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2007 Nissan Altima Review: Expensive Troublesome Sedan With A Short Lifespan

Rating: 4.29
Based on 100 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Simon A | March 31, 2025
The 2007 Nissan Altima marked the fourth generation of Nissan's popular mid-size sedan. It's a four-door sedan known for its sporty handling and stylish design. The 2007 model was part of the 2007-2012 generation. Key trims included the base Altima, S, SL, and SE. Original pricing ranged approximately from $18,000 to $25,000 depending on trim and options. Its blend of sporty driving dynamics and comfortable features contributed to its popularity.
The Good

The 2007 Altima offers a spirited driving experience and a stylish design, appealing to emotional buyers. For practical buyers, it provides decent fuel efficiency (especially with the 2.5L engine), a comfortable ride, and good value for the price. It balances performance and practicality effectively.

The Bad

The 2007 Altima has some known issues. Watch out for potential CVT transmission problems, especially in early models. Oil consumption can be an issue in some 2.5L engines. Also, be aware of potential electrical problems and premature brake wear. Rust can also be a concern in some areas.

2007 Nissan Altima: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    2.5L Inline-4: Standard engine
    3.5L V6: Optional engine

  • Horsepower:
    2.5L Inline-4: Approximately 175 hp
    3.5L V6: Approximately 270 hp

  • Fuel Economy: (Estimates vary)
    2.5L Inline-4: Around 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
    3.5L V6: Around 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway

  • 0-60 Times:
    2.5L Inline-4: Around 8.5-9 seconds
    3.5L V6: Around 6.5 seconds

  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing.

  • Trim-Level Features:
    Base Altima: Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
    Altima S: Adds features like keyless entry, upgraded audio, and cruise control.
    Altima SL: Includes leather seats, Bose audio system, and automatic climate control.
    Altima SE: Offers sport-tuned suspension, alloy wheels, and sporty styling cues.
    Additional options included navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded wheels.

2007 Nissan Altima Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2007
Make Nissan
Model Altima
Trim -
Style -
Type Sedan
Category Compact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In United States
Manufacturing City AGUASCALIENTES CITY
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating -
Engine & Performance
Engine QR25DE
Engine Size 2.5L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds Continuously Variable
Drivetrain 2-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

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Open Lien
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Past Sale
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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2007 Nissan Altima Have?

The 2007 Nissan Altima, particularly earlier models, has several frequently reported problems. One of the most significant concerns is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Many owners have reported CVT failures requiring expensive repairs or replacements, sometimes occurring well before 100,000 miles. Symptoms include slipping, shuddering, and a loss of power. Another common issue is excessive oil consumption in the 2.5L engine. Owners have reported needing to add oil frequently between oil changes.

Electrical problems, such as issues with the power windows, door locks, and the audio system, are also frequently reported. Premature brake wear is another concern, with some owners reporting needing to replace brake pads and rotors more frequently than expected. Rust can be a problem in areas with harsh winters or heavy road salt usage.

Recalls were issued for certain 2007 Altima models for issues such as faulty fuel level sensors and potential problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Checking the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recalls is crucial before purchasing a used 2007 Altima. Long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around the CVT and the 2.5L engine's oil consumption. Careful maintenance and addressing these issues promptly can mitigate some of these problems, but they remain significant factors to consider.

How long will the 2007 Nissan Altima last?

With proper maintenance, a 2007 Nissan Altima can potentially reach 200,000 miles or more. However, average mileage depends heavily on maintenance habits. Many reach 150,000-200,000 miles. The CVT transmission is a significant long-term durability weakness; its lifespan is often shorter than the engine. Regular fluid changes are crucial to extending its life, but failure is still a risk. Oil consumption in the 2.5L engine also contributes to long-term issues if not monitored and addressed. The body and chassis can hold up reasonably well, but rust can become a problem in certain climates.
Positive Owner Reviews
DAISY B
The car is used ,but looks New in and out has low miles 48,500 Drives great and feels great .The greatest deal I got buying a car
Yehuda
The car is well worth it’s money: Fast fun and comfortable. Excellent on gas.With all the gadgets. Leather sunroof heated seats. Very spacious for luggage especially with seats Falling down
jakub
great car with lots of room and very comfortable to drive. Never broke down through all of the miles put on the car very reliable.
Negative Owner Reviews
Real-deal
This car was so fun to drive with lots of great features but when it hit 105k miles and the transmission went out I was appalled! This is not what I expected from the Nissan brand. Very dissatisfied and will never purchase another Nissan!
Shawn Alston
It?s a good first vehicle and it?s dependable. Never had many problems with it. It is very good on gas mileage. The interior could have been better from Nissan and the dash does crack and chip from being in the sun.
Tree
The newer model Altima with the CVT transmission is notorious for issues. My AC compressor went just after 37 months. I have an issue with my car shaking between speeds of 35-85 MPH. Nissan says it's not an issue to be concerned with. I've had my tires balanced, rotated, and replaced a number of times thinking this was the issue, however the shaking continues. I'm extremely dissatisfied with the customer service I received from the Regional Specialist and the performance of my Altima. I come from a long line of Nissan drivers, but after this experience, I will never go back to Nissan. The regional specialist even said that the AC Compressor is an issue with a number of Altima?s since they started using the CVT transmission. Nissan blatantly turned their back on a loyal customer and I suspect they are doing it to more.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2007 Nissan Altima offered a reasonable level of technology for its time. Standard tech features included a basic AM/FM radio with a CD player. Higher trims offered upgrades like a Bose audio system, a multi-disc CD changer, and available satellite radio. Optional features included a navigation system, which was relatively basic compared to modern systems.

Driver-assistance features were limited compared to today's standards. Cruise control was available on some trims. Safety features included standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and front and side airbags. Stability control was available on some models.

The 2007 Nissan Altima received good crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). NHTSA awarded it five stars in several categories, including frontal and side crash protection for front occupants. IIHS gave the Altima a "Good" rating in frontal offset crash testing. While it lacked advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking, its crash test performance was solid for its era. Keep in mind, technology has significantly advanced since 2007, so modern vehicles offer far more advanced safety and tech features.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Super Black
Silver Alloy Metallic
Smoke Metallic
Red Brick Metallic
Sapphire Blue Metallic
Sheer Silver Metallic
Sonoma Sunset Metallic
Desert Sand Metallic
Interior Colors
Frost Beige
Gray
Black

2007 Nissan Altima Prices and Market Value

The 2007 Nissan Altima had a new MSRP ranging from approximately $18,000 to $25,000, depending on the trim level and options. As a used vehicle, prices now range from roughly $3,000 to $7,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The Altima has depreciated significantly over the years, as expected for a vehicle of its age. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition (especially the CVT), and the presence of any known issues. Models with a clean title and well-documented maintenance history will command higher prices. High mileage examples or those with a history of CVT problems will be worth considerably less.

2007 Nissan Altima Cost of Ownership

Insurance costs for a 2007 Nissan Altima are typically moderate, but can increase based on driving record. Fuel costs are reasonable, especially with the 2.5L engine. Maintenance can be affordable with regular upkeep, but potential CVT repairs can significantly raise ownership costs. The 2.5L engine's oil consumption also adds to the expense. Repair costs can be average, but the CVT is a major cost factor if it fails. Overall, the 2007 Altima can be economical, but potential CVT and engine issues make it potentially costly in the long run.

