2012 Nissan Altima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima and 426 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (149), engine (68), air bags (57). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Nissan Altima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Steering
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air bags · side/window
Problem: 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.
Risk: The side curtain air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The safety recall began on august 22, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The safety recall began on august 8, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
am submitting a formal safety defect report regarding the steering system on my 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe. The vehicle exhibits a loose and unstable steering feel, accompanied by a distinct clunking impact whenever the wheel is turned, including during low‑speed maneuvering. This condition indicates a potential failure within the steering linkage, intermediate shaft, or associat…
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 else has looked at the car. Only prior warning/message/symptom was uneven rear tire wear first noticed about 6 months p…
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…
Safety ratings
2012 Nissan Altima 2 DR FWD
2012 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Nissan Altima.
Altima
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Altima
Auto (AV-S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima, most recently for steering (10/10/2012). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?
Based on 426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (149), engine (68), air bags (57).
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima safe?
The 2012 Nissan Altima earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Nissan Altima?
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Nissan Altima range from 22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Nissan Altima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ALTIMA, Altima.