2018 Nissan Altima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Altima and 226 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (60), service brakes (49), electrical system (37). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–31 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #7 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Nissan Altima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Risk: 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 Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. 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.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
While operating my 2018 Nissan Altima on September 19, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., during daytime highway traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of propulsion, leaving me entirely immobilized on a highway ramp with no ability to accelerate or move out of danger. I was stranded in an extremely hazardous location with vehicles, including large commercial t…
The passenger‑side airbag warning light first appeared within the first year of ownership. During that visit, the dealership did not repair the defect. They only reset the warning light and told me it was not a problem. No diagnostic documentation or repair explanation was provided, and the underlying issue was not addressed. The warning light returned in April 2026, showing t…
While driving at regular road speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic safety component failure. The primary hood latch disengaged, and the secondary safety backup latch failed to catch or secure the hood. This caused the hood to violently slam completely open against the front windshield without warning, instantly and totally obscuring forward vision while the vehicle was i…
Safety ratings
2018 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Nissan Altima.
Altima
Auto (AV-S7) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Altima
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Altima SR
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Altima, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch (05/28/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Altima?
Based on 226 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (60), service brakes (49), electrical system (37).
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima safe?
The 2018 Nissan Altima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Nissan Altima?
The 2018 ranks #7 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Nissan Altima range from 26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Nissan Altima in South Carolina?
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Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ALTIMA, Altima.