2007 Nissan Altima Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2007 Nissan Altima Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating Not Tested

2007 Nissan Altima Recalls & Defects

Engine and Engine Cooling
Recall date 2007-06-21
Recall no. 07v267000
Source NHTSA
Summary ON Certain Vehicles, IF A Sufficiently HOT Object Enters THE AIR Filter Housing Through THE Engine Fresh AIR Intake System and Contacts THE Engine AIR Filter, THE Flammability Characteristics OF THE AIR Filter Material ARE Such That THE Filter MAY Ignite.
Consequence IF THE AIR Filter Material Ignites, A Fire MAY Occur.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE AIR Filter With A NEW ONE That HAS Improved Anti-Flammability Material Characteristics. THE Recall Began ON July 3, 2007, and Will Continue Through October 1, 2007. Owners MAY Contact Nissan AT 1-800-647-7261.
Notes Nissan Recall NO. R0703.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:module
Recall date 2007-12-28
Recall no. 07v599000
Source NHTSA
Summary ON Certain Passenger Vehicles That Have HAD THE Body Control Module (Bcm) Replaced During Service AT A Dealership, THE Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Tpms) MAY Have Been Inadvertently Deactivated DUE TO AN Issue With THE Dealer Service Software. IF THE Tpms IS Turned Off, IT Would NOT Alert THE Driver TO A Decrease IN THE Tire Pressure AS Designed.
Consequence Driving ON Under-Inflated Tires IS Unsafe and Could Result IN A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Check THE Tpms Function and Reactivate IT IF Necessary. THE Recall Began ON January 18, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Nissan AT 1-800-647-7261.
Notes Nissan Recall NO. P7267.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags
Recall date 2008-10-07
Recall no. 08v521000
Source NHTSA
Summary Nissan IS Recalling 204,361 MY 2007-2008 Altima, Altima Hybrid, 350z, 350z Roadster, MY 2008 Altima Coupe, Rogue, MY 2009 Murano, and Infiniti MY 2007-2008 G35 Sedan, MY 2008 G37 Coupe and Ex35 Passenger Vehicles Equipped With Continental Automotive Systems' Occupant Classification System (Ocs) Control Units. A Varistor IN THE OCS Control Unit Located IN THE Passenger Seat Cushion MAY Have Been Manufactured OUT OF Specification. Under Certain Conditions, This Could Cause AN Interruption OF Signal Between THE OCS and THE AIR BAG Control Unit (Acu).
Consequence This Could Result IN THE Passenger AIR BAG Being Suppressed Which Could Fail TO Provide Adequate Protection IN THE Event OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Test THE Signal Between THE OCS and ACU Systems Using A Special Tool TO Check That IT IS Functioning AS Designed. IF Necessary, THE Seat Cushion (Containing OCS Hardware) Will BE Replaced With A NEW ONE Manufactured TO Specification. THE Recall Began ON November 4, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Nissan AT 1-800-647-7261 or Infiniti AT 1-800-662-6200.
Notes Customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:software
Recall date 2008-10-07
Recall no. 08v521000
Source NHTSA
Summary Nissan IS Recalling 204,361 MY 2007-2008 Altima, Altima Hybrid, 350z, 350z Roadster, MY 2008 Altima Coupe, Rogue, MY 2009 Murano, and Infiniti MY 2007-2008 G35 Sedan, MY 2008 G37 Coupe and Ex35 Passenger Vehicles Equipped With Continental Automotive Systems' Occupant Classification System (Ocs) Control Units. A Varistor IN THE OCS Control Unit Located IN THE Passenger Seat Cushion MAY Have Been Manufactured OUT OF Specification. Under Certain Conditions, This Could Cause AN Interruption OF Signal Between THE OCS and THE AIR BAG Control Unit (Acu).
Consequence This Could Result IN THE Passenger AIR BAG Being Suppressed Which Could Fail TO Provide Adequate Protection IN THE Event OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Test THE Signal Between THE OCS and ACU Systems Using A Special Tool TO Check That IT IS Functioning AS Designed. IF Necessary, THE Seat Cushion (Containing OCS Hardware) Will BE Replaced With A NEW ONE Manufactured TO Specification. THE Recall Began ON November 4, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Nissan AT 1-800-647-7261 or Infiniti AT 1-800-662-6200.
Notes Customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.

2007 Nissan Altima Insurance

Insurance for a 2007 Nissan Altima is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2007 Nissan Altima Compare to Other Sedan?

The 2007 Nissan Altima competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Ford Fusion. In terms of performance, the Altima's V6 engine offered competitive power, but its CVT transmission was less reliable than the traditional automatics found in the Camry and Accord. Feature-wise, the Altima was generally comparable to its rivals, although the Camry and Accord often had a slight edge in perceived quality and refinement.

Reliability is where the Altima lagged behind the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Camry and Accord are known for their excellent reliability, while the Altima's CVT and 2.5L engine issues are significant concerns. The Mazda 6 offered a sportier driving experience but also had some reliability concerns, though typically less severe than the Altima's CVT issues. The Ford Fusion was a decent competitor, offering a good balance of features and reliability.

Considering the potential reliability issues, a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord of the same year would be a better choice for buyers prioritizing reliability. If a sporty driving experience is desired, a Mazda 6 could be considered, but thorough inspection and maintenance records are crucial. While the 2007 Altima can be a decent value, the potential for costly repairs makes it a riskier choice compared to its more reliable competitors.

Ranks #1218 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0β˜…)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0β˜…)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0β˜…)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0β˜…)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (4.0β˜…)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0β˜…)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0β˜…)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0β˜…)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0β˜…)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0β˜…)
1218 2007 Nissan Altima (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2007 Nissan Altima a Good Sedan?

The 2007 Nissan Altima is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize style and driving experience over long-term reliability. It can be a decent value if purchased at a low price and with a thorough pre-purchase inspection. However, it's generally not recommended for buyers seeking maximum reliability or those who cannot afford potential CVT or engine repairs. If considering a purchase, a well-maintained example with detailed service records is essential. Avoid models with a history of CVT problems or excessive oil consumption. A Toyota Camry or Honda Accord are generally safer bets for long-term ownership, but if the Altima's styling and price appeal to you and you're aware of the risks, it could be a viable option.

2007 Nissan Altima Owner Reviews

4.29
Overall rating
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Michelle P on November 5, 2023

Nissan year 2007 and beyond - transmission issues

all altimas (and other Nissan models) from 2007 and on have issues with the CVT transmission- owned a 2008 Versa and 2007 Altima- usually the transmission issues start around 100k. I have owned several Nissan Altimas prior to 2007 and have reached over 250k with each!. If you plan on keeping any Nissan past 2007 and on past 100k miles I would not recommend.

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Charles smith on May 23, 2023

NissaBad transmission slipping in 2nd and 3rd gear

For several years when I turn the right signal light on the transmission will down shift. Now the transmission is slipping some. I have some friends that own this type car also and they r having the same in problem.

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Mad Man on August 22, 2020

Money pot

This car is a lemon, but did not make lemon law so i have to take them to court almost went to jail over this car..

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DAISY B on August 3, 2020

Best car I Purchase

The car is used ,but looks New in and out has low miles 48,500 Drives great and feels great .The greatest deal I got buying a car

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Nicole on July 10, 2020

Happy with the car overall

I would buy another Nissan Altima or another model from Nissan in the future. It gets men from point a to b and have not had many problems. Currently have about 145000 miles so may trade it in soon

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MandaMae94 on June 25, 2020

Best car I’ve owned

I LOVE my car but I have two kids now and this car just isn’t big enough anymore. I have to get a family car, so unfortunately my Nissan has to get sold.

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AnthonyFeliciano on May 26, 2020

One of my best investments

The car is great for long trips and just simply to the store and back, I’ve never had any problems with it. I’m leaving my music setup in here that IΓ’β‚¬Λœbe build for the auto club I was in.

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Zach Kennedy on February 28, 2020

Great value and very reliable!

I bought this car for a political campaign and drove it from Pennsylvania to California with no problems at all! I'm sad to see her go, and hoping she finds a great owner

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Rasjas on February 15, 2020

Most reliable car ive owned

This car met all my needs,very happy with the performance from this vehicle. Comgortable cery reliable and a great family car. Best vehicle i have owned thus far!

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Jzeus on January 9, 2020

Comfy and Reliable car!

I’m 6’3Ò€ and plenty of leg room. Second owner. Purchased at 50k miles. No accidents. Nissan only parts. Never broke down on me. Reliable car!

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Simon A

Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.