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2011 Nissan Altima Problems & Owner Complaints

241 NHTSA owner complaints
11 crash 5 fire 9 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~15.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 8 of 12 Nissan Altima years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Nissan Altima, cited in 68 of 241 filed complaints (28%).

Engine is next (36 complaints, 15%), followed by Electrical System (31), Structure (27), Air Bags (21).

Across all complaints, 11 report a crash, 5 report a fire, 9 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 2 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Nissan Altima, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 241.

Power Train 68 1 crash 2 injury

“I HAVE A NEW 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHICH I PARKED IN MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO CHURCH. AT THE END OF MASS, AS I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE PARKING LOT, I USED MY AUTOMATIC START...THE CAR STARTED AND WAS WARMING UP. AS I APPROACHED MY RUNNING CAR, I WALKED IN FRONT OF THE CAR TO GET AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF MOVING FORWARD WITH NOBODY IN IT. I WAS HOLDING ONTO THE DOOR CHASING AFTER MY CAR TRYING TO JUMP IN AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AS THE CAR RA…”
NHTSA complaint #10392821, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING HIS VEHICLE IT CONTINUED GOING FORWARD. THE CONTACT HASTILY JUMPED BACK INTO THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT AND BROKE HIS WRIST IN THE PROCESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT NEEDING A KEY TO START OR STOP IT CAUSED HIM TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SAFETY CONCERN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10479413, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“Drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11720577, 2026

Unknown Or Other 40 2 fire

“HELLO, MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE STARTING FROM THE ENGINE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE”
NHTSA complaint #11033355, 2017 · fire

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. SHE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT THE CAR. A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10462483, 2012 · fire

“This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on”
NHTSA complaint #11673091, 2025

Engine 36 1 crash 1 fire

“I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE STEERING BECAME DISABLED AND THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP. WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT IMMEDIATELY TURNED BLACK AND 60 SECONDS AFTER THE CAR LOST POWER IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10515044, 2013 · fire

“I WAS IN A BUMPER TO BUMPER ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SMOOCHED IN. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL (MY SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED) KNOCKING THE AIR OUT OF ME, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. EVERY TIME WE GET IT BACK WE GET THE SAME ANSWER "WE DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE SENSOR". WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR CAR IN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND WE ASKED THEM IF OUR CAR WAS ON THE AIR BAG RECALL LIST THAT WAS ALL OVER THE NEWS. THEY TOLD US NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE OUR CA…”
NHTSA complaint #10654579, 2014 · crash

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to…”
NHTSA complaint #11741855, 2026

Electrical System 31 2 crash

“THERE IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE 4 YEARS. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. IN ORDER TO START THE CAR THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED FIRST AND THEN PLUG BACK IN AND THEN IT WILL START BACK UP.IN THE PAST I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NEVER FOUND ANY ISSUES ON THE DIAGNOSTICS.”
NHTSA complaint #11085060, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE WHILE TRYING TO PULL OVER AND PARK THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE LATER COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF USING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO T REPROGRAMMED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10532705, 2013 · crash

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to…”
NHTSA complaint #11741855, 2026

Structure 27 2 crash 1 fire

“HELLO, MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE STARTING FROM THE ENGINE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE”
NHTSA complaint #11033355, 2017 · fire

“I WAS TRAVELING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN ON A STRAIGHT WAY ON HWY AND THE FRONT TIRE BLEW IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY MICHELIN TIRE. I WAS PULLED ACROSS THE OTHER LANE INTO A DITCH STRIKING A STONE CULVERT AFTER GOING AIRBORNE. I HAD PURCHASED A SET OF MICHELIN TIRES AND THEY WERE A 70,000 MILE TIRE AND HAD 23,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED A BLOWOUT AS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO WHEEL INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE TO TIRE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION OTHER THAT THE BLOWN PART IN THE SIDEWAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10701733, 2015 · crash

“I WAS IN A BUMPER TO BUMPER ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SMOOCHED IN. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL (MY SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED) KNOCKING THE AIR OUT OF ME, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. EVERY TIME WE GET IT BACK WE GET THE SAME ANSWER "WE DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE SENSOR". WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR CAR IN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND WE ASKED THEM IF OUR CAR WAS ON THE AIR BAG RECALL LIST THAT WAS ALL OVER THE NEWS. THEY TOLD US NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE OUR CA…”
NHTSA complaint #10654579, 2014 · crash

Air Bags 21 5 crash 2 injury

“Vehicle hydroplaned from heavy rain and wet road into a ditch alongside of the main highway & the airbags did NOT deploy. This IS a safety malfunction in the airbag system on a 2011 Nissan Altima.”
NHTSA complaint #11479161, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH A 2014 DODGE RAM AND IT WAS A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION. MY CAR WAS TOTALLED ( THE IMPACT EVEN CRUMBLED THE REAR QUARTER PANEL) BUT THE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY. THE REPAIR COMPANY WAS CONFUSED WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. II SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY NECK, BACK AND LEFT SIDE. I STILL HAVE BACK PAIN BUT I'M GETTING BETTER. CONFUSED AS TO WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10703828, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS TRAVELING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN ON A STRAIGHT WAY ON HWY AND THE FRONT TIRE BLEW IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY MICHELIN TIRE. I WAS PULLED ACROSS THE OTHER LANE INTO A DITCH STRIKING A STONE CULVERT AFTER GOING AIRBORNE. I HAD PURCHASED A SET OF MICHELIN TIRES AND THEY WERE A 70,000 MILE TIRE AND HAD 23,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED A BLOWOUT AS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO WHEEL INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE TO TIRE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION OTHER THAT THE BLOWN PART IN THE SIDEWAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10701733, 2015 · crash

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Suspension 14 1 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER GRANDSON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. FIRST THE REAR END MADE CONTACT AND THEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BANGED INTO THE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INTERNAL BLEEDING, PART OF HIS INTESTINE REMOVED, CHIPPED BONE ON HIS RIGHT KNEE. AND MULTIPLE GLASS FRACTURE REMOVED FROM HIS BODY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A SLIGHT CONCUSSION A…”
NHTSA complaint #11326493, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Loud noise from driver-side rear while driving. I discovered the rear crossmember (aka subframe) is badly corroded and there is a complete break/failure of the unit. This is unsafe. I have worked on cars for over 40 years and I have never seen such an inexcusable failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11508477, 2022

“No incident, but I am prevent one from happening. My C.V.T. Transmission is winning in 1st gear, CVT stands for {continuously variable transmission}. I need to let up on the gas pedal each time it's supposed to shift.. Even if you don't know much about how a transmission works, you have probably heard of the manual and the automatic. The CVT is the newest type of a transmission. It is sometimes referred to as the shiftless transmission and is a type of automatic, a steady RPM constant even if the vehicle is accelerating rapidly in a passing scenario, for example, the CVT knows the optimal eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11428444, 2021

Service Brakes 12 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP BEFORE REACHING A DEAD-END INTERSECTION. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED UNTIL CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,088.”
NHTSA complaint #10457882, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THERE IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE 4 YEARS. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. IN ORDER TO START THE CAR THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED FIRST AND THEN PLUG BACK IN AND THEN IT WILL START BACK UP.IN THE PAST I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NEVER FOUND ANY ISSUES ON THE DIAGNOSTICS.”
NHTSA complaint #11085060, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, COMING TO A STOP THE CONTACT APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN IT WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED GOING OVER A SMALL MEDIAN IN A PARKING LOT AND HITTING A FENCE. THERE WERE NO DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE AND NO INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE , THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,900.CV”
NHTSA complaint #10454045, 2012 · crash

Steering 12 1 crash

“I WAS TRAVELING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN ON A STRAIGHT WAY ON HWY AND THE FRONT TIRE BLEW IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY MICHELIN TIRE. I WAS PULLED ACROSS THE OTHER LANE INTO A DITCH STRIKING A STONE CULVERT AFTER GOING AIRBORNE. I HAD PURCHASED A SET OF MICHELIN TIRES AND THEY WERE A 70,000 MILE TIRE AND HAD 23,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED A BLOWOUT AS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO WHEEL INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE TO TIRE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION OTHER THAT THE BLOWN PART IN THE SIDEWAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10701733, 2015 · crash

“While driving on the highway the steering wheel locked keeping me from maneuvering the steering wheel. Independent service center diagnostics confirmed it was the power steering pump and sensor. Let the vehicle run into the curb. Then power steering fluid is still leaking out. When taken to the dealership they said to take it back to the independent service to have them find out where the leak is coming from. The dealership said it could be the copper screw or another part of the power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #11497907, 2022

“TAKATA RECALL , MY 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING, AND IT MAKES A WEIRD NOISE WHEN I START UP THE CAR”
NHTSA complaint #11165527, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 1 fire 1 injury

“MULTIPLE MECHANICAL ISSUES INCLUDING THE HEAT. THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS STUCK DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT AFTER IT GOT TOO BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10960171, 2017 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she and her passengers experienced nausea and dizziness symptoms. The car-sick symptoms went away after turning off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,780.”
NHTSA complaint #11488937, 2022

“Going down interstate, when you press the gas, vehicle hesitates if you are going faster than 40 miles an hour, motor didn't die but you are unable to go faster for a few seconds, this is very dangerous situation on our interstates. And this is happening on every trip that I am afraid to drive this car, its not trustworthy and I can't afford a new car in today's economy.”
NHTSA complaint #11444843, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 9

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to…”
NHTSA complaint #11741855, 2026

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing…”
NHTSA complaint #11671150, 2025

“While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.”
NHTSA complaint #11584172, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“I HAVE REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND THE CODE KEEPS COMING ON. IT ONLY STAYED OFF FOR A MONTH. IT CAUSES THE CAR TO IDLE ROUGH. I AM NOT SURE IF THE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING ARE RELATED BUT THE ONLY LIGHT THAT COMES ON IS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CODE SHOWS P0101.”
NHTSA complaint #11290247, 2019

“THE STABILITY CONTROLS COME ON AND THEN THEY DON'T GO AWAY AND THE CAR DON'T RUN ANYMORE, IT TURNS ON AND CAR IS USELESS. THE STABILITY CONTROLS TURN ON AND DOESN'T TURN OFF AGAIN, I HAVE TO SHUT OFF THE ENTIRE CAR FOR MORE THAN 3 MINUTES AND WHEN I START IT BACK ON IT TURNS OFF. NOT EVEN THE SWITCH THAT SAY TURN OFF DOESN'T WORK. SUDDENLY IT TURNS ON AGAIN AND SAME CYCLE BACK AGAIN AND THE CAR JUST DOESN'T RUN.”
NHTSA complaint #11162044, 2018

“WHILE IN MOTION THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND IT WILL NOT LET US ACCELERATE ABOVE 2500 RPM. THE CAR JOLTS OR STUTTERS NOT CHANGING INTO A HIGHER GEAR. WITH IT BEING A CVT TRANSMISSION I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT WORKS BUT THE ONLY WAY WE WERE ABLE TO GET HOME FROM THE MIDDLE OF OUR TRIP BACK FROM GA DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA WAS TO USE THE OPTIONAL GEAR SHIFT MODE AND SLOWLY ACCELERATE THROUGH THE GEARS WHILE NOT GOING OVER 2500 RPM. MY BROTHER LOOKED INTO IT AND SAID IT MAY BE A FAULTY SENSOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11023420, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 6

“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact disconnected and reconnected the battery and the mass air flow sensor to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to Emissions Recall Campaign Number: R1720 (Non-Methane Organic Gases (…”
NHTSA complaint #11509329, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN 24 (1016 BELMONT ST, BROCKTON, MA 02301, (508) 588-9520) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,640.”
NHTSA complaint #11119705, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 80-85 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO SAFETY MODE AND DECELERATED TO 70 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLAGSTAFF NISSAN (4960 E MARKETPLACE DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004, (928) 522-6386) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER. IN ADDITION A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILUR…”
NHTSA complaint #11124389, 2016

Seat Belts 4 1 fire 1 injury

“MULTIPLE MECHANICAL ISSUES INCLUDING THE HEAT. THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS STUCK DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT AFTER IT GOT TOO BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10960171, 2017 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that water was leaking from the bottom of the front driver’s and passenger side doors. Additionally, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11526682, 2023

“TAKATA RECALLS. I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY SEALS AROUND MY WINDOWS. WHEN IT RAINS MY CAR GETS WATER IN THE DOORS.STATIONARY”
NHTSA complaint #11102967, 2016

