2012 Nissan Altima recalls and problems
The 2012 Nissan Altima has 4 safety recalls and 426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Nissan Altima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Nissan Altima recalls
Recall 12V-494: Suspension, Steering
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 12V-055: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-408: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-371: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Nissan Altima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 149 | |
| Engine | 68 | |
| Air Bags | 57 | |
| Unknown or Other | 56 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 49 | |
| Electrical System | 44 | |
| Structure | 33 | |
| Service Brakes | 17 | |
| Suspension | 17 | |
| Steering | 17 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 22
- Structure › Body › Door — 3
- Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 3
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Nissan Altima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Altima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima: 12V-494 (suspension, steering), 12V-055 (air bags), 11V-408 (air bags), 11V-371 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Altima?
Owners report power train problems most often (149 reports), followed by engine (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.