2018 Nissan Altima Safety Report
2018 Nissan Altima: Strong crash ratings, but persistent airbag, power train, and hood latch issues raise concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Altima
Reliability Score
The 2018 Nissan Altima receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Nissan Altima
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Altima:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Warning Light / Sensor Failure Numerous complaints about the airbag warning light illuminating, often indicating a defective driver seat airbag module or wiring issues, with dealerships struggling to provide permanent fixes. |
High | Common | varied miles |
| Cvt Transmission Failure / Erratic Behavior Reports of the CVT transmission jerking, losing power on highways, or failing completely, leading to dangerous situations. |
High | Occasional | 60000-107000 miles |
| Hood Latch Corrosion / Inadvertent Release A recall exists for secondary hood latch corrosion, which can cause the hood to unlatch while driving, with at least one reported incident of the hood striking the windshield. |
High | Occasional | varied miles |
| Dim Headlights / Poor Night Visibility Multiple owners report extremely dim halogen headlights, significantly reducing visibility at night, even after attempting bulb replacements. |
Medium | Common | varied miles |
| Power Door Lock Actuator Failure Door locks failing to operate with the FOB or interior buttons, requiring manual locking/unlocking and potentially trapping rear passengers. |
Medium | Occasional | 63000-70000 miles |
| Backup Camera Malfunction A recall addresses the backup camera display intermittently or completely failing, increasing the risk of a crash when reversing. |
Medium | Occasional | varied miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Nissan Altima:
Frequent reports of airbag warning lights, sensor failures, and wiring issues, often requiring multiple dealership visits for diagnosis and repair.
Issues primarily related to the CVT transmission, including jerking, loss of power, and complete failure.
Problems with the hood latch (corrosion, inadvertent release) and power door lock actuators failing.
Complaints about excessively dim headlights and stress fractures allowing water into headlight housings.
Reports of brake sensor issues and other brake-related malfunctions.
General electrical issues, sometimes combined with brake problems, and reports of the engine not starting after battery light comes on.
Reports of engine stalling, check engine lights related to catalytic converters, and motor mount failures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Altima
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Nissan Altima received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for Overall, Frontal, and Side impacts, and a 4-star Rollover rating. However, it has 217 total complaints, including 11 crashes and 6 injuries, with recurring issues related to airbags, power train (CVT), and a critical hood latch recall. While crash protection is strong, reliability of certain safety-critical components is a concern.
What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan Altima?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Nissan Altima include airbag warning lights and sensor failures (23 complaints), CVT transmission problems (15 complaints), and issues with the hood latch and door locks (11 complaints). Dim headlights and backup camera malfunctions are also frequently cited.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Nissan Altima?
Yes, the 2018 Nissan Altima has two recalls. One addresses corrosion of the secondary hood latch, which can cause it to bind and remain unlatched, potentially leading to the hood opening while driving. The second recall is for the back-up camera display, which may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash.
How reliable is the 2018 Nissan Altima's transmission?
The 2018 Nissan Altima's CVT transmission has been a source of concern, with 15 complaints under 'POWER TRAIN'. Owners report issues such as jerking, loss of power on the highway, and complete transmission failure, indicating potential reliability problems with this component.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Nissan Altima?
When considering a used 2018 Nissan Altima, pay close attention to any illuminated airbag warning lights, check the operation of the hood latch and all power door locks, and ensure the backup camera functions consistently. Test drive the vehicle thoroughly to detect any unusual transmission behavior, such as jerking or hesitation.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given strong crash ratings but persistent issues with airbags, the CVT transmission, and critical recalls, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on these known problem areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Nissan Altima
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Nissan Altima. The data includes 217 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Nissan Altima an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.