2018 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, electrical system and airbags.
226 complaints 2 recalls, 1 crash risk 12th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2018 Nissan Altima problems
Brake problems
49 complaints (22%) name the brakes, most often the wheel speed sensor.
Electrical problems
37 complaints (16%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition.
Airbag problems
36 complaints (16%) name the airbags, most often the occupant classification.
Transmission problems
24 complaints (11%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and CVT.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (104 of 226). The amber line is the middle value, about 37,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Nissan Altima recalls
Latch
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time. Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂ’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Recall 20V315000 · May 2020Backup camera display can be turned off
Crash riskOn certain 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, and Q70L vehicles, the rear-view camera image can be adjusted so it no longer appears when reversing, and the setting stays off the next time you shift into reverse. Without the camera image, the risk of a crash while backing up goes up.
Fix: Your dealer will update the backup camera settings software at no charge, and Nissan will notify owners in phases.
Recall 19V654000 · Sep 2019Get an email when your 2018 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, electrical system and airbags.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the brakes, electrical system, airbags and transmission. 49 complaints (22%) name the brakes, most often the wheel speed sensor.
At what mileage do 2018 Nissan Altima brakes problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 15,000–44,000 miles, with a middle value near 34,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Altima have?
2. Latch (20V315000); Backup camera display can be turned off (19V654000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.