Archived model-year dossier
2018 Nissan Altima
The 2018 Nissan Altima makes Automatic Emergency Braking and forward collision warning standard on every model and simplifies the lineup, with used prices from $10,000 at Kelley Blue Book. NHTSA lists two recalls, for the hood latch and rearview camera, and 225 complaints. EPA rates it 26 to 31 mpg combined.
Configurations3
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency26–31 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2018 Nissan Altima
Nissan's key facts (opens in a new tab) says all 2018 Altimas include Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning as standard, the lineup is simplified to the 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL with revised option packages, and the top 3.5 SL gets standard Intelligent Cruise Control and upgraded NissanConnect with navigation and Apple CarPlay. Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls it the final year of the fifth generation, with a fully redesigned Altima coming for 2019.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2018 Altimas at $10,000 for the 2.5 S to $11,750 for the 3.5 SL at a dealership, and rates fuel economy at 22/32 to 27/38 mpg city and highway. EPA rates the 2018 Altima at 26 to 31 mpg combined and $2,000 to $2,400 a year in fuel, with front-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2018 Altima. 20V315000 covers a primary hood latch that may be inadvertently released, with an increased likelihood that the secondary latch may have corroded, and 19V654000 covers a back-up camera and display fault that may keep the rearview image from displaying.
Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA: unknown or other with 60, service brakes with 49, electrical system with 37, air bags with 36, power train with 23 and forward collision avoidance with 15. CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) tracks the year's problems by category, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page.
2018 Altima against the Camry, Accord and Sonata
EPA rates the 2018 Altima at 26 to 31 mpg combined and $2,000 to $2,400 a year in fuel. The Toyota Camry lists 26 to 52 at $1,200 to $2,400, the Honda Accord 26 to 47 at $1,350 to $2,400, and the Hyundai Sonata 26 to 42 at $1,500 to $2,400, all including hybrids. The four start at the same 26 mpg.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2018 Nissan Altima: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | FWD | 179 | 177 | 27 / 38 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.5 SV | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | FWD | 179 | 177 | 27 / 38 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.5 SL | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | FWD | 179 | 177 | 27 / 38 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.5 SR | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | FWD | 179 | 177 | 26 / 37 / 30 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 3.5 SL | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | FWD | 270 | 251 | 22 / 32 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 3,212 lb | 191.9 in | 57.8 in | 109.3 in | 37.4 ft | 18 gal | 40 in | 45 in | 1,400 lb | P215/60TR16 |
| 2.5 SV | 3,233 lb | 191.9 in | 57.8 in | 109.3 in | 37.4 ft | 18 gal | 40 in | 45 in | 1,400 lb | P215/55VR17 |
| 2.5 SL | 3,254 lb | 191.9 in | 57.8 in | 109.3 in | 37.4 ft | 18 gal | 40 in | 45 in | 1,400 lb | P215/55VR17 |
| 2.5 SR | 3,258 lb | 191.9 in | 58 in | 109.3 in | 37.4 ft | 18 gal | 40 in | 45 in | 1,400 lb | P235/45VR18 |
| 3.5 SL | 3,463 lb | 191.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.3 in | 37.4 ft | 18 gal | 39.1 in | 45 in | 1,400 lb | P235/45VR18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2018 Nissan Altima trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 2.5 S | 2.5 SV | 2.5 SL | 2.5 SR | 3.5 SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | Std | Std | – | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | – | – | Opt | – | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | Opt | Std | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Opt | Std | – | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Opt | Std | – | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | Opt | Std | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39503Altima | 2.5L 4-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 27 | 38 | 31 | N/A |
| 39504Altima | 3.5L 6-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 22 | 32 | 26 | N/A |
| 39502Altima SR | 2.5L 4-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 37 | 30 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2018 Nissan Altima versus the 2017 Nissan Altima?
Model year
Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2018 Nissan Altima carries the 2017 Nissan Altima's figures forward: 3 certification records labelled Altima, Altima SR, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, front-wheel drive on regular, rated 26-31 combined MPG/MPGe and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,000 to $2,400. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 3 for the 2017 to 2 for the 2018.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How much is the destination charge on the 2018 Nissan Altima?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2018 Nissan Altima puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $885. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2018 Nissan Altima, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What size wheels does the 2018 Nissan Altima have?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 Nissan Altima's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the 2.5 S, 17 inches on the 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL and 18 inches on the 2.5 SR and 3.5 SL. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2018 Nissan Altima trims differ from one another?
Trims
The 2.5 SV has alloy wheels, blind-spot alert, fog lights and 4 more as standard equipment over the 2.5 S. The 2.5 SL has power front seats for driver and passenger, front and rear climate zones, heated front seats and 5 more as standard equipment over the 2.5 SV. The 2.5 SR has a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the 2.5 SL. The 3.5 SL has 270 hp against 179 and blind-spot alert, power front seats for driver and passenger, front and rear climate zones and 14 more as standard equipment over the 2.5 SR.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2018 Nissan Altima use?
Maintenance
The 2018 Nissan Altima owner's manual names R-134a air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2018 Nissan Altima owner's manual. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2018 Nissan Altima.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Nissan Altima across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Towing and traileringHow to recognize incorrect trailer tongue weightDepends →Diesel ownershipDiesel exhaust fluid warning and restart countdownSoon →Diesel ownershipWhite smoke from a diesel on cold startDepends →Body, water and noisePower liftgate reverses or will not closeSoon →Seasonal and storageStarting and inspecting a vehicle after long storageRoutine →Warning lightsCheck-engine light: steady versus flashingDepends →