2012 Nissan Altima Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 149 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CVT STARTS MAKING NOISE, THE RPM GO UP TO 6,000 RPM THEN I LOOSE ENGINE POWER SUDDENLY SO THE CAR SPEED STUCK ON 40 MPH SUDDENLY AND DECREASE THE SPEED EVEN WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL IT JUST MAKES NOISE AND INCREASE THE RPM AND THE NOISE BUT THE SPEED DON'T INCREASE, SO A CAR BEHIND ME CRASH TAILGATING MY CAR, I'M NOW WITH SERIOUSLY INJURIES, THE NISSAN CVT IS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS, MY CAR ONLY HAS 96,000 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11100651, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHER ITEM. I LEFT AND HEADED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BACK ON THE SAME ROAD I TRAVELED TO TOWN ON. AS I WAS ON THE 2 LANE ITHE ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED TO BE RAINING HEAVIER AND I COULD TELL BY THE RAIN CROSSING OVER MY HEADLIGHTS. SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL CAUGHT MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10971264, 2017 · fire

“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 easily compromised and damaged causing loss of control and steering .suspensions are no longer in tact nor reliable and will pose a danger. All errors were not found by manufacturer and has caused immediate danger to not only driver but everyone on the road. The engine has a rattle only after 2 years which is not usual.”
NHTSA complaint #11670314, 2025 · crash

Engine 68 2 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AS THE WIRES BEHIND THE ENGINE…”
NHTSA complaint #11048556, 2017 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHER ITEM. I LEFT AND HEADED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BACK ON THE SAME ROAD I TRAVELED TO TOWN ON. AS I WAS ON THE 2 LANE ITHE ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED TO BE RAINING HEAVIER AND I COULD TELL BY THE RAIN CROSSING OVER MY HEADLIGHTS. SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL CAUGHT MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10971264, 2017 · fire

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE AT A RESTAURANT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND SURGE FROM THE ENGINE PROPELLING THE CAR FORWARD AND OVER AN EMBANKMENT FORTUNATELY FOR A FEW TREES AND GOD'S HELP MY WIFE IS THANKFULLY STILL ALIVE THE EMBANKMENT HAD APPROXIMATELY 100' DROP THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE SHE STILL HEARS, NOT SURE ONCE THE CAR IS FIXED IF WE BUY ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OR EVEN CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS ONE, SOMETHING CAUSED THIS CAR TO SURGE AND IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT HER FOOT,”
NHTSA complaint #11021810, 2017 · crash

Air Bags 57 14 crash 16 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND BRAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT, CAUSING HER TO SUSTAIN A LACERATION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED FIVE CRACKED RIBS AND A CRACKED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ALSO INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10735324, 2015 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WITHOUT BRAKING (STATED BY POLICE) THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE AND THE PASSENGER'S HEAD WAS THROWN BACK AND FORTH STRIKING BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD REST AS WELL AS THE REAR PASSENGER'S HEAD REST. THE PASSENGER WAS EVALUATED IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM DIAGNOSIS "CERVICAL SPRAIN AND A CLOSED HEAD INJURY". PASSENGER #2 WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10672815, 2015 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“ON AUGUST 28, 2015, THE PERSON HAD RAN A RED LIGHT WHICH CAUSED ME TO T-BONE HIS CAR IN THE REAR. THEREFORE IT WAS A HARD IMPACT COLLISION AND NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR OUR OWN SAFETY. ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF .......UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10760904, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 56 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“THE WIPER BLADES SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING DURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE TIME AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OFF ON A SIDE ROAD AS HE HAD VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY WHICH RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE SIDE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11044384, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. IT WAS A SUNDAY NIGHT, IT JUST STARTED MISTING RAIN. I DROVE ON MY USUAL CURVY 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY AND THEN PROCEED ONTO MY USUAL 4 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY TO MCDONALD'S WHERE I GOT FOOD INSIDE AND THEN UPON LEAVING DECIDED TO GO THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH FOR ANOTHER ITEM. I LEFT AND HEADED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BACK ON THE SAME ROAD I TRAVELED TO TOWN ON. AS I WAS ON THE 2 LANE ITHE ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED TO BE RAINING HEAVIER AND I COULD TELL BY THE RAIN CROSSING OVER MY HEADLIGHTS. SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL CAUGHT MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10971264, 2017 · fire

