2020 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Nissan Altima: 6 recalls, 158 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #20V570000 · 2020 · 150 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 altima, maxima and leaf vehicles. The rear window glass May not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
Why it matters: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020.
Tires Vehicle recall #20V685000 · 2020 · 2,214 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 altima s grade vehicles equipped with continental procontact tx tires, size 215/60 r16 h, with tin date code 3320 and mold id s-419149. The tires May have been over cured.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2020.
Steering Vehicle recall #21V138000 · 2021 · 2,407 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
Why it matters: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021.
Tires, Tires Vehicle recall #21V169000 · 2021 · 36,141 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 altima and 2018-2021 titan vehicles equipped with continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V628000 · 2023 · 153,376 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 altima and 2020-2021 sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #25V437000 · 2025 · 443,899 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 rogue, 2019-2020 altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti qx50, and 2022 Infiniti qx55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5l or 4-cylinder 2.0l variable compression turbo (vc-turbo) engines. The engine bearings May have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (42): the most common themes are door / lock issues (14), electrical failure (8), warning light on (6).
- Other / unknown (35): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), electrical failure (3).
- Engine (33): the most common themes are warning light on (7), stalls / loses power (4).
- Forward collision avoidance (28): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
The 2020 Nissan Altima has 158 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 34 Altima model years for complaints (well below the 455 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (37 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 13,700 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (232 complaints, 7 recalls), 2021 (70 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Nissan Altima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (42), other / unknown (35), engine (33).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Nissan Altima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.