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2019 Nissan Altima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Nissan Altima
Pictured: 2024 Nissan Altima SR, front left, 05-05-2025. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
Length
192.9 in
Curb weight
3,406 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints234 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,406 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 14% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 234 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2019

  • New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Altima →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.5L

Trims

SSRSLSVPlatinum

Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Altima configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan192.9 in72.8 in57.1 in111.4 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,406 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Altima2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+14%$2,100278
Altima SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31+10%$2,150288
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 30+7%$2,250300
Altima AWD SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+3%$2,300307
Altima SR/Platinum2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 29+3%$2,300311
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
28.1 MPG2019 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.2%
2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2019 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Nissan Altima (this car)32 MPG★★★★★7
2019 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated6
2019 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★7
2019 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2019 Chevrolet Malibu46 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Volkswagen Passat29 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (7)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V437000 · 443,899 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 8, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V628000 · 153,376 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
Tires › Sidewall · Mar 11, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V169000 · 36,141 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V654000 · 1,228,830 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 18, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V316000 · 374 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines. The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Mar 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V235000 · 5,744 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
Risk
If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 20, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V922000 · 23,903 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles. The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.
Risk
If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will route the fuel hose into the holding clip and lock the retainer clip into place, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

234Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
20,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System57
Unknown Or Other49
Engine48
Service Brakes29
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking29
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings20
Visibility/Wiper14
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 224/11: 225/01: 225/02: 125/03: 325/04: 225/05: 325/06: 125/07: 825/08: 725/09: 425/10: 425/11: 425/12: 126/01: 326/02: 326/03: 426/04: 426/05: 526/06: 126/07: 526/08: 326/09: 326/10: 224/1025/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 57 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 48 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 29 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Altima years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Altima30192.9 inNot rated01
2025 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★27
2024 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★141
2023 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★030
2022 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★031
2021 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★270
2020 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★6161
2018 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★2226
2017 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★3393
2016 Altima31191.7 inNot rated4555
2015 Altima31191.7 inNot rated10952
2014 Altima31191.7 inNot rated81,025

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →