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
- 426
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 426 complaints
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 | 1,047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1,029 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,310 |
| 2014 | 1,114 |
| 2015 | 954 |
| 2016 | 553 |
| 2017 | 391 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 231 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
35% · 149 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show 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, 2025-06-30
Also filed under Steering and suspension
Engine
16% · 68 reportsShow 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, 2017-11-27
Also filed under Electrical system
Air bags
13% · 57 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-24
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, 2012-01-09
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle speed control
12% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-13
Electrical system
10% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011-08-08Suspension11V371000 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…
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…
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2011-08-22Air bags11V408000 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…
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.
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2012Complaint volume 426 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-02-14EQClosed 2012-05-08 Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
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2012-03-12Air bags12V055000 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…
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…
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2012-11-12Steering, suspension12V494000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 149 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 68 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 57 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V371000 · Suspension
- Recall 11V408000 · Air bags
- Recall 12V055000 · Air bags
- Recall 12V494000 · Steering, suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.