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Consumer Reports’ available model-year assessments make the 2021, 2024 and 2025 Nissan Altima the strongest reliability candidates in the years covered: each is described as much more reliable than other cars from its own model year. That is a useful shortlist, not proof that one Altima year is best overall or that a particular used car is trouble-free. The 2017 and 2018 are rated about average, while the 2020 is rated less reliable than same-year cars.
Which Nissan Altima years look most reliable?
Consumer Reports’ relative assessments favor the 2021 and 2024–2025 Altimas. Its descriptions compare each model with other cars from that same year, rather than ranking Altimas across different years.
| Altima model year | Consumer Reports’ relative assessment | How to use the assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Much more reliable than other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | A promising candidate when condition, price and history are comparable. |
| 2024 | Much more reliable than other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | A promising candidate; the rating does not establish that it is better than a 2021 or 2025. |
| 2025 | Much more reliable than other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | A promising candidate; assess the individual car rather than relying on the year alone. |
| 2017 | About average compared with other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | Not singled out as especially strong or weak by this comparison. |
| 2018 | About average compared with other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | Judge the specific vehicle’s records and condition. |
| 2020 | Less reliable than other cars from the same model year. Consumer Reports | Use extra caution, including a VIN-based recall check and an independent inspection. |
These labels do not provide matched numerical scores, model-year sample sizes or enough information to rank every Altima year against every other Altima year. Consumer Reports says its reliability history draws on its latest subscriber survey of about 380,000 vehicles and covers 20 potential trouble spots, including engines, transmissions, brakes, electrical accessories and power equipment. The available material does not state the survey’s publication year. Consumer Reports methodology
What the ratings can—and cannot—tell you
A model-year assessment is a relative signal about reported reliability, not a diagnosis or guarantee for an individual car. A well-maintained Altima from an average-rated year may be a better purchase than a neglected example from a favorably rated year. The available assessments also do not establish that a later model year is inherently more reliable than an earlier one.
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J.D. Power lists the 2025 Altima at 89/100 for Quality & Reliability, a separate measure based on owner-reported defects, malfunctions and design flaws. J.D. Power says its ratings update each September and that current-year ratings use the prior model-year rating until survey data for the current year is available. This score uses a different methodology from Consumer Reports’ year-relative descriptions, so the two should not be combined as if they were scores on one scale. J.D. Power’s 2025 Altima rating
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why 2019–2020 Altimas need a VIN-specific recall check
Certain 2019–2020 Altimas equipped with specified VC-Turbo engines were included in a recall over possible engine-bearing manufacturing defects. The reported remedy was inspection and, if needed, repair or replacement. The recall does not apply to every Altima from those years: eligibility depends on the vehicle identification number and configuration. Associated Press report, July 3, 2025
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Consumer Reports describes the 2020 as less reliable than same-year cars and reports six NHTSA recalls on its page. Recall counts can change over time and are not reliability scores. Check the actual car’s VIN through NHTSA or Nissan’s recall lookup, and ask for documentation showing any applicable recall work was completed.
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How to choose between used Altimas
- Shortlist by year, then compare like for like. Start with 2021 or 2024–2025 examples if their prices, condition, equipment and service histories are otherwise comparable. The available evidence does not identify one as categorically better than the others.
- Confirm the exact vehicle and powertrain. For 2019–2020 cars, identify the engine and check recall eligibility by VIN; do not infer recall coverage from the model year alone.
- Review maintenance and recall records. Request service documentation and proof of completed recall repairs. A seller’s verbal assurance is not a substitute for checking the VIN and records.
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection. Have a qualified mechanic assess the vehicle’s condition, including its engine and transmission behavior. A year-level rating cannot reveal how a particular car was maintained or driven.
- Compare the whole deal. Weigh mileage, condition, engine and trim configuration, maintenance history, recall status and asking price together. Do not treat a favorable year label as a guarantee—or an unfavorable relative label as proof that every example is defective.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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