SUSPENSION
2011 Nissan Altima
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 241 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 131 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 109 |
| Dec 2017 | 3 | 112 |
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 114 |
| Feb 2018 | 2 | 116 |
| Apr 2018 | 5 | 121 |
| May 2018 | 3 | 124 |
| Jun 2018 | 5 | 129 |
| Jul 2018 | 6 | 135 |
| Aug 2018 | 4 | 139 |
| Sep 2018 | 3 | 142 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 144 |
| Nov 2018 | 3 | 147 |
| Dec 2018 | 3 | 150 |
| Jan 2019 | 3 | 153 |
| Feb 2019 | 2 | 155 |
| Mar 2019 | 2 | 157 |
| Apr 2019 | 5 | 162 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 163 |
| Jun 2019 | 7 | 170 |
| Jul 2019 | 4 | 174 |
| Aug 2019 | 4 | 178 |
| Sep 2019 | 6 | 184 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 185 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 186 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 187 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 188 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 190 |
| May 2020 | 2 | 192 |
| Jul 2020 | 3 | 195 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 196 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 197 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 198 |
| Feb 2021 | 3 | 201 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 202 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 204 |
| Jul 2021 | 2 | 206 |
| Aug 2021 | 3 | 209 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 211 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 213 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 214 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 215 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 217 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 218 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 219 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 221 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 222 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 224 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 226 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 227 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 228 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 230 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 231 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 232 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 233 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 235 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 236 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 237 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 239 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 240 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 241 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)6724.2%
- Engine4215.2%
- Electrical3111.2%
- Body & structure269.4%
- Airbags217.6%
- Suspension145.1%
- Driver assistance145.1%
- Brakes124.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue and confirmed the code P0101. After reviewing Nissan’s official TSB DE97AA, they advised me to go to a Nissan dealership to have the ECM reprogrammed as outlined in the bulletin. ⸻ • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but not yet by the manufacturer. The dealership is aware of the issue but has refused to perform the repair without payment. ⸻ • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The Check Engine Light is consistently triggered by code P0101, and the traction control warning light also comes on when the issue is active. The symptoms appeared recently and continue to recur even after the code is reset by standard non-dealership methods like unplugging the battery.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741855
- Incident
- May 20, 2026
Drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.
- NHTSA ID
- 11720577
- Incident
- Feb 25, 2026
This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on
- NHTSA ID
- 11673091
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue and confirmed the code P0101. After reviewing Nissan’s official TSB DE97AA, they advised me to go to a Nissan dealership to have the ECM reprogrammed as outlined in the bulletin. ⸻ • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but not yet by the manufacturer. The dealership is aware of the issue but has refused to perform the repair without payment. ⸻ • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The Check Engine Light is consistently triggered by code P0101, and the traction control warning light also comes on when the issue is active. The symptoms appeared recently and continue to recur even after the code is reset.
- NHTSA ID
- 11671150
- Incident
- Jul 3, 2025
There is issue with sunroof drainage tubs causing rain to soak the floor of car. This definitely malfunction or inadequate problem with drainage tubs and sunroof parts with Nissans. I took it to the dealership and car collision repair shop and was told this is high reoccurring issue with Nissan sunroofs, but no recalls have been given, and I have to pay out pocket to get fixed. At 1st was told just get the drains cleaned out and you shouldn't have that problem again. The issue has progressed and now I have paid for drains to get unclogged 2x so far in one year and keep happening every time its alot of rain at one time. My only option I'm told is to keep getting drains cleaned and unclogged pay out of pocket or get another car without sunroof. I have gotten this done 2 years in row, that's getting too expensive to pay. That's not fair when you know it's problem with these drains and don't do nothing to fix issues. I like cars with sunroofs and have no control over when it rains. I should be able to have a car in 2025 with sunroof and not have this problem. Please help with this issue with factory sunroofs made in original cars not added. Make better drainage system for sunroofs in Nissan and all cars.
- NHTSA ID
- 11642486
- Incident
- Sep 20, 2024
I have complained to Nissan that the dash in the car is literally melting. It started around 2014 when I noticed it was having a sticky texture and because of this it creates a glare in the windshield that makes it hard to see. Over the years it has only gotten worse and the dash is literally crumbling. I read online where they have had this issue before. I have tried to get help locally but I am lost no one will help me. This is a really bad safety issue!
- NHTSA ID
- 11594805
- Incident
- Apr 14, 2014
I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situation. I called Nissan and they said it is a common problem in years 2005-2012 and there is nothing they can do. I googled it and there are many complaints online regarding this problem. A 13 y/o car that was garaged for 11 years in the NE and now parked underneath a parking garage should not have this problem. It is definitely a defect in manufacturing that is causing a safety issue and a diminished value issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11585729
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2022
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
- NHTSA ID
- 11584172
- Incident
- Apr 19, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 41 | 1 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2023 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 51.1 |
| 2022 | 30 | 0 | 1 | 55.7 |
| 2021 | 69 | 2 | 2 | 64.6 |
| 2020 | 156 | 6 | 2 | 70.2 |
| 2019 | 226 | 7 | 2 | 69.9 |
| 2018 | 223 | 2 | 4 | 57.4 |
| 2017 | 390 | 3 | 3 | 63.6 |
| 2016 | 551 | 4 | 3 | 60.9 |
| 2015 | 945 | 10 | 3 | 61.6 |
| 2014 | 1,113 | 8 | 5 | 60.5 |
| 2013 | 2,307 | 12 | 5 | 58.3 |
| 2012 | 424 | 4 | 1 | 54.4 |
| 2011Viewing | 241 | 1 | 0 | 40.2 |
| 2010 | 380 | 3 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2009 | 1,547 | 4 | 0 | 47.8 |
| 2008 | 1,028 | 4 | 1 | 54.4 |
| 2007 | 471 | 3 | 2 | 58.4 |
| 2006 | 824 | 4 | 0 | 50.8 |
| 2005 | 1,091 | 2 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2004 | 276 | 5 | 0 | 49.7 |
| 2003 | 883 | 10 | 1 | 57.2 |
| 2002 | 1,047 | 12 | 1 | 57.4 |
| 2001 | 159 | 2 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2000 | 160 | 2 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 1999 | 87 | 4 | 0 | 57.2 |
| 1998 | 123 | 4 | 0 | 54.6 |
| 1997 | 108 | 3 | 0 | 60.7 |
| 1996 | 92 | 2 | 0 | 56.4 |
| 1995 | 180 | 5 | 2 | 65.4 |
| 1994 | 106 | 4 | 2 | 68.8 |
| 1993 | 122 | 3 | 1 | 60.4 |
| 1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.