TransmissionCritical
CVT overheating and failure — the defining Altima issue.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test-drive hard, watch for whining, shuddering, RPM flare, or a burnt smell; check for prior CVT replacement.
2018 Nissan Altima problems
A 2018 Nissan Altima is now 8 years old, so an average example has covered around 108,000 miles. The final model year of the generation · generally the most sorted build, so mileage, servicing and condition matter more than build-year faults. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2018 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2018 Nissan Altima is 8 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 108,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
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Build the inspection planFaults a 2018 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~108k miles an average 2018 car has covered.
EngineMedium
2.5L timing chain rattle.
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start.
Electrical / LightingHigh
Extremely dim dipped-beam headlights due to burnt internal projector bowls.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine the dipped beams against a wall or workshop door. Look for a weak, yellow, or uneven beam pattern indicating burnt reflectors.
Engine / GasketsMedium
Oil leaking from the rocker cover gasket into the spark plug tubes, causing misfires.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Remove one of the easily accessible front ignition coils with a 10mm spanner and check the rubber boot for fresh engine oil.
HVACLow
Loud clicking or tapping noise from behind the glovebox when adjusting the cabin temperature.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Turn the ignition on, set the blower to low, and cycle the climate control temperature from minimum to maximum. Listen for rapid plastic clicking.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
BodyMedium
Hood latch / secondary latch recall.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm the recall was completed and the hood latches securely.
InteriorLow
Dashboard and trim wear.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the dash and seat bolsters.
Rear SuspensionHigh
Rear lower control arms corrode severely, potentially snapping and causing sudden loss of wheel alignment.
- Typically appears
- 5-8 years
- What to inspect
- Kneel behind the rear wheels with a torch and inspect the tubular lower control arms for heavy flaking rust or structural cracking.
Inspecting a 2018 Nissan Altima?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planNissan Altima · frequently asked questions
Are Nissan Altima CVT problems real?
Yes — the CVT is the biggest concern. Look for extended-warranty history and any prior replacement.
What mileage do Altima CVTs fail?
Problems often appear from 60,000–100,000 miles, though many last longer with careful fluid service.
Should I avoid the Altima?
Not necessarily — a well-maintained example with a healthy CVT is a comfortable car, but the transmission risk is real.
Is the 3.5L V6 engine more reliable than the 2.5L four-cylinder?
The 3.5L V6 is generally more robust than the 2.5L, avoiding the four-cylinder's timing chain rattle. However, the V6 is still mated to a CVT, meaning transmission failure remains a primary concern. V6 models also consume more fuel and are harder to source on the used market.
Why do the halogen headlamps fail MOT tests so frequently on this model?
The internal reflective bowls within the halogen projector units degrade and burn away due to excessive heat. This drastically reduces light output, leading to dangerous nighttime visibility and immediate MOT failure. The only permanent fix is replacing the entire headlamp assemblies, which dealers must factor into preparation costs.
How can I check if the rear suspension recall has been completed?
Nissan issued a major recall for rear lower control arm corrosion. You must run the vehicle's registration or VIN through the official Nissan recall checker or the DVSA database. If outstanding, a main dealer will replace the arms free of charge, but this delays forecourt readiness.
Other Altima model years
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