Nissan Altima / 2012
2012 Nissan Altima problems
Owners have filed 579 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Altima with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 25.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 11.7%.
Complaints579
Crashes41
Fires5
Injuries39
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 25.7% · 149
Engine 11.7% · 68
Air bags 9.8% · 57
Unknown or other 9.7% · 56
Vehicle speed control 8.5% · 49
Electrical system 7.6% · 44
Structure 5.7% · 33
Service brakes 2.9% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 39 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Nissan Altima in this data, 2012 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 23 in the last three years against 61 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Since when my car had 31,000 miles it's been winging and losing power rapidly, no acceleration, it's a cvt transmission issue. It's a really dangerous car. It's been happening so many times . Nissan cvt transmission are very danger. It can cause an accident in the freeway because it can go from 65 mph down to 5 mph rapidly and unexpectedly. Please do something about it and protect the life of people. Power train · reported at 31,000 miles
Takata recall my 2012 Altima has been having some shifting issues while I am driving. Mind you this call has 58,000 miles on it (yes 2012 with 58,000). It is over the 5 year power train warranty but under the mileage. Nissan does not care. There should be zero reasons why a car with less than 60,000 miles should be having any type of transmission issues. Nissan needs to be held accountable. Power train · reported at 57,000 miles
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 20 minutes in order to drive it again. Doesn't seem to happen when outdoor temperatures are cooler. This has been happening for several months and is apparently a well-documented issue with other Nissan Altima owners. Power train · reported at 150,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…