PPI AutoPowered by Supercanic
Inspections & Reports / Model Guides / Nissan Altima
Model Guide2013–2018

Nissan Altima Pre Purchase Inspection Guide

CVT judder and failure, hood latch recall, and oil use.

Get this Altima inspectedRequest online ↓

The Altima is comfortable and cheap to buy used. The transmission is the reason it's cheap.

The CVT is the single most important thing to check on one of these.

Engines you may see
  • 2.5L 4-cyl
  • 3.5L V6
Known problem areas — what we check
Costly Safety Common Verify
CVT judder and failureCostly

The CVT can shudder, whine, or slip, and a replacement is a very large bill — often close to the value of the car.

WE CHECK We road test it cold and hot, feel for judder under light throttle, and scan the transmission.

CVT overheat on hillsCostly

The CVT can overheat and go into a reduced-power mode on long grades or in traffic.

WE CHECK We drive it long enough to get heat in it, not just around the block.

Hood latch recallSafety

Some 2013–2015 cars were recalled because the hood could open while driving.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for the recall and test the secondary latch by hand.

Oil consumptionVerify

Some 2.5 engines use more oil than owners expect between changes.

WE CHECK We check the oil level and ask what it takes between services.

Wheel bearings and strutsCommon

Bearings can hum and front struts can knock over bumps.

WE CHECK We listen on the road test and check the front end.

Transmission service historyVerify

CVTs need fluid on time. Most owners never do it.

WE CHECK We ask for records and check the fluid condition.

Focus points
  • Road test the CVT long enough to get it hot
  • Feel for judder at light throttle around 30–45 mph
  • Ask for CVT fluid service records
  • Check the hood latch recall
  • Check oil level and ask about top-offs
Pre purchase inspection by year

Each year has its own guide — the engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.

2013 Nissan Altima2014 Nissan Altima2015 Nissan Altima2016 Nissan Altima2017 Nissan Altima2018 Nissan Altima
Safety record (live from NHTSA)
2018 Nissan Altima · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov
2
Recalls
223
Complaints
278
Service Bulletins
Loading the latest federal safety records…
Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & Drivability39

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · Automatic40

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & Body199

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.

Common questions
Is the Altima CVT really that bad?
It's the known weak point on these years. A good one is fine; a tired one is a huge bill. That's why we test it hot, not cold.
How much is a CVT replacement?
It's often thousands — sometimes close to what the car is worth. Worth knowing before you pay, not after.
Where do you inspect?
All 48 states.
Do you pull recalls?
Yes, plus service bulletins.
Buying this one?

We'll check it first

Pre-tagged for the Nissan Altima. One call and a tech is on it.

951-267-8500Call now
More model guides
Ford F-150 2011–2020Honda Accord 2008–2017Toyota Camry 2007–2017Chevy Silverado 1500 2014–2019Subaru Outback 2013–2018Jeep Wrangler 2007–2018BMW 3-Series 2012–2018Ram 2500 2007.5–2018

Request a Nissan Altima inspection

Pre-tagged for the Nissan Altima.

Details

No payment now · We confirm scheduling before any work

Buying a Nissan Altima? Let us check it first.

Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.

Call 951-267-8500