2012 NISSAN ALTIMA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission cvt

    7 stranded, 66 unsafe, 1 broken

    74
    incidents
    Typical range: 68,000–113,500 mi

    Median 94,000 mi, based on 69 reports (30% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL DECELERATION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTRAL V…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1407627
    • "THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE FREEWAY AND IT LOST POWER WHILE I WAS IN THE CARPOOL SO I DROVE CAREFULLY TO THE EMERGENCY LANES ON THE SIDE RISKING GETTING HIT BY A CAR CAUSE IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER OR SHIFTING. I THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. I TURN…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1728171
    • "WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CVT STARTS MAKING NOISE, THE RPM GO UP TO 6,000 RPM THEN I LOOSE ENGINE POWER SUDDENLY SO THE CAR SPEED STUCK ON 40 MPH SUDDENLY AND DECREASE THE SPEED EVEN WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL IT JUST MAKES NOISE AND I…"~96,000 mi, complaint #1474461
    • "TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. WHINING WHEN ACCELERATING OR SLOWING DOWN GOING UP A HILL OR GOING DOWN. NISSAN EXTENDED WARRANTIES ON EARLIER MODELS BUT NOT THE 2012 ALTIMA."~113,000 mi, complaint #1482628
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING THE COMPLAINANT WAS STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE CVT TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM INADEQUATE TO COOL FLUIDS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO SAFE DRIVING/LIMP…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1583068
  2. #2

    transmission automatic

    11 stranded, 51 unsafe

    62
    incidents
    Typical range: 58,000–115,000 mi

    Median 92,500 mi, based on 57 reports (24% had no usable mileage)

    • "CAR SEEMS TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. TO RESOLVE THIS I NEED TO BRAKE, SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. *TR"~7,700 mi, complaint #1099650
    • "I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WENT TO MY MECHANIC AND GAVE ME A CODE OF P1778, HE TOLD ME NISSAN TRANSMISSIONS HAVE A SPECIFIC PROBLEM WITH THEIR STEP MOTORS AND THAT NISSAN IS SUPPOSED TO FIX THEM FOR FREE. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY A…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1530817
    • "MY CAR STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE WHILE DRIVING IT. GOING UP THE HILL MY CAR ON A HIGHWAY IN THE DESERT WHEN THE SPEED DECLINED IT'S FROM 70MPH TO 45MPH, WHICH I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND IT WAS STUCK ON 45MPH, AND ALMOST CAUSED THE CAR BEHIND ME TO CRASH IN…"~94,100 mi, complaint #1474434
    • "THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT AT 115,000 MILES, JUST BELOW OF THE CUTOFF FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THE 2010 ALTIMAS. THE SAME TRANSMISSION RESIDES IN BOTH OF THESE CARS, WHY IS ONE COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE OTHER NOT?"~116,000 mi, complaint #1507324
    • "DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THEN NO ACCELERATION W A HIGH PITCH SOUND...CAN ONLY DRIVE IT 20 MPH IF AT ALL..HAD IT TOWED AND A MECHANIC SAID IT IS MY TRANSMISSION..AS I AM RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I AM FINDING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR AND N…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1533884
  3. #3

    airbag system

    46 unsafe

    46
    incidents
    Typical range: 12,000–93,500 mi

    Median 56,000 mi, based on 44 reports (33% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT ON EVEN WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT GOES OFF AFTER LIKE 10-15 MINUTES. THIS HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY AND I BELIEVE THOSE 10-15 MINUTES WITHOUT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF IS TOO DANGEROUS TO LIVE WITH IN CASE…"~1,500 mi, complaint #987924
    • "THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY TURNS ON WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS INDICATES THAT IF THERE WERE AN ACCIDENT WHILE THIS WARNING LIGHT IS ON; THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WOULD NOT GO OFF; WHICH CAN RESULT…"~29,100 mi, complaint #967478
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND BRAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT, CAUSING HER TO…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1200405
    • "THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CENSOR BLINKS ON MY DASH ON/OFF FOR PASSENGER WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. LAST TIME MY HUSBAND SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE CENSOR SHOWED PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF. NOT AT ALL SAFE THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFOR…"~82,500 mi, complaint #1289826
    • "A RED FLASHING LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE A PERSON SITTING WITH A AIRBAG IN THE FACE WON'T GO OFF AND A YELLOW LIGHT THAT HAS A X OVER THE 2ND SEAT. I'M SCARED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WON'T WORK IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS"~145,000 mi, complaint #1613753
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 22 unsafe

    24
    incidents
    Typical range: 41,000–126,500 mi

    Median 77,000 mi, based on 42 reports (22% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR, THE POWER COMES ON(RADIO COMES ON, DASHBOARD LIGHTS), BUT THE IGNITION DOESN'T START. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 15K MILES ON IT. *TR"~15,000 mi, complaint #1010132
    • "ON 8/17/2020 AT 11:30AM I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN EVERYTHING IN MY CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING. I QUICKLY PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS MY CAR RESTARTED WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS THAT DAY. ON 8/18/2020 A…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1685924
    • "WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE AT A RESTAURANT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND SURGE FROM THE ENGINE PROPELLING THE CAR FORWARD AND OVER AN EMBANKMENT FORTUNATELY FOR A FEW TREES AND GOD'S HELP MY WIFE IS THANKFULLY STILL ALIVE THE EMBANKMEN…"~77,800 mi, complaint #1406093
    • "WHEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR A LONG DISTANCE (30 MILES) THERE IS A WHINING SOUND THAT STARTS AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IF THE CAR IS ALLOWED TO SIT AND COOL DOWN THE WHINING WILL STOP BUT START BACK AS THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HEATS UP. DURING THIS PERIOD TH…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1504481
    • "ONE 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WHILE I WAS SITTING A RED, THE SECOND TIME I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING THROUGH TRAFFIC AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER I WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT…"~215,000 mi, complaint #1520663
  5. #5

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents
    Typical range: 47,000–100,500 mi

    Median 75,000 mi, based on 31 reports (9% had no usable mileage)

    • "INITIALLY EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER AROUND 30,000 MILES WHILE GOING 80 MPH ON INTERSTATE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE ONLY OPTION IS TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE OR FIND ANYTHING WRONG. VEHICLE CON…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1489518
    • "THIS VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 3 TIMES NOW. JUST DRIVING ALONG AND IT JUST STARTS SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN. RUNNING 70MPH AND IT JUST LOSES POWER AND IT SLOWS TO AROUND 25MPH. YOU MASH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND IT HAS NO EFFECT, IT WILL NOT…"~71,000 mi, complaint #1125046
    • "8/12/16 I WAS DRIVING FROM SCHAUMBURG IL. TO LA CROSSE WI WITH MY DAUGHTER IN MY CAR AND MY SON FOLLOWING BEHIND. DRIVE IS APPROX 3 HRS & 50 MINS. THE WEATHER OUTSIDE HIGH 80'S & HUMID. AN HOUR INTO MY TRIP ON 90WEST IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE EXPRESSWAY DU…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1309473
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO FL FROM KY AT AROUND 65-75 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELORATE PAST 3000 RPM'S. GOING UP HILLS WAS THE WORST, CARS WOULD PASS AND OUR VEHICLE WOULD SLOWLY DECLINE IN SPEED. PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE CAR OUT AND AFTER IF COO…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1304028
    • "DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND CAR WON'T GO ABOVE 20 MPH AND WHINES TERRIBLY."~166,000 mi, complaint #1464310
  6. #6

    interior trim

    14 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 65,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND STICKY WITH AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLARE IN THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE DASHBOARD WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1673951
    • "THE DASH IS MELTING CREATING A SHINY RESIDUE COVERING THE DASH. WHEN THE SUN OR BRIGHT LIGHTS GUYS AT NIGHT IS SHINING THE SHINY DASH REFLECTS ON THE WINDSHIELD CREATING A GLARE THAT OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISION WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING ON ANY HIGHWAY OR ROAD. THE SE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1477983
    • "DASHBOARD LOOKS ALMOST MELTED AND VERY STICKY"~65,000 mi, complaint #1688439
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. DUE TO THE GLARE OF THE SUN, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD MELT AND BECOME VERY STICKY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOODY FOLSOM NISSAN OF VIDALIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], VIDALIA, GA 30474) AND WAS INFORMED…"~75,071 mi, complaint #1441646
    • "DASH HAD BECOME TACKY AND SHINY, PRODUCING GLARE WHEN DRIVING TOWARD THE SUN. BECOMES WORSE ON HOT DAYS. DOES NOT RESOLVE, LINT AND ANYTHING ELSE STICKS TO IT."~177,000 mi, complaint #1680912
  7. #7

    instrument cluster

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 109,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALL THE LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…"~8,300 mi, complaint #1251363
    • "SECURITY PROMPT TO" PRESS BRAKE TO START" IN VECHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY FAILED CAUSING CONFUSION ON PROPER STARTING PROCEDURE FOR THE VECHICLE. INFORMATION TO START VECHICLE IS BLANK IN THE SCREEN,THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITH EARLY 2007 MODELS AND HAS SHOWED U…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1504951
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD MELTED AND BECAME STICKY AND REFLECTIVE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE GUNN NISSAN OF DENTON DEALER, LOCATED AT: 5650 S INTERSTATE 35 E, C…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1693151
    • "DASHBOAD IS MELTING FROM ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE OTHER AND EXTENDS FROM THE WINDSHIELD PAST THE VENTS. THE AREA IS SO SHINNY AND GLARE IS SO GREAT THAT IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE CLEARLY DAY OR NIGHT."~122,000 mi, complaint #1704951
    • "DASHBOARD HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY STICKY AND SHINY, CAUSING A GLARE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS WHICH REDUCES VISIBILITY AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD"~130,000 mi, complaint #1675023
  8. #8

    other

    7 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE PEDALS ARE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED OF THIS A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN HE DROVE MY CAR BECAUSE HIS SHOE GOT CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HE WAS LIFTING HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THEN, YESTERDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. I NEAR…"~1,550 mi, complaint #928514
    • "I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LISTED ON 9/23/14. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT AFTER GETTING A CARFAX REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN FLIPPED WHILE IN LA. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE TITLE FOR THE CAR HAS BEEN A "REBUILT TITLE OR "SALVAGED TITLE" AND CAN'T SEEN TO GET AN…"~36,689 mi, complaint #1149931
    • "THE HOOD RELEASE ON THESE CARS IS DOWN UNDER THE DASH, WHERE IT CAN EASILY BE PULLED WITH THE TOE OF YOUR SHOE. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT MY WIFE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND HEARD IT POP. THIS DAY, WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM CHURCH. MADE IT ALL THE WAY O…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1119404
  9. #9

    power windows and locks

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE 5 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. MOST RECENT ON THURSDAY FOR FORTY MINUTES! PRETTY SURE IT'S A COLD WEATHER ISSUE, BUT DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. ESPECIALLY FOR A 67 YEAR-OLD, ARTHRITIC, 260LB. SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WHO TOOK 5 MINUTES T…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1148750
    • "THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING IS THAT ALL 3 PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING (NO AUTO LOCK, NO POWER LOCK, NO FOB LOCK) AT THE SAME TIME. MY WORK INVOLVES DRIVING CHILDREN AND NISSAN'S FAILURE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IS ABOUT TO COST ME A JOB AND IT ENDANGERS ANY C…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1443927
    • "ON JULY 18, 2016, WHILE PARKED AT WORK ON THE SIDE OF A ROAD, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SHATTERED. THE POLICE DETERMINED IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING HITTING IT. THE WINDOW THAT SHATTERED WAS FACING A YARD, NOT THE STREET, SO NO PROJECTILE OBJECT HIT…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1310137
    • "THE VEHICLE'S DOORS STOPPED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING PROPERLY. IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT ALL 4 DOOR LOCKS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, WHERE THEY LOCK SOMETIMES AND AT OTHER TIMES, THEY DON'T. THE ALARM SYSTEM IS DOING STRANGE THINGS, ALSO. BY THAT, I MEAN THERE WILL BE TIM…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1447052
    • "ALL 4 OF MY DOOR ACTUATORS ARE SUDDENLY NOT WORKING. THIS IS SAFETY HAZARD. NISSAN NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE WITH A POSSIBLE RECALL. ALL 4 SHOULD NOT GO BAD AT ONCE."~134,100 mi, complaint #1491617
  10. #10

    throttle and pedal

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 91,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AT A LOCAL GYM, AS I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STAY IN DRIVE AND SURGED FORWARD INTO THE BUILDING. ONCE THE VEHICLE HIT THE BUILDING, I ONCE AGAIN TRIED TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK, AND IT ONCE AGAIN SURGE…"~20,400 mi, complaint #997606
    • "TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 70 MPH, TRYING TO MANEUVER AROUND SEMI TRUCKS AND CAR DECIDES TO SLOW DOWN TO 60 MPH CAUSING SEVERAL SEMIS TO SLAM ON BRAKES, NEAR ACCIDENT. IT WAS SCARY SCARY SCARY!!!!!! GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR IT WOULD NOT RESPOND FOR SEVERAL MILES U…"~71,000 mi, complaint #1100325
    • "AT 1500-1800 RPMS THERE IS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT MY CALL WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO NISSAN. NISSAN CLAIMED THAT THEY COULD ONLY REPAIR MY VEHI…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1379113
    • "THIS WAS A USED PRE-CERTIFIED CAR, PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER IN WHICH DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES UNTIL ITS WARRANTY WAS PRACTICALLY NO LONGER VALID. THE CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES. THE ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED WITH THE USB PO…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1599246
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 60 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED A MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECU…"~215,000 mi, complaint #1687088
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "PURCHASED MY NEW ALTIMA S2.5 CONVIENCE PKG PLUS 1ST OF AUG 2012. I BOUGHT NEW CAR TO BE SAFE THIS WAS MY 3RD ALTIMA. MON. DEC 31, 2012 @ 11;15 A.M. I MADE RIGHT TURN INTO HOME DRIVEWAY. MY DRIVEWAY IS STEEP HOUSE SITS DOWN WAS PROCEEDING FORWARD DOWN DRIVEWAY…"~4,000 mi, complaint #958724
    • "BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO 4 SEIZED BRAKE CALIPERS. MY WIFE WAS UNABLE TO STOP COMPLETELY AT A BUSY INTERSECTION ENTERING ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANES. NO CARS WERE PRESENT OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT, BUT VERY SCARY FOR MY WIFE. ALL FOUR ROTORS SHOWED ONLY A THIN STRIP…"~35,528 mi, complaint #1123994
    • "PUSHED BRAKE TO START STOPPING, BRAKES SHUTTERED. LET UP ON BRAKE, THEN REAPPLIED AND IT SHUTTERED AGAIN. THIS CONTINUED. CHECKED BRAKE FLUID, IT WAS DOWN SLIGHTLY, PUT IN TO FILL. PROBLEM BETTER BUT STILL EXISTS, NOW AIR COMPRESSOR GONE.. THIS CAR WA…"~36,222 mi, complaint #1071883
    • "BROUGHT A CAR FROM CARMAX BRANDYWINE MD 2 WEEKS AGO THE CARS BREAKE PEDAL HAS A LOUD SQUEEK AND RUBBING SENSATION WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE IT SEEMS LIKE IT ISNT CATCHING TOOK IT BACK TO CARMAX ON 10/7/2015 THEY STILL HAVE MY CAR ITS 10/14/2015 I HAVE READ ITS A…"~48,300 mi, complaint #1226329
  12. #12

    engine internal

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 80,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON, THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL WAS NOTICED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN STARTED AND WOULD NOT SWITCH INTO GEAR PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANU…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1258903
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY [REDACTED ADDRESS] AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL [REDACTED ADDRESS] TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AN…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1369500
    • "WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE USING CRUISE CONTROL AT 70MPH. THE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED TO AROUND 6,000. AFTER THAT HAPPENED, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING AND THE RPMS WERE NEVER ABLE TO GET OVER 3,000, EVEN WITH THE GAS PE…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1503088
    • "SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WHERE IT LIMITS THE RPM AND SLOWS THE CAR DOWN A LOT ALMOST MADE A ACCIDENT HAPPEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL AND I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO NISSAN TO GET IT FIXED BUT THAT HE SEES THAT A LOT"~120,000 mi, complaint #1710943
    • "I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT TELL ME. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING THE SPEED LIMIT."~127,122 mi, complaint #1687216
  13. #13

    engine cooling

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAITED UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT USUALLY HAD TO WAIT A WHILE TO RESTA…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1560372
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE OIL COOLERS IN THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE…"~141,895 mi, complaint #1383442
  14. #14

    glass and windshield

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2012 CAR ON I-635 IN DALLAS AT 2 PM CST AT AROUND 65 MPH SPEED, I HEARD HUGE EXPLOSION SOUND ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHT AND SLOWED DOWN THE CAR AND PULLED OVER TO A SHOULDER AND CHECKED THE CAR. SUNROOF…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1329136
    • "DASH IS MELTING AND SHINY CREATING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. THIS STARTED YEARS AGO AND ONLY GETS WORSE. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALER. I HAVE TO DRIVE BUT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I CANNOT BELIEVE NISSA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1695034
    • "THE DASH IS MELTING CREATING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD SO WHEN SUN OR LIGHTS AT NIGHT IS SHINING MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE ROAD. HAPPENS EVERYTIME THE CAR IS MOVING. "~42,000 mi, complaint #1637015
    • "VEHICLE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. IT IS CAUSING A VISIBILITY ISSUE WITH A GLARE AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD."~65,000 mi, complaint #1649984
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED SUN GLARE WHILE DRIVING A VISIBILITY HAZARD WAS PRESENT THE GLARE WAS CAUSED BY THE MELTING DASHBOARD THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD MELTED CAUSING A SUN GLARE AND VISIBILI…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1598496
  15. #15

