Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 426 of 426 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 292 of 426 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
149 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"CAR SEEMS TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. TO RESOLVE THIS I NEED TO BRAKE, SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
72 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"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!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
57 complaint records14 crash reports
"WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED ON FREEWAY OR CITY STREET THE LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG GOES OFF AND ON WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT OR NOT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQ12002 opened Feb 2012 | closed May 2012 | Air Bags | Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V494000 | Suspension | Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. | Normally free |
| 12V055000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 11V408000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 11V371000 | Suspension | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012056 2012-02-14 | Airbag | 30 | On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag inflators may have been incorrectly manufactured and, as a result, one or both airbags may not deploy as intended. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. | |
| NTB10-066C May 2024 | Electrical System | CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-027D May 2024 | Electrical System | CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081K Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB13-028I Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-019H Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB23-049 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. | |
| NTB23-053 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. | |
| NTB13-107F Apr 2023 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB16-003C Apr 2023 | Electrical System | INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB03-074Q Apr 2023 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB12-055J Mar 2023 | Power Train | CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-145B Mar 2023 | Service Brakes | ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Structure | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB08-097K Feb 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-126C Feb 2023 | Wheels | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB12-055I Sep 2022 | Power Train | CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-027C Feb 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-097J Feb 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-082E Feb 2022 | Fuel System | DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001F Dec 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB12-055H Jun 2021 | Power Train | CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-024A Mar 2021 | Electrical System | NAVIGATION SYSTEM REBOOTS WHEN SXM TRAFFIC IS ENABLED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-033E Mar 2021 | Electrical System | AV CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT REQUIRES CONSULT-III PLUS CONFIGURATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001e Feb 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB11-103d May 2020 | Equipment | PREMIUM NAVI / AUDIO VISUAL CONTROL UNIT DIAGNOSIS AND ORDERING This bulletin is no longer applicable. Discard previous versions of NTB11-103. | |
| R1720 2010-12 Al Mar 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Voluntary Emission Recall Campaign ***** Campaign Summary ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign on approximately 116,479 specific MY2010-12 Altima 2.5L SULEV vehicles identified in... | |
| NTB20-020 Mar 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2010-2012 ALTIMA; MIL ON WITH DTC P2423 NOTE: The warranty period for the front exhaust tube with catalyst (20010-ZX10A) has been extended on the Applied Vehicles if the following criteria are met: ï· - The MIL is ON and DTC P2423 is stored in the ECM. | |
| NTB20-022 Mar 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 2010-2012 ALTIMA SEDAN AND COUPE (SULEV); ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions recall campaign on certain specific model year 2010-2012 Altima Sedan and Coupe (SULEV) vehicles. | |
| NTB12-055g Jan 2020 | Suspension | CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-097g Jan 2019 | Fuel System | ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page. | |
| NTB17-082b Jan 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-030a Nov 2018 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. | |
| Revision 1-NEVAP Nov 2018 | Equipment | OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time. | |
| NTB17-030a Aug 2018 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action. | |
| NTB03-074m Apr 2018 | Equipment | FOG LAMP AND/OR HEADLAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended to add Fog Lamps and modify one step in the flow chart on page 3. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB11-044c Mar 2018 | Wheels | WHEEL BALANCING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB11-044b Sep 2017 | Wheels | WHEEL BALANCING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-082a Aug 2017 | Service Brakes | NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-082 Jul 2017 | Equipment | NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON in an APPLIED VEHICLE with DTC P0456 (EVAP VERY SML LEAK) AND - DTC P0456 is not caused by a loose fuel fill cap (refer to NTB13-097). | |
| NTB12-055f Jun 2017 | Power Train | CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section has been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-024 Apr 2017 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM REBOOTS WHEN SXM TRAFFIC IS ENABLED This bulletin applies only to vehicles located in the state of Oregon. IF YOU CONFIRM The Navigation system in an Applied Vehicle reboots when SXM Traffic is enabled. | |
| NTB17-030 Mar 2017 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff. | |
| NTB12-051k Dec 2016 | Equipment | MIL ON WITH DTC P0101 This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section on this page and Table A on page 7 have been updated. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB16-116 Nov 2016 | Engine | NISSAN; DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION FOR ABS DTC C1130 SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing for DTC C1130 (ENGINE SIGNAL): ECM related DTCs (P-codes) must be diagnosed, repaired, and DTCs erased first. | |
| NTB16-098 Oct 2016 | Equipment | 2011-2012 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC IF YOU CONFIRM The vehicle speed is, or was, reduced by the CVT fail-safe (reduced vehicle speed) after continuous operation under the following conditions: - High RPM and/or high speed driving... | |
| NTB12-070B Sep 2016 | Equipment | "NO AUDIO DURING PHONE CALL WITH APPLE IOS 10, NAVIGATION SYSTEM REBOOTS, AND/OR AUDIO CONTROLS WILL NOT RESPOND THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN AMENDED. THE TITLE AND IF YOU CONFIRM SECTION HAVE BEEN REVISED. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. | |
| NTB12-057C Sep 2016 | Power Train | "ALTIMA, SENTRA, AND ROGUE; CVT FAIL-SAFE CONDITION SERVICE INFORMATION THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN AMENDED. THE APPLIED VEHICLES SECTION HAS BEEN REVISED. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. PLEASE DISCARD PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS BULLETIN." | |
| NTB13-097D Aug 2016 | Equipment | "ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN AMENDED. THE TITLE HAS BEEN REVISED, AND THE BULLETIN NOW INCLUDES VEHICLES IN PRODUCTION AS OF THE DATE OF THIS UPDATE. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. | |
| NTB11027B Jun 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | SERVICE INFORMATION Temporary tire Flat Spotting is common on New Dealer In-Stock vehicles that have not been occasionally moved. Flat Spotting can occur after the vehicle has been parked (not moved) for a few days, or longer. In most cases it is temporary. | |
| NTB09099A Apr 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | IF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination. | |
| NTB09131B Apr 2016 | Forward Collision Avoidance | SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. | |
| NTB03074J Feb 2016 | Exterior Lighting | SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps. The information, illustrations, and flow chart in this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not. | |
| NTB09081C Jan 2016 | Visibility | SERVICE INFORMATION The purpose of this bulletin is to give Nissan dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer?s responsibility. | |
| NTB16003 Dec 2015 | Electrical System | SERVICE INFORMATION The Intelligent Keys used on the various Nissan vehicles may not be interchangeable between models and years. See this bulletin for further detail. | |
| AT13-014D Nov 2015 | Engine | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| NTB09022G Nov 2015 | Electrical System | SERVICE INFORMATION Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at dealer receipt. Our goal is to deliver vehicles to customers with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition. |
Showing 60 of 119 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →