2012 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 426 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and airbags.
426 complaints 4 recalls, 1 injury risk 7th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2012 Nissan Altima problems
Transmission problems
149 complaints (35%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Engine problems
72 complaints (17%) name the engine.
Airbag problems
57 complaints (13%) name the airbags.
Acceleration problems
49 complaints (12%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (296 of 426). The amber line is the middle value, about 75,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Nissan Altima recalls
Steering, Suspension
These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification. 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.
Recall 12V494000 · Oct 2012Side curtain airbags may fail to deploy
Injury riskThe side curtain airbags may contain the wrong propellant mix, so they can produce too little gas to inflate. If that happens in a crash, the airbags may not deploy, raising the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace one or both side curtain airbag modules, as needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 12V055000 · Feb 2012Sensor / control module-inactive
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. 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.
Recall 11V408000 · Aug 2011Suspension
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. 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.
Recall 11V371000 · Jul 2011Get an email when your 2012 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Nissan Altima problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 426 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and airbags.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, airbags and acceleration and speed control. 149 complaints (35%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
At what mileage do 2012 Nissan Altima transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 70,000–114,000 miles, with a middle value near 94,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
4. Steering, Suspension (12V494000); Side curtain airbags may fail to deploy (12V055000); Sensor / control module-inactive (11V408000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.