Owners have filed 579 complaints
about the 2012 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 62
11.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2261.1%
Dashboard
38.3%
Door
38.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking
25.6%
Head Restraint
25.6%
Automatic Transmission
25.6%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
12.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
12.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
286.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
266.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
327.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5613.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6515.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8219.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
10324.8%
150,000+ miles
245.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2011peak 19Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Nissan Altima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EQ12002Opened 14 Feb 2012Closed 8 May 2012AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.
Recalls on the 2012 Nissan Altima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
12V494000
STEERING
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.
Risk: 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.
12V055000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
11V408000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
Risk: 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.
11V371000
SUSPENSION
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.
Risk: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201205630 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag inflators may have been incorrectly manufactured and, as a result, one or both airbags may not deploy as intended. Failure of a side curtain airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted), could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both side curtain airbag assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jacksonville, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
I was working, and as I was on my way to a location a lady in front of me came to a complete stop since a couple of ducks were crossing causing me to come to a complete stop as well. As I stopped I looked into my rearview mirror I noticed the lady behind me was not stopping and then smashed into the back of me launching me into the car in front of me. My passenger air bag went off, however my driver seat airbag did not go off, failing to protect me. My car was completely totaled in result of the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11752694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuquay Varina, NCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greer, SCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Car had a hard impact, not on the front end but flipped multiple times, air bags and side air bags did not deploy
NHTSA complaint #11487752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Owego, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Took the car to a repair shop to get an alignment. Was told that the frame rear cross member was so rusty that it needed to be replaced, and that if it broke while driving I would lose control of the car. The component has not been removed from the car. No one else has looked at the car. Only prior warning/message/symptom was uneven rear tire wear first noticed about 6 months prior, but that may have been due to bad rear shocks.
NHTSA complaint #11757305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
I was working, and as I was on my way to a location a lady in front of me came to a complete stop since a couple of ducks were crossing causing me to come to a complete stop as well. As I stopped I looked into my rearview mirror I noticed the lady behind me was not stopping and then smashed into the back of me launching me into the car in front of me. My passenger air bag went off, however my driver seat airbag did not go off, failing to protect me. My car was completely totaled in result of the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11752694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, OH
TIRES
215/60/r16 Driving down, interstate st 70 steering wheel started to shake, then load noise as if running over something, then could see the entire middle tread of the tire flying into the lane behind me to the right. So luckily no one was in that lane or it would’ve crashed into the front of their car. Car was recently purchased from a dealer and the dealer had just gotten it from an auction so little to no information about the tires except for the date on the side, which was 0419, I assume April of 2019. Incident beyond panic caused tire tread to cut rear bumper in half as well as bending up metal positions, where the bumper attached to under the car. The tire also took out the entire inner fender well and smacked against the door in rear fender, causing damage. The tire remains inflated although all of the middle section is completely missing and wires are sticking out everywhere. The tires had just been rotated, and inspected and thankfully the failing tire was not on the front of the vehicle or it could’ve been much worse. Mechanic stated tread was OK. Tires looked OK and of course, made sure the correct psi was in them. The tire is available for inspection. The tire has not been looked at by anyone else the place were not involved and there was no warning light.
NHTSA complaint #11735170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuquay Varina, NCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ENGINE
There is a recall for the manufacturer emissions that the website doesn’t have on this car.
NHTSA complaint #11700959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11675421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, TNCrash
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Channelview, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11664378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
STEERING
Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly
NHTSA complaint #11649779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
SUSPENSION
Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly
NHTSA complaint #11649779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
ENGINE
Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly
NHTSA complaint #11649779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The sensor was replaced but the light engine light still came back on now the speed sensor is causing the issue. The abs light comes on while accelerating it jumps and jerks
NHTSA complaint #11632800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
The sensor was replaced but the light engine light still came back on now the speed sensor is causing the issue. The abs light comes on while accelerating it jumps and jerks
NHTSA complaint #11632800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The sensor was replaced but the light engine light still came back on now the speed sensor is causing the issue. The abs light comes on while accelerating it jumps and jerks
NHTSA complaint #11632800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 236,000 milesVernon, CT
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle, followed by a dragging sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear driver side tire was hanging from the suspension. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012
NHTSA complaint #11584714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
ENGINE
The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012
NHTSA complaint #11584714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012
NHTSA complaint #11584714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broomall, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have owned this vehicle for over ten years and now there is paint delamination on the hood and roof of the vehicle which is a manufacture defect.
NHTSA complaint #11582188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11574096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission
NHTSA complaint #11574066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesWest New York, NJ
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the OCS control unit was malfunctioning. The dealer determined that the front passenger’s side seat needed to be replaced. The dealer charged a fee to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11559125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FL
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11548757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.