Nissan Altima

In Canada: generations, trims, common issues, recalls and fuel costs

By GarageMap · Last checked

Drafted with AI assistance. Every fact was checked against the cited source on September 29, 2026. How we build these pages.

This guide covers the Nissan Altima from model year 1998: 5 generations, 16 trims, 5 engines and 7 documented common issues, each with its sources. Transport Canada lists 31 recalls for it since the 2000 model year, the latest issued in September 2023 (list read ). NRCan rates the 2025 Altima at 8.2–8.4 L/100 km combined.

Overview

The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan built in Tennessee and, from 2004, Mississippi. It arrived for the 1993 model year as a four-cylinder sedan, kept four cylinders only through 2001, then grew into a roomy family sedan with an optional V6 for 2002. A CVT arrived in 2007 and became the only gearbox from 2013. For Alberta drivers the big change came with the 2019 redesign: every Canadian Altima from then on has Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and a 2.5 L four-cylinder. Nissan Canada stopped selling the Altima after the 2025 model year, although it continues in the United States. On a used one, check the CVT history, the hood-latch recalls on 2013 to 2018 cars, and the floor pans of 2002 to 2006 cars for rust.

Body type
Mid-size car
Model years covered
1998 on
Generations
5
Transport Canada recalls
31 since the 2000 model year
NRCan fuel rating, 2025
8.2–8.4 L/100 km combined, about $2,662–$2,727 a year

Generations

Newest first. Years are model years; “on” means the generation is still in production.

  1. Sixth generation (L34)

    2019 on

    Launched in Canada for 2019 with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and a new direct-injected 2.5 L four as standard on every trim, built in Smyrna and Canton. A refresh for 2023 brought a new front end and a 12.3-inch screen on the SR Premium and Platinum. Nissan Canada ended sales after the 2025 model year while US production continued.[1][2][4][6][17]

  2. Fifth generation (L33)

    2013–2018

    A lighter redesign that went on sale in Canada in August 2012 with the CVT as the only transmission. The V6 lasted in Canadian trims through 2017, leaving only the 2.5 L four for 2018.[1][11][13][14]

  3. Fourth generation (L32)

    2007–2012

    Moved to the smaller Nissan D platform with a CVT replacing the conventional automatic; Canadian buyers could still get a six-speed manual on the 2.5 S through 2012. A two-door coupe ran from 2008 to 2013, and the Toyota-licensed Altima Hybrid was sold in Canada until 2011.[1][9][10]

  4. Third generation (L31)

    2002–2006

    A much larger car on the FF-L platform, with rear multi-link suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and the first V6 in an Altima. Production spread from Smyrna to Canton, Mississippi, in 2004, and a 2005 facelift brought a new interior and the sporty SE-R.[1]

  5. Second generation (L30)

    1998–2001

    A North American sedan built in Smyrna, Tennessee, with a 2.4 L four-cylinder and a manual or four-speed automatic. The 2000 update added power, firmer suspension and new front and rear styling.[1]

Trims and engines

Trims sold in Canada

Nissan Altima trims as sold in Canada, with the model years each was offered.
TrimYearsWhat it adds
2.5 S2009–2018The volume four-cylinder trim of the fourth and fifth generations; the base car until 2012, with a six-speed manual or CVT, and above the plain 2.5 from 2013.[8][10][11][14]
3.5 S and 3.5 SE / SR2009–2012Fourth-generation V6 sedans; the sporty 3.5 SE was renamed 3.5 SR for 2010.[8][9][10]
Hybrid2009–2011The fourth-generation Altima Hybrid, pairing a 2.5 L four with an electric motor and eCVT.[1][8][9]
Coupe 2.5 S and 3.5 SE / SR2009–2013The two-door Altima Coupe, in four-cylinder or V6 form; only the 2.5 S remained for 2013.[8][10][11]
2.52013–2017The entry-level fifth-generation sedan with the four-cylinder and CVT.[11][13]
2.5 SV2013–2018The mid-level fifth-generation four-cylinder trim.[11][14]
2.5 SR2016–2017A sportier four-cylinder trim added with the 2016 facelift.[1][12][13]
2.5 SL / SL Tech2013–2018The top four-cylinder trim of the fifth generation, sold as SL Tech in 2016 and 2018.[11][12][14]
3.5 SV / 3.5 SL2013–2017The fifth-generation V6 sedans; after 2013 the V6 came only in SL form.[11][12][13]
S2019–2025The entry sixth-generation trim with the 2.5 L and standard AWD, offered for 2019 and 2020 and again from 2023 (the SE filled the slot in 2021 and 2022).[2][4][15][17]
SV2019–2020The mid-level sixth-generation trim at launch, above the S.[2][15]
Edition ONE2019A 250-unit Canadian launch edition based on the Platinum, with unique 19-inch wheels and badging.[2]
SE2021–2022The entry trim for 2021 and 2022, with the 2.5 L and standard AWD.[3][16]
SR / SR Midnight Edition2021–2025The sport-styled trim; for 2022 it was sold as the SR Midnight Edition with blacked-out trim and paddle shifters, and from 2023 it includes ProPILOT Assist.[3][4][16][17]
SR Premium2023–2025Added with the 2023 refresh as a better-equipped SR.[4][17]
Platinum2019–2025The top sixth-generation trim in Canada throughout, kept here after the US dropped it with the 2023 refresh.[1][2][3][4][6][17]

Engines

Engines offered in the Nissan Altima, by model year.
EngineYearsNotes
2.4 L I4 (KA24DE)1998–2001About 150 hp at first and 160 hp from 2000; five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.[1]
2.5 L I4 (QR25DE)2002–2018175 hp in the fourth generation and 182 hp in the fifth; manual gearboxes were offered through 2012, the CVT from 2007 and the CVT only from 2013.[1][9][12]
3.5 L V6 (VQ35DE)2002–2017240 to 270 hp depending on year; Canadian V6 sedans ended after 2017.[1][13][14]
Hybrid 2.5 L I42007–2011A 158 hp QR25DE with an electric motor for about 198 hp combined, using hybrid technology licensed from Toyota and a CVT.[1][9]
2.5 L I4 (PR25DD)2019–2025Direct-injected, 182 hp in Canadian AWD form, always with a CVT (Xtronic).[1][2][3][17]

Common issues

Problems a source documents for this model, tagged by what kind of source it is. What each tag means:

Recall
A safety recall. Transport Canada’s list further down has the recall itself, and a dealer can tell you from your VIN whether it applies to your vehicle.
Service bulletin
A manufacturer’s technical service bulletin: its instructions to dealers for diagnosing and repairing the problem. A bulletin is not a recall.
Owner complaint pattern
Owners have reported it in complaints. A pattern in reports is not a recall, and not a finding that every vehicle has the problem.
Documented
Documented by the sources cited, such as a manufacturer program, a court-approved settlement or a reputable publication.

  • Floor pans rusting through

    Documented Model years 2002–2006

    Owners of 2002 to 2006 Altimas have filed hundreds of NHTSA complaints about the front floor pans rusting through, often out of warranty. Wikipedia's account puts it down to short front mud guards and no stone-chip coating under the floor; a 2015 US class action over it was dismissed, and Nissan changed the floor design for 2007. Salted Alberta roads make an underbody inspection essential on these cars.[1][29]

  • Oil consumption on the 2.5 L four

    Documented Model years 2002–2006

    Early QR25DE Altimas, mainly 2002 and 2003, are documented as burning oil heavily, which can end in engine damage if the level is not watched. For some 2006 cars Transport Canada recall 2006-155 addressed faulty piston rings with a computer update or, if needed, a new engine. Check the oil level between changes on any car of this age.[1][25]

  • Stalling from the crank angle sensor

    Recall Model years 2002–2006

    On 2.5 L cars, the crank angle sensor can malfunction with heat and make the engine stall while driving. Transport Canada recalls 2006-161 (2003 and 2004) and 2007-364 (2002, 2005 and 2006) have dealers reprogram the engine computer to prevent it.[23][24][28]

  • No-start from the electronic steering column lock

    Service bulletin Model years 2009–2010

    Owners of 2009 Altimas in particular have reported the car refusing to start, with the key and steering-lock warnings lit, because the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) fails. Nissan's US service campaign PC516 replaces the ESCL on 2009 and 2010 Altima sedans, coupes and hybrids with a part that no longer locks the wheel; ask a Nissan Canada dealer whether a Canadian car is covered.[19][30]

  • CVT judder, noise or limp mode

    Documented Model years 2013–2016

    The CVT is one of the most complained-about parts of the fifth-generation Altima in NHTSA data, with owners reporting shudder, hesitation, whining and limp mode. A Canadian class action settlement (outside Quebec) covered 2013 to 2016 Altimas, reimbursing transmission repairs within 84 months or 140,000 km; check whether a used car had its CVT fluid serviced and any repairs done.[18][31]

  • Hood can open while driving

    Recall Model years 2013–2018

    The secondary hood latch on 2013 to 2018 Altimas can stick open, partly from corrosion, so the hood could fly up if the primary latch is released. Transport Canada recall 2016-028 replaced the latch on 2013 to 2015 cars, and recall 2020-242 (2013 to 2018) has dealers replace the hood release lever spring and add a latch maintenance label; keeping the latch clean and lubricated matters after winters of road salt.[21][22][27]

  • Automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead

    Owner complaint pattern Model years 2019–2021

    Owners of sixth-generation Altimas, especially 2019 models, have reported the automatic emergency braking system braking hard on an empty road, at bridges, railway crossings or in parking garages. A 2019 US class action brought by a 2019 Altima owner made the same claim; a dealer can check the front radar and its software.[20][32]

Transport Canada recalls

Transport Canada lists 31 recalls for the Nissan Altima since the 2000 model year, grouped below by generation, newest first. A recall that spans two generations is listed under both. Read from Transport Canada on .

Check one model year against Transport Canada’s live list with the recall check, or decode your VIN first with the VIN decoder.

Sixth generation (L34) 2019 on

5 recalls

  1. Recall 2023-504 · Visual System

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    14,994 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2019–2021
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R23C3
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the rearview camera wiring harness could be damaged by movement and vibrations. If this happens, the rearview camera image may not display correctly or may not display at all. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when reversing.

    Safety risk. A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the rearview camera wiring harness, apply a protective tape, and reroute it. If the wiring is damaged, the rearview camera and wiring harness will be replaced.

  2. Recall 2021-140 · Tires

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    1,393 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2019–2020
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC798
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers.

    Safety risk. A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Nissan will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.

  3. Recall 2021-117 · Steering

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    29 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2020–2021
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC795
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the steering tie rod nut may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the tie rod could become loose and separate from the steering knuckle. This could result in a loss of steering control.

    Safety risk. A loss of steering control could create a risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Nissan will notify owners by mail and instruct you take your vehicle to a dealer to re-tighten the nut on the left and right steering tie rods. If the nut is missing, a new nut and washer will be installed.

  4. Recall 2019-459 · Visual System

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    126,195 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2018–2019
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R1911
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on.

    Safety risk. Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.

  5. Recall 2019-156 · Brakes

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    533 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2019
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC691
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the brake light switch may not be in the correct position. This would result in the brake lamps staying on at all times. This could also allow the transmission to be shifted out of the park (P) position without applying the brakes.

    Safety risk. Shifting out of park without applying the brakes could cause unintended vehicle movement. If the brake lights stay on, a following driver may not recognize when a vehicle ahead is braking. Either of these outcomes could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the brake pedal assembly. The assembly will be replaced as required.

Fifth generation (L33) 2013–2018

15 recalls

  1. Recall 2020-242 · Structure

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    49,225 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2018
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R21A6
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. Over time, corrosion could cause the secondary hood latch to stick in the open position after it is used. If this happens, and the primary hood latch is released, the hood may open suddenly while driving.

    Safety risk. A hood that opens suddenly while driving could block the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Nissan will notify owners by mail and provide an update to the owner's manual instruction for how to properly maintain the hood latch. Nissan will instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the hood release lever spring. The dealer will also install a hood latch maintenance warning label.

  2. Recall 2019-459 · Visual System

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    126,195 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2018–2019
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R1911
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on.

    Safety risk. Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.

  3. Recall 2018-732 · Structure

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    7,493 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2015–2017
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC675
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the latch-lock cable may have been incorrectly routed in the path of the rear door window regulator. This could cause the rear passenger door to unlatch and open when the window is lowered, increasing the risk of injury to the rear passengers while the vehicle is in motion.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect, and will add a wire harness clip to the door panel to reroute the cables through, and/or replace the rear door latch-lock cable assembly as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2017-030. Vehicles repaired as part of the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.

  4. Recall 2017-030 · Structure

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    7,491 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2015–2017
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC540
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the latch-lock cable may have been incorrectly routed in the path of the rear door window regulator. This could cause the rear passenger door to unlatch and open when the window is lowered, increasing the risk of injury to the rear passengers while the vehicle is in motion.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect, reroute or replace the rear door latch-lock cable assembly as necessary. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018732. Please see recall 2018732 for more information.

  5. Recall 2016-630 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    14 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2015
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC523
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. Certain vehicles may have been fitted with an incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) module. An incorrect OCS module would impair the effectiveness of the OCS, potentially failing to properly classify an adult passenger seated in the front passenger seat. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace and update the OCS module.

  6. Recall 2016-179 · Seats And Restraints

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    257,130 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2016
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, a defect in the occupant classification system could allow an adult sitting in the front passenger seat to be classified as a child or an “empty seat”. This would suppress the airbag, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

    Corrective action. For affected Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue and Sentra vehicles, dealers will reprogram the airbag control unit and the occupant classification system control unit. For affected Leaf, NV200, Pathfinder, Q50 and JX35/QX60 vehicles, dealers will replace the occupant classification system electronic control unit.

  7. Recall 2016-028 · Other

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    24,895 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2015
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch may stick in the open position. As a result, the hood would only be held by the primary latch and could open suddenly if the primary latch were to be inadvertently released or improperly latched. This would compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and its users and cause damage to the windshield. These issues could result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace the hood latch. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2014-401 and 2015-083.

  8. Recall 2015-491 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    184 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2015
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2014-093 or which had the Occupant Classification System (OCS) module replaced during servicing may have been fitted with an incorrect replacement OCS module. An incorrect OCS module would impair the effectiveness of the OCS, potentially failing to properly classify an adult passenger seated in the front passenger seat. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

    Corrective action. Dealers will reprogram the OCS module.

  9. Recall 2015-471 · Fuel System

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    3,126 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2016
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the sealing ring between the fuel sending unit and the fuel tank may move out of position in a crash. This could increase the potential risk of a fuel leak in the event of a crash increasing the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property.

    Corrective action. Dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel sending unit and fuel tank. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2015-341.

  10. Recall 2015-083 · Structure

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    14,811 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2015
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, if the vehicle is driven with only the secondary latch engaged, the secondary hood latch may fail to hold the hood closed. As a result, the hood could open suddenly and compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and its users, as well as cause damage to the windshield. These issues could result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

    Corrective action. Dealers will affect repairs. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2014401.

Show all 15 recallsShow only the newest 10

  1. Recall 2014-401 · Structure

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    10,049 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, if the vehicle is driven with only the secondary latch engaged, the secondary hood latch may fail to hold the hood closed. As a result, the hood could open suddenly and compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and its users, as well as cause damage to the windshield. These issues could result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect, clean, lubricate, and modify the bend angle on the secondary hood latch. If significant corrosion is identified during inspection, the latch assembly will be replaced.

  2. Recall 2014-093 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    60,022 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013–2014
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant classification system software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. If this occurs, the passenger airbag would be deactivated without the illumination of the airbag warning lamp. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

    Corrective action. Dealers will reprogram the occupant classification system.

  3. Recall 2013-130 · Tires

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    10,005 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC228
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the spare tire may have been under- or over-inflated during assembly. In some instances, the over-inflation may have been significant. High trunk compartment temperature, such as when the vehicle is parked in the sun, could cause an over-inflated tire to burst. Also, if the spare tire is installed as a road wheel, an under- or over-inflated tire could fail. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury.

    Corrective action. Dealers will check and, as necessary, either adjust the spare tire inflation pressure or replace the spare tire.

  4. Recall 2013-079 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    7,796 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC213 (Sentra), PC214 (Altima), PC216 (Pathfinder), PC217 (JX35)
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, sensors within the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured incorrectly. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag. Failure of the passenger frontal airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the ODS sensors.

  5. Recall 2012-339 · Steering

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    1,058 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2013
    Manufacturer’s no.
    PC182
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, two power steering rack bolts and four transverse link bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle assembly. Should any of these bolts loosen and fall out, the driver could lose vehicle control, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

    Corrective action. Dealers will tighten the affected bolts to the specified torque.

Back to the top of Fifth generation (L33)

Fourth generation (L32) 2007–2012

4 recalls

  1. Recall 2012-056 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    30 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2012
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R191
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag inflators may have been incorrectly manufactured and, as a result, one or both airbags may not deploy as intended. Failure of a side curtain airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted), could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both side curtain airbag assemblies.

  2. Recall 2009-263 · Suspension

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    2,276 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2009–2010
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R144
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the metal upper strut insulators may have been manufactured incorrectly and, as a result, could fail. In the worse case this could allow the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, adversely affecting vehicle handling. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace the front strut insulators.

  3. Recall 2008-363 · Other

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    12,880 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA, ALTIMA COUPE, ALTIMA HYBRID 2007–2008
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R139 R140 R141
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, a varistor in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) control unit located in the passenger seat cushion may have been manufactured incorrectly. Under certain conditions, this could cause an interruption of signal between the OCS and the Airbag control unit (ACU). This could result in the passenger airbag being suppressed. The (red) supplemental airbag warning light would flash & the (amber) front passenger airbag status light would illuminate to alert the vehicle operator, however in case of a crash a suppressed airbag could result in personal injury or death.

    Corrective action. Dealers will test the signal between the OCS & ACU and if necessary will replace the seat cushion containing OCS hardware.

  4. Recall 2007-203 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    9,284 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2007
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, if a sufficiently hot object (i.e. cigarette ash) enters the air filter housing through the engine fresh air intake system, the air filter may ignite. This could result in an underhood fire causing property damage and/or personal injury.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace the air filter with a revised version possessing improved anti-flammability characteristics. In addition, an air deflector will be installed in front of the air intake opening to reduce the intake of debris.

Third generation (L31) 2002–2006

8 recalls

  1. Recall 2007-364 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    40,666 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2002, 2005–2006
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R126
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to prevent stalling.

  2. Recall 2006-161 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    26,234 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2003–2004
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R110
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash.

    Corrective action. Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to prevent stalling.

  3. Recall 2006-155 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    7,850 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2006
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. Certain vehicles equipped with a four cylinder 2.5L engine may exhibit excessive oil consumption as a result of improper piston rings. If the oil level is not maintained engine damage can occur and could result in an engine fire.

    Corrective action. Dealers will reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and, if required, replace the engine.

  4. Recall 2006-040 · Suspension

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    32 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2006
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R105
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. The die used for stamping the rear suspension subframe was out of specification during three days of production. As a result, the thickness of the attachment bracket for the rear lower link may be less than the minimum specification. This could result in a crack forming in the attachment bracket. If a crack propagates through the bracket, the rear lower link may separate from the bracket. Under certain severe driving conditions, stability of the vehicle may be compromised, leading to a loss of vehicle control.

    Corrective action. Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the rear suspension subframe.

  5. Recall 2003-267 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    74,143 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2001–2003
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R86
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor and both camshaft position sensors.

  6. Recall 2003-171 · Fuel System

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    30,132 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2002–2003
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R85
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles at extremely cold temperatures, moisture in the fuel tank may freeze and form ice crystals. These ice crystals may obstruct the suction opening of the fuel pump which can prevent the supply of fuel to the engine and cause the engine to stop.

    Corrective action. Dealer will install a screen at the suction opening of the fuel pump.

  7. Recall 2003-060 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    30,589 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2002–2003
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R80
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road which could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst.

    Corrective action. Dealer will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. Also, certain operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they may score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis, engine damage may occur which could result in fire. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the engine control unit to prevent the possibility of the pre-catalyst overheating. If the conversion efficiency of the pre-catalyst has deteriorated, then the catalyst will be replaced. The original pre-catalyst will then be inspected for evidence of damage to the catalyst substrate. If damage is present, the vehicle engine will be replaced.

  8. Recall 2003-045 · Airbag

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    4,487 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2002
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R79
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the clockspring electrical connector may not be fully secured to the driver side air bag module squib pin connector due to the retaining groove in the module not having sufficient depth to hold the connector in the assembled position. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light will come on. However, the driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash.

    Corrective action. Dealer will install a retaining clip on the clockspring electrical connector.

Second generation (L30) 1998–2001

1 recall

  1. Recall 2003-267 · Engine

    Date
    Units affected in Canada
    74,143 (whole recall)
    Covers
    ALTIMA 2001–2003
    Manufacturer’s no.
    R86
    Issue, risk and remedy

    Issue. On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation.

    Corrective action. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor and both camshaft position sensors.

Source: Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.

Fuel economy and cost

Natural Resources Canada’s combined ratings (55% city, 45% highway driving) for the newest model years it has rated. NRCan rates every drivetrain, transmission and package separately, so each row gives the range across them. The yearly cost assumes 20,000 km a year, the distance NRCan’s own fuel consumption search tool assumes, at Statistics Canada’s average self-serve price in Calgary for August 2026: regular 162.3¢/L, premium 188.4¢/L, diesel 210.6¢/L. Each rating is costed at the fuel NRCan rated it on. How far and how you drive will move it.

Nissan Altima: NRCan combined fuel consumption and yearly fuel cost in Calgary, model years 2018–2025.
YearEngineFuel Combined L/100 kmFuel a year (CAD)
2025 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 8.2–8.4 $2,662–$2,727
2024 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 8.1–8.2 $2,629–$2,662
2023 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 8.1–8.2 $2,629–$2,662
2022 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 7.9–8.1 $2,564–$2,629
2021 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 8.0–8.2 $2,597–$2,662
2020 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 8.0–8.1 $2,597–$2,629
2019 2.0 L, 4 cylinders Regular 8.1 $2,629
2019 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (4 versions) Regular 7.4–8.1 $2,402–$2,629
2018 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) Regular 7.6–7.8 $2,467–$2,532
2018 3.5 L, 6 cylinders Regular 9.1 $2,954

Source: Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings, read . Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Prices: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography (https://doi.org/10.25318/1810000101-eng), used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.

Canada notes

  • Every Canadian Altima from 2019 to 2025 came with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the first Nissan sedan sold in Canada with AWD; the system runs in front-wheel drive until it senses slip and can send up to half the torque to the rear.[2][5][7]
  • The 2.0 L VC-Turbo variable-compression engine offered in US Altimas from 2019 was front-wheel drive only and was not offered in Canada, where every sixth-generation Altima used the 2.5 L with AWD.[3][7][17]
  • Nissan Canada confirmed that the Altima would no longer be sold in Canada after the 2025 model year, even though it returned in the United States for 2026.[5][6]
  • Transport Canada recall 2003-171 covered 2002 and 2003 Altimas whose fuel-tank moisture could freeze in extreme cold and block the fuel pump, stalling the engine; dealers fitted a screen at the pump inlet.[26]

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Sources

The entry above was checked against these on . The numbers beside each fact point here.

  1. Wikipedia, Nissan Altima. Accessed .
  2. Nissan Canada, Nissan announces Canadian pricing for all-new 2019 Altima, features standard All-Wheel Drive. Accessed .
  3. Nissan Canada, 2022 Nissan Altima pricing starts at $30,098. Accessed .
  4. Nissan Canada, 2023 Nissan Altima boasts a fresh new design and more tech. Accessed .
  5. Nissan Canada, Nissan Altima (discontinued models). Accessed .
  6. Motor Illustrated, The Nissan Altima is Back in the US for 2026, But Not in Canada. Accessed .
  7. The Car Magazine (Canadian Auto Press), 2019 Nissan Altima Edition One Road Test. Accessed .
  8. The Car Guide, 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (sedan, manual) price and specifications. Accessed .
  9. The Car Guide, 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (sedan, manual) price and specifications. Accessed .
  10. The Car Guide, 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (sedan, manual) price and specifications. Accessed .
  11. The Car Guide, 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 (sedan) price and specifications. Accessed .
  12. The Car Guide, 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 (sedan) price and specifications. Accessed .
  13. The Car Guide, 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 (sedan) price and specifications. Accessed .
  14. The Car Guide, 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 S price and specifications. Accessed .
  15. The Car Guide, 2020 Nissan Altima S price and specifications. Accessed .
  16. The Car Guide, 2021 Nissan Altima SE price and specifications. Accessed .
  17. The Car Guide, 2025 Nissan Altima S price and specifications. Accessed .
  18. Top Class Actions Canada, Nissan CVT defect class action settlement (Canada). Accessed .
  19. Nissan North America (via NHTSA), Campaign bulletin PC516: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) voluntary service campaign. Accessed .
  20. CarComplaints.com, Nissan Automatic Emergency Braking Lawsuit Filed. Accessed .
  21. Transport Canada, Recall 2016-028: secondary hood latch may stick open (2013-2015 Altima). Accessed .
  22. Transport Canada, Recall 2020-242: corroded secondary hood latch may stick open (2013-2018 Altima). Accessed .
  23. Transport Canada, Recall 2006-161: 2.5 L crank angle sensor may cause stalling. Accessed .
  24. Transport Canada, Recall 2007-364: 2.5 L crank angle sensor may cause stalling. Accessed .
  25. Transport Canada, Recall 2006-155: 2.5 L excessive oil consumption from improper piston rings. Accessed .
  26. Transport Canada, Recall 2003-171: fuel tank moisture may freeze and block the fuel pump. Accessed .
  27. NHTSA, Recall 20V315000: hood latch, 2013-2018 Altima. Accessed .
  28. NHTSA, Recall 07V527000: crankshaft position sensor, 2.5 L engine. Accessed .
  29. NHTSA, Owner complaints, 2005 Nissan Altima. Accessed .
  30. NHTSA, Owner complaints, 2009 Nissan Altima. Accessed .
  31. NHTSA, Owner complaints, 2013 Nissan Altima. Accessed .
  32. NHTSA, Owner complaints, 2019 Nissan Altima. Accessed .

Where the recall and fuel data comes from

Transport Canada’s recalls and NRCan’s fuel ratings: contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Pump prices: Statistics Canada, used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence. Neither government endorses GarageMap. More Nissan guides: Nissan models · all vehicle guides.