Wrench.Pro

2012 Nissan Altima Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Nissan Altima carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering side/window and sensor/control module-inactive. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering and suspension component failure.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #12V055000 · Feb 14, 2012

Issue: 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

Campaign #11V408000 · Sep 8, 2011

Issue: 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.

STEERING

Campaign #12V494000 · Oct 10, 2012

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION

Campaign #11V371000 · Jul 19, 2011

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Nissan Altima.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering and suspension component failure

STEERING, SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670314
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620637
“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 excessive force was needed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437779

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil cooler seal leak

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2019-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217239
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195234
“I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE OIL COOLER CHANGE TWICE WITHIN 14 MONTHS OF OTHER. AND THE ENGINE OIL SENSOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11114140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT loss of power and acceleration on the highway

POWER TRAIN

94 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-07

“After making right turn onto very busy 4 lane road with cars traveling 55 mph, the car failed to accelerate and had no power. Car acted as though it was in neutral”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491518
“The CVT failsafe high fluid temperature protection mode enacted while I was driving on the highway at speeds of 65 to 70 mph going with the flow of traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11508828
“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 MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231028

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard melting causing windshield glare

VISIBILITY/WIPER

33 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2022-11

“2012 Altima defective sticky melting dashboard cause severe windshield glare when driving when sun from a certain angle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492388
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360956
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11103658

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat occupant classification sensor fault

AIR BAGS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2023-12

“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the OCS control unit was malfunctioning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559125
“SRS SUPPLEMENTAL AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING WHEN STARTING THE CAR UP. FOR WHILE I PUT UP WITH THIS, BUT I WAS CONCERNED. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE REPORTING SIMILAR PROBLEMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310935
“Pressure sensor in passenger seat connected to passenger side air bag became defective, affecting (shutting off) the entire air bag system. Started off with 'passenger air bag off' sign being illuminated at all times, even when an adult was sitting in the passenger seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428614

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

439 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

24

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Nissan Altima reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →