Nissan engine failures have prompted an investigation into 2019–2021 Nissan Altima cars and other Nissan and Infiniti models prone to engine failure, loss of motive power, engine knocking and release of metal chunks into the cars’ oil pans.
According to an ODI resume from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these Nissan Altima cars are equipped with 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter KR20DDET engines with variable compression ratio intended to allow for simultaneous high power output and high fuel efficiency.
The investigation was launched after these VC-turbo engines have caused some Nissan Altima cars to lose power or fail to start.
2019–2021 Nissan Altima Complaints
We have compiled a sample of these Nissan Altima engine complaints, which are available to view on NHTSA’s website.
Please note that the complaints on the Nissan Altima engine failures have been edited for grammar and clarity.
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start-up after multiple attempts while depressing the Push to Start button. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
– 2019 Nissan Altima, December 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving, the RPM started to fluctuate prior to the vehicle stalling without warning. Additionally, on several occasions, while at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly turned off without warning. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air intake sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The air intake sensor was replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired 3 times, but the failure persisted.
–2019 Nissan Altima, May 18, 2021
The Check engine light came on and I took it to Nissan dealer. My car is at 39,000 mileage. On the previous Nissan Altima (2016) I had, the same thing happened while I was driving from Minnesota to Louisville. We almost crashed at Chicago due to some engine issue. When I arrived to Louisville, KY, I stopped by Nissan dealership and ask them what happen and they told me it will take up to two weeks to fix but recommended to get a new vehicle. I had no choice but to change to a new 2019 Nissan. Now the same thing is happening to this new Nissan Altima and Nissan is not willing to fix the issue without charge. This is very frustrating. I been having issue with the door not unlocking with a remote and they fixed it once and now I have the same issue they are willing to fix again. But my main concern is not the door but the engine light they refuse to fix. Please help.
–2019 Nissan Altima, May 17, 2021
I was driving the car at about 70 mph on the expressway and it just randomly de-accelerated dripping from 70-34 mph and would not allow me to accelerate and then proceeded to shut down stating engine stall. I almost got hit from the back when the car de-accelerated and couldn’t do anything about it after about 10-15 seconds I pressed the gas again and it took off abruptly. I’m scared to drive my car anywhere that I’ll get hit if my car de-accelerates again. Nissan can’t replicate the issue to come up with a conclusion.
–2020 Nissan Altima, January 28, 2023
If you have recurring engine problems in your Nissan Altima, your vehicle may be a lemon. Read more about your California lemon law rights. If you would like more information, complete the form below to request a free consultation.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guides on the California Lemon Law and Used Car Lemon Law for more information.
