2012 Nissan Altima
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 125 |
| 1994 | 113 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 425 |
| 2013 | 2308 |
| 2014 | 1113 |
| 2015 | 947 |
| 2016 | 552 |
| 2017 | 390 |
| 2018 | 225 |
| 2019 | 228 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: power train — 149 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250630
Also filed under STEERING and SUSPENSION
16% of complaints: engine — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171127
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13% of complaints: air bags — 57 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260724
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!!
NHTSA ODI report, 20120109
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20121113
10% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 NO
Remedy: 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 1-8
Campaign 11V371000 — check if this car was fixed
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, THROUG
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
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 COMPONE
Remedy: 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 CUSTOM
Campaign 12V055000 — check if this car was fixed
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 stee
Remedy: 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 Ser
Campaign 12V494000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (149 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V371000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V408000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V055000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V494000 (steering, suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Nissan Altima is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.