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
426 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE WAS TRYING TO TURN THE RADIO ON BUT ACCIDENTALLY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF BECAUSE THE RADIO AND PUSH-TO-START BUTTONS WERE ABNORMALLY CLOSE IN PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2012
MAYBE A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA ON JULY 25, 2012, I HEARD SQUEAKING SOUNDS WHEN BRAKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN A LETTER FROM THE MECHANIC STATING THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO SQUEAK OCCASIONALLY BECAUSE THE BRAKES A NOT MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIALS USED IN THE PAST. ON OCT 29, 2012, I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE NOISE INCREASED WHEN STOPPING AND I STARTED TO HEAR SCRUBBING WHEN STOPPING. THE MECHANIC CHECKED MY CAR FOR THE 2ND TIME AND ONLY REPLACED BRAKE PADDING IN THE FRONT AND SHAVED ONE ROTOR. NOW ON NOV.14, 2012, THE NOISE IS CONTINUING AND THE SCRUBBING SOUND IS STILL THERE. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AND ROTORS BECAUSE THE WAS CAR NEW WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS DANGEROUS AND EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR I AM AFRAID IT MY NOT STOP WHEN I BRAKE TO STOP. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2012, crash
AS DRIVER WAS BRAKING UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT A LOCAL STORE, CAR SURGED FORWARD AND JUMPED A CURB HITTING A RED BOX VIDEO DISPLAY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Oct 24, 2012, crash
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO GO RIGHT, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V371000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 736.
Visibility, Aug 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD SMELL MOLD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,793.
Seats, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST CAUSED THE CONTACT BACK PAIN, HEAD ACHES AND NUMBNESS IN THE ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER TURNED THE HEAD REST AROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE HEAD REST WAS TURNED, THERE WAS NO MORE PAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,400.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 17, 2012
THE PEDALS ARE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED OF THIS A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN HE DROVE MY CAR BECAUSE HIS SHOE GOT CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HE WAS LIFTING HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THEN, YESTERDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. I NEARLY DROVE MY CAR THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE DAYCARE WHERE I WAS DROPPING OFF MY SON. I AM NOW AWARE OF HOW EXTRA-CAUTIOUS I HAVE TO BE WHEN DRIVING MY CAR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME WITH ANY OTHER CAR. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 25 YEARS! *TR
Seats, Jul 12, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS CROOKED - BOTH ACROSS THE BACK AND ACROSS THE SEAT. THIS MEANS ONE'S SHOULDERS AND TORSO ARE TWISTED AND FACING THE CENTER CONSOLE, NOT THE STEERING WHEEL. HIPS ARE UNEVEN WITH THE RIGHT SIDE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE LEFT. THIS IS A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAINFUL POSITION TO BE IN. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT ALL 2012 ALTIMAS ARE LIKE THIS AND THEREFORE IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM! I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE BACK OF THE SEAT IS IN FACT CROOKED IN THE MORE THAN TWO DOZEN EXAMPLES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CHECK. HOWEVER, THE SEAT BOTTOM IS NOT SUPPOSED TO SAG OR BE UNEVEN ON EITHER SIDE. I'VE CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE DEALERSHIP IS MY ONLY AVENUE TO PURSUE A REMEDY. DUE TO THE DEALERSHIP'S DETERMINATION THAT THE SEAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CROOKED MY CHOICES ARE PAY SOMEONE ELSE OR TRY MYSELF TO SHIM THE ENTIRE SEAT OR TRY TO ADJUST THE MECHANISM UNDERNEATH TO LEVEL THE BOTTOM. NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE SEAT BACK... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 20, 2012
MY BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE HIT BOTH PEDALS SEVERAL TIMES NOW. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP!!! *JS
Power train, Jun 20, 2012
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CLUTCH FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLUTCH WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS A SPONGY FEEL. THE DEALER FOUND WHITE GREASE IN THE FLUID. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND SALVE CYLINDER WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *JB
Seats, May 23, 2012
THE HEADREST IS TILTED FORWARD SO FAR THAT IT MAKES IT VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. YOUR HEAD IS FACING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALMOST, INSTEAD OF FACING THE ROAD. IT MAKES FOR A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAINFUL DRIVING EXPERIENCE. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT SINCE THE DEALER CAN'T. *TT
Exterior lighting, May 8, 2012
HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING IT TO YOUR NOTICE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS PROVIDED WITH MY NISSAN ALTIMA DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING ON THE STREET. IT IS PARTICULARLY VERY DIFFICULT WHEN MAKING TURNS, AND THE OTHER SIDE IS LIKE A 4 LANE ROAD(THE DIVIDER IS VISIBLE WHEN IT IS ALREADY TOO LATE). IT IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE ROADS IN AN AREA, YOU WILL END UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD (THE LIGHT IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH AND NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH). I WAS LUCKY THAT THE ROADS WERE EMPTY. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CARS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS WHICH ARE OLDER AND SMALLER LIGHT UP ROADS BETTER THAN MY NEW CAR DOES(EX: HYUNDAI ELANTRA). SIR, I HAVE APPROACHED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND ASK THEM TO INSTALL HID LAMPS ON MY CAR(I WOULD PAY FOR IT) AND THEY SAY NISSAN WOULD NOT DO IT. SOME TIMES IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE NO HEAD LIGHTS AND AS IF I AM DRIVING WITH LIGHTING FROM OTHER CARS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. I WOULD BE REALLY HAPPY IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE PROPER HEADLAMPS WITH RIGHT AMOUNT OF LIGHTING AND WIDE ENOUGH BEAM TO ENSURE A SAFE AND NON-LIFE THREATENING DRIVING EXPERIENCE. THANKS, A DRIVER WHO WANTS TO BE ALIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2012
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. IGNITION SWITCH WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE FUEL PUMP FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED SO THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF. THEN THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE WAS REMOVED TO RESET. BATTERY CABLE WAS RECONNECTED AND FUEL PUMP FUSE REINSTALLED. CAR WOULD NOW START AND SHUT OFF NORMALLY. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT IT CONCERNS US BECAUSE THIS CAR IS ONLY FOUR MONTHS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PUSH TO START BUTTON, WHICH POWERED THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF, WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,500.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT INADVERTANTLY DEPRESSED BOTH PEDALS SIMULTANEOUSLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 9, 2012
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL EFFICIENCY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS NOT GETTING THE CLAIMED MPG AS STATED FROM NISSAN. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS BARELY GETTING OVER 20 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2012
2012 NISSAN ALTIMA RENTAL VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME TO A NEAR COMPLETE STOP ON THE LEFT- OF- MIDDLE LANE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITH NO WARNING, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY SLOWED DOWN FROM 60 MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND BEGAN TO SHAKE AND JERK. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUMES INDICATING THAT SOMETHING WAS BURNING OR MELTING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS AS HIGH AS IT COULD GO, INDICATION THE ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jan 9, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WAS TRAVELING AT SPEED OF THE ROAD AND I WANTED TO MAKE A FULL STOP BUT I HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME! I PUSHED AND PUSHED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE NEVER BRAKE!! ALSO MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!! THERE IS PHYSICAL AND BODILY DAMAGE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME! ALSO MY CAR WAS DAMAGED! NISSAN SHOULD STEP UP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM! *TR
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2011
THE DISPLAY SCREEN THAT COMMUNICATES NAVIGATION MAP, RADIO, PHONE, BACKUP CAMERA PICTURE, ETC. STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 19, 2011
TRAVELING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD GOING 55 MPH. IT WAS AROUND 10 A.M., SUNNY AND DRY. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE ROAD. I HEARD A LOUD "POP" WHICH CAME FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IN FRONT OF BACK TIRE. WE LOOKED FOR DEBRIS ON THE ROAD, SAW NONE. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. CONTINUED 10 - 15 MORE MILES TO HOME OF FATHER-IN-LAW. STEPPED OUT OF CAR AND SMELLED STRONG GAS FUMES. PROCEEDED AROUND BACK OF CAR TO PASSENGER SIDE. OBSERVED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN FRONT OF REAR PASSENGER TIRE. SLOW, STEADY DRIP WAS COMING FROM BOTTOM OF CAR ABOVE PUDDLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO NISSAN DEALER IN LEXINGTON, KY. THEY REPORTED THE FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2011
IF YOU LEAVE THE KEY OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND IT IS TOUCHING THE VEHICLE THE PUSH BUTTON IGNITION WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE KEY AND START THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THE KEY MUST BE WITH YOU (INSIDE) IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THERE IS NO WARNING STATING OTHERWISE. THIS IS A PERSONAL SECURITY AND SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 11, 2011
ALL NISSANS HAVE LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AT STARTUP AT AROUND 30 MILES PER HOUR. NISSAN SAYS IT IS THE ABS BRAKE TEST. VERY ANNOYING AND VERY LOUD. *KB