Worst 2012 Nissan Altima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbags
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Altima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 145 | 1 | 1 | 85,293 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 68 | 2 | 2 | 76,222 mi | |
| Airbags | 56 | 13 | — | 53,583 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 48 | 3 | — | 83,454 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | — | 1 | 52,629 mi | |
| Body Structure | 21 | 3 | — | 48,771 mi | |
| Brakes | 17 | 2 | — | 51,847 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 5 | — | 46,191 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | 3 | — | 64,502 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 16 | — | — | 79,019 mi | |
| Fuel System | 10 | 1 | — | 90,109 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 5 | — | — | 113,516 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | 1 | — | 6,250 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | 26,502 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | 2,800 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | 66,000 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Interior Panels:Dashboard | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Head Restraint | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Nissan Altima
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~34,949 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Nissan Altima Years
2012 Nissan Altima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Altima?
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Altima?
Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Altima?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Nissan Altima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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