← New search

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

Engine complaints

68 reports
Clear category filter
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…

Read full complaint

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

126,000 miles · May 11, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

AFTER A FEW HOURS OF DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" ON AN 8 LANE HIGHWAY. AFTER RESEARCH, NISSANS HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS YET TO HE ADDRESSED

NHTSA ODI #11206962

100,000 miles · Apr 23, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAITED UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT USUALLY HAD TO WAIT A WHILE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOSSEY POWAY NISSAN (14100 POW…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAITED UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT USUALLY HAD TO WAIT A WHILE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOSSEY POWAY NISSAN (14100 POWAY RD, POWAY, CA 92064, (858) 668-3600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11203217

76,000 miles · Apr 9, 2019
Engine

I BOUGHT MY CAR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO AND RECENTLY TAKING IT TO THE BENCH AT THEIR SERVICE, THE TECHNICIANS NOTIFIED ME THAT I HAD A LEAK AND THE GASCKET ENGINE OIL COOLER NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER THAT I'VE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I FOUND IT S A VERY COMMON FAULT IN THIS MODEL, MANY OWNERS REPORT THIS …

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT MY CAR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO AND RECENTLY TAKING IT TO THE BENCH AT THEIR SERVICE, THE TECHNICIANS NOTIFIED ME THAT I HAD A LEAK AND THE GASCKET ENGINE OIL COOLER NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER THAT I'VE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I FOUND IT S A VERY COMMON FAULT IN THIS MODEL, MANY OWNERS REPORT THIS PROBLEM AND EVERYONE WONDERS WHY THERE IS NO RECALL YET

NHTSA ODI #11195234

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2019
Engine

OIL COOLER LEAK WAS DETECTED DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. RESEARCH SHOWED THIS MODEL & YEAR HAS A RECALL ALREADY ISSUED BUT THERE ARE NO CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS SPECIFIC VIN NOT SURE IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU DEAL WITH OR IF IT'S A MFG ISSUE. NOT SURE WHAT STEPS ARE TO REPORT TO MFG IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11193608

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2019
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

18HOZ-1DIAG C CHECK & DIAGNOS (TECH 561) COMPLAINT: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON ALSO C/S THEY WERE DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC WHILE RPMS WERE AROUND LOW 1,OOO VEHICLE WOULD BUCK FROM SLOW SPEEDS TRYING TO ACCELERATE ALSO WHEN VEHICLE WAS ON A HILL AT A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS ONC…

Read full complaint

18HOZ-1DIAG C CHECK & DIAGNOS (TECH 561) COMPLAINT: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON ALSO C/S THEY WERE DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC WHILE RPMS WERE AROUND LOW 1,OOO VEHICLE WOULD BUCK FROM SLOW SPEEDS TRYING TO ACCELERATE ALSO WHEN VEHICLE WAS ON A HILL AT A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS ONCE VEHICLE GAINED MOMENTUM VEHICLE STARTED MOVING PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. CAUSE: VERIFIED CUSTOMERS CONCERN. "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. CHECKED FOR DTCS AND FOUND MULTIPLE DTCS (DTC WRITTEN ON RO). CLEARED DTCS AND NONE RETURNED AFTER TEST DRIVE. VEHICLE DID FEEL A BIT SLUGGISH ON FIRST TEST DRIVE. CHECKED FLUID LEVELS AND FOUND OIL LEVEL A BIT LOW. ALSO NOTICED DRIVES FLOOR MAT TUCKED UNDER GAS PEDAL. REMOVED FLOOR MAT AND TEST DROVE AGAIN. VEHICLES ACCELERATION FEELS NORMAL. WENT TO STEEP HILL TO DUPLICATE CUSTOMERS CONCERN. COULD NOT VERIFY CUSTOMERS CONCERN. AGAIN, CORRECTION: REPLACED BOTH CAM POSITION SENSORS AS WELL AS THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. CLEARED ALL DTCS AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE NO DTCS RETURNED. VEHICLE DRIVES FINE WITH NO ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #11192671

172,479 miles · Mar 14, 2019
EngineVehicle Speed Control

MY VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING WILL NOT THROTTLE CORRECTLY SO I HAVE TO PULL OVER ON THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND THAN TURN IT BACK ON. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON I WOULD RUB THE ENGINE TO MAKE SURE IT WOULD THROTTLE PASS 3. LATELY THOUGH MY CAR HAS BEEN TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS A BIG SAFETY FOR MY SELF AND OTHER DRIV…

Read full complaint

MY VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING WILL NOT THROTTLE CORRECTLY SO I HAVE TO PULL OVER ON THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND THAN TURN IT BACK ON. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON I WOULD RUB THE ENGINE TO MAKE SURE IT WOULD THROTTLE PASS 3. LATELY THOUGH MY CAR HAS BEEN TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS A BIG SAFETY FOR MY SELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. BECAUSE I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OF AND ON QUICKLY ESPECIALLY IF IM ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11186730

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other

THE VEHICLES ENGINE IS BURNING OIL VERY RAPIDLY AND WHEN I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS TO GET A OTHER OPINIONS, AND I WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DASHBOARD IS ALSO VERY STICKY AND IS MELTING WAS TOLD THAT THAT HAPPENS TO THE VEHICLES AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11186290

100,000 miles · Feb 12, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO SAFE MODE AND LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE LACKED THE FAN TO COOL THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO O…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO SAFE MODE AND LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE LACKED THE FAN TO COOL THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO OVERHEAT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11176522

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2018
Engine

THERE IS A CVT AND CVT COOLANT ISSUE IN THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE OF PRIOR YEARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NISSAN WILL NOT REPLACE IT. IT MAKES THE CAR SLUGGISH AND GO VERY SLOW UPHILL. IT IS NOT A DEFECTIVE CVT BUT THE CVT IN THE ORIGINAL MODEL. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED SO WE MAY HAVE GONE TO…

Read full complaint

THERE IS A CVT AND CVT COOLANT ISSUE IN THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE OF PRIOR YEARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NISSAN WILL NOT REPLACE IT. IT MAKES THE CAR SLUGGISH AND GO VERY SLOW UPHILL. IT IS NOT A DEFECTIVE CVT BUT THE CVT IN THE ORIGINAL MODEL. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED SO WE MAY HAVE GONE TO TRY TO GET THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE EARLIER BUT NISSAN IS SAYING THEY WON'T HONOR THE RECALL NOW BECAUSE IT HAS EXPIRED.

NHTSA ODI #11152203

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