2020 Nissan Altima parts and specs

What changed for the 2020 Nissan Altima

• 2020Platinum VC-Turbo's last year; Safety Shield 360 standard on more trims

Known problems with the 2020 Nissan Altima

3 of the 5 issues we track for the 2019–2025 generation are documented against the 2020 model year, and 3 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

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