2018 Nissan Altima Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Altima
5
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (49 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 49 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (37 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 37 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (36 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 36 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (23 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 23 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Check
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (15 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 15 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
37 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
2
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Altima–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Altima. The most serious involve Latches/Locks/Linkages (20V315000) and Back Over Prevention (19V654000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Altima?
The top complaint areas are Unknown or Other (60 complaints) and Service Brakes (49 complaints), out of 225 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Altima?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Unknown or Other, which drew 60 complaints for this model-year.