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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.

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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 · Aug 11, 2021
Air Bags

Pressure sensor in passenger seat connected to passenger side air bag became defective, affecting (shutting off) the entire air bag system. Started off with 'passenger air bag off' sign being illuminated at all times, even when an adult was sitting in the passenger seat. Then airbag warning light on the dashboard started flashin…

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Pressure sensor in passenger seat connected to passenger side air bag became defective, affecting (shutting off) the entire air bag system. Started off with 'passenger air bag off' sign being illuminated at all times, even when an adult was sitting in the passenger seat. Then airbag warning light on the dashboard started flashing the entire time car was running. Because the passenger seat airbag is off. The safety of passenger put at risk. Talked to Nissan dealers at Hayward CA today (08-10-2021). They said that the has no recall and warranty is expired. That means I have to pay for the airbag repairs which I don't think is fair for consumers. Air bags is a safety issue, they should take care of it right away with no cost before something happens. I did reset the airbag warning on the dashboard twice, but it came back on day after.

NHTSA ODI #11428614

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2021
Power Train

Transmission lost power (reduced power) after 65000 miles. Initially I was not aware of the Nissan 2012 Altima having transmission issues. Now the repair rather replacement cost is about $5000 as per estimats Iave approached local NISSAN dealerships and national customer service hot line and there has bee ZERO help from them.…

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Transmission lost power (reduced power) after 65000 miles. Initially I was not aware of the Nissan 2012 Altima having transmission issues. Now the repair rather replacement cost is about $5000 as per estimats Iave approached local NISSAN dealerships and national customer service hot line and there has bee ZERO help from them. 2012 is know to have CVT transmission and its related performance and repair issues. Still that year, 2012 , NIssan is not covered under warranty beyond 60K nor there is help for customers who purchased this vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11422605

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2021
Power Train

In mid-May 2021, noticed that the Altima (at 105,000 mls) had little power when accelerating. At one point, pulled out from from a stop at an intersection and basically "crawled" through. Barley made it up to the top of our driveway. "Check Engine" light came on. Not safe to accelerate in traffic. Local AAMCO, a…

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In mid-May 2021, noticed that the Altima (at 105,000 mls) had little power when accelerating. At one point, pulled out from from a stop at an intersection and basically "crawled" through. Barley made it up to the top of our driveway. "Check Engine" light came on. Not safe to accelerate in traffic. Local AAMCO, and local Nissan dealer, both diagnosed transmission failure. Have learned that apparently Nissan knew of this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11421061

96,000 miles · May 6, 2021
Engine

I ONLY HAVE 96,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND I CAN'T ACCELERATE. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT PICKS AND CHOOSES WHEN IT WANTS TO ACCELERATE AND I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON THE INNER ROADS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

NHTSA ODI #11415359

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2021
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

THREE HOURS INTO MY DRIVE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND NOTICED MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND WAS MAKING A NOISE. I PULLED OVER, GOT OUT, CHECKED MY POWER STEERING FLUID. IT WAS FINE SO I DROVE OFF AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, I NOTICED THE CAR WASN'T PICKING UP SPEED AGAIN. I DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND GOT OFF. I LITERA…

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THREE HOURS INTO MY DRIVE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND NOTICED MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND WAS MAKING A NOISE. I PULLED OVER, GOT OUT, CHECKED MY POWER STEERING FLUID. IT WAS FINE SO I DROVE OFF AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, I NOTICED THE CAR WASN'T PICKING UP SPEED AGAIN. I DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND GOT OFF. I LITERALLY COASTED TO A PARKING LOT OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT TRYING TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT, I NOTICED I COULDN'T GO UP THE HILL. I WAITED ABOUT 30 MINUTES, PICKED UP SPEED AND MADE IT UP THE HILL AND ONTO A 2 LANE ROAD. I DROVE TO A HOTEL ABOUT 4 MILES AWAY, GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. I REALIZED THAT AS LONG AS I DIDN'T STOP, I WOULD BE FINE. THE NEXT MORNING I FOUND A MECHANIC SHOP, CALLED AND DROVE THERE WITH MINIMAL PROBLEMS. HE TOLD ME THE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR HAD BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. HE HOOKED A MACHINE UP AND IT GAVE HIM THESE CODES: P0746, P0826, P1778 STEP MOTOR, P0868. HE TOLD ME TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR 3 HOURS BACK TO MY HOUSE IN WOODBRIDGE.

NHTSA ODI #11403260

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2021
Exterior Lighting

THE LIGHTS ON DIM ARE SO DIM YOU CAN'T SEE THE ROAD. YOU HAVE TO PUT ON BIGHTS TO SEE THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11397507

83,000 miles · Feb 19, 2021
Power Train

THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE FREEWAY AND IT LOST POWER WHILE I WAS IN THE CARPOOL SO I DROVE CAREFULLY TO THE EMERGENCY LANES ON THE SIDE RISKING GETTING HIT BY A CAR CAUSE IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER OR SHIFTING. I THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. I TURN OFF THE CAR FOR FIVE MINUTES AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND I TRY TO MOVE T…

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THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE FREEWAY AND IT LOST POWER WHILE I WAS IN THE CARPOOL SO I DROVE CAREFULLY TO THE EMERGENCY LANES ON THE SIDE RISKING GETTING HIT BY A CAR CAUSE IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER OR SHIFTING. I THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. I TURN OFF THE CAR FOR FIVE MINUTES AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND I TRY TO MOVE THE CAR AGAIN AND IT WENT WELL. AFTER COUPLE DAYS OR WEEKS I DON'T RECALL I CALL THE DEALER REQUESTING A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WHICH THEY ASK ME HOW MANY MILES IT HAD I TOLD THEM 83,000 MILES AND THEY TOLD ME I DON'T QUALIFY TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE CAUSE IT HAS OVER 80,000 MILES ALREADY. IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN MAKES FAULTY CVT TRANSMISSION MANUFACTURED BY JATCO. I WANTED TO KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN I RESET THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY FOR FIVE MINUTES IT RAN AND HASN'T HAPPENED AGAIN BUT IT'S SUPER SLUGGISH. THE CAR SHOULD HAVE A RECALL NO MATTER THE MILEAGE. FORGOT TO MENTION THEY SAID I DON'T QUALIFY ALSO CAUSE THE CAR IS SALVAGE AND IT VOIDS EVERY RECALL WHATSOEVER.

NHTSA ODI #11397041

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemSuspension

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE 4 SAFETY RECALLS (PERFORMED 0)ON OUR CAR ACCORDING TO KBB AND FOR OUR SAFETY PURPOSED,IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND WE JUST BOUGHT THIS IN USED CAR COMPANY LAST 09/09/2019.AND PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THE CAR MANUFACTURER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECALL OR WE (OWNER).THANK YOU IN ADVANCED

NHTSA ODI #11396685

84,000 miles · Feb 16, 2021
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY AND MELTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLARE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND REFLECTING ONTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY AND MELTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLARE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND REFLECTING ONTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11396513

38,975 miles · Jan 27, 2021
Air Bags

PRESSURE SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT CONNECTED TO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG BECAME DEFECTIVE, AFFECTING (SHUTTING OFF) THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM. STARTED OFF WITH 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' SIGN BEING ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN AN ADULT WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THEN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHIN…

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PRESSURE SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT CONNECTED TO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG BECAME DEFECTIVE, AFFECTING (SHUTTING OFF) THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM. STARTED OFF WITH 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' SIGN BEING ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN AN ADULT WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THEN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING THE ENTIRE TIME CAR WAS RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI #11390396

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