2011 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 241 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 11 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SuspensionJul 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.
IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 11V371000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
42 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 3, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue and confirmed the code P0101. After reviewing Nissan’s official TSB DE97AA, they advised me to go to a Nissan dealership to have the ECM reprogrammed as outlined in the bulletin. ⸻ • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but not yet by the manufacturer. The dealership is aware of the issue but has refused to perform the repair without payment. ⸻ • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The Check Engine Light is consistently triggered by code P0101, and the traction control warning light also comes on when the issue is active. The symptoms appeared recently and continue to recur even after the code is reset by standard non-dealership methods like unplugging the battery.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 12, 2025
This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 3, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue and confirmed the code P0101. After reviewing Nissan’s official TSB DE97AA, they advised me to go to a Nissan dealership to have the ECM reprogrammed as outlined in the bulletin. ⸻ • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but not yet by the manufacturer. The dealership is aware of the issue but has refused to perform the repair without payment. ⸻ • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The Check Engine Light is consistently triggered by code P0101, and the traction control warning light also comes on when the issue is active. The symptoms appeared recently and continue to recur even after the code is reset.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 19, 2024
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 31, 2024
Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 4, 2023
It started about 2 months ago that the RPM was revving when it came to the gears shifting. I would accelerate and the car would barely move and the transmission was making a whirring sound. The Service Engine Soon light came on so I took my car to O Reilys and the code for the stepper motor came back. I had the stepper motor replaced in my transmission but I am having the same issue. My Mechanic told me that my Transmission is failing and I would need a brand new one.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
I was on my way to work driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a sort of shaking from the car. I then exited the freeway and approached a red light. When the light turned green, my car moved some but then was stalled so I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, I wasn’t too far from my job and I was able to eventually ease my way the next few miles. I was later told by a mechanic that it was my transmission that needed to be replaced .
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact disconnected and reconnected the battery and the mass air flow sensor to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to Emissions Recall Campaign Number: R1720 (Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle performed as if the gear shifter was in neutral(N). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2021
Going down interstate, when you press the gas, vehicle hesitates if you are going faster than 40 miles an hour, motor didn't die but you are unable to go faster for a few seconds, this is very dangerous situation on our interstates. And this is happening on every trip that I am afraid to drive this car, its not trustworthy and I can't afford a new car in today's economy.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 30, 2021
I was driving in early n all of a sudden car started slowing down n there’s other cars n I have my kids in car was very scary I started praying n calling on Jesus N car slowly started taking off again I just bought used car I’m very worried I hope someone reads this and calls me I never experienced this .
Engine, Dec 29, 2020
TRANSMISSION KEEPS GOING BAD
Engine, Nov 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE HAD JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,918.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 20, 2019
I HAVE REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND THE CODE KEEPS COMING ON. IT ONLY STAYED OFF FOR A MONTH. IT CAUSES THE CAR TO IDLE ROUGH. I AM NOT SURE IF THE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING ARE RELATED BUT THE ONLY LIGHT THAT COMES ON IS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CODE SHOWS P0101.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2019
ENGINE LIGHT ON CAR SHAKES A LOT OR ENGINE SHAKES SOMETIMES CAR DOESENT START PROBLEM HEPENS STATIONARY IN MOTION ON THE CITY HIGHWAY AND TURNING
Engine, Jun 10, 2019