“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 that I observed. The Cybertruck suddenly and aggressively braked without warning. The abrupt deceleration appeared inconsistent with road conditions and is consistent with what is commonly described as “phantom braking.” As a result of the sudden stop, I was unable to avoid a collision with the rear of the vehicle despi…”
NHTSA complaint #11730266, 2026 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 49 3 crash

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE AT A RESTAURANT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND SURGE FROM THE ENGINE PROPELLING THE CAR FORWARD AND OVER AN EMBANKMENT FORTUNATELY FOR A FEW TREES AND GOD'S HELP MY WIFE IS THANKFULLY STILL ALIVE THE EMBANKMENT HAD APPROXIMATELY 100' DROP THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE SHE STILL HEARS, NOT SURE ONCE THE CAR IS FIXED IF WE BUY ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OR EVEN CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS ONE, SOMETHING CAUSED THIS CAR TO SURGE AND IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT HER FOOT,”
NHTSA complaint #11021810, 2017 · crash

“I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AT A LOCAL GYM, AS I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STAY IN DRIVE AND SURGED FORWARD INTO THE BUILDING. ONCE THE VEHICLE HIT THE BUILDING, I ONCE AGAIN TRIED TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK, AND IT ONCE AGAIN SURGED FORWARD AND HIT THE BUILDING. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP THE CAR WAS TO HIT THE POWER BUTTON TO TURN THE CAR OFF. ONCE THE OFFICER ARRIVED ON SCENE, HE ASKED ME TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL SO THAT HE COULD MOVE THE CAR OFF THE CURB, HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. AS A RESULT THE CAR WAS ONCE AGAIN POWERED DOWN TO AVOID ANY…”
NHTSA complaint #10532326, 2013 · crash

“AS DRIVER WAS BRAKING UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT A LOCAL STORE, CAR SURGED FORWARD AND JUMPED A CURB HITTING A RED BOX VIDEO DISPLAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10484120, 2012 · crash

Electrical System 44 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AS THE WIRES BEHIND THE ENGINE…”
NHTSA complaint #11048556, 2017 · fire

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11514891, 2023

“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 alternator came back fine again. Even Nissan themselves have bo idea what's wrong. I've never seen this complaint anywhere, but I assume not that many people own the coupes. I even had an 09 SE coupe that never did this.”
NHTSA complaint #11511311, 2022

Structure 32 3 crash 1 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP ON THE HIGHWAY. MY AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF ON IMPACT AND WAS ABOUT 30-40 SEC. DELAYED. AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN I WAS UNBUCKLING MY SEATBELT AND GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. MOST OF MY INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE AIRBAG. CAR WAS TOTALED I'M MAKING THIS REPORT IN CASE SOMEONE PURCHASES CAR AT AUCTION AND ONLY REPLACES DRIVER AIRBAG HOPEFULLY THEY WILL CHECK CURTAIN AIRBAGS FOR DEFECTS AS WELL SO SOMEONE ELSE DOESN'T GET HURT.”
NHTSA complaint #10794994, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HIT A DEER HEAD ON@ 40 MPH, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY”
NHTSA complaint #11039396, 2017 · crash

“AS DRIVER WAS BRAKING UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT A LOCAL STORE, CAR SURGED FORWARD AND JUMPED A CURB HITTING A RED BOX VIDEO DISPLAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10484120, 2012 · crash

Service Brakes 20 3 crash 3 injury

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WAS TRAVELING AT SPEED OF THE ROAD AND I WANTED TO MAKE A FULL STOP BUT I HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME! I PUSHED AND PUSHED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE NEVER BRAKE!! ALSO MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!! THERE IS PHYSICAL AND BODILY DAMAGE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME! ALSO MY CAR WAS DAMAGED! NISSAN SHOULD STEP UP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10443237, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED MY NEW ALTIMA S2.5 CONVIENCE PKG PLUS 1ST OF AUG 2012. I BOUGHT NEW CAR TO BE SAFE THIS WAS MY 3RD ALTIMA. MON. DEC 31, 2012 @ 11;15 A.M. I MADE RIGHT TURN INTO HOME DRIVEWAY. MY DRIVEWAY IS STEEP HOUSE SITS DOWN WAS PROCEEDING FORWARD DOWN DRIVEWAY TO ENTER GARAGE. I HAD BRAKES NO WARNINGS OR INDICATORS ANYTHING WAS WRONG. TOP OF DRIVE HAD BRAKES ON, THEN LET OFF LITTLE TO ALLOW CAR TO GO FORWARD. AS I EASED OFF LIITLE ON BRAKES DOWN CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO FAST SO TRIED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO BRAKES AND WENT TO FLOOR, STARTED PUMPING BRAKES AND NOTHING CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10493467, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON 2-21-16 APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, RESULTING IN A 25 MPH COLLISION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS BRUISED BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS CITED FOR RUNNING THE LIGHT. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #10839111, 2016 · crash