Tires 4 1 crash

“I WAS TRAVELING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN ON A STRAIGHT WAY ON HWY AND THE FRONT TIRE BLEW IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY MICHELIN TIRE. I WAS PULLED ACROSS THE OTHER LANE INTO A DITCH STRIKING A STONE CULVERT AFTER GOING AIRBORNE. I HAD PURCHASED A SET OF MICHELIN TIRES AND THEY WERE A 70,000 MILE TIRE AND HAD 23,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THIS OCCURRED. AFTER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED A BLOWOUT AS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO WHEEL INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE TO TIRE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION OTHER THAT THE BLOWN PART IN THE SIDEWAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10701733, 2015 · crash

“SBRP215/55TR17 CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT ALL-SEASON TIRES ON MY 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE. I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE TIRES AND THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN OCTOBER 2010. I'VE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER COMPLETELY RESOLVED. THE LIGHT WAS A DAILY OCCURANCE AND AT 20K I CONSIDERED TRADING THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT FELT UNSAFE - EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT. I FINALLY BOUGHT NEW TIRES AT 30K MILES BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF HAVING TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRES EVERY MORNING. THAT IS HALF OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #10512345, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT TIRES SIZE 215 /60 R16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THE LEFT LANE IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND THE TIRE FAILED AT 4,000 MILES. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS INSTALLED FOUR MONTHS AGO. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10458511, 2011

Visibility/Wiper 4

“I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situation. I called Nissan and they said it is a common problem in years 2005-2012 and there is nothing they can do. I googled it and there are many complaints online regarding this problem. A 13 y/o car that was garaged for 11 years in the NE and now parked underneath a parking garage should not have this problem. It is definitely a defect in manufacturing that is causing a safety iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11585729, 2022

“MY 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS A MELTED DASHBOARD AND THE CLEAR COAT IS COMING OFF. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE IS A TERRIBLE GLARE FROM THE DAMAGED DASHBOARD AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. SEE THE ATTACHED PICTURES. I CONTACTED NISSAN NAT'L AND THEY SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THEY WOULD HELP ME. THEY HAD ME GET DIAGNOSIS ON THE DASH AND CLEAR COAT, THEN TOLD ME NO, IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY!!? I UNDERSTAND A LOT OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. NISSAN HAS ALREADY HAD A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THESE TWO ISSUES FOR MODELS UP TO 2009, SO THEY KNEW THE DASH AND CLEAR COAT WER…”
NHTSA complaint #11235141, 2019

“DASHBOARD IS MELTING, MY HOOD IS PEELING LIKE CRAZY.... SPOKE TO A BODY SHOP OWNER AND HE STATED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.... I'M NOTICING CHIPS IN THE PAINT EVERY... POOR JOB ON 2011 ALTIMA'S”
NHTSA complaint #11265522, 2018

Seats 3

“THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING AND SHOWING AS TURNED OFF EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. I SEARCHED FOR RECALLS DEALING WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUED AND FIND RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2007 TO 2008 ALTIMA (RECALL 08V521000) AND A NEW RECALL IS JUST READ ABOUT ON THE 2013 TO 2016 ALTIMA,BUT NONE ON MY YEAR. I OPENED A CASE (#23576396) AND TOOK IT TO MY NISSAN DEALER AS INSTRUCTED BY THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH AT THE CORPORATE NUMBER TO HAVE THE ISSUE ANALIZED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER TOLD ME THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS DEFECTIVE AND THE FIX IS TO REPLACE THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10895553, 2016

“"PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY ADULTS WEIGHING BETWEEN 120 AND 200 POUNDS, INDICATING THE AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED, THOUGH IT SHOULD BE TURNED ON. PROBLEM HAPPENS BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED, AND HAS OCCURRED FREQUENTLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE, SO ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, AND FAULTY SENSOR HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. NEWER MODELS (2013'2016) WERE SUBJECTED TO A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. OLDER MODELS SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS WELL, AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR PASSENGERS. COMPLAINT FOR 2011 NISSAN…”
NHTSA complaint #10864867, 2016

“THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED, THE LIGHTS OF THE PANEL LOWER THE DENSITY. NOW STARTS THE LIGHT OF THE AIR BAG OF THE PASSENGER, RIGHT SIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11170966, 2014

Wheels 3 1 fire 1 injury

“MULTIPLE MECHANICAL ISSUES INCLUDING THE HEAT. THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS STUCK DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT AFTER IT GOT TOO BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10960171, 2017 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR KEEPS COMING ON CHANGE ALL 4 TIRES BRAND NEW ONES RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT STILL COMES ON THE CAR SWERVES AND IT'S SOMETIMES HARD TO CONTROL AFTER A CERTAIN SPEED I'VE LEARNED THAT A 2011 SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THEIR SUSPENSION AND I BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR I CALLED THE POLICE ON THE 800 NUMBER PUT A COMPLAINT IN THEY TOLD ME UNDER THIS PHONE NUMBER THERE WAS REALLY NO RECALLS BUT THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I CAN'T REALLY AFFORD LITERALLY CAN'T AFFORD HEFTY BILL FROM THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10928703, 2016

“SBRP215/55TR17 CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT ALL-SEASON TIRES ON MY 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE. I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE TIRES AND THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN OCTOBER 2010. I'VE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER COMPLETELY RESOLVED. THE LIGHT WAS A DAILY OCCURANCE AND AT 20K I CONSIDERED TRADING THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT FELT UNSAFE - EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT. I FINALLY BOUGHT NEW TIRES AT 30K MILES BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF HAVING TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRES EVERY MORNING. THAT IS HALF OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #10512345, 2011

Exterior Lighting 2 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE WHILE TRYING TO PULL OVER AND PARK THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE LATER COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF USING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO T REPROGRAMMED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10532705, 2013 · crash

“WHEN DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEADLAMPS & RUNNING LIGHTS CAME ON, AND VEHICLE BECAME TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE, STRANDING DRIVER & RUNNING DOWN BATTERY DUE TO INABILITY TO TURN ANY LIGHTS OFF OR TURN VEHICLE OFF. NO CONTROLS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WERE CONTROLLABLE. SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE: 1. POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCHES DID NOT FUNCTION (NO EFFECT FROM PRESSING). 2. POWER WINDOW SWITCHES DID NOT FUNCTION (NO EFFECT FROM PRESSING). 3. PRESSING THE VEHICLE POWER / IGNITION BUTTON (MODERN EQUIVALENT OF STARTING KEY SWITCH) DID NOT H…”
NHTSA complaint #10470271, 2012

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR DID NOT EXTEND OUT FAR ENOUGH TO PROVIDE HIM WITH PROPER VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE MIRROR WAS DESIGNED TO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 02/27/12*LJ UPDATED 02/28/12”
NHTSA complaint #10442563, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAR THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SIZE OF THE WIPERS WERE STANDARD FOR HER PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40.”
NHTSA complaint #10399197, 2011

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE OWNER'S MANUAL DISPLAYED A MESSAGE INFORMING HIM OF A CHIME ALERT THAT WOULD SOUND WHENEVER THE DRIVER SEAT BELT WAS NOT SECURELY FASTENED. WITH THE SEAT BELT UNFASTENED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHIME ALERT DID NOT SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A CHIME SYSTEM, CONTRARY TO WHAT THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 700. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED A CHIME WOULD SOUND FOR ABOU…”
NHTSA complaint #10397310, 2011

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at normal speed, he noticed that smoke started to spread throughout the vehicle when the vehicle inadvertently caught fire. The check engine warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11490047, 2022 · fire

Fuel System 1

“MY TROUBLE BEGAN AS I SAT AND FUELED MY CAR WITH THE SAME TYPE OF GAS THAT I HAVE BEEN USING FOR YEARS. I FILLED MY TANK, STARTED MY CAR AND IT STARTED HUFFING AND PUFFING AS IF IT WAS ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT STOPPED. A FEW DAYS LATER WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE DAY I HEARD THIS LOUD RATTLING NOISE AS IF A CHAIN OR SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING THE GROUND OR BEING RATTLED. I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT AND LOWERED MY RADIO TO LISTEN AND AS I SAT IDLE IN DRIVE I COULD HEAR THIS RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD FURTHER IT CONTINUED THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10935570, 2016

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS FLASHING AND THE TRACTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10984455, 2017

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Nissan Altima draws about 15.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 8 of 12 among the Nissan Altima model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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