2012 Nissan Altima: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Nissan Altima has 423 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag cvt transmission failure — catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain rpm. associated with multiple class-action lawsuits, especially for 2010-2020 models. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

423
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
23
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Nissan Altima vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
149
engine
68
air bags
56
vehicle speed control
49
electrical system
44

Recalls affecting the 2012 Altima

air bags:side/window

Campaign 12V055000

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…

air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

Campaign 11V408000

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 BECA…

steering

Campaign 12V494000

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 …

suspension

Campaign 11V371000

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 T…

What owners say across generations

Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and

  • CVT transmission failure — Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM. Associated with multiple class-action lawsuits, especially for 2010-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT-related problems (general) — Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine issues (various) — For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA recall (25V437). For older 2.5L engines, reports of oil consumption, misfires, and sensor problems. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical and sensor problems — Faulty camshaft/crankshaft position sensors causing stalling and erratic idle; alternator failures; flickering dashboard lights; stereo/infotainment malfunctions (volume changing randomly, resets). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Build quality and interior issues — Noted decline in interior material quality over successive generations; components becoming loose or rattling; general perception of cheapening. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Altima.

Typical used price

Used Altima listings typically run $16,897–$25,989 across 2010 to 2025 model years.

Other Altima model years

2022 Altima2018 Altima2016 Altima2007 Altima2002 Altima
Full Nissan Altima owner reportCompare against another car