Steering 16 5 crash 3 injury

“MY SON WAS DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF OF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE, WENT THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL BACKYARD FENCE AND CAME TO REST 3FT. BEFORE AN 8FT. EMBANKMENT INTO A CREEK. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND HE HAD TO BE EXTRICATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE SUFFERED THE FOLLOWING INJURIES: - 2 BROKEN VERTEBRA IN HIS NECK - BROKEN CLAVICLE - 4 BROKEN RIBS - COLLAPSED LUNGS - LACERATION ON HIS UPPER LEFT ARM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10650148, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED MY NEW ALTIMA S2.5 CONVIENCE PKG PLUS 1ST OF AUG 2012. I BOUGHT NEW CAR TO BE SAFE THIS WAS MY 3RD ALTIMA. MON. DEC 31, 2012 @ 11;15 A.M. I MADE RIGHT TURN INTO HOME DRIVEWAY. MY DRIVEWAY IS STEEP HOUSE SITS DOWN WAS PROCEEDING FORWARD DOWN DRIVEWAY TO ENTER GARAGE. I HAD BRAKES NO WARNINGS OR INDICATORS ANYTHING WAS WRONG. TOP OF DRIVE HAD BRAKES ON, THEN LET OFF LITTLE TO ALLOW CAR TO GO FORWARD. AS I EASED OFF LIITLE ON BRAKES DOWN CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO FAST SO TRIED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO BRAKES AND WENT TO FLOOR, STARTED PUMPING BRAKES AND NOTHING CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10493467, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO GO RIGHT, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10482125, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 16 3 crash 1 injury

“MY SON WAS DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF OF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE, WENT THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL BACKYARD FENCE AND CAME TO REST 3FT. BEFORE AN 8FT. EMBANKMENT INTO A CREEK. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND HE HAD TO BE EXTRICATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE SUFFERED THE FOLLOWING INJURIES: - 2 BROKEN VERTEBRA IN HIS NECK - BROKEN CLAVICLE - 4 BROKEN RIBS - COLLAPSED LUNGS - LACERATION ON HIS UPPER LEFT ARM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10650148, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 easily compromised and damaged causing loss of control and steering .suspensions are no longer in tact nor reliable and will pose a danger. All errors were not found by manufacturer and has caused immediate danger to not only driver but everyone on the road. The engine has a rattle only after 2 years which is not usual.”
NHTSA complaint #11670314, 2025 · crash

“ON THE ABOVE DATE, MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH AFTER THOROUGH ASSESSMENT BY THE BODY SHOP AND BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S FIELD ADJUSTERS, WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. MY VEHICLE'S STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT DUE TO THE FRONT WHEELS BECOMING SEEMINGLY LOCKED AND STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WAS IMPOSSIBLE. STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN AS WELL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO FAST. THERE WAS A LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN OR "FLIP". THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UPSIDE DOWN WHEN PASSERSBY AND LAW OFFICIAL ARRIVED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10761112, 2015 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 16

“2012 Altima defective sticky melting dashboard cause severe windshield glare when driving when sun from a certain angle ( no vehicle accident so far)”
NHTSA complaint #11492388, 2022

“CAR DASH HAS BECOME A HAZARD TO DRIVING SAFELY. THE DASH ORIGINALLY, WHEN PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER, HAD A PEBBLED MATT FINISH SIMILAR TO A FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL. IN THE PAST YEAR THAT FINISH IS DISSOLVED INTO A SLICK STICKY HIGHLY REFLECTIVE STATE. THIS REFLECTIVE STATE CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE FRONT WINDOW; THIS IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. FURTHER RESEARCH OF THIS EVENT WITH MY VEHICLE HAS FOUND IT NOT TO BE UNIQUE TO MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND VERY DANGEROUS. THIS IS A DEFECT OF DESIGN ONLY AND AS SUCH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY NISSA…”
NHTSA complaint #11460006, 2021

“THE DASH ON MY 2012 ALTIMA HAS BEGUN TO MELT. THE DASH INITIALLY STARTED OUT BEING TACKY WHEN MY SON WAS AWAY AT COLLEGE IN NC, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS UNUSUAL. UPON RETURNING TO FL THIS PAST SUMMER, IT GOT WORSE. NOW THE DASH IS GIVING OFF A CHEMICAL SMELL WITH A HORRIBLE GLARE. THE GLARE FROM THE WINDSHIELD IS MAKING FOR UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY IN THE FL SUN. NISSAN ACKNOWLEDGED THE MELTING DASH ISSUE IN 2008 2009 MODELS AND AGREED TO REPLACE THOSE DASHES FOR VEHICLES IN FL UNDER A LAWSUIT SETTLED IN 2017. LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, IT APPEARS THAT THE MELTING…”
NHTSA complaint #11383910, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON 2-21-16 APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, RESULTING IN A 25 MPH COLLISION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS BRUISED BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS CITED FOR RUNNING THE LIGHT. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #10839111, 2016 · crash

“On a road trip car stopped accelerating above 60. Caused us a long time sitting on the side of the road when car cooled we started up and went again. Took it into the shop and replaced the fuel pump. Then one week later on a trip to Idaho car is doing the same thing over the Milan pass. Acceleration does not work at high speeds even with a new fuel pump. Seems to make an airy fan sound like an air valve is wide open. Think it is a dangerous sensor issue. Ug. Help.”
NHTSA complaint #11480257, 2022

“MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 15 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE INCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO THE PARKING LOT WHERE I RESTARTED THE CAR. THERE WAS OF A TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR AND ALL OF THE BATTERY CABLES WERE SECURE. I HAD THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND BOTH WERE FINE. THERE ARE 76,979 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED, HOWEVER, AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON…”
NHTSA complaint #11373030, 2020

Seats 7 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST CAUSED THE CONTACT BACK PAIN, HEAD ACHES AND NUMBNESS IN THE ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER TURNED THE HEAD REST AROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE HEAD REST WAS TURNED, THERE WAS NO MORE PAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10470026, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE DRIVER SEAT DOESNT STAY IN POSITION. IT SITS LOW AND DOESNT STAY LIFTED”
NHTSA complaint #11099467, 2017

“I BELIEVE THE RECALL WHICH CAME OUT YESTERDAY FOR THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SHOULD INCLUDE 2012 ALTIMAS (NOT JUST 2013-2016). I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS OR SO WHERE I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE A PASSENGER OR ITEMS ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND MY AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH BOARD WILL COME ON AT RANDOM, EVEN WHEN THERE IS A FULL-SIZE ADULT IN THE SEAT. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.”
NHTSA complaint #10862582, 2016

Tires 6

“215/60/r16 Driving down, interstate st 70 steering wheel started to shake, then load noise as if running over something, then could see the entire middle tread of the tire flying into the lane behind me to the right. So luckily no one was in that lane or it would’ve crashed into the front of their car. Car was recently purchased from a dealer and the dealer had just gotten it from an auction so little to no information about the tires except for the date on the side, which was 0419, I assume April of 2019. Incident beyond panic caused tire tread to cut rear bumper in half as well as bending u…”
NHTSA complaint #11735170, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH SUMITOMO TOURING LST TIRES, TIRE SIZE: 215/60R16, AND UNKNOWN DOT NUMBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE STARTED VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS BULGED AND THEN EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11144440, 2018

“TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT IS COLD AND STAYS ON. CHECK PRESSURE AND TIRES ARE OK. SAFETY ISSUES ARS YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. CALLED NISSAN AND THEY SAID NOT TO WORRY WHEN IT GET WARMER THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL GO OFF, BUT WHEN DO YOU KNOW IF YOU REALLY HAVE A TIRE PROBLEM AND A POTENTIAL CRASH? I WANT THE SENSOR REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10669858, 2014

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“A RED FLASHING LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE A PERSON SITTING WITH A AIRBAG IN THE FACE WON'T GO OFF AND A YELLOW LIGHT THAT HAS A X OVER THE 2ND SEAT. I'M SCARED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WON'T WORK IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS”
NHTSA complaint #11269835, 2019

“THE POWER OUTLET IN THE CENTER CONSOLE HAD GONE BAD SO MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE FUSE AND AS SOON AS I STARTED TO DRIVE, MY CAR STARTED JUMPING AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15MPH. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BOTH COME ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS THEN CRANKED IT AGAIN, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE CAR DROVE FINE. NOW AT RANDOM TIMES, USUALLY IF THE CAR IS LEFT IDLING, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON AND THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IF I TURN THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS THEN CRANK IT AGAIN, THE LIGHT IS OFF AND THE CAR RUNS FINE AGA…”
NHTSA complaint #11254592, 2019

“THIS WAS A USED PRE-CERTIFIED CAR, PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER IN WHICH DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES UNTIL ITS WARRANTY WAS PRACTICALLY NO LONGER VALID. THE CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES. THE ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED WITH THE USB PORT CONNECTION TO A CELLULAR DEVICE. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL RECOGNIZE THE PHONE, OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE USB TO PHONE CONNECTION, TURN THE USB CORD AROUND AND RECONNECT A FEW TIMES FOR THE RADIO TO RECOGNIZE THE PHONE. AFTER THIS ISSUES, ONE SPEAKER WENT OUT. LATER ON, A SECOND SPEAKER WENT OUT. I REPLACED BOTH SPEAKERS TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11252717, 2019

Exterior Lighting 5 1 crash 4 injury

“MY ISSUE CONCERNS THE EXTREMELY BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS (ESPECIALLY AFTERMARKET HALOGEN) THAT ARE ALLOWED TO BE INSTALLED ON CARS AND WORSE ON SUV'S AND PICK-UP TRUCKS. THESE LIGHTS ARE BLINDING IN NORMAL HIGHWAY NIGHT TRAVEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN OPPOSING DRIVERS USE THEM AT THE HIGH BEAM LEVEL. IT IS WORSE WHEN A CAR DRIVER IS OPPOSED BY A SUV OR A PICK-UP TRUCK WHOSE LIGHTS ARE MOUNTED ABOUT ONE FOOT HIGHER THAN THE ONES MOUNTED ON A TYPICAL CAR. MY WIFE'S ACCIDENT WHEN SHE ENTERED THE LEFT TURN LANE OF A HIGHWAY WITH A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION WITH A DEDICATED LEFT TURN LANE AT THE INTERSEC…”
NHTSA complaint #10948670, 2013 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“THE LED HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR NIGHT DRIVING OR DRIVING IN THE RAIN. IT OCCURES WILL IN MOTION AND AT A STANDSTILL”
NHTSA complaint #11172024, 2019

“THE LIGHTS ON DIM ARE SO DIM YOU CAN'T SEE THE ROAD. YOU HAVE TO PUT ON BIGHTS TO SEE THE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11397507, 2014

Seat Belts 5 2 crash 8 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND BRAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT, CAUSING HER TO SUSTAIN A LACERATION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED FIVE CRACKED RIBS AND A CRACKED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ALSO INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10735324, 2015 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“MY 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WITHOUT BRAKING (STATED BY POLICE) THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE AND THE PASSENGER'S HEAD WAS THROWN BACK AND FORTH STRIKING BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD REST AS WELL AS THE REAR PASSENGER'S HEAD REST. THE PASSENGER WAS EVALUATED IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM DIAGNOSIS "CERVICAL SPRAIN AND A CLOSED HEAD INJURY". PASSENGER #2 WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10672815, 2015 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND CONSTRICTED THE CHILD BEING RESTRAINED IN THE SEAT. THE CHILD SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,340.”
NHTSA complaint #10548469, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“THIS VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 3 TIMES NOW. JUST DRIVING ALONG AND IT JUST STARTS SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN. RUNNING 70MPH AND IT JUST LOSES POWER AND IT SLOWS TO AROUND 25MPH. YOU MASH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND IT HAS NO EFFECT, IT WILL NOT INCREASE SPEED. YOU PULL OVER, SHOUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART AND IT RUNS FINE AGAIN. YOU GET NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CODES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. I SEE SOMEONE ELSE HAS FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NOW MAYBE YOU WILL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK A…”
NHTSA complaint #10650943, 2014

“DRIVING LONG DISTANCES MY CAR OVERHEATS, LOOSES POWER GOING FROM 70 MPH DOWN TO 40 MPH IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. I AM FORCED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND LET IT RESET ITSELF. IT HAS ALWAYS MADE A WHINING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION, AND THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED FROM DAY ONE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO NISSAN SEVERAL TIMES AND AM ALWAYS BEEN GIVEN LAME EXCUSES. NOW THAT MY WARRANTY IS UP THEY HAVE A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEMS. NEW TRANSMISSION OR OVERHEAT CONVERTER TO THE TUNE OF $1600. HOW CONVENIENT THEY HAVE A SOLUTION NOT THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY!! THEY REFUSE TO HELP ME OR FIX MY CAR UNLESS I…”
NHTSA complaint #10614429, 2014

“2012 NISSAN ALTIMA RENTAL VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME TO A NEAR COMPLETE STOP ON THE LEFT- OF- MIDDLE LANE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITH NO WARNING, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY SLOWED DOWN FROM 60 MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND BEGAN TO SHAKE AND JERK. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUMES INDICATING THAT SOMETHING WAS BURNING OR MELTING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS AS HIGH AS IT COULD GO, INDICATION THE ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED.”
NHTSA complaint #10449791, 2012

Fuel System 3

“FILLING THE FUEL TANK THE GAS PUMP SHUT OFF THINKING THE TANK WAS FULL WHEN IF FACT THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED IT WASN'T FULL, I PROCEEDED TO FILL THE TANK AGAIN AND IT TOOK AN ADDITIONAL 2 GAL. BEFORE IT REGISTERED FULL, I DID THIS TWO OTHER TIMES AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED, IN ADDITION I WOULD DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 60MILES AND THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD SHOW THAT I USED APPROXIMATELY 4-5GAL OF GAS? THIS IS A 4 CLY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM, THEY REPLACED THE FUEL FILLER VALVE AND THAT DIDN'T HELP, THEN THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THAT DIDN'T HELP, I'M SCHEDULED TO G…”
NHTSA complaint #10505054, 2013

“2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL EFFICIENCY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS NOT GETTING THE CLAIMED MPG AS STATED FROM NISSAN. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS BARELY GETTING OVER 20 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10450959, 2012

“TRAVELING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD GOING 55 MPH. IT WAS AROUND 10 A.M., SUNNY AND DRY. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE ROAD. I HEARD A LOUD "POP" WHICH CAME FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IN FRONT OF BACK TIRE. WE LOOKED FOR DEBRIS ON THE ROAD, SAW NONE. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. CONTINUED 10 - 15 MORE MILES TO HOME OF FATHER-IN-LAW. STEPPED OUT OF CAR AND SMELLED STRONG GAS FUMES. PROCEEDED AROUND BACK OF CAR TO PASSENGER SIDE. OBSERVED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN FRONT OF REAR PASSENGER TIRE. SLOW, STEADY DRIP WAS COMING FROM BOTTOM OF CAR ABOVE PUDDLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO NISSAN DEALER IN LEXIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10440495, 2011

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11632800, 2024

“The transmissions go out fast in the ctv Nissan Altima 2012”
NHTSA complaint #11584714, 2024

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE 5 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. MOST RECENT ON THURSDAY FOR FORTY MINUTES! PRETTY SURE IT'S A COLD WEATHER ISSUE, BUT DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. ESPECIALLY FOR A 67 YEAR-OLD, ARTHRITIC, 260LB. SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WHO TOOK 5 MINUTES TO GET UP AND OVER THE CONSOLE AND FINALLY FORCE HIS WAY OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR! IT WAS ONLY A COUPLE DEGREES BELOW ZERO, SO I'M A LITTLE SURPRISED IT TOOK 40 MINUTES FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO UNLOCK. I LEAVE THE DOOR UNLOCKED OVERNIGHT, BUT WHEN I LEAVE FOR SCHOOL IN THE MORNING, THE DARN DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AT 15MPH AND I C…”
NHTSA complaint #10676177, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE YEARS. THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 7/16/15*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10722671, 2014

Traction Control System 2

“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 by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11510828, 2023

“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light would intermittently illuminate. As a result, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that he would turn off the vehicle for approximately 20 seconds before restarting the vehicle to resume normal driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where minor repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11461598, 2021

Visibility 2

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2012 CAR ON I-635 IN DALLAS AT 2 PM CST AT AROUND 65 MPH SPEED, I HEARD HUGE EXPLOSION SOUND ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHT AND SLOWED DOWN THE CAR AND PULLED OVER TO A SHOULDER AND CHECKED THE CAR. SUNROOF GLASS WAS EXPLODED AND I HAVE SEEN A 4 INCