2013–2024
Nissan Altima years to avoid
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
Nissan Altima years to avoid: 2013–2016. Best used years: 2019+. The Altima is the textbook 'cheap for a reason' car of 2013–2016. Later cars are fairly priced transportation — but any Altima needs a CVT-focused test drive and fluid history.
Years to avoid
2013–2016
The worst CVT years: shudder, overheating, and failures often before 120,000 miles. Nissan extended warranties tell the story.
Best years to buy
2019+
Meaningfully improved CVT and standard safety tech; still cheap used.
The bottom line
The Altima is the textbook 'cheap for a reason' car of 2013–2016. Later cars are fairly priced transportation — but any Altima needs a CVT-focused test drive and fluid history.
Year guidance narrows the search, but every used car is its own story. See the full used Nissan Altima buyer check for known issues, mileage guidance, and what to verify before you visit.
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