The 2007 Altima is most notorious for catastrophic CVT transmission failures (especially with the 2.5L) and severe oil consumption issues on the 2.5L QR25DE engine that can lead to complete engine destruction if not caught early.
CVT Transmission Failure (RE0F10A)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or grinding noise during acceleration, Hesitation or shuddering when accelerating from stop, Transmission overheating warning light, Complete loss of forward movement, 'limp mode' stuck in low gear
Fix: CVT replacement is the only real fix once internal damage occurs. Rebuilt units last 12-18 labor hours including fluid fill and programming. Transmission cooler replacement often done simultaneously to prevent repeat failure. Nissan extended warranty to 120k miles on some VINs but many 2007s are outside that window now.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
QR25DE Engine Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart every 1,000 miles, heavy blue smoke on startup, Check engine light for lean codes (P0171/P0174) from oil fouling O2 sensors, Rough idle, misfires from oil-fouled spark plugs, Eventually complete engine seizure if oil runs dry between checks
Fix: Root cause is ring land failure and cylinder scoring. Proper fix is short block or complete engine replacement (18-24 labor hours). Some owners try piston ring replacement alone (12-15 hours) but often cylinder walls are too scored for lasting success. Used engines run $800-1,500, remans $2,000-3,000.
Estimated cost: $3,000-5,000
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Random no-start, engine cranks but won't fire, Stalling while driving, especially when hot, P0335 or P0340 codes (crank/cam sensor circuit), Tachometer drops to zero while driving then car dies
Fix: Sensor itself is $50-80 part, located at rear of engine block near flywheel. Access requires removing intake manifold on V6 (2.5-3 hours labor), easier on 4-cylinder (1-1.5 hours). Common enough that carrying a spare is smart for high-mileage examples.
Estimated cost: $200-450
Transmission Cooler Line Corrosion / Leak
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under front of car, Transmission overheating after highway driving, Low fluid level on dipstick, pink/red fluid visible, Burnt transmission smell if driven low on fluid
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at crimp joints or where they route near subframe. Replace both lines as preventive measure (1.5-2 hours). Aftermarket lines are $100-150 set. Flush and refill CVT fluid adds another hour. Catch early before running CVT dry or you're into full transmission replacement.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Engine Mount Failure (Especially Front/Transmission Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle, worse with A/C on, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Engine visibly rocking excessively in bay during acceleration, Harsh engagement feel, transmission seems to 'slam' into gear
Fix: Hydraulic mounts deteriorate, especially front and transmission mounts. Replacing all three mounts takes 2-3 hours. OEM mounts are $100-200 each, aftermarket $50-100. Mount failure accelerates CVT wear due to misalignment stress.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Ignition Lock Cylinder / Key Sensor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Key won't turn in ignition, feels 'locked', Steering wheel locks and won't release even with key inserted, Key light flashing on dash, car won't start even with correct key, Intermittent no-start requiring multiple key insertion attempts
Fix: Lock cylinder wears internally or key sensor fails. Cylinder replacement requires steering column disassembly (2-3 hours). New cylinder must be programmed to existing key or all keys reprogrammed ($150-250 dealer cost). Recall 07V402000 addressed some ignition module issues but not all lock failures.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Owner tips
Check oil level every single fillup on 2.5L engines — oil consumption can go from 'manageable' to 'empty crankcase' in 500 miles
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-2 spec fluid only, not 'lifetime fill' — this is non-negotiable for longevity
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for rust scale or seepage, replace before they burst
Keep a spare crank sensor in the glovebox on high-mileage examples — $60 part prevents tow truck calls
Hard pass unless under 60k miles with obsessive oil-change records and recent CVT service — too many expensive grenades waiting to detonate, especially the CVT and oil-burning 2.5L engine.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard engine compartment location for 3.5L V6
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Every control module on the 2007 Nissan Altima — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side strut tower, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Integrated with hydraulic unit. VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) standard on 3.5 SE, optional on other trims; uses same ABS module with additional yaw/G sensors. Brake bleeding and initialization required.
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side fender well area, behind battery
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ Integrated fuse/relay box with electronic control. Manages fuel pump relay, cooling fans, and other high-current loads. VIN programming may be required depending on part number.
📍 Passenger side floor, under carpet near center console
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ CVT (RE0F06A) on 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic (RE5F22A) on V6. CVT requires specific initialization procedure and fluid temperature monitoring during relearn. Adaptive values reset after replacement.
Auto Air Conditioner Control Unit (A/C)1.0 hr R&Rno codingautomatic climate control only
📍 Behind center dash climate control panel
⚠️ Manual HVAC on 2.5 and 2.5 S uses mechanical controls. Auto climate control on 3.5 SE and optional on other trims. Dual-zone available on 3.5 SE.
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, under climate control/radio stack
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Wait 3+ minutes after battery disconnect. Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags standard. Crash data clearing required after collision.
📍 Engine bay, passenger side firewall, mounted on bulkhead near strut tower
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ QR25DE (4-cyl) and VQ35DE (V6) engines. NATS immobilizer integrated; all keys must be re-registered after ECM replacement. 2007 is transition year; CONSULT-III Plus support begins mid-year.
Body Control Module (BCM)0.9 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver side kick panel, behind lower dash trim
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ Controls lighting, power windows, door locks, keyless entry, interior lighting, wiper functions. VIN programming and configuration required. Intelligent Key receiver integrated in BCM on equipped models.
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.8 hr R&Rno codingwith rear parking sensors (3.5 SE option)
📍 Trunk, driver side rear quarter panel
⚠️ Rear parking assist optional on 3.5 SE. Four ultrasonic sensors in rear bumper. Display in combination meter or audio screen.
⚠️ Odometer stored in cluster. Mileage programming required; dealer must document per federal law. CAN bus communication with ECM, TCM, BCM. Multi-information display on higher trims.
Audio Control Unit (AUDIO)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, in radio mounting location
🔧 Radio anti-theft code entry
⚠️ Factory Bose system with separate trunk amplifier on 3.5 SE. Navigation system optional on 3.5 SE uses integrated head unit. Anti-theft code required after battery disconnect.
NATS Control Unit / Intelligent Key Control Module (NATS)dealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within ECM and BCM
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS and PIN code
⚠️ Traditional NATS on base models; Intelligent Key (push-button start) on 3.5 SE and optional on other trims. Key registration requires PIN code. Intelligent Key adds BCM programming for push-button start and proximity unlock.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE · 07V599000
2007-12-28
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 07V267000
2007-06-21 · PE07026
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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
2007-2012 Altima (L32) generation, sedan body style, no rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.