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2012 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Altima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

307 reports with mileage · 118 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports2 fire reports16 injury reports

What owners actually said

425 reports
60,000 miles · Aug 4, 2019
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

WITH MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA IT IS NOW BECOMING HARDER AND HARDER TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO MELT AND BECOME STICKY WITH THE HOT TX WEATHER. SINCE THIS HAS STARTING HAPPENING IT'S BECOMING VERY REFLECTIVE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IS CAUSING A DISTRACTION AND MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THIS I…

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WITH MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA IT IS NOW BECOMING HARDER AND HARDER TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO MELT AND BECOME STICKY WITH THE HOT TX WEATHER. SINCE THIS HAS STARTING HAPPENING IT'S BECOMING VERY REFLECTIVE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IS CAUSING A DISTRACTION AND MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYTHING THAT IS IN FRONT OF ME.

NHTSA ODI #11241608

100,500 miles · Jul 29, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO DRASTICLY SLOW DOWN FROM SPEEDS OF 60 TO 70 MPH DOWN TO 20 TO 30 MPH. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE DAY AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR + AND IN ANY KIND OF INCLINE ROAD. AT HARD INCLINES I CAN BEARLY DRIVE UPWARD EVEN HHAVING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE RPM GAGE BEGINS TO JUMP RAPIDLY TO 5…

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WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO DRASTICLY SLOW DOWN FROM SPEEDS OF 60 TO 70 MPH DOWN TO 20 TO 30 MPH. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE DAY AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR + AND IN ANY KIND OF INCLINE ROAD. AT HARD INCLINES I CAN BEARLY DRIVE UPWARD EVEN HHAVING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE RPM GAGE BEGINS TO JUMP RAPIDLY TO 5 AND 6 RPM WHEN EVEN SLIGHTLY PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE, AND ONCE IT ADJUST , THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO MORE THAT 3 RPM WHILE STILL AT A MPH SLOWER THAN 30. THIS WILL STAY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE UNTIL I HAVE STOPPED AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF FOR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME. TBIS BEGAN HAPPENING AT 100,000 MILES AND NOW AT 150,000 MILES IT HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY. I FEEL THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND CLEARLY VERY UNSAFE FOR DRIVING LONG DISTANCES ON LARGE HIGHWAYS, WHEN MY VEHICLE SHOULD WORK AS IT SHOULD.

NHTSA ODI #11240506

93,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND AFTER TWO AND HALF HOURS OF DRIVING COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 45-50 MILES AN HOUR AND STUCK ON THIS SPEED EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL BEING PRESSED DOWN TO ACCELERATE. I HAD SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS ON THE HIGHWAY IN REGARDS TO ASCENDING HILLS AND HAD NEAR SERIOUS ENCOUNTERS WITH TRUCK…

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VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND AFTER TWO AND HALF HOURS OF DRIVING COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 45-50 MILES AN HOUR AND STUCK ON THIS SPEED EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL BEING PRESSED DOWN TO ACCELERATE. I HAD SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS ON THE HIGHWAY IN REGARDS TO ASCENDING HILLS AND HAD NEAR SERIOUS ENCOUNTERS WITH TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES ON ALL INCIDENTS I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE MORE THAN THAT DURATION. I AM ON A WEBSITE CALLED CARGURUS AND HAVE A LOT OF NISSAN 2012 ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN ABOUT THIS AND THAT THEY SHOULD DO A QA OF THEIR CALL LOGS AND CHECK OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS AND ALL THEY COULD SAY IS "THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON YOUR VIN". INFORMED THEM ABOUT MEDICINE AFTER DEATH NOT POSSIBLE AND PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WITH FREQUENT COMPLAINTS BY CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND NOT IGNORED TILL PEOPLE START DYING BEFORE THERE IS A NEED TO FIX THIS OR ISSUE A RECALL. THE GEAR BOX AND CV AXLE BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THIS. I AM NOT A TECHNICIAN BUT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. EVERY TIME YOU ARE IN A CAR ON THE HIGHWAY ON LONG DISTANCE JOURNEY WITH THIS CAR YOUR LIFE IS ON A LIVE WIRE BECAUSE OF THIS GEAR BOX ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SOUTH HOLLAND IL FOR THIS AND WAS TOLD TO CALL NISSAN AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS WHICH I HAVE DONE. I WILL APPRECIATE YOUR LOOKING INTO THIS PLEASE! THANKS.

NHTSA ODI #11234675

103,000 miles · Jul 22, 2019
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF TAMPA (813-933-6641, LOCATED AT 11001 N FLORIDA AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS RECOMMENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF TAMPA (813-933-6641, LOCATED AT 11001 N FLORIDA AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS RECOMMENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.

NHTSA ODI #11233905

190,000 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING THE COMPLAINANT WAS STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE CVT TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM INADEQUATE TO COOL FLUIDS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO SAFE DRIVING/LIMP MODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING FOR 45 MINUTES TO ONE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING THE COMPLAINANT WAS STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE CVT TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM INADEQUATE TO COOL FLUIDS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO SAFE DRIVING/LIMP MODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING FOR 45 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR,THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 70 MPH DOWN TO 20-30 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER AUTO PLAZA LOCATED AT 2900 2ND ST S, ST CLOUD, MN 56301, (320) 200-2472, TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, CASE NUMBER: 36304669. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.PIIR=Y. AH

NHTSA ODI #11231028

106,000 miles · Jul 7, 2019
EngineSteering

TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I PURCHASED FROM A DEALER IN JAN 2015. I BELIEVE THIS CAR MUST BE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. IT'S A PRE-OWNED CAR. JUST AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 1.5YRS, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION BROKEN. THE SPEED DROPS TO 30MILES/HR FROM 65MILES/HR WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE…

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TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I PURCHASED FROM A DEALER IN JAN 2015. I BELIEVE THIS CAR MUST BE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. IT'S A PRE-OWNED CAR. JUST AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 1.5YRS, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION BROKEN. THE SPEED DROPS TO 30MILES/HR FROM 65MILES/HR WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME. IT'S SO DANGEROUS. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE DRIVER BEHIND ME REACTED VERY QUICKLY AND DIDN'T HIT ME. IT WAS UNDER THE WARRANTY SO THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER OF THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, JUST THIS PAST WEEKEND I WAS DRIVING UPHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD AND A SIMILAR PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. MY CAR CAN'T SHIFT CORRECTLY AND THE SPEED DROPS TO 25 MILES/HR FROM 40MIELS/HR. BOTH THE FIRST TIME AND THE SECOND TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NO SIGNAL LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD. I WENT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID I'M OUT OF THE WARRANTY AND THEY MAY NOT COVER THE REPAIR. I FAILED A CLAIM TO NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STILL WAITING FOR THE RESPONSE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS OF MY CAR BUT I HAVE FOUND A LOT OF REPORTS ONLINE ABOUT THEIR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND PEOPLE HAD EXPERIENCED SIMILAR TO ME. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WORK FOR A FEW TIMES. NISSAN SAID THEY CARE ABOUT CUSTOMERS' SAFETY BUT I DON'T THINK THEY REALLY DO WHAT THEY SAID. IF THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT OUR SAFETY THEY SHOULD TAKE MORE ACTIONS ON THIS ISSUE AND RECALL THE DEFECTIVE CARS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS FOR EVERYONE ON THE ROADS.

NHTSA ODI #11229885

31,200 miles · Jul 5, 2019
Air Bags

AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE INDICATES THAT IT IS OFF AND WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON DASHBOARD. HAVE RESET IT SEVERAL TIMES BUT RESET ONLY LASTS ABOUT 30 MINS. 31200 MILES ON VEHICLE. WAS TOLD IT MAY BE SEAT SENSOR AND NEARLY $850 TO REPLACE.

NHTSA ODI #11229513

161,000 miles · Jul 1, 2019
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

AS I WAS STARTING TO SLOW DOWN IN PREPARATION OF TAKING A TURN OFF THE FRONTAGE ROAD MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, MY BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE MY TURN INTO A GAS STATION WHERE I IMMEDIATELY PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTARTED VIA PUSH START., 2 DAYS LATER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ON A FAIRLY BUSY STREET WH…

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AS I WAS STARTING TO SLOW DOWN IN PREPARATION OF TAKING A TURN OFF THE FRONTAGE ROAD MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, MY BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE MY TURN INTO A GAS STATION WHERE I IMMEDIATELY PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTARTED VIA PUSH START., 2 DAYS LATER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ON A FAIRLY BUSY STREET WHERE I REPEATED THE STEPS TO START IT AGAIN. I AM EXTREMELY SCARED TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN AGAIN ON A HEAVILY TRAVELED STREET CAUSING ME TO BE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION , I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SEE OTHER REPORTS/COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE I DESCRIBED YET DO NOT SEE ANY RECALL ISSUED REGRADING THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #11228596

69,376 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Steering

CAR WANDERS AND FEELS DANGEROUS OVER 60MPH

NHTSA ODI #11219730

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2019
Power Train

CVT PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION DELAY PROBLEM GOING UP HILL VERY SCARY NEED TRANSMISSION LOOKED AT I GUESS PROBLEM VERY COMMON THIS IS A BIG SAFETY PROBLEM ALMOST GOT HIT BY CAR ACTING UP SLOWING DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11218725

Official recalls

4

12V494000 · Steering; Suspension

Oct 10, 2012

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.

Consequence: The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

Steering

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.

Consequence: The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

12V055000 · Air Bags:side/window

Feb 14, 2012

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.

11V408000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Aug 9, 2011

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE AFFECTED ACU WILL NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED AND THIS ISSUE MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO INFLATE IN A CRASH WHEN THEY ARE DESIGNED TO INFLATE. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

11V371000 · Suspension

Jul 19, 2011

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS AND NUTS AND TIGHTEN THEM TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EQ12002 · Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture

Opened Feb 14, 2012 · Closed May 8, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window

The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems