28% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 73 | 19% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 95 | 6% | 120,000 miles |
| 2008 | 80 | 8% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 62 | 13% | 103,000 miles |
| 2006 | 79 | 10% | 57,000 miles |
| 2005 | 115 | 11% | 66,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 34 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2002 | 39 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% | 17,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% | 36,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% | — |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% | 179,000 miles |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% | 131,000 miles |
| 1996 | 7 | 8% | — |
| 1995 | 27 | 15% | 83,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This request is due to my concern that a possible manufacturing or other defect in the 2024 Nissan Altima's steering and/or wheel mechanisms caused a sudden loss of steering control and resulted in a collision and serious injuries. The car was taken possession by National Car Rental. I am unsure if the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others, but it has been reported to the manufacturer (Nissan), my insurance company (State Farm), and the car rental company (National). I don't think there were any warning lights. The following is what I experienced. I was driving, passengers were in the front and rear right seats. …
While driving vehicle down residential street at approximately 15 mph, vehicle all of a sudden made a long noise and began to shake. Per repair facility, a bolt in the transmission housing was not installed at manufacturing plant. The single bolt (should have been two bolts), sheared off, cause the drive shaft to drop into the catalytic converter. If I had been traveling on the highway at high speed the drive shaft dropping to the highway surface could have caused catastrophic accident. Peoria Nissan has component that failed Drive shaft dropping out of drive train could have cause and accident with my vehicle and others Manufacturer has been notified, they have inspected No warnings or symptoms prior to failure
My 2022 Nissan Altima has been experiencing transmission issues for about a month. The car hesitates, lunges, and shudders when accelerating from a stop. At around 60,000 miles, I had the transmission fluid flushed, and the shop confirmed the transmission fluid was clean with no metal debris. Despite that, the symptoms continued getting increasingly dangerous in high traffic areas. Today 10/16/25(the car is still at 60k miles) while turning at an intersection, the car hesitated and lunged before finally moving. This delay in acceleration created a dangerous situation in traffic, and another driver honked because my vehicle wouldn't go. Immediately afterward, the car went into what seemed like "limp mode" and would not accelerate at all. There were no warning lights or messages before or during this incident. …
My car constantly turns off mid drive and then turns back on , also all the lights on my dash pop up eveytime I start the car so I'm pretty sure it's an electric issue sometimes it's doesn't start I have to play with the battery little bit and I've had it tested even bought a new one so ik it's not the battery it's electric, it frequently turns off for like 5 seconds while I'm driving and then turns back on
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring transmission issue with my 2021 Nissan Altima. The car has been experiencing significant power loss while driving, which I am certain is linked to a malfunctioning CVT transmission system. Despite ensuring that the transmission fluid levels are correct, the problem persists. Recently, the car lost power while I was going at least 50 mph on a busy road, which is very dangerous. Additionally, I have come across numerous complaints from other owners of the same model experiencing similar transmission issues. This history of complaints indicates a widespread problem that poses a serious safety risk and warrants a recall. Although there is an extended warranty, I don't think it is fair for others being out of warranty when this is a very known issue with all owners. …
Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she shifted into drive(D) and depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her own expense. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Description of the Problem: For the past three years, my vehicle has experienced intermittent and sudden loss of power while driving, including on the highway. The issue is ongoing and has not been resolved despite having the throttle body replaced three separate times, totaling approximately $4,500 in repairs. Each replacement has resulted in the exact same malfunction: the car enters limp mode, drastically reducing power, which is especially dangerous when my children are in the vehicle. Component/Inspection: The issue appears to involve the throttle body and possibly the CVT transmission or related electrical system. The component has been replaced multiple times and is available for inspection if needed. Safety Risk: This malfunction puts my safety and the safety of my passengers at significant risk, particularly when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
The shift lever lock plate, which prevents the shift lever from being inadvertently moved from park to drive or neutral position, can be broken by the transmission shift position pin.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket to prevent the shift position pin from breaking the shift lever lock plate.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Altima years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (505), 2016 (235), 2014 (209), 2015 (161) and 2012 (149) model years. Transmission complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Nissan Altima transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 94V-165 (gear position indication (prndl), Sep 2, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Altima transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (147 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (58).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.