POSSIBLE CVT TRANSMISSION OVER-HEATING/FAIL-SAFE ISSUE? I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS AND MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A 'WHIRRING' NOISE AND I HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 70 BUT AS MUCH AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, IT WOULD BARELY GET PASSED 50MPH. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH A SEMI-TRUCK AS WE APPROACHED A HILL BECAUSE I COULD BARELY GET UP IT. I HAD TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AND LET THE CAR REST FOR A WHILE. I HAD TO DRIVE ANOTHER 2 HOURS TO GET HOME AND AFTER ANOTHER HOUR, IT DID THE SAME THING. SOON AFTER, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE ONLY THING THEY COULD SUGGEST WAS TO GIVE ME A NEW TRANSMISSION! I GOT A SECOND OPINION FROM A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT POSSIBLY ADDING A SECONDARY COOLING SYSTEM WOULD HELP BUT THEY COULDN'T GUARANTEE THAT WOULD FIX THE ISSUE. FROM MY RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT A REASON FOR THIS HAPPENING IS THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION PRODUCES TOO MUCH HEAT FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM TO HANDLE AND EVENTUALLY GOES INTO A FAIL-SAFE MODE THAT CAPS THE ACCELERATION POWER OF THE CAR, IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING DAMAGED. I COULD UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THE FAIL-SAFE TO KICK IN IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES BUT NOT AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS AT REGULAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND EXTREMELY AGGRAVATING. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WHICH AFFECTS BOTH NEW AND OLDER CARS AND NISSAN CHOOSES TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR MORE THAN AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT STARTS TO MAKE THAT 'WHIRRING' NOISE AND I KNOW IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE THE FAIL-SAFE KICKS IN. THIS HAS BEEN BEYOND DISAPPOINTING AND EVEN MORE SO THAT NISSAN WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO IMPROVE THEIR CVT ISSUES AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. I OWN MY CAR OUTRIGHT BUT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. NO OPTION FOR THAT ROUTE. VERY INCONVENIENT.
Engine, May 2, 2019
DEFECT IN IN THE ECM. WENT TO WORK CAR STARTED FINE AND WHEN I WENT OUT FOR LUNCH PUSH THE START BUTTON ALL LIGHTS CAME IN IN THE DASH BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENED ON FRANKFORD AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19135 ON 5/1/2019.
Engine, Nov 27, 2018
CAR STALLS OR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 80-85 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO SAFETY MODE AND DECELERATED TO 70 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLAGSTAFF NISSAN (4960 E MARKETPLACE DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004, (928) 522-6386) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER. IN ADDITION A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,836.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 23, 2018
WENT TO START MY CAR.IN THE DASHBOARD WAS A KEY LIGHT.CAR WOULDN'T START LOOK UP THINGS THAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT STEERING LOCK.THE CAR WAS SITTING AT MY HOUSE .
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN 24 (1016 BELMONT ST, BROCKTON, MA 02301, (508) 588-9520) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,640.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 26, 2018
WHEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 45 MIN OR MORE AND MAYBE A LITTLE HOTTER THAN USUAL, AND YOU ARE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY OR HIGHWAY, THE SPEED WILL LOCK AT 65 OR UNDER, IT WILL NOT LET YOU GO ANY HIGHER, WHEN IT LOCKS IT SLOWS DOWN FAST LIKE IF HITTING THE BREAKS, THIS IS SO DANGEROUS WHEN ON FREEWAY WE HAVE BEEN SO CLOSE TO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, WE TRAVEL ON THE CAR, AND IT HAS DONE IT A LOT LATELY, WE KNOW NOTHING OF WHY IT'S THIS WAY.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 15, 2018
THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A WHINING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION AND THEN LOSS POWER ON THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 40MPH EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY MAKING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION FOR MY FAMILY. I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE AND RECEIVING NO ASSISTANCE FROM NISSAN ON THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
Engine, Jun 13, 2018
I WAS DRIVING TO THE AIRPORT AND OUT OF NO WHERE, MY CAR STARTS JERKING AND SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TO THE DROP OFF TERMINALS. I LOST ALL ACCELERATION CONTROL AND COULDN'T EVEN MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED. TURNS OUT 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS VERY COMMON CVT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT IS UNABLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT JERKING, SPUTTERING, OR EVEN MOVING. I CALL THE 1-800 NUMBER FOR NISSAN AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION FOR THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT DOWN AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AND THEY CAN REVIEW IT WITH NO GUARANTEE OR PROMISE OF A POSITIVE OUTCOME. TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BE REPLACED ARE AROUND $4000.
Engine, Jan 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER (BEN MYNATT NISSAN, 629 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD S, SALISBURY, NC 28147, (704) 633-7270) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ISSUED 8 TSBS ON THE ENGINE, BUT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR