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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
91,000 miles · May 19, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

AT 1500-1800 RPMS THERE IS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT MY CALL WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO NISSAN. NISSAN CLAIMED THAT THEY COULD ONLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE IF THE VIN# IS IN THE SYSTEM, WHICH IT WASN'T. HOWEVER, I AM EXPER…

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AT 1500-1800 RPMS THERE IS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT MY CALL WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO NISSAN. NISSAN CLAIMED THAT THEY COULD ONLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE IF THE VIN# IS IN THE SYSTEM, WHICH IT WASN'T. HOWEVER, I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME THROTTLE BODY ISSUES AS ALL OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA'S MADE DURING THE SAME TIMEFRAME.

NHTSA ODI #10990588

65,000 miles · May 10, 2017
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER 65K MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IS ONLY UP TO 60K THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME OR WARRANT ANY REPAIRS. BECAUSE OF DEALER COST I WAS ABLE TO REBUILD IT AT A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP FOR $4000.00. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR, THE COOL…

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THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER 65K MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IS ONLY UP TO 60K THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME OR WARRANT ANY REPAIRS. BECAUSE OF DEALER COST I WAS ABLE TO REBUILD IT AT A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP FOR $4000.00. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR, THE COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING DAMGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON MODELS UP TO TO 2010 AND ALSO GAVE EXTENDED WARRANTIES. HOWEVER THE 2012 IS NOT ON THIS REACALL. I FEEL THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST AND A RECALL FOR MY MODEL SHOULD TAKE PLACE. MY COST WAS 4000 DOLLARS, IT JUST DOESNT SEEM FAIR. NO TRANSMISSION SHULD GO OUT BEFORE 100K. THIS IS MY DAUGHTERS VEHICLE AND IT QUIT FUNCTIONING IN TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHERE SHE COULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD OWN UP TO.

NHTSA ODI #10984730

36,000 miles · May 10, 2017
Power Train

WHINING UP HILL AND NO DRIVE DOWN HILL, WHEN HEATED UP TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO UNTIL COOLED OFF

NHTSA ODI #10984663

100,000 miles · May 1, 2017
Power Train

WHEN THE CAR IS AT 75MPH, IT LOSES SPEEN AND THE RPM GOES UP AND IT SLOWS DOWN WHEN YOU STOP THE CAR AND WAIT FOR AN HOUR OR MORE, IT WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL FOR A WHILE IT HAPPENS AFTER AND HOUR OR LONG TRIPS.

NHTSA ODI #10981759

104,850 miles · Apr 27, 2017
Power Train

DRIVING DOWN FL. I75 DID NOT HAVE POWER TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. PUSH THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TINES NO POWER. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. AFTER SEVER MILES SAFELY GOT OFF I75. FOUND OUT CVT OVER HEATED AND SHUT ENGINE DOWN. NISSAN WAITING FOR SOME ONE TO GET KILLED. IS THAT WHAT NISSAN IS WAITING FOR? THERE IS A FIX FOR OVER HEATI…

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DRIVING DOWN FL. I75 DID NOT HAVE POWER TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. PUSH THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TINES NO POWER. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. AFTER SEVER MILES SAFELY GOT OFF I75. FOUND OUT CVT OVER HEATED AND SHUT ENGINE DOWN. NISSAN WAITING FOR SOME ONE TO GET KILLED. IS THAT WHAT NISSAN IS WAITING FOR? THERE IS A FIX FOR OVER HEATING CVTS. IS NHTSA GOING TO SIT ON THERE BUTT OR DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS AN ON GOING THING WITH NISSAN.

NHTSA ODI #10981119

92,600 miles · Apr 26, 2017
Power Train

VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY SEMI AS I COULD NOT KEEP ENOUGH SPEED TO STAY AHEAD AND GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. WHEN I SEARCHED WEB, FOUND THIS TO BE A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE ON THE 2012 CVT TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #10980904

95,500 miles · Apr 17, 2017
Air BagsElectrical System

JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND NOTICED ON THE TEST DRIVE THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT WAS LIT UP INDICATING IT WAS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE WAS IN THE SEAT. BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION, 5 MINUTES LATER THEY BROUGHT IT BACK CLAIMING IT NEEDED RESET DUE TO A SENSOR HAVING SOMETHING TO DO WITH A CARSEAT. THE LIGHT WASN'T…

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JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND NOTICED ON THE TEST DRIVE THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT WAS LIT UP INDICATING IT WAS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE WAS IN THE SEAT. BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION, 5 MINUTES LATER THEY BROUGHT IT BACK CLAIMING IT NEEDED RESET DUE TO A SENSOR HAVING SOMETHING TO DO WITH A CARSEAT. THE LIGHT WASN'T ON WITH A PASSENGER SO I ASSUMED IT WAS FINE. NOW THE LIGHT BRIEFLY ILLUMINATES AT START UP, BUT STAYS OFF REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT. I HAVE SEEN ABOUT 20 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE, I NOW HAVE ZERO FAITH THAT THE AIRBAG WILL EVEN DEPLOY. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!

NHTSA ODI #10978727

80,000 miles · Apr 8, 2017
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or OtherFire

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHE…

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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHER ITEM. I LEFT AND HEADED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BACK ON THE SAME ROAD I TRAVELED TO TOWN ON. AS I WAS ON THE 2 LANE ITHE ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED TO BE RAINING HEAVIER AND I COULD TELL BY THE RAIN CROSSING OVER MY HEADLIGHTS. SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL CAUGHT MY EYE, IT LOOKED LIKE ORANGE RAIN, I ASSUMED JUST THE APPEARANCE FROM ONE OF THE BULBS. UNSURE THOUGH, I CONTINUED DRIVING BUT SCOOTED TO THE EDGE OF MY SEAT AND SET UP TALL TO GETTA BETTER LOOK, AT THAT TIME I SEEN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, I COULDN'T PULL OFF SIDE OF ROAD AS IT HAS NO DITCHES JUST RAVINES SO I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED UNLOCKING MY DOOR TO OPEN IT WOULDN'T AND MY WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN, TERRIFIED I PROCEEDED TO CALL 911 AND INFORM THEM MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS IN IT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS HOPING TO GET TO NEXT ROAD I KNEW I COULD PULL OFF. THE ENTIRE TIME NEVER DID ANYTHING WARNING LIGHTS OR GAUGES COME ON NOR DID THE TEMPERATURE RISE. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO EXIST THE CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FINALLY ARRIVED. THEYOU GOT IT PUT OUT BUT IT WAS COMPLETE LOSS. I HAVE NO IDEA AS TO WHY THIS FIRE HAPPENED I TOOK WELL CARE OF MY CAR, MAINTAINING IT REGULARLY AS RECOMMENDED AND ALWAYS CAUTIOUSLY DRIVING IT. I HAVE ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA THAT'S STILL RUNNING STRONG WITH 300,000.00 MILES ON IT, SO THIS SHOULD SHOW I CARE FOR MY VEHICLES ABOVE WHAT'S RECOMMENDED.

NHTSA ODI #10971264

127,668 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED THE BATTERY IN MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA AND NOW I AM HAVING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: GAUGE CLUSTER IS NOT WORKING AT ALL (ENGINE TEMP, RPM, SPEEDOMETER, GAS). EVERYTHING ELSE IS WORKING FINE. I HAD ALL THE FUSES CHECKED AND ALL ARE WORKING PROPERLY. I TOOK TO DEALER, THEY ARE SAYING REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTE…

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I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED THE BATTERY IN MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA AND NOW I AM HAVING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: GAUGE CLUSTER IS NOT WORKING AT ALL (ENGINE TEMP, RPM, SPEEDOMETER, GAS). EVERYTHING ELSE IS WORKING FINE. I HAD ALL THE FUSES CHECKED AND ALL ARE WORKING PROPERLY. I TOOK TO DEALER, THEY ARE SAYING REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, PROGRAM AND RETEST FOR BCM FAILURE(2 CONCERNS-INST CLUSTER NO COMM, POWER AND GROUND PRESENT, U1000 AND CAN SYSTEM DIAG FAILED CLUSTER CAN NOT GET MILEAGE) RETEST FOR BCM FAILURE AFTER INSTALL CLUSTER IS REPLACED (2ND CONCERN IS CAR IS HARD TO TURN ON AND OFF NEED TO REPLACE CLUSTER AND RETEST FOR POSSIBLE BCM FAILURE. MY CAR WAS FINE 1 WEEK AGO AND PASSED THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION ON 03/25/2017 AT A CERTIFIED INSPECTION PLACE. I HAVE PROOF OF ALL THOSE COPIES IT IS TRULY MANUFACTURE ( NISSAN ) PROBLEM WITH KIND OF VEHICLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICE. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN IN MY LIFE.

NHTSA ODI #10970695

113,090 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED BY THE KEY FOB. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED BY THE KEY FOB. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,090.

NHTSA ODI #10969266

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