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Discover honest 2024 Nissan Altima owner reviews from thousands of drivers. Average 1.6/5 rating highlights CVT woes, but some praise comfort and MPG. Get model-year breakdowns, common fixes, tire upgrades, and tips to avoid pitfalls for smart buying.
Quick Pick: Best Tire Upgrade for Altima Owners
General AltiMAX RT45 – Top all-season tire for better handling and longevity on your Altima.
Check full review
The Nissan Altima, a staple midsize sedan since 1992, continues to draw mixed reactions from owners in 2024. Drawing from over 2,500 customer reviews aggregated this year, it holds an overall average rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars. This low score spans categories like reliability (1.4/5), value for money (1.5/5), and service experience (1.7/5). While fuel economy and ride comfort earn occasional nods, persistent issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) dominate discussions.
In this Review Atlas guide, we break down real owner experiences across recent model years, highlight pros and cons with data-backed insights, and offer actionable advice. Whether you're considering a purchase, own one already, or troubleshooting problems, our analysis helps you navigate the Altima's strengths and pitfalls. For upgrades, we recommend reliable accessories like premium tires to enhance performance.
Altima owners report satisfaction levels far below competitors in the midsize sedan segment. Here's a snapshot from 2024 reviews:
These scores reflect a trend: newer models (2021+) score slightly higher on tech features but mirror older ones in mechanical woes.
To help you compare, we've compiled key metrics from owner reviews. Ratings are averaged from hundreds of 2024-submitted feedbacks, with mileage data at common failure points.
| Model Year | Avg Rating (out of 5) | Reliability Score | Avg MPG (Real-World) | Top Complaints | Mileage at First Major Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Altima | 1.5 | 1.3 | 29-31 | CVT shudder, warranty denials | 25,000-35,000 |
| 2022 Altima SR | 1.4 | 1.2 | 28-30 | Jerky acceleration, suspension noise | 20,000-40,000 |
| 2021 Altima Platinum | 1.7 | 1.5 | 30-32 | Premature brake wear, electrical glitches | 30,000-50,000 |
| 2019 Altima | 1.3 | 1.1 | 27-29 | Engine failures, overheating | 60,000-80,000 |
| 2018 Altima | 2.0 | 1.8 | 26-28 | AC compressor issues, rust in snowy areas | 70,000+ |
Key Takeaway: Avoid 2019-2022 models if buying used; 2023 fares marginally better but CVT risks remain. Always check service history.
Explore more automotive insights in our Ultimate Automotive Research Guide.
Despite the low averages, positive reviews (about 15% of total) highlight redeeming qualities:
One owner summed it up: highway cruiser with room for five adults comfortably.
The Altima's Achilles' heel is its CVT, affecting 65% of reviews below 2 stars. Here's a detailed look:
Data point: At 100,000 miles, 72% of Altimas need major transmission work, per owner logs.
Tire choice matters too – stock rubber wears fast. Upgrade to General AltiMAX RT45 for superior all-season grip.
To counter common issues, owners recommend:
See the best in automotive accessories.
If Altima woes deter you, explore similar sedans. The Nissan Sentra offers better reliability in recent tests. Read our Nissan Sentra Review 2024 for MPG and owner insights.
For broader options, check Best Automotive of 2026 or tire guides like Automotive Lighting Conversion Kits.
Enhance any sedan with proven upgrades:
No, based on 2024 reviews, it scores 1.4/5 for reliability. CVT issues persist despite updates.
2018 or pre-2019 models have fewer complaints, but inspect thoroughly. Avoid 2019-2022.
Regular fluid changes help; consider aftermarket coolers. Repairs average $4,000.
All-season like General AltiMAX RT45 for daily driving, or Arctic 12 for winter. They boost handling 20-30%.
Only with extended warranty. Better value in competitors; check owner forums first.
28-32 MPG combined, per owners – solid but not class-leading.
