2012 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 426 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 24 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 26 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 12V494000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowFeb 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.
THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
Campaign 12V055000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveAug 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V408000 on NHTSA.gov
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: power train
149 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 22, 2025
I drove out of town about 40 miles and everything was fine, next day went to leave to come home and immediately noticed high RPMs going about 20MPH. I pulled over, turned the car off and turned it back on, started driving and same thing. I had no choice but to drive it on the interstate. I could get up to 60 very carefully but I was still sitting around 4000rpms. It wouldn’t shift gears at all (I know it’s a CVT and doesn’t have gears). I then noticed a high squealing noise, thankfully made it home with a lot of honking and middle fingers even though I had my hazards on. Once I made it home, plugged in my OBD scanner and had a pending DTC of P1778 which I have found to be the stepper motor. Aka the death code. It’ll start, shift into all other gears, but is making a high squealing noise even when idle and in park and when revving in park the squeal gets louder. I even attempted the “semi manual’ to see if I could get it to catch, I couldn’t at all. No matter what “gear” I was in it wouldn’t bring the RPMs down.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jun 30, 2025, crash
The vehicle is unsafe to driver and others on the road. The power steering hose has had a leak since it was manufactured and was not fixed by the manufacturer at all! Tie rods gave away within 5 years of a mileage less than 24,200 miles. Cv joints along with tie rods have been easily compromised and damaged causing loss of control and steering .suspensions are no longer in tact nor reliable and will pose a danger. All errors were not found by manufacturer and has caused immediate danger to not only driver but everyone on the road. The engine has a rattle only after 2 years which is not usual.
Power train, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics after purchasing the vehicle and the mass air flow, spark plugs, sensor coils, and other various engine parts and catalytic converters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 26, 2024
Service Engine Soon light on. Was driving on highway at 55mph Transmission started to slip and car started to slow down while I was pressing gas pedal. The more I pressed on gas pedal the more the car lost acceleration. Had to move off to side of the road and turn car off. Took to mechanic and had transmission flushed and plate replaced. Transmission needs to be replaced. Ran diagnostic and codes for Transmission comes up.
Power train, Oct 6, 2023
I have a 2012 nissan altima that I purchased in 2018. in florida. check engine light appeared first. it currently doesn't run because of the transmission. it doesnt excelerate above 20mph. is there is a nationwide recall because of the cvt transmissions going bad?. I already tried to fix 2 separate parts on the transmission the code I'm getting is p1778. I changed the stepper motor and valve body and it's still won't go above 20mph. I don't have 5,000 to replace a transmission. we've been stuck on the road twice in traffic when it doesn't want to excelerate above 20mph
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 1, 2023
When I BARELY accelerate my car it does a very aggressive bucking motion along with loud noise. I have done put over $3k in vehicle! Nissan fix your shit!
Power train, Dec 16, 2022
Transmission spudders at times. It is very delayed when pulling out sometimes. Turning the car off and back on might help sometimes. Car will go in limp mode. Nissan dealer said it was the Transmission. There is a big safety concern because when you push the gas trying to cross an intersection, it might lag behind and not go. This could result in being hit. This has been a great car but the cat is complete junk and Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for this. If they get enough law suits they may change something. Well maybe, They don't care about peoples lives.
Power train, Nov 27, 2022
Vehicle when in drive or reverse would barely move and almost got stranded in traffic. Finally will not move at all
Power train, Oct 30, 2022
After making right turn onto very busy 4 lane road with cars traveling 55 mph, the car failed to accelerate and had no power. Car acted as though it was in neutral. Fortunately, the road was downhill at this point and after turning on emergency blinking lights was able to coast about 3/4 mile to next street and turn right. I was almost rear ended three times during this coasting period at about 15 mph. On this part of the highway there was no place to pull over as the curb was next to the right hand lane. Had the car towed to a Nissan dealer the next day and was told that the transmission had "totally disintegrated" and was "unrepairable." Cost $4800 to repair. Was told that this was a "common occurrence" with the 2008-2014 CVT Nissan transmissions. Nissan has recalled many CVT transmissions but not 2012. Service manager also said that we were "lucky that disintegrated the way it did as some cars locked up in geared and immediately stopped." There was no prior warning of a transmission problem. No lights, no noise, no nothing. There was no way to know a problem or potential failure was imminent. This car is a danger. Had this occurred on a freeway in Los Angeles where we were driving just prior to this failure, it could have caused a major injury accident. This transmission should be recalled. The car had 97,000 miles. Nissan should be required to recall and reimburse owners who have suffered this failure in 2012 Altima transmissions.
Power train, Apr 11, 2022
I have a 2012 Nissan Altima. Four years ago I drove from Sacramento, CA, to Reno, NV, with two friends in my car. As I was driving over the summit on Highway 80 my car started to lose power. This was extremely scary as the highway is only two lanes and since it was a Saturday there was a lot of traffic. I was driving in the slow lane and as my car continued to lose power and slow there was noplace to get off the road. I pulled onto the narrow sholder between the slow lane and the concrete barrier and my car came to a complete stop. Since there were cars whizzing by I was not able to open either the drivers side door or the passenger side door, which was inches away from the concrete divider. At this point I was shaking uncontrollably and in a panic I called Nissan of Sacramento to tell them what happened. The technician suggested that my transmission may have over-heated. He suggested that I wait for the transmission to cool and see if I was able to then make it to the nearest freeway offramp, which I did. After exiting the freeway we waited for an hour or so and were then able to proceed to Reno, NV. Once there, I took my car to a mechanic who checked the other systems and could find nothing wrong. Once back home in Sacramento I took my car to Nissan of Sacramento and was then informed that my transmission had burned and would need to be replaced. They contacted Nissan and were informed that there were no recalls and that I would need to pay for a new transmission out of pocket and the cost would exceed $4,700. After contacting Nissan myself, they informed me that they would not cover the cost of a new transmission. Since I am a retired, single senior citizen living on a fixed income, I have not been able to replace the transmission and subsequently have not driven more than 20 miles from my home. I have read that CVT Transmission problems are very common with Nissan Altimas. Why would they deny my claim when this is such a serious safety issue?
Power train, Jan 19, 2022
Had transmission fluid changed now starts bit doesn't go in gear took it to shop and was told I need a new transmission don't understand why new fluid would cause this and have heard nissan has had numerous problems with cat transmission
Power train, Oct 14, 2021
While driving the car stopped accelerating. Thankfully this happened on a 2 lane road while no other vehicles were around and there was a driveway to pull into. My husband and child were also in the car when this happened. No warning lights/noises alarmed before this happened. We had to have the car towed home. It will turn on but will not drive. This car is notorious for transmission issues. Now we have a car that we can't drive but still owe way more than it's worth to fix. We are unable to trade/sale either. It has been very frustrating situation. We will never own another Nissan.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2021
3 times car has decelerated when driving on interstate for 1 to 2 hours. Last time speed dropped to 20 mph when most cars were doing 70 to 80 mph. This creates a very dangerous situation that could result in loss of life if not corrected. Nissan refuses to address the matter and problem is well documented on the internet and lawsuits. Nissan should have issued a recall covering the defective CVT. My college age grandson is driving the car as he has no other option but he is putting his life and friends at risk each time he goes on an extended trip. Nissan should at minimum replace the transmission as a safety issue but have denied our claim. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2021
We had a near fatal accident on the highway because the car suddenly lost speed drastically and later on a few incidents won't move up on the slope. My daughter had a hard time reaching home but somehow managed. A quick online research showed many people sharing similar issues due to faulty transmission and sensors. It seems that Nissan is simply hiding behind its 60,000 mile Warranty and not addressing and fixing this issue for the consumers and thereby putting lives at risk.
Power train, Jun 28, 2021
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
Power train, Jun 15, 2021
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2021
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.
Power train, Feb 19, 2021
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.
Power train, Jan 14, 2021
NOW I KNOW...AS IN ALMOST ALL NISSAN ALTIMA'S THAT HAVE THE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILS. NO PREWARNING FROM THE VEHICLE AND ESPECIALLY NISSAN CORPORATION OR DEALERSHIP. MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. IT IS APPARENTLY A HORRIBLE UNJUST SERIOUS PROBLEM THE NISSAN PEOPLE ARE NOT ADDRESSING OR TRYING ANY AT ALL TO HELP. THEY JUST KEEP STICKING IT TO THE IGNORANT PUBLIC CUSTOMERS WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD TRUST NISSAN. YEAH THATS ME.
Power train, Sep 22, 2020
PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 8, 2020. WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 08/24. TOOK THE CAR TO NEBORHOOD TIRE PRO'S IN DECATUR, GA. HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE. CAR RECEIVED 3 CODES. ONE CODE WAS P1718. WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN STONE MOUNTAIN. HEALTH WAGES THE SERVICE MANGER AFFIRMED IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 30, 2020
CAR AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES SPEED FROM 65 MPH TO 35 MPH WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY AND WILL NOT INCREASE SPEED WHEN DRIVING AT AN HOUR OR BETTER AT 65 MPH OR GREATER. WHEN IT AUTODECELERATES IT MAKES A WHINING NOISE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN UNTIL YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND ALLOW THE CAR TO SIT FOR 30 MINS OR BETTER.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2020
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S SEDAN, PURCHASED NEW PLUS EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH 3 MILES ON IT. AT 64K MILES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER ABOUT A. HOUR AT NORMAL SPEEDS ON A HOT DAY THE CAR STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE BECAME SLUGGISH AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 60MPH. THE RPM GAUGE BEGAN TO RISE ANT THE CAR BEGAN TO DECREASE IT'S SPEED EVENTUALLY DESCENDING TO 20 MPH WHILE THE RPM GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM 2K TO 5K RPM. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NON RESPONSIVE EXCEPT FOR A LOUDER WHINING NOISE AS IT WAS PRESSED . WE PULLED OVER FOR A WHILE AND THE VEHICLE WENT TO NORMAL. THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES BEFORE WE ARRIVED HOME. THE DEALER RESPONDED STATING A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED BUT NOT COVERED THEY SAID MY WARRANTY WAS NOT VALID. I COMPLAINED, THEY CONTACTED HEADQUARTERS I GUESS AND STATED TO ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS UNDER 70K MILES THE COMPANY WOULD PAY PARTIAL FOR THE REPAIR BUT MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT 1200. NOT ONLY DID I THINK THIS WAS UNFAIR BUT I ALSO DIDN'T HAVE AN EXTRA 1200 LYNG AROUND. SO UNFORTUNATELY I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS CAR DRIVES FINE FOR ABOUT 40 MIN. SO NO LONG COMMUTES.
Power train, Jul 13, 2020
MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS BOUGHT AT 40K MILES. IT RAN GOOD FOR WAS MAINTAINED. AT 108K MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR (CVT TRANSMISSION) AND WOULD EVENTUALLY LOSE POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSION BUT THEY WERE ONLY FOR THE PRIOR YEAR MODELS SO THERE WAS NOTHING I CAN DO. IT IS NOW AT 120K MILES AND IT HASN'T GOTTEN SO BAD I CAN'T DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD IT COMPLETELY DIAGNOSED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT THREW WHAT THEY REFER TO AS A 'DEATH CODE' AND SAID IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY DIES. I'M A STUDENT AND IN THE MILITARY SO I STAY VERY BUSY AND MY CAR NOT BEING RELIABLE HAS PUT A STOP TO EVERYTHING. A TRANSMISSION GOING BAD AT 120K MILES SHOULD NOT BE A THING. I TRULY FEEL CHEATED BY NISSAN WITH THIS CAR.
Power train, Jul 1, 2020
ONGOING ISSUE WHERE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING FURTHER DISTANCES (30-40 MILES) OR UPHILL IN THE MOUNTAINS AND IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. DRIVER IS FORCED TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAIT UNTIL VEHICLE CAN COOL DOWN AND GAIN POWER AGAIN. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS OR EXTENDED THE WARRANTY AS IT IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION.
Power train, Jun 15, 2020
VEHICLE WAS FINE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. *TR