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, Jun 1, 2019
THE SEAL ON THE OIL COOLER OF MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED AND NISSAN WON'T REPAIR IT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON ON MY VEHICLE. HERE IS A LINK TO AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT -- HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/ENGINE-OIL-LEAKING-PROBLEMS.PHP NISSAN TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A MECHANIC AT ONE OF THEIR DEALERSHIPS AT A COST TO ME LOOK AT IT. I HAVE HAD A MECHANIC I TRUST, WHO LOOKED IT AT NO CHARGE AND WHO ONLY WORKS ON NISSANS, DIAGNOSE IT AS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE OIL COOLER SEAL. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AWHILE AND I HAVE EXPLORED OPTIONS TO REPAIR IT AND HAVE FAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH NISSAN A FEW TIMES BECAUSE I REFUSE TO PAY A NISSAN DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WHEN A MECHANIC I TRUST HAS ALREADY DONE SO. THE DATE I PUT IN FOR WHEN IT HAPPENED IS ONLY AN ESTIMATE, BUT MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. I JUST THOUGHT OF CONTACTING THE NHTSA ABOUT IT AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE. THIS HAS CAUSED OIL TO LEAK OUT FROM THE OIL COOLER ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT AND THAT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, BUT IT HASN'T BEEN SEVERE TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUT OIL IN THE CAR.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 20, 2019
I HAVE A AUTOMATIC 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA W. 130K MILES. WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND IN ORDER FOR ME TO STOP, I HAD TO PLACE MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ON. THE GEAR WAS STUCK IN BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND REVERSE AND UNABLE TO MOVE. THOUGHT IT WAS A SHIFTER CONSOLE, BUT TURNS OUT IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION. IN THIS MODEL CAR, THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST NISSAN FOR FAILING CVT TRANSMISSIONS/ENGINES. MY FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. DUE TO THE MILES, I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND I DO BELIEVE THAT NISSAN SHOULD BE AT FAULT SEEING THAT THERE IS A SUIT PENDING.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2019
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHINING NOISE..WOULD NOT GO OVER 40 MPH . RPMS WENT UP BUT NO POWER .. HAD TOWED TO DEALER ADVISED TRANSMISSION WAS BAD ..TRANSMISSION SHOP ADVISED WOULD COST $ 3800 TO REPAIR AND NISSAN TRANSMISSIONS WERE FAULTY HAS 150,000 MILES ..
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2019
MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAID IT IS GONNA COST 3,400 TO FIX IT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AND AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPED WORKING BEARELY MADE IT HOME
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 12, 2019
THE VEHICLES ENGINE IS BURNING OIL VERY RAPIDLY AND WHEN I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS TO GET A OTHER OPINIONS, AND I WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DASHBOARD IS ALSO VERY STICKY AND IS MELTING WAS TOLD THAT THAT HAPPENS TO THE VEHICLES AS WELL.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2018
ONE 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WHILE I WAS SITTING A RED, THE SECOND TIME I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING THROUGH TRAFFIC AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER I WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT TOOK ABOUT A HOUR BEFORE THE CAR WOULD START AGAIN, LUCKILY THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. I HAVE READ A FEW STORIES AND COMPLAINTS ON CAR GURUS THAT OTHER NISSAN OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I TRULY FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND THIS MATTER NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME.
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2018
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. CVT TRANSMISSION. CAR LOST POWER AND COULDN'T DRIVE OVER 50 MPH. A WEEK LATER, CAR WON'T EVEN ACCELERATE. 107,000 MILES CURRENTLY ON VEHICLE. CURRENTLY WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT LOST TOTAL POWER. NO ACCELERATION IN REVERSE OR IN DRIVE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2018
SECURITY PROMPT TO" PRESS BRAKE TO START" IN VECHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY FAILED CAUSING CONFUSION ON PROPER STARTING PROCEDURE FOR THE VECHICLE. INFORMATION TO START VECHICLE IS BLANK IN THE SCREEN,THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITH EARLY 2007 MODELS AND HAS SHOWED UP IN MY 2012 ALTIMA. THIS VECHICLE IS STORE NORMALLY HAS 32K MILES ON IT AS OF 10/9/2018 AND SHOULDNT HAVE HAD THIS KIND OF FAILURE. WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO FAIL IN THIS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHILE DRIVING, IT SAFETY ISSUE. THIS DISPLAY WENT OUT WHEN STOPPED AND TURNED OFF. THIS FAILURE CAUSED LOSS OF WARNING INFORMATION ABOUT THE VECHICLE OPERATION.SEE PHOTOS OF NORMAL OPERATION SUPPLIED BY THIS DISPLAY.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 6, 2018
THE TRACTION(SLIP) SYMBOL HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS CAUSING MY BRAKES TO SQUEAL REGARDLESS OF BEING ON THE BRAKES. TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED KICKING INTO LOWER GEARS WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE SPEED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2018
CVT TRANSMISSION HAS WENT OUT. I WAS DIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO PAST 20 MPH. NISSAN STATED THAT TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND A NEW ONE IS NEEDED. $4000. SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY PREVIOUS CAR. 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 24, 2018
THE DASH IS MELTING CREATING A SHINY RESIDUE COVERING THE DASH. WHEN THE SUN OR BRIGHT LIGHTS GUYS AT NIGHT IS SHINING THE SHINY DASH REFLECTS ON THE WINDSHIELD CREATING A GLARE THAT OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISION WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING ON ANY HIGHWAY OR ROAD. THE SERVICE DEPT AT MY LOCAL DEALER TOOK PHOTOS AND SENT IT TO NISSAN ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING. IT IS GETTING SO BADD THAT WHILE DRIVING IT HAS STARTED OBSTRUCTING THE VISION OF THE ROADWAY.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2018
I HAVE A STICKY, SHINY, MELTED, REFLECTIVE DASHBOARD CAUSING A PROBLEM WITH SAFELY OPERATING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE REFLECTIVE GLARE. THIS IS HAD A GRADUAL ONSET AND IS GRADUALLY WORSENING. NISSAN TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT IN 2007-2009 MODELS BUT IN MY CASE NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT IN MY CAR.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2018
CAR DASH COVER MELTING
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2018
MY TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 112,000MILES IN SEPT 2017. NOW TODAY I FIND OUT THAT I MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AGAIN, DATE BEING (3/14/2018). CODES ARE : BCM; TRANSMISSIONS FAULT 4; IPDM E/R FAULT 3. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, I WILL BE TAKING IT INTO FORT WORTH NISSAN ON SATURDAY 3/17/2018 TO DETERMINE IF IT IS FAILING AGAIN, IT BEING ONLY 9,000 MILES LATER.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2018
VEHICLE JUST LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. NO POWER AT ALL, ALMOST TAIL ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT SWIRLED INTO EMERGENCY LANE TO AVOID HITTING ME. UNABLE TO USE HAZARD LIGHTS, AS THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE CAR. LUCKILY I HAD A PORTABLE JUMPER AND HAD TO EXIT MY CAR AND STAND IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WITH HOOD UP, UNABLE TO SEE TRAFFIC COMING AND VERY SCARED OF GETTING HIT BECAUSE I HAD NO HAZARD LIGHTS. VEHICLE FINALLY STARTED AND WOULD BARELY ACCELERATE, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK. I LIVE OVER AN HOUR FROM WORK AND NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE HOME ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS, I FOUND WHILE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED, SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE BEEN IN NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE EXACT SAME REASON AND HAVE REPORTED THIS BUT NISSAN IS MAKING NO EFFORT TO FIND AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT BADLY HAVING THIS HAPPEN WHERE IT DID AND I AM NOTIFYING WHOEVER IS NECESSARY ABOUT THIS SITUATION, BECAUSE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AND IT'S RELATED TO THIS ISSUE THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF, MY FAMILY WILL BE SUING ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS I'M SURE. I HAD NO POWER, NO STEERING, NO CONTROL AT ALL
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2018
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CODES IS COMING STEP MOTORS
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2017
THE CARPET IS LOOSE AROUND THE AREA WHEN THE CAR MAT ATTACHED. CAUSING THE MAT TO MOVE AND GET STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE TALKED TO COUPLE OF ALTIMA OWNER AND IT THE SAME. I HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL ON THIS YET.
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2017, crash
THE WIPER BLADES SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING DURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE TIME AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OFF ON A SIDE ROAD AS HE HAD VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY WHICH RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE SIDE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2017
THE DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY MELTING AND IT IS GETTING STICKY AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT PRODUCES A GLARE AND IT OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW. THE GLARE IS STOPPING ME FROM SEEING THE CARS AND OBJECTS IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2017, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHER ITEM. I LEFT AND HEADED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BACK ON THE SAME ROAD I TRAVELED TO TOWN ON. AS I WAS ON THE 2 LANE ITHE ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED TO BE RAINING HEAVIER AND I COULD TELL BY THE RAIN CROSSING OVER MY HEADLIGHTS. SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL CAUGHT MY EYE, IT LOOKED LIKE ORANGE RAIN, I ASSUMED JUST THE APPEARANCE FROM ONE OF THE BULBS. UNSURE THOUGH, I CONTINUED DRIVING BUT SCOOTED TO THE EDGE OF MY SEAT AND SET UP TALL TO GETTA BETTER LOOK, AT THAT TIME I SEEN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, I COULDN'T PULL OFF SIDE OF ROAD AS IT HAS NO DITCHES JUST RAVINES SO I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED UNLOCKING MY DOOR TO OPEN IT WOULDN'T AND MY WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN, TERRIFIED I PROCEEDED TO CALL 911 AND INFORM THEM MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS IN IT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS HOPING TO GET TO NEXT ROAD I KNEW I COULD PULL OFF. THE ENTIRE TIME NEVER DID ANYTHING WARNING LIGHTS OR GAUGES COME ON NOR DID THE TEMPERATURE RISE. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO EXIST THE CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FINALLY ARRIVED. THEYOU GOT IT PUT OUT BUT IT WAS COMPLETE LOSS. I HAVE NO IDEA AS TO WHY THIS FIRE HAPPENED I TOOK WELL CARE OF MY CAR, MAINTAINING IT REGULARLY AS RECOMMENDED AND ALWAYS CAUTIOUSLY DRIVING IT. I HAVE ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA THAT'S STILL RUNNING STRONG WITH 300,000.00 MILES ON IT, SO THIS SHOULD SHOW I CARE FOR MY VEHICLES ABOVE WHAT'S RECOMMENDED.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2017
SINCE NEW, BATTERY GOES DEAD IF NOT DRIVEN FOR A FEW DAYS. AFTER A WEEK VACATION, BATTERY DEAD. PARKED IN GARAGE FOR A WEEK, BATTERY DEAD. PAID DEALER $120 FOR COMPLETE CHECK UP - FOUND NOTHING.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2016
ON JULY 18, 2016, WHILE PARKED AT WORK ON THE SIDE OF A ROAD, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SHATTERED. THE POLICE DETERMINED IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING HITTING IT. THE WINDOW THAT SHATTERED WAS FACING A YARD, NOT THE STREET, SO NO PROJECTILE OBJECT HIT IT. THE POLICE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE HEAT (IN THE 80'S, BUT IN NY, AND WE HAD IT FOR 18 MONTHS IN NC WHERE IT'S A LOT HOTTER, WITH NO INCIDENT). THEN ON AUGUST 20, 2016 THE CAR WAS PARKED AT A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. WHEN MY SON CAME OUT OF THE GROCERY STORE, THERE WAS A 14 INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS NOT THERE WHEN HE WENT INTO THE STORE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PROJECTILE HITTING THE GLASS. THE CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AND 35,000 MILES. TEMP OUTSIDE: 85DEGREES. NO REASON WHY THESE WINDOWS (2 IN 1 MONTH) SHOULD BE SHATTERING SPONTANEOUSLY BY THEMSELVES. NO ROCKS OR OTHER PROJECTILES INVOLVED. BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS PARKED NEXT TO OTHER CARS, AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE OTHER CARS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 15, 2016
IM DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY TAKING THE CURVE DOWNTOWN DALLAS & MY CAR STALLS O POWER AVAILABLE. I CANNOT STEER TO COAST, NOR PUT CAN ION EMERGENCY FLASHERS. WHERE IT DIES IT SITS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY. I HAVE ONLY HAD CAR FOR 2 MONTHS. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND SCARED.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2016
LEAKING SUNROOF. WHEN WE GET A HEAVY RAIN, WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE SUNROOF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO FL FROM KY AT AROUND 65-75 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELORATE PAST 3000 RPM'S. GOING UP HILLS WAS THE WORST, CARS WOULD PASS AND OUR VEHICLE WOULD SLOWLY DECLINE IN SPEED. PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE CAR OUT AND AFTER IF COOLED DOWN IT WHEN BACK TO WORKING OKAY BUT AFTER ANOTHER HOUR ON THE ROAD IT DONE THE SAME THING.