STEERING; SUSPENSION
2012 Nissan Altima
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 424 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Nissan Altima, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 121 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2019 | 2 | 272 |
| Mar 2019 | 4 | 276 |
| Apr 2019 | 5 | 281 |
| May 2019 | 3 | 284 |
| Jun 2019 | 3 | 287 |
| Jul 2019 | 7 | 294 |
| Aug 2019 | 12 | 306 |
| Sep 2019 | 8 | 314 |
| Oct 2019 | 3 | 317 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 319 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 320 |
| Jan 2020 | 3 | 323 |
| Feb 2020 | 4 | 327 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 329 |
| May 2020 | 4 | 333 |
| Jun 2020 | 4 | 337 |
| Jul 2020 | 7 | 344 |
| Aug 2020 | 7 | 351 |
| Sep 2020 | 5 | 356 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 357 |
| Nov 2020 | 4 | 361 |
| Dec 2020 | 3 | 364 |
| Jan 2021 | 2 | 366 |
| Feb 2021 | 4 | 370 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 371 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 372 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 374 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 375 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 377 |
| Oct 2021 | 4 | 381 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 382 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 385 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 386 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 388 |
| Apr 2022 | 4 | 392 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 393 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 394 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 396 |
| Nov 2022 | 2 | 398 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 399 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 400 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 402 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 404 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 405 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 406 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 407 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 408 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 409 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 410 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 412 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 414 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 415 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 416 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 417 |
| Jun 2025 | 2 | 419 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 420 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 421 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 422 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 423 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 424 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)14527.9%
- Engine7213.8%
- Airbags5711.0%
- Driver assistance5410.4%
- Electrical448.5%
- Body & structure295.6%
- Brakes203.8%
- Visibility183.5%
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
4 campaigns 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.govAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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. As I stopped I looked into my rearview mirror I noticed the lady behind me was not stopping and then smashed into the back of me launching me into the car in front of me. My passenger air bag went off, however my driver seat airbag did not go off, failing to protect me. My car was completely totaled in result of the accident.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752694
- Incident
- Jul 21, 2026
215/60/r16 Driving down, interstate st 70 steering wheel started to shake, then load noise as if running over something, then could see the entire middle tread of the tire flying into the lane behind me to the right. So luckily no one was in that lane or it would’ve crashed into the front of their car. Car was recently purchased from a dealer and the dealer had just gotten it from an auction so little to no information about the tires except for the date on the side, which was 0419, I assume April of 2019. Incident beyond panic caused tire tread to cut rear bumper in half as well as bending up metal positions, where the bumper attached to under the car. The tire also took out the entire inner fender well and smacked against the door in rear fender, causing damage. The tire remains inflated although all of the middle section is completely missing and wires are sticking out everywhere. The tires had just been rotated, and inspected and thankfully the failing tire was not on the front of the vehicle or it could’ve been much worse. Mechanic stated tread was OK. Tires looked OK and of course, made sure the correct psi was in them. The tire is available for inspection. The tire has not been looked at by anyone else the place were not involved and there was no warning light.
- NHTSA ID
- 11735170
- Incident
- Apr 30, 2026
I am reporting a potential unintended automatic emergency braking event involving a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. On 23Mar2026, at approximately 40 mph, I was traveling behind a Tesla Cybertruck on a public roadway. There were no visible obstacles, hazards, or debris in the roadway that I observed. The Cybertruck suddenly and aggressively braked without warning. The abrupt deceleration appeared inconsistent with road conditions and is consistent with what is commonly described as “phantom braking.” As a result of the sudden stop, I was unable to avoid a collision with the rear of the vehicle despite maintaining a reasonable following distance. After the impact, the Cybertruck initially left the scene, stating they were unaware a collision had occurred. No debris or roadway hazard was documented at the scene in the police report (FVPD report #2026-00777). The other driver later indicated a plastic bag may have triggered the vehicle’s emergency braking system. I am submitting this report as a potential safety issue involving unintended or inappropriate automatic emergency braking behavior.
- NHTSA ID
- 11730266
- Incident
- Mar 23, 2026
There is a recall for the manufacturer emissions that the website doesn’t have on this car.
- NHTSA ID
- 11700959
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2020
I drove out of town about 40 miles and everything was fine, next day went to leave to come home and immediately noticed high RPMs going about 20MPH. I pulled over, turned the car off and turned it back on, started driving and same thing. I had no choice but to drive it on the interstate. I could get up to 60 very carefully but I was still sitting around 4000rpms. It wouldn’t shift gears at all (I know it’s a CVT and doesn’t have gears). I then noticed a high squealing noise, thankfully made it home with a lot of honking and middle fingers even though I had my hazards on. Once I made it home, plugged in my OBD scanner and had a pending DTC of P1778 which I have found to be the stepper motor. Aka the death code. It’ll start, shift into all other gears, but is making a high squealing noise even when idle and in park and when revving in park the squeal gets louder. I even attempted the “semi manual’ to see if I could get it to catch, I couldn’t at all. No matter what “gear” I was in it wouldn’t bring the RPMs down.
- NHTSA ID
- 11675421
- Incident
- Jul 19, 2025
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. Cv joints along with tie rods have been easily compromised and damaged causing loss of control and steering .suspensions are no longer in tact nor reliable and will pose a danger. All errors were not found by manufacturer and has caused immediate danger to not only driver but everyone on the road. The engine has a rattle only after 2 years which is not usual.
- NHTSA ID
- 11670314
- Incident
- Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics after purchasing the vehicle and the mass air flow, spark plugs, sensor coils, and other various engine parts and catalytic converters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11664378
- Incident
- May 3, 2015
Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly
- NHTSA ID
- 11649779
- Incident
- Feb 12, 2025
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 |
| 2012Viewing | 424 | 4 | 1 | 54.4 |
| 2011 | 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.