2012 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 422 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2012 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2012 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2012 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Nissan Altima 2 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Nissan Altima has 422 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 422
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Nissan Altima?
The 2012 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and airbag systems.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and airbag systems.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 422 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Nissan Altima, the data suggests that transmission and drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern, followed by engine problems. Airbag malfunctions and unintended acceleration also appear as notable complaint categories. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission / Drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Airbag malfunctions and unintended acceleration each represent a significant number of complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component problem.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in the complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions appear in a notable number of complaints.
All 2012 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 149 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 72 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 56 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 56 | 13 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 49 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 44 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 32 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 5 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 debris in the roadway tha…
There is a recall for the manufacturer emissions that the website doesn’t have on this car.
I drove out of town about 40 miles and everything was fine, next day went to leave to come home and immediately noticed high RPMs going about 20MPH. I pulled over, turned the car off and turned it back on, started driving and same thing. I had no choice but to drive it on the int…
The vehicle is unsafe to driver and others on the road. 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. Cv joints along with tie rods have been e…
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…
Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly
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
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 was no warning ligh…
The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012
I have owned this vehicle for over ten years and now there is paint delamination on the hood and roof of the vehicle which is a manufacture defect.
Transmission
Service Engine Soon light on. Was driving on highway at 55mph Transmission started to slip and car started to slow down while I was pressing gas pedal. The more I pressed on gas pedal the more the car lost acceleration. Had to move off to side of the road and turn car off. Took t…
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. The dealer determined that the front passenger’s …
I have a 2012 nissan altima that I purchased in 2018. in florida. check engine light appeared first. it currently doesn't run because of the transmission. it doesnt excelerate above 20mph. is there is a nationwide recall because of the cvt transmissions going bad?. I already tri…
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to b…
I just recently financed my car I haven’t even had it 1 month and every time I drive it for more than 1 hour the transmission fills like it’s going out on me on the freeway I can’t seem to get it to go over 40 miles an hour and it makes sun weird noise and idles high I can also …
Driving back from Wichita today my hood kept popping open. I had to pull off the interstate and close it.
When I BARELY accelerate my car it does a very aggressive bucking motion along with loud noise. I have done put over $3k in vehicle! Nissan fix your shit!
Have a '12 SR coupe. Car keeps turning over for 5-10 seconds before starting. The alternator checked fine, but the battery voltage was a little low. I bought a brand new battery and that seemed to fix the problem....... for an hour. New battery is at the correct voltage, and alte…
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was jerking. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25-30 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Altima.
2012 Nissan Altima Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 422 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (149 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (56 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 422 total complaints. 26 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2012 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.