Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
620–25K
4425–50K
4650–75K
6375–100K
74100–150K
18150K+
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
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2012
Service Brakes
MAYBE A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA ON JULY 25, 2012, I HEARD SQUEAKING SOUNDS WHEN BRAKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN A LETTER FROM THE MECHANIC STATING THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO SQUEAK OCCASIONALLY BECAUSE THE BRAKES A NOT MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIALS USED IN THE PAST. ON OCT 29, 2012…
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MAYBE A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA ON JULY 25, 2012, I HEARD SQUEAKING SOUNDS WHEN BRAKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN A LETTER FROM THE MECHANIC STATING THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO SQUEAK OCCASIONALLY BECAUSE THE BRAKES A NOT MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIALS USED IN THE PAST. ON OCT 29, 2012, I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE NOISE INCREASED WHEN STOPPING AND I STARTED TO HEAR SCRUBBING WHEN STOPPING. THE MECHANIC CHECKED MY CAR FOR THE 2ND TIME AND ONLY REPLACED BRAKE PADDING IN THE FRONT AND SHAVED ONE ROTOR. NOW ON NOV.14, 2012, THE NOISE IS CONTINUING AND THE SCRUBBING SOUND IS STILL THERE. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AND ROTORS BECAUSE THE WAS CAR NEW WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS DANGEROUS AND EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR I AM AFRAID IT MY NOT STOP WHEN I BRAKE TO STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10484736
7,800 miles · Nov 13, 2012
StructureVehicle Speed ControlCrash
AS DRIVER WAS BRAKING UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT A LOCAL STORE, CAR SURGED FORWARD AND JUMPED A CURB HITTING A RED BOX VIDEO DISPLAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10484120
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10483193
17,395 miles · Oct 24, 2012
SteeringCrashInjury
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO GO RIGHT, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10482125
736 miles · Oct 10, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V371000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V371000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 736.
NHTSA ODI #10479596
4,793 miles · Aug 31, 2012
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD SMELL MOLD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD SMELL MOLD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,793.
NHTSA ODI #10473158
1,000 miles · Aug 9, 2012
SeatsInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST CAUSED THE CONTACT BACK PAIN, HEAD ACHES AND NUMBNESS IN THE ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER TURNED THE HEAD REST AROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE HEAD REST WAS TURNED, THERE WAS NO MORE PAIN. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST CAUSED THE CONTACT BACK PAIN, HEAD ACHES AND NUMBNESS IN THE ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER TURNED THE HEAD REST AROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE HEAD REST WAS TURNED, THERE WAS NO MORE PAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #10470026
7,400 miles · Aug 6, 2012
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,400.
NHTSA ODI #10469363
1,550 miles · Jul 17, 2012
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
THE PEDALS ARE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED OF THIS A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN HE DROVE MY CAR BECAUSE HIS SHOE GOT CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HE WAS LIFTING HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THEN, YESTERDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. I NEARLY DROVE MY CAR THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE DAYCARE WHERE I WAS DROPPING …
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THE PEDALS ARE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED OF THIS A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN HE DROVE MY CAR BECAUSE HIS SHOE GOT CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HE WAS LIFTING HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THEN, YESTERDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. I NEARLY DROVE MY CAR THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE DAYCARE WHERE I WAS DROPPING OFF MY SON. I AM NOW AWARE OF HOW EXTRA-CAUTIOUS I HAVE TO BE WHEN DRIVING MY CAR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME WITH ANY OTHER CAR. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 25 YEARS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10466003
2,000 miles · Jul 12, 2012
Seats
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS CROOKED - BOTH ACROSS THE BACK AND ACROSS THE SEAT. THIS MEANS ONE'S SHOULDERS AND TORSO ARE TWISTED AND FACING THE CENTER CONSOLE, NOT THE STEERING WHEEL. HIPS ARE UNEVEN WITH THE RIGHT SIDE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE LEFT. THIS IS A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAINFUL POSITION TO BE IN. I HAVE BEEN INFORME…
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THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS CROOKED - BOTH ACROSS THE BACK AND ACROSS THE SEAT. THIS MEANS ONE'S SHOULDERS AND TORSO ARE TWISTED AND FACING THE CENTER CONSOLE, NOT THE STEERING WHEEL. HIPS ARE UNEVEN WITH THE RIGHT SIDE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE LEFT. THIS IS A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAINFUL POSITION TO BE IN. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT ALL 2012 ALTIMAS ARE LIKE THIS AND THEREFORE IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM! I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE BACK OF THE SEAT IS IN FACT CROOKED IN THE MORE THAN TWO DOZEN EXAMPLES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CHECK. HOWEVER, THE SEAT BOTTOM IS NOT SUPPOSED TO SAG OR BE UNEVEN ON EITHER SIDE. I'VE CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE DEALERSHIP IS MY ONLY AVENUE TO PURSUE A REMEDY. DUE TO THE DEALERSHIP'S DETERMINATION THAT THE SEAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CROOKED MY CHOICES ARE PAY SOMEONE ELSE OR TRY MYSELF TO SHIM THE ENTIRE SEAT OR TRY TO ADJUST THE MECHANISM UNDERNEATH TO LEVEL THE BOTTOM. NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE SEAT BACK... *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
Illustration