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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
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2020
Visibility/wiper

THE DASH IS STICKY AND GLOSSY WHICH THROWS A GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD. I END UP WITH A SMALL AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD TO SEE OUT OF. I HAVE TO SIT UP TALL OR LEAN OVER IN ORDER TO FIND A SPOT TO GET A CLEAR VIEW IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD. HOLDING THE POSITION TO SEE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME IS A STRAIN ON THE BODY. I'M HAVING TROUBLE S…

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THE DASH IS STICKY AND GLOSSY WHICH THROWS A GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD. I END UP WITH A SMALL AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD TO SEE OUT OF. I HAVE TO SIT UP TALL OR LEAN OVER IN ORDER TO FIND A SPOT TO GET A CLEAR VIEW IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD. HOLDING THE POSITION TO SEE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME IS A STRAIN ON THE BODY. I'M HAVING TROUBLE SEEING WHERE I AM GOING AND AM WORRIED I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326980

101,099 miles · Jun 1, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

THIS CAR HAS JUST 101,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT DOING THE OVERDRIVE. I READ INTO IT AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM NISSAN SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLES AND FIX IT ITS NOT LIKE WE PAY 5 BUCKS FOR A CAR ITS NOT EVEN PAID OFF AND I ALREADY HAVE PROBLEMS. I WENT TO SEE WHAT WRONG AND ITS THE TORQUE CONVERTER CL…

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THIS CAR HAS JUST 101,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT DOING THE OVERDRIVE. I READ INTO IT AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM NISSAN SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLES AND FIX IT ITS NOT LIKE WE PAY 5 BUCKS FOR A CAR ITS NOT EVEN PAID OFF AND I ALREADY HAVE PROBLEMS. I WENT TO SEE WHAT WRONG AND ITS THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326895

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2020
Structure

MY DASHBOARD IN MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA IS MELTING IN THE HOT FLORIDA SUN. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OF THEM. I NEED MY DASHBOARD REPAIRED. THIS MELTING CAUSES A BAD GLARE OF MY WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11325025

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2020
Structure

MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING FROM THE HOT FLORIDA SUN. IT US CAUSING A BAD REFLECTION WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. I NEED IT REPAIRED BY NISSAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11325019

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2020
Engine

THE ENGINE HAS ALWAYS MADE EXCESSIVE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT IT HAS BEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN NISSAN ALTIMAS. I FEEL THAT GIVEN THE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IT TAKES TO FIX THAT NISSAN SHOULD EITHER PUT OUT A RECALL OR COMPENSATE FOR THIS AS IT CAUSES TH…

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THE ENGINE HAS ALWAYS MADE EXCESSIVE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT IT HAS BEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN NISSAN ALTIMAS. I FEEL THAT GIVEN THE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IT TAKES TO FIX THAT NISSAN SHOULD EITHER PUT OUT A RECALL OR COMPENSATE FOR THIS AS IT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BE STRANDED ONE THE TRANSMISSION DOES EVENTUALLY FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323557

112,000 miles · May 5, 2020
Power Train

THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE NISSAN CVT TRANSMISSIONS - LOST POWER WHEN ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE WINDS UP BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT FOR ME AND SAYS IT'S GOT CODE P1778 AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323406

184,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING FOR 1/2 HOUR OR MORE MY CAR LOSES POWER THIS HAS CAUSED MY CAR TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GETTING HIT. IN ORDER TO GET POWER BACK YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT. WE HAVE CHECKED ALL FLUIDS REPLACED SPARK PLUGS BATTERY ALTERNATOR FILTERS AND IT STILL DOES THIS. UPON RESEARCHING …

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WHILE DRIVING FOR 1/2 HOUR OR MORE MY CAR LOSES POWER THIS HAS CAUSED MY CAR TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GETTING HIT. IN ORDER TO GET POWER BACK YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT. WE HAVE CHECKED ALL FLUIDS REPLACED SPARK PLUGS BATTERY ALTERNATOR FILTERS AND IT STILL DOES THIS. UPON RESEARCHING THIS I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR 2012 NISSAN AND DUE TO IT BEING A SAFETY HARVARD SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11316664

70,000 miles · Mar 2, 2020
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG SWITCH UNDER THE SEAT IS DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11315707

65,000 miles · Feb 27, 2020
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

VEHICLE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. IT IS CAUSING A VISIBILITY ISSUE WITH A GLARE AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ODI #11311820

1 miles · Feb 24, 2020
EnginePower TrainSteering

SO I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2014 AT TONY NISSAN WAIPIO AND HAD CNA MANUFACTURED WARRANTY..WHICH IS A GOOD WARRANTY.BUT I COME TO REALIZE EVER SINCE.MY MANUFACTURED WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2019, AND I ROUTINELY BRING MY CAR IN FOR OIL AND OIL FILTER MAINTENANCE EVERY 3 MONTHS, AND EACH TIME I WOULD BRING IT IN. MECHANICS AND SERVICE ADV…

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SO I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2014 AT TONY NISSAN WAIPIO AND HAD CNA MANUFACTURED WARRANTY..WHICH IS A GOOD WARRANTY.BUT I COME TO REALIZE EVER SINCE.MY MANUFACTURED WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2019, AND I ROUTINELY BRING MY CAR IN FOR OIL AND OIL FILTER MAINTENANCE EVERY 3 MONTHS, AND EACH TIME I WOULD BRING IT IN. MECHANICS AND SERVICE ADVISORS SEEMS TO FIND A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR..AND ASK IF I WANTED IT TO BE FIXED OR REPLACED, MAJORITY OF THE TIME. I WILL ASKED IF MY AUL WARRANTY WILL COVER, FOR THE PARTS AND LABORS..I WOULD SAY 80 PERCENT OF MY WARRANTY COVERS..SOME. DONT.BUT TO MAKE MY COMPLAINT SHORTER ..EACH TIME I WOULD BRING IT IN TO TONY NISSAN FOR A REPAIR..NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS AFTER, ANOTHER PROBLEMS.COME ABOUT..AT THIS TIME I'M GETTING VERY SCARED AND AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY IN DRIVING MY CAR.ESPECIALLY.WHEN I HAVE MY 6 YEAR OLD GRANDSON THAT I PICK UP FROM SCHOOL..AND I'M BEGINNING TO NOT HAVE FAITH IN THEM AND I'M REALLY HAVING TRUST ISSUES, WITH EITHER THE MECHANICS OR SERVICE ADVISORS..AT TONY NISSAN .I CAN SHOW PROOFS OF DOCUMENTS THAT I HAVE ALL MY INVOICES DATED FROM 2014 UNTIL NOW OF 2020..OF ALL SERVICES AND REPAIRS THEY HAVE CLAIMED THEY DONED ON MY CAR..JUST RECENTLY I ASKED FOR MY OLD PARTS BACK, TO SEE IF THEY GOT IT REPLACED..THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AND IGNITION COIL #3..MY UPCOMING REPAIR WILL BE ALTERNATOR AND DRIVE BELT..I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR IN EITHER 02/25/2020 OR 02/26/2020..IN THE AFTERNOON.THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FOR THE HELP AND CONCERNS.PLEASE REPLY BACK TO ME IF MY CAR WAS SOLD TO ME AS A LEMON OR ANY RECALLS..I'VE BE GLAD TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THAT COMPANY..BUT I ALWAYS GET TALKED TO THE OTHER STAFFS THAT WORKS FOR HIM...

NHTSA ODI #11311213

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.

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