2019 Nissan Altima parts and specs

What changed for the 2019 Nissan Altima

• 2019Generation launch: PR25DD 2.5L with first-ever Altima AWD option, 2.0L VC-Turbo replaces the V6, ProPILOT Assist available, electronic parking brake standard

Known problems with the 2019 Nissan Altima

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2019–2025 generation are documented against the 2019 model year, and 5 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• VC-Turbo engine bearing failure (recall)

  majorNHTSA 25V-437

  Manufacturing defects in the 2.0L VC-Turbo's main/link bearings can shed metal debris, cause knocking, and progress to complete engine failure. In June 2025 Nissan recalled ~443,900 VC-Turbo vehicles including 2019–2020 Altimas: dealers inspect the oil pan for metal debris and, depending on findings, change the oil or repair/replace the engine free of charge. Listen for knock, and check the recall status by VIN before buying a used VC-Turbo car. The related NHTSA investigation (PE23-018/EA) began after owner reports of engine failures.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; a VC-Turbo engine replacement out of scope runs well over $10,000

• CVT shudder, hesitation and early failures (much improved, not gone)

  moderateMultiple judder/reprogram TSBs

  The L34's Jatco CVT8 is far more reliable than the previous generation's, but NHTSA complaints and TSBs still document shudder on light throttle, hesitation from a stop, and occasional failures, mostly on early 2019–2020 cars. Nissan's fixes are TCM reprogramming and, when judder persists, valve body or unit replacement. No warranty extension exists for this generation (standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage), so fluid services matter.

  Typical cost: Free reflash under warranty; $3,800–$5,500 for a replacement CVT out of warranty

• Rearview camera image lost or distorted (recalls)

  moderateNHTSA 19V-654 and 23V-628

  Two campaigns: display settings could be adjusted so the backup image no longer appears (19V-654, software fix), and a chafing camera harness can distort or kill the rear view image entirely (23V-628, 2019–2021 cars). Both are fixed free by dealers.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Fuel pump / fuel tube leak recalls (early cars)

  moderateNHTSA 18V-922 and 19V-316

  On some 2019 builds, the low-pressure fuel tube's retainer clip at the high-pressure pump can unlock (18V-922), and the in-tank fuel pump lock ring may not be fully seated (19V-316), both can leak fuel and create a fire risk or stall. Dealers inspect and re-secure or replace the parts free.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Brake lights stay on / shifter moves without brake pressed (recall)

  minorNHTSA 19V-235

  A mispositioned brake light switch bracket can leave the brake lights permanently lit and allow the shifter to move out of Park without the pedal pressed, risking rollaway. Dealers reposition or replace the stopper bracket free.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Nissan Altima problems and years to avoid guide.