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: other or unspecified
56 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2026, crash
I am reporting a potential unintended automatic emergency braking event involving a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. On 23Mar2026, at approximately 40 mph, I was traveling behind a Tesla Cybertruck on a public roadway. There were no visible obstacles, hazards, or debris in the roadway that I observed. The Cybertruck suddenly and aggressively braked without warning. The abrupt deceleration appeared inconsistent with road conditions and is consistent with what is commonly described as “phantom braking.” As a result of the sudden stop, I was unable to avoid a collision with the rear of the vehicle despite maintaining a reasonable following distance. After the impact, the Cybertruck initially left the scene, stating they were unaware a collision had occurred. No debris or roadway hazard was documented at the scene in the police report (FVPD report #2026-00777). The other driver later indicated a plastic bag may have triggered the vehicle’s emergency braking system. I am submitting this report as a potential safety issue involving unintended or inappropriate automatic emergency braking behavior.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 23, 2024
The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2024
Transmission
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2023
I just recently financed my car I haven’t even had it 1 month and every time I drive it for more than 1 hour the transmission fills like it’s going out on me on the freeway I can’t seem to get it to go over 40 miles an hour and it makes sun weird noise and idles high I can also feel it when I drive I can fill it slipping it jerks it only has 117000 miles on it I did mention it to the dealership and he said it wasn’t the transmission it was something else I know it’s the transmission I just wanted to know if it was a recall or anyone else had this issue I have not had it inspected being it hasn’t even been a month yet
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
Driving back from Wichita today my hood kept popping open. I had to pull off the interstate and close it.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 23, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunction and is it available for inspection upon request. The CVT failsafe high fluid temperature protection mode enacted while I was driving on the highway at speeds of 65 to 70 mph going with the flow of traffic it is not available for inspection upon request because this issue only occurs while you're driving down the highway. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of my passengers and the safety of my fellow commuters was put in jeopardy due to negligence of the manufacturer of the 2012 Nissan Altima when this occurs all acceleration ceases your foot can be all the way to the floor on the gas pedal and your car will not accelerate and in the fast lane on the highway when this happened I became a Sitting Duck in the flow of traffic cars are flying by me and my passengers and I can't get enough speed to change lanes and get out of danger due to a failsafe that Nissan put in these cars on purpose they were fully aware of these issues this is a direct quote from the 2012 Nissan Altima owners manual page 5-17 warning when the high fluid temperature protection mode or fail safe operation occurs vehicle speed may be gradually reduced the reduced speed may be lower than traffic which could increase the chance of a collision be especially careful when driving if necessary pull to the side of the road to a safe place and allow the transmission to return to normal operation or have it reparative necessary. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Unknown. has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer police Insurance Representatives or others. Unknown. Where there any warning lamps messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure and when did they first appear. Zero warning lamps no messages just all of the sudden no acceleration and I am in a very dangerous situation which could have cost many people their lives
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. IT IS NOW TO THE POINT WHERE IT PEELS UP IF ANY ITEM IS PLACED ON IT AND THEN REMOVED. THERE IS A WET OILY SUBSTANCE FORMING IN PLACES ALL OVER THE DASH. IT IS INCREDIBLY STICKY ALL OVER. I PLACED MY CELL PHONE ON THE DASH WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO GET IT OFF OF MY DASH. THAT RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE GOING IN TO THE LANE ADJACENT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKED DURING REMOVAL OF THE PHONE. IT POTENTIALLY COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS CRASH. THE PHONE PULLED PART OF THE VINYL DASH OFF AS WELL. I HAVE CHECKED RECALLS FOR NISSAN AND THE DASH IS NOT AMONG THEM. I NOTED A VERY SLIGHT STICKINESS ON THE DASH WHEN I PURCHASED THE ALTIMA USED IN 2017 AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE UNTIL I AM NOW IN THE SITUATION I HAVE REPORTED. AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA SOLERA IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE DASH. TOYOTA DID ISSUE A RECALL ON THE DASH. I HAD IT REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT INCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2022
Car got stuck in a high gear on the interstate. Speed reduced dramatically and went below minimum speed limit (40mph). No warning lights illuminated. My vehicle has had this issue twice within the last 6 years. Took my car to the dealership where I bought it but they said that they didn't have anybody that could check a CVT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2021
I live in Texas and the heat is causing the dashboard to melt. This is not a cosmetic issue, the glare from the dashboard makes it very hard to see when driving and is serious safety concern. Also the melting may be problematic if the airbags need to deploy because the integrity of the dashboard is compromised. I am attach thing letters from the center for auto safety which are exactly describing the scenario.
Suspension, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2021
the airbag light that is under the dash board always turns on all of a sudden I am concerned the airbags might open or their migght be something wrong and god forbid in a accident they dont open also the suspention has always had issues
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2020
MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD AND RECENTLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD , WHICH IS THE SIGN OF A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP (ELK GROVE NISSAN, CALIFORNIA) AND PAID TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. AFTER PERFORMING THE DIAGNOSTICS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME $1500 TO REPAIR. MY QUESTION TO THEM WAS: " WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR THE REPAIR IF THE AIRBAG IS FAULTY?" I ALSO SAID THAT IF THE AIRBAG IS FAULTY, IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE CHECKED THE SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE FOR MY VEHICLE AND THERE IS NOWHERE IN THE BOOKLET THAT STATES THAT THE AIRBAG IS A MAINTENANCE ITEM FOR THE OWNER. THE AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ITEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER JF IT IS FAULTY AS IS WITH MY VEHICLE. WHAT IS FRIGHTENING IS THAT THE RED LIGHT IS STILL FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG IS FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED ASAP BEFORE SOMETHING VERY SERIOUS HAPPENS. SINCE AUGUST 2020, I HAVE TRADED PHONE CALLS, EMAILS AND LETTERS WITH NISSAN TO NO AVAIL. I AM THEREFORE APPEALING TO YOU TO KINDLY INTERVENE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE FIND ATTACHED, COPIES OF COMMUNICATION WITH NISSAN FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND REVIEW.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2020
MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA'S SUNROOF IS LEAKING, WHETHER DRIVING OR PARKED. I HAVE HAD THE DRAINS CLEANED, THE HEADLINER REMOVED AND STILL HAVE THIS ISSUE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON INFINITI'S AND NISSAN'S SINCE 2003. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY NISSAN, BEING IT'S AN ONGOING ISSUE IN ALL MODELS. I HAVE SPENT HUNDRED'S OF DOLLARS TRYING TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 7, 2020
DASHBOAD IS MELTING FROM ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE OTHER AND EXTENDS FROM THE WINDSHIELD PAST THE VENTS. THE AREA IS SO SHINNY AND GLARE IS SO GREAT THAT IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE CLEARLY DAY OR NIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2020
MY DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO MELT. THIS YEAR, IN EARLY MARCH I NOTICED IT WAS VERY STICKY AND REALLY SOFT TO THE TOUCH. MY HAND WOULD DENT IT WITH SLIGHT PRESSURE. A SLIGHT GLARE STARTED TO DEVELOP IN THE WINDSHIELD AND IT WORSENED DURING THE SUMMER. I DO NOT USE ANY CHEMICAL CLEANERS, JUST WIPE MY CAR WITH A DAMP CLOTH, SO I WAS AT A LOSS UNTIL I GOT ONLINE RECENTLY AND FOUND THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH ALTIMA MODELS. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IS WORSE DURING HOT MONTHS, THOUGH IT IS NOW COLDER OUTSIDE AND THERE IS STILL MILD STICKINESS AND GLARE. I EXPECT IT TO WORSEN AGAIN IN THE SPRING/SUMMER TEXAS HEAT. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DO NOT SOUND LIKE THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE IN THE 2012 MODEL, THOUGH SEVERAL CAR WEBSITES HAVE OTHRE OWNERS NOTING ISSUES BEYOND THE CLASS ACTION SUITE IN FLORIDA OVER THE 2007-2009 ALTIMA MODELS WITH MELTING DASHBOARDS. THE EMAIL FROM NISSAN IS ATTACHED AND I WILL RESPOND WITH THE INFORMATION THEY REQUESTED.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2020
MY CAR HAS BEEN FINE THIS WHOLE TIME AND LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND GOT STUCK IN A BLIND SPOT WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED WORKING.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2020
THE CVT TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO 'LIMP' MODE. NOT GIVING ANY POWER TO ACCELERATE AND CAUSING HIGH RMP'S WITH NO ACCELERATION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2020
DASHBOARD LOOKS ALMOST MELTED AND VERY STICKY
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2020
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
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 6, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 27, 2020
VEHICLE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. IT IS CAUSING A VISIBILITY ISSUE WITH A GLARE AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2020
STRONG EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE CAR.CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FOUND,SECOND ONE I WILL HAVE TO PUT ON CAR,FIRST WAS DISCOVERED AT APPROXIMATELY 85/88000 MILES.READ FORUMS AND DISCOVERED EARLIER VERSIONS WERE RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG LATER MODELS.GOT A HEADACHE FROM STRONG SMELL.VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY/IDLING.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2019
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. ALTIMA HAS RECALLED FROM 2007-2010 AND THEN AGAIN AFTER 2012 FOR THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS. MINE IS DOING THE SAME THINGS AND NISSAN DOESN'T HAVE A WAY FOR ME TO CHECK THE FLUIDS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM FOR OVER $7000. I'M IN THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW AND HE SAYS AGAIN THAT HE CAN'T CHECK THE FLUIDS BUT THAT I CAN REPLACE IT IF I WANT BUT THAT IT MIGHT MAKE IT WORSE. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOESN'T SHIFT AND ENGINE REVS WITHOUT ACCELERATION AT ANY SPEED. PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IS VERY DIFFICULT AND IF I AM UNABLE TO PASS IF NEEDED BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT ACCELERATES AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2019
STICKY, SHINY DASHBOARD WHICH IMPAIRS VISIBILITY DUE TO GLARE AND IS GROSS TO THE TOUCH.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 17, 2019
LOSSES POWER WHEN DRIVING WHEN MAKING TURNS IT SHAKES IT OVER HEATS
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 4, 2019
WITH MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA IT IS NOW BECOMING HARDER AND HARDER TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO MELT AND BECOME STICKY WITH THE HOT TX WEATHER. SINCE THIS HAS STARTING HAPPENING IT'S BECOMING VERY REFLECTIVE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IS CAUSING A DISTRACTION AND MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYTHING THAT IS IN FRONT OF ME.