    key fob and immobilizer

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE NO KEY MESSAGE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH TWO DIFFERENT KEYS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE F…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1117801
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND "INTELLIGENT KEY ISSUE, WILL NOT START" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE TEC…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1273937
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED BY THE KEY FOB. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE V…"~113,090 mi, complaint #1366911
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE FOB KEY EVEN AFTER THE FOB KEY BATTERY WAS CHANGED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANUALLY OPERATED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1449387
  16. #16

    sunroof

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "LEAKING SUNROOF. WHEN WE GET A HEAVY RAIN, WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE SUNROOF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE."~15,000 mi, complaint #1305004
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILE…"~24,000 mi, complaint #975178
    • "I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE MORNING OF 6/[REDACTED ADDRESS]. MY SUNROOF WAS OPEN AND MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN. I HEARD A LARGE BANG THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND TINY PIECES OF SHATTERED GLASS FLEW IN THROUGH MY OPEN SUNROOF. THERE WAS NO OTHER D…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1193859
    • "MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA'S SUNROOF IS LEAKING, WHETHER DRIVING OR PARKED. I HAVE HAD THE DRAINS CLEANED, THE HEADLINER REMOVED AND STILL HAVE THIS ISSUE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON INFINITI'S AND NISSAN'S SINCE 2003. THIS PROBLEM…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1708350
    • "WHEN IT RAINS IT LEAKS WATER IN THE VEHICLE NEAR THE SUNROOF IN THE HEADLINER ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. IT WILL LEAK (DRIP) WHILE PARKED AND WHILE IN DRIVE"~56,000 mi, complaint #1564218
  17. #17

    fuel tank and lines

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "FILLING THE FUEL TANK THE GAS PUMP SHUT OFF THINKING THE TANK WAS FULL WHEN IF FACT THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED IT WASN'T FULL, I PROCEEDED TO FILL THE TANK AGAIN AND IT TOOK AN ADDITIONAL 2 GAL. BEFORE IT REGISTERED FULL, I DID THIS TWO OTHER TIMES AND THE SAME THI…"~8,500 mi, complaint #970078
    • "WAS DRIVING ALONG 15 FREEWAY SOUTHBOUND IN LAS VEGAS GETTING READY TO EXIT FLAMINGO AT AROUND 7:[REDACTED ADDRESS] WAS CLEAR. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUND LIKE IT' CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR UNDERNEATH. AS I EXIT FLAMINGO MY WIFE AND I…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1180496
  18. #18

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY ISSUE CONCERNS THE EXTREMELY BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS (ESPECIALLY AFTERMARKET HALOGEN) THAT ARE ALLOWED TO BE INSTALLED ON CARS AND WORSE ON SUV'S AND PICK-UP TRUCKS. THESE LIGHTS ARE BLINDING IN NORMAL HIGHWAY NIGHT TRAVEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN OPPOSING DRIVERS USE T…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1352688
  19. #19

    paint and clearcoat

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "PURCHASED MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 8/2/2012. IN JUST OVER 30 DAYS THE PAINT WAS COMING OFF THE REAR BUMPER ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE REAR TIRE WHERE THE BUMPER MEETS THE BODY OF THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE BUMPER REPAINTED. WITHIN 60 DAYS THE PAINT…"~1,050 mi, complaint #969972
    • "THE PAINT ON THE HOOD CAME OFF IN A CHUNK, DURING A CAR WASH. IT AS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND NISSAN DIRECTLY. AFTER THEY GAVE ME THE RUNAROUND FOR 6+ MONTHS, NISSAN SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM, THAT IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE. I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR R…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1122313
  20. #20

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST CAUSED THE CONTACT BACK PAIN, HEAD ACHES AND NUMBNESS IN THE ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER TURNED THE HEAD REST AROUND. THE CONTACT ST…"~1,000 mi, complaint #933138
    • "THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS CROOKED - BOTH ACROSS THE BACK AND ACROSS THE SEAT. THIS MEANS ONE'S SHOULDERS AND TORSO ARE TWISTED AND FACING THE CENTER CONSOLE, NOT THE STEERING WHEEL. HIPS ARE UNEVEN WITH THE RIGHT SIDE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE LEFT. THIS IS A…"~2,000 mi, complaint #927581
  21. #21

    steering rack mechanical

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO GO RIGHT, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. *TR"~17,395 mi, complaint #946391
    • " ON THE ABOVE DATE, MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH AFTER THOROUGH ASSESSMENT BY THE BODY SHOP AND BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S FIELD ADJUSTERS, WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. MY VEHICLE'S STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT DUE TO THE FRONT WHEELS B…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1215335
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would emit an abnormal whining noise while both stationary and while making turns in either direction. As the failure persisted, the steering wheel began to vibrate, and excessiv…"~129,921 mi, complaint #1774851
  22. #22

    suspension struts shocks

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V371000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE F…"~736 mi, complaint #943793
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING OVER 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (MOUNTAIN VIEW NISSAN, [REDACTED ADDRESS], CHATTANOOGA, TN) A…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1533970
    • "I PURCHASED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH THE CAR BEGAN RATTLING,NOISE,BING LIKE AND VIBRATION. WHEN I REACHED THE SPEED OF 60MPH, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE AND JERK. IT'S REALLY HARD TO EXPLAIN WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, BUT I KNOW IT'S NOT NORMAL, I TOOK…"~30,350 mi, complaint #963353
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle, followed by a dragging sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to shake abnormally. There…"~236,000 mi, complaint #2033587
  23. #23

    torque converter

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "ALRIGHT SO TODAY I NOTICED A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, JUST AFTER LEAVING MY CAR KEPT SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. I GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN IM STUCK IN 5TH GEAR FOR THE REST OF THE WAY HOME.…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1203402
    • "THIS CAR HAS JUST 101,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT DOING THE OVERDRIVE. I READ INTO IT AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM NISSAN SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLES AND FIX IT ITS NOT LIKE WE PAY 5 BUCKS FOR A CAR ITS NOT EVEN PAID OFF AND I ALREADY H…"~101,099 mi, complaint #1666436
    • "TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I PURCHASED FROM A DEALER IN JAN 2015. I BELIEVE THIS CAR MUST BE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. IT'S A PRE-OWNED CAR. JUST AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 1.5YRS, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION BROKEN. THE SPEED DROPS…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1581511
    • "PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVING ONE THE INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY AT 55-70 MPH. THE CAR WILL DECELERATE AND SLOWLY LOSE SPEED. I CAN SLAM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS IN VE…"~114,000 mi, complaint #1296957
  24. #24

    alignment and pull

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BECAME WORN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TIRE DEALER TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY DUE TO FAULTY CALIPERS. THE CONT…"~29,509 mi, complaint #1021299
    • "CAR WANDERS AND FEELS DANGEROUS OVER 60MPH"~69,376 mi, complaint #1574506
  25. #25

    control module

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. IGNITION SWITCH WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE FUEL PUMP FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED SO THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF. THEN THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE WAS REMOVED TO RESET. BATTERY CABLE WAS RECONNECTED AND FUEL PUMP FUSE REINSTALLED. CAR…"~4,589 mi, complaint #915695
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE WAS TRYING TO TURN THE RADIO ON BUT ACCIDENTALLY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF BECAUSE THE RADIO AND PUSH-TO-START BUTTONS WERE ABNORMALLY CLOSE IN PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE WAS N…"~18,000 mi, complaint #955386
    • "MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA DROVE HOME FINE WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN AFTER LOOKING ON YOU TUBE WHERE THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS AND A WAY TO RIG IT. I GOT THERE AND THEY SAID THE CAR BRAIN WAS FRIED. THE…"~81,397 mi, complaint #1314153
  26. #26

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER INSIDE THE DOOR PANELS OF THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHAKE THE DOORS IN ORDER TO GET THE WATER OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1182656
  27. #27

    engine oil consumption

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE SEAL ON THE OIL COOLER OF MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED AND NISSAN WON'T REPAIR IT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON ON MY VEHICLE. HERE IS A LINK TO AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT -- HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/NISSAN/…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1571198
    • "I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE OIL COOLER CHANGE TWICE WITHIN 14 MONTHS OF OTHER. AND THE ENGINE OIL SENSOR."~158,000 mi, complaint #1486358
  28. #28

    hv system fault reduced power

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE FOR 1 HOUR OR MORE, VEHICLE GOES INTO FAIL-SAFE MODE, MEANING THE RPMS WILL NOT GO OVER 2500. SO, IF ONE IS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH, THEN ARRIVES AT A HILL, THEN THE VEHICLE SPEED COULD DECREASE TO 40 MPH. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, THIS…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1390867
    • "CAR AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES SPEED FROM 65 MPH TO 35 MPH WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY AND WILL NOT INCREASE SPEED WHEN DRIVING AT AN HOUR OR BETTER AT 65 MPH OR GREATER. WHEN IT AUTODECELERATES IT MAKES A WHINING NOISE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN UNTIL YOU TURN T…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1680971
    • "IN WARM WEATHER, CAR CONSISTENTLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE. IT WILL ONLY ACHIEVE SPEEDS OF AROUND 30MPH EVEN THOUGH RPMS ARE ACCELERATING. I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND WAIT FOR [REDACTED ADDRESS] IT AGAIN. DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES ARE COOLE…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1385674
  29. #29

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND CONSTRICTED THE CHILD BEING RESTRAINED IN THE SEAT. THE CHILD SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT W…"~12,340 mi, complaint #1016431
    • "MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WITHOUT BRAKING (STATED BY POLICE) THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE AND THE PASSENGER…"~37,668 mi, complaint #1148246
  30. #30

    tire failure

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES FLATTENED. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURR…"~39,150 mi, complaint #1091433
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH SUMITOMO TOURING LST TIRES, TIRE SIZE: 215/60R16, AND UNKNOWN DOT NUMBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE STARTED VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHIC…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1511609
  31. #31

    wiper and washer

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE HAD SEVERAL WIPER BLADES ON MY CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT A FEW YEARS AGO. THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) WIPER BLADE HAS CAME OFF THE WIPER ARM SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE OUTER PART OF THE BLADE JUMPS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD AS IT WIPES. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WH…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1462056
    • "THE WIPER BLADES SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING DURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE TIME AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OFF ON A SIDE ROAD AS HE HAD VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY WHICH RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING IN T…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1423054
  32. #32

    abs module

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The sensor was replaced but the light engine light still came back on now the speed sensor is causing the issue. The abs light comes on while accelerating it jumps and jerks "complaint #2051299
    • "ALL NISSANS HAVE LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AT STARTUP AT AROUND 30 MILES PER HOUR. NISSAN SAYS IT IS THE ABS BRAKE TEST. VERY ANNOYING AND VERY LOUD. *KB"complaint #884620
  33. #33

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SINCE NEW, BATTERY GOES DEAD IF NOT DRIVEN FOR A FEW DAYS. AFTER A WEEK VACATION, BATTERY DEAD. PARKED IN GARAGE FOR A WEEK, BATTERY DEAD. PAID DEALER $120 FOR COMPLETE CHECK UP - FOUND NOTHING."~100,000 mi, complaint #1354364
  34. #34

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. ALL BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. ATTACHED LETTER WAS SENT TO NISSAN CORPORATE U.S. HEADQUARTERS. NO RESPONSE TO LETTER WAS RECEIVED."complaint #1443746
    • "MAYBE A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA ON JULY 25, 2012, I HEARD SQUEAKING SOUNDS WHEN BRAKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN A LETTER FROM THE MECHANIC STATING THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO SQUEAK OCCASIONALLY BECAUSE THE BRAKE…"complaint #949496
  35. #35

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light would intermittently illuminate. As a result, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact st…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1808424
    • "THE TRACTION(SLIP) SYMBOL HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS CAUSING MY BRAKES TO SQUEAL REGARDLESS OF BEING ON THE BRAKES. TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED KICKING INTO LOWER GEARS WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE SPEED."~117,000 mi, complaint #1497204
  36. #36

    tpms

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, LINE: CONTI PRO CONTACT, SIZE: 215/45/17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE TIRE AFFECTED WAS ALWAYS…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1006085
    • "TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT IS COLD AND STAYS ON. CHECK PRESSURE AND TIRES ARE OK. SAFETY ISSUES ARS YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. CALLED NISSAN AND THEY SAID NOT TO WORRY WHEN IT GET WARMER THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL GO OFF, BUT WHEN DO…"~17,100 mi, complaint #1144173
  37. #37

    transmission manual clutch

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 3.5 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN SUDDEN LOSS OF CLUTCH PRESSURE OCCURRED. THIS RESULTED IN THE INABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS AND THEREFORE EFFECTIVELY CONTROL THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE MINIMUM…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1405137
  38. #38

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE LEVER INSIDE OR WITH THE FOB. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS STAIONARY AND WITHOUT WARNING."~160,000 mi, complaint #1634091
  39. #39

    wiring harness

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE BATTERY FLUID WOULD DISCHARGE AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED ONCE. THE DOORS EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE AND THE DOORS ACTUATOR WAS…"~8,000 mi, complaint #978340
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WERE…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1428026
  40. #40

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 debri…"complaint #2195333
  41. #41

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN APPLYING BRAKE AT LOW SPEEDS (10-30 MPH) THE BRAKE GRABBED AND THREW OCCUPANTS FORWARD. ON ONE OCCASION THE WHEELS FROZE WITH BRAKE PEDAL ONLY 20% DEPRESSED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT REPEATABLE. DEALER CLAIMS IT IS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE BRAKE POWE…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1069380
  42. #42

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD CAN CORRODE CAUSING A RATTLE DURING ACCELERATION AND POSSIBLY CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. THE COMMON REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE IS REPLACEMENT OF THE DAMAGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IF LEFT UNNOTICED MAY DIG INTO THE ENGINE…"~35,500 mi, complaint #1179439
  43. #43

    corrosion and rust

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Took the car to a repair shop to get an alignment. Was told that the frame rear cross member was so rusty that it needed to be replaced, and that if it broke while driving I would lose control of the car. The component has not been removed from the car. No one…"complaint #2236069
  44. #44

    cruise control conventional

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 350 MILES USING THE CRUISE CONTROL I WOULD ACCELERATE OR CANCEL AND THEN ACCELERATE WITH TRAFFIC THIS WORKED THROUGHOUT MY TRIP UNTIL I REACHED BETWEEN 350 TO 400 MILES THEN IT STOPPED WORKING FOR ACCELERATION AT 75 MILES AN HOUR WOULD NOT G…"~103,000 mi, complaint #1686724
  45. #45

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "There is a recall for the manufacturer emissions that the website doesn’t have on this car."complaint #2151082
  46. #46

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT MY CAR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO AND RECENTLY TAKING IT TO THE BENCH AT THEIR SERVICE, THE TECHNICIANS NOTIFIED ME THAT I HAD A LEAK AND THE GASCKET ENGINE OIL COOLER NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER THAT I'VE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1556555
  47. #47

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STRONG EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE CAR.CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FOUND,SECOND ONE I WILL HAVE TO PUT ON CAR,FIRST WAS DISCOVERED AT APPROXIMATELY 85/88000 MILES.READ FORUMS AND DISCOVERED EARLIER VERSIONS WERE RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROB…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1641599
  48. #48

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On a road trip car stopped accelerating above 60. Caused us a long time sitting on the side of the road when car cooled we started up and went again. Took it into the shop and replaced the fuel pump. Then one week later on a trip to Idaho car is doing the same…"complaint #1834720
  49. #49

    heater core and blower

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD SMELL MOLD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CLEAN THE AIR CONDIT…"~4,793 mi, complaint #937076
  50. #50

    infotainment head unit

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE DISPLAY SCREEN THAT COMMUNICATES NAVIGATION MAP, RADIO, PHONE, BACKUP CAMERA PICTURE, ETC. STOPPED WORKING. *TR"complaint #896930
  51. #51

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "LIGHT IN THE GLOVEBOX DOESNOT HAVE A SWITCH. IT TURNS ON AS SOON AS THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. MY GLOVEBOX WAS FULL OF SOME PAPER AND I OPENED THE GLOVE BOX TO FIN DHTE PAPERS BECAME VERY HOT TO TOUCH AND I FELT LIKE THEY WOULD BURN ANY MOMENT. A SWITCH SHO…"~500 mi, complaint #1196929
  52. #52

    starter

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "KEYLOCK ISSUE. CAR WILL NOT START. SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR 8 MONTHS SO FAR. CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX. NO WARRANTY..NO RECALL ON ISSUE. I'VE READ THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES TO OTHER NISSAN OWNERS. THE FIX COSTS 800 TO 1000 & NOT INCLUDING THE TOW FEE 100$"complaint #1301190
  53. #53

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CAR GOES TO THE RIGHT. .WILL NOT RESPOND WHEN TRYING TO BRING BACK. THEN TO MUCH. LIKE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. GOING TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. GOING TO FIX ORDERED PART. DEC 8 2014. *TR"~1,880 mi, complaint #1137763
  54. #54

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1060755
  55. #55

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AS DRIVER WAS BRAKING UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT A LOCAL STORE, CAR SURGED FORWARD AND JUMPED A CURB HITTING A RED BOX VIDEO DISPLAY. *TR"~7,800 mi, complaint #949123

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for NISSAN ALTIMA directly.