2020 Nissan Altima transmission problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · LA

The components and systems experiencing problems in my 2020 Nissan Altima S 2.5L include the engine, throttle body, and mass airflow (MAF) sensor system. The vehicle has experienced severe engine performance issues, including excessive fuel consumption, jerking, hesitation during acceleration, reduced engine power, and unexpected limp mode. The safety of myself and others were put at risk because the car did not accelerate anymore in the middle of on going traffic. It was me and my 2 underaged children in the car. Yes it has been confirmed by an independent service center. Yes, insurance representatives and others including mechanics. Check engine light appeared

Filed May 13, 2026 · Airbags, Transmission · WI

This issue involves a documented and recurring safety-related defect that was reported multiple times while my vehicle was still covered under Nissan’s factory warranty related to the airbag system. My 2020 Nissan Altima currently has approximately 53,900 miles and has experienced repeated airbag/SRS failures associated with diagnostic code B1436-13, indicating an open circuit within the passenger airbag system. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, including in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. During several warranty-period service visits, the diagnostic codes were reportedly cleared, however, the underlying wiring harness issue does not appear to have been permanently corrected. I have the full history service record for this car with notes from 3 Nissan Dealers. I have documented communications with Nissan Consumer Affairs dating back to May 13, 2024 regarding this ongoing concern. In addition, I have photographic evidence showing the same airbag fault code on February 22, 2025, along with additional correspondence with Nissan dated March 18, 2025. Both of these events occurred while the vehicle remained within the applicable warranty coverage period. The airbag warning light has now returned again, and I have been presented with a repair estimate exceeding $5,200 for a condition that was previously reported and addressed unsuccessfully while the vehicle was under warranty coverage. According to Nissan’s 2020 Warranty Information Booklet, the Restraint System, including airbags and related electronic control systems, is covered under Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage. Because this safety concern was documented during the warranty period and prior repair attempts did not resolve the issue. Given that this matter involves a critical vehicle safety system that could affect passenger airbag deployment, I am hopeful this can be resolved.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Transmission · IL

The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until March 9 to respond - that they would NOT give any assistance to fixing the Cam Shaft. The car was 10 months out of time warranty and 18,000 under mileage warranty - I understand time trump’s mileage. We have owned many cars the last four have been Nissan Altimas. Never have we had a catastrophic event like this with a car. At the very least this incident should be added to the records of issues with Nissan cars that might lead to a recall.

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Transmission · IL

Many times while I'm driving, I feel a jerky motion. when I am at a stop light, and proceed to hit the accelerator, it will not pick up. I have lost power, the car will jerk while I'm driving. The RPM will rave go up. It's very dangerous because I can be driving and the engine will lose or reduced power. I get a whining sound, like my transmission, is gonna go out.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Transmission · FL

Description of the Problem: For the past three years, my vehicle has experienced intermittent and sudden loss of power while driving, including on the highway. The issue is ongoing and has not been resolved despite having the throttle body replaced three separate times, totaling approximately $4,500 in repairs. Each replacement has resulted in the exact same malfunction: the car enters limp mode, drastically reducing power, which is especially dangerous when my children are in the vehicle. Component/Inspection: The issue appears to involve the throttle body and possibly the CVT transmission or related electrical system. The component has been replaced multiple times and is available for inspection if needed. Safety Risk: This malfunction puts my safety and the safety of my passengers at significant risk, particularly when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. The car's sudden loss of power makes it difficult to accelerate or maintain speed, which could easily lead to a collision/serious injury. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes. The problem has been witnessed and confirmed by Midas of Palm Bay, FL and Nissan of Melbourne, FL. Manufacturer Involvement: I reached out to Nissan, but they refused to assist with the repairs or offer any support. Warning Signs/Symptoms: Before the failure, the check engine light comes on, followed by a warning message that reads “Engine Malfunction.” Immediately after, the vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate normally.

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Transmission · CA

While driving my vehicle on the freeway, the car suddenly went into limp mode then a few seconds later, the Warning Light appeared showing CVT failure alert. The car has 111,000 miles. This should be an issue that Nissan need to be responsible 100%.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine, Steering · AZ

While accelerating from a complete stop, the car stalled with tires, powertrain, and steering wheel all locked. For 15 seconds, the steering wheel, tires, and car was unable to be manipulated. During acceleration, the speed was less than 15mph when it came to an abrupt stop. Another car behind me almost hit me when my car came to a stop. Car was just serviced for another warranty issue a few months ago by Nissan dealership.

Filed Jun 1, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NC

Engine failed prematurly with less than 40k miles. All service was completed in a timely fashion. Nissan is taking a long time to get back to me with what next steps are. They are still investigating after 10 days. Pls help.

Filed May 25, 2024 · Transmission · PA

Unpredictably vehicle acceleration is delayed by approximately 3-4 seconds. Car then proceeds to take off after transmission kicks in. I almost got hit by a semi during a left turn. And similar near miss incidents have occurred. Car also fails to accelerate in a predictable manner when needed rpm goes up but vehicle will stall/hesitate. The vehicle is under warranty and has been to the dealer 3 times. They will not perform any maintenance on the vehicle. Saying it needs to be replicated in person. The Issue is not easily replicated, but when the issue presents itself, it poses a great safety risk to occupants in the vehicle and all drivers/pedestrians on the road around the vehicle. This seems to be a known issue by Nissan but they fail to implement a recall or any other corrective action. I can provide invoices/Statements of work but will have to retrieve them from the dealer. I also have video evidence of the issues occurring. Dealer has seen the videos but refuses to repair, replace, or recompensate for the issues listed above off the videos alone.

Filed Feb 16, 2024 · Transmission · TX

I bought a used (7,000 miles) 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV. Bought the car on January (18-19th) 2022 with a clean Car Fax. Then, on August 12, 2022 at 17,500 approximate miles the transmission failed. I was driving and suddenly the engine light came on and the car was being strange. Slight shaking, vibration, and delayed acceleration plus a few other details I cannot recall. I immediately went to the dealership since I was nearby and I did not feel that the car was safe to drive. Then I left it there for over a month (all with no loaner vehicle because they had none) and they said they needed to get me a new transmission. Needing a new transmission so soon, is not normal. The dealership even said this, but also said it is unfortunately an issue they see with their CVT transmissions. I had no prior symptoms, and this was very sudden. I had even called them to let them know I was on the way, and they said if I was not close-by that I should tow the car in because it might not be safe. It could have caused an accident if I had driven for longer, so I consider myeslf lucky and hope that other people do not have the same expierence.