2017 Nissan Altima Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2017 Nissan Altima
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Nissan Altima earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
The 2017 Nissan Altima at a glance
- Is the 2017 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Nissan Altima 72/100 (grade C-), categorized as moderate risk. A budget-friendly sedan that excels in comfort and efficiency, but its questionable transmission reliability overshadows its many positives.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Nissan Altima?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Nissan Altima. The 2017 Nissan Altima can be a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver if you find one with meticulous service history and have a robust contingency fund. However, the pervasive CVT transmission issues are a serious concern, making it a risky proposition without careful due diligence and a preparedness for a po…
- Which Nissan Altima years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: For this generation, later model years like 2017-2018 *might* have slightly refined CVTs, but none are truly immune to the known issues.. Years to avoid: Generally, the 2013-2018 Altima models are the most susceptible to widespread CVT problems and should be approached with the highest caution..
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Altima?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Nissan Altima are Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Electrical System & Sensors (typically around 40,000-80,000 miles), Suspension Components (typically around 50,000-90,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Altima?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Nissan Altima is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the Altima is generally solid, but ensure all factory recalls and service bulletins have been addressed. This is a critical time to start monitoring for any subtle CVT behaviors.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Nissan Altima?
The 2017 Nissan Altima offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy for its class, making it an attractive value proposition. However, its Achilles' heel is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which poses a significant long-term reliability risk and drives up potential ownership costs. This is a sedan that demands careful inspection and a prepared budget for potential drivetrain repairs.
The 2017 Nissan Altima can be a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver if you find one with meticulous service history and have a robust contingency fund. However, the pervasive CVT transmission issues are a serious concern, making it a risky proposition without careful due diligence and a preparedness for a po…
Best Model Years
For this generation, later model years like 2017-2018 *might* have slightly refined CVTs, but none are truly immune to the known issues.
Years to Avoid
Generally, the 2013-2018 Altima models are the most susceptible to widespread CVT problems and should be approached with the highest caution.
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent fuel economy for a mid-size sedan
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Smooth ride quality on most roads
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Nissan Altima, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The Jatco-supplied CVT is notorious for premature wear, leading to shuddering, loss of power, whining noises, and eventual complete failure. This is often due to internal component degradation from heat and lack of proper lubrication/coo…
Owners report issues with various electrical components, including infotainment system freezing/lagging, HVAC controls, and occasional failures of sensors (e.g., crank position sensor, ABS sensors) leading to warning lights.
Common wear items like struts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links tend to wear out earlier than expected, particularly in models driven on rougher roads, leading to clunking noises and degraded ride quality.
2017 Nissan Altima Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Nissan Altima most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the Altima is generally solid, but ensure all factory recalls and service bulletins have been addressed. This is a critical time to start monitoring for any subtle CVT behaviors.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often marks the end of the powertrain warranty for many original owners. Pay very close attention to CVT performance here; any shuddering or hesitation is a red flag. Expect normal wear on brakes and tires.
Elevated Risk Zone
The probability of significant CVT issues increases sharply in this range. Budget for potential major transmission repairs or replacement. Other age-related maintenance items like engine mounts and accessory belts may also surface.
High Risk Zone
At this point, if the CVT hasn't been replaced, it's operating on borrowed time. Expect more frequent component failures, higher maintenance costs, and diminished ride quality from worn suspension and bushings.
2017 Nissan Altima Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Nissan Altima on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-650
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension, electrical sensor)
How Long Does the 2017 Nissan Altima Last?
For any 2017 Altima, scrutinize service records for transmission fluid changes, ideally every 30,000-60,000 miles, despite Nissan's often 'lifetime' claim. A lower mileage example (under 60k) offers more peace of mind for the immediate future, but the CVT risk remains.
What 2017 Nissan Altima Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional fuel economy for daily commuting, especially with the 2.5L engine.
- Very comfortable seats and a smooth, compliant ride quality.
- Spacious interior for front and rear passengers, generous trunk space.
- Affordable purchase price on the used market, offering good value.
Common Frustrations
- Constant worry about the CVT transmission failing, leading to significant repair bills.
- Engine can be noisy and unrefined, especially when the CVT holds high RPMs.
- Numb steering and uninspired handling, lacking engaging driving dynamics.
- Interior materials feel cheap and prone to rattles after a few years.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Nissan Altima?
Best For
- Budget-conscious commuters prioritizing fuel economy over performance.
- Buyers seeking a comfortable ride for long highway trips.
- Individuals who understand the CVT risk and are prepared to budget for it.
Not Ideal For
- Drivers seeking long-term, bulletproof reliability without major repair concerns.
- Anyone unwilling to budget for potential major transmission work.
How the 2017 Nissan Altima Compares to Rivals
While the Altima offers good value and comfort, its reliability often trails segment leaders like the Camry and Accord due to its well-documented CVT issues, placing it more in line with average-performing mid-size sedans.
More Reliable Than
- Chrysler 200 (2015-2017)
- Ford Fusion (pre-2017 models with 6F35 transmission)
- Volkswagen Passat (early generation 2.5L)
Comparable To
- Hyundai Sonata (2015-2017)
- Kia Optima (2016-2018)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2017)
NHTSA Recalls
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
What breaks on the 2017 Nissan Altima?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
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Nissan Altima by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Nissan Altima. Click any year for its full report.
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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
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Where the 2017 Nissan Altima report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2017 Nissan Altima for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Nissan Altima. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Nissan Altima
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