Nissan Altima
2.5L four-cylinder with good refinement. Powerful enough for SUV use.
Final act of the 2.5L
188 hp from the revised QR25 — cleaner, quieter, still paired to a CVT and still purely a head-over-heart choice. The optional 2.0 VC-Turbo is the interesting engine; this one is bread without butter.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The Jatco CVT (RE0F09A) in the QR25DE is Nissan's biggest reliability scandal in recent years. Class action lawsuits for 2007-2016 and 2017-2018 Altimas were settled for a combined $277.7 million. Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected model years. Many owners outside the warranty still faced $3,500-5,000 repair bills.
Symptoms: Transmission jerk, hesitation on takeoff, slipping, transmission sticking in gear, vehicle won't accelerate despite engine revving, complete transmission failure
The crankshaft position sensor (P0335) fails on the QR25DE around 60,000-100,000 miles. In the worst case, the engine stalls in traffic. Nissan recalled over 600,000 vehicles (2002-2007). Newer model years can also be affected.
Symptoms: Engine stalls suddenly, difficult to restart after shutoff, fault code P0335, power loss at idle, check engine light
Nissan recommended preventive timing chain replacement for T30 X-Trail models with QR engines due to elongation beyond tolerance. Replacement possible for under €1,000.
Symptoms: Poor cold start behaviour, rough engine running, occasional rattling on cold start
Especially common on 2013-2016 Altima: CVT shuddering from around 45,000-100,000 miles. Nissan documented 179 complaints for this single issue on the 2013 Altima at CarComplaints alone. The CVT fluid additive package degrades and causes friction oscillations. Fluid flush with genuine NS-3 CVT fluid can help.
Symptoms: Vibration and shuddering between 25-60 mph, especially at 1,500-2,000 RPM, vehicle shakes on takeoff, rough idle at standstill
The lambda sensors of the QR25DE fail from around 100,000 km, frequently with fault codes P0134 or P0154. Increased consumption and engine warning light are typical.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, fault codes P0134/P0154, increased fuel consumption
The QR25DE throttle body carbons up from around 100,000 km and causes an elevated idle of 1,400–2,500 rpm. Cleaning resolves the issue, but the ECU must relearn idle afterwards.
Symptoms: Idle speed 1,400–2,500 rpm, rough idle, occasional stalling
The valve cover gasket on the QR25DE becomes leaky from around 115,000 km. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold and causes a burning smell. Identical issue to the QR20DE.
Symptoms: Oil traces on valve cover, burning smell after parking, oil drips under the engine
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Despite the L33 class action settlements, the L34 Altima continues to have CVT issues. New complaints emerged from 2019. The fundamental Jatco CVT problem was not fully resolved. Regular CVT fluid changes remain essential.
Vehicles equipped with the I-FCW/AEB system brake suddenly without any apparent reason. Root cause is a faulty radar module detecting phantom objects. A TSB (NTB21-115B) for 2021-2022 models requires ECU reprogramming. Nissan has not issued an official recall.
NHTSA recall 25V437 covers 2019-2020 Altima with KR20DDET. Main and link bearings can fail leading to engine loss. Dealers inspect oil pan; engine replacement free if debris found.
The JF017E CVT in the 2.5L Altima shows shudder, whining and fail-safe mode between 50-80k miles. Valve body repair from $2000, full replacement up to $7000.
Forward Emergency Braking radar applies full brakes on empty roads. NHTSA logged 87 complaints in the first year. Class action filed, no recall yet.
Timing chain and tensioner on the 2.5L direct-injection PR25DD wear faster than expected, sometimes under 100k miles. Don't keep driving on a rattle.
The L34 AC compressors show similar failure patterns to predecessors. Under high load or wear, the compressor clutch fails. Always flush the condenser when replacing to prevent metal debris damage.
BCM/telematics modules draw too much current during sleep, killing starter battery during longer park times.
OEM acoustic windshield is notably crack-prone. CarComplaints logs 11 confirmed cases with an average failure mileage of only 4000 miles.
The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen triggers inputs on its own and shows delamination bubbles.
