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    Nissan Altima

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Altima has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Nissan Altima has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Nissan Altima owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Started to leak and had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Nissan Altima SR 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Started about Jan 2025. The a/C was very weak and gotten worse. Mechanic replaced the compressor and it's working like new now."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The a/c system suddenly stopped working and everything had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "This item was repaired at the dealership but it quickly failed. I could get the AC working by playing with the settings, but now it not blowing cold air at all."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    ""I have the manual climate control. I will press the A/C button and it will begin cooling for a few minutes, then it will stop cooling for a few minutes and then cool again.""

    Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Started about a year ago. Stopped blowing air cooler than about 70 degrees. Not yet fixed"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Nissan Altima S Unsure)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The paint continues to peal off of the car."

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Paint fading,chipping and rusting""

    Anonymous, MS (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Clear coat flaking off"

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Paint on the roof and on the passenger side of the vehicle began fading and chalking. I had it looked at by a body shop and they said it was a very expensive repair, worth more than the total cost of the car."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "Rear quarter panel rust perforation"

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    ""In cold weather, the basic radio display is fine, but once the car heats up or the weather is hot, the display fades.""

    Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The display screen no longer works."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "The radio no longer works. And the time does not show either."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Radio screen , only works half the time. Radio only picks up one channel""

    Anonymous, MS (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "water does not drain from, vents in doors, rain water collects in rear area of vehicle, in area directly behind driver. Dealer has not been able to correct problem."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Nissan Altima SR 3.5-L V6)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "water colllects in area behind driver when it rains causes mold in vehicle and on ceiling in rear of vehicle."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Nissan Altima SR 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Check engine light came on at 205000 miles to indicate that the catalytic converter needed replacing."

    Anonymous A., AR (2012 Nissan Altima S 3.5-L V6)

    "It had to be replaced"

    Anonymous A., CT (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine mounts

    "Noise when you accelerated"

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Oil leaks

    "Valve cover gasket"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Needed new battery"

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Headlights

    ""Headlight lens or reflective surfaces delaminated, decreasing headlight range/effectiveness. I have to drive with high beams on due to weak projected light""

    Anonymous A., AR (2012 Nissan Altima S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Springs or torsion bars

    ""One rear spring broke and had to replace both sides, according to the dealer.""

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "The rear right wheel hub bearing needed replacing. This is the third bearing replacement so far (on different wheels) and await the fourth one to fail..."

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STEERING, SUSPENSION
    Oct 10, 2012
    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.
    Summary:
    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 were not torqued to proper specification.
    What should you do:
    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. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V494000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 13919
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 14, 2012
    THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
    Summary:
    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 INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
    What should you do:
    NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
    For more information:
    CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V055000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 976
    AIR BAGS
    Aug 09, 2011
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V408000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 54
    SUSPENSION
    Jul 19, 2011
    IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
    Summary:
    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 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.
    What should you do:
    NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS AND NUTS AND TIGHTEN THEM TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V371000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 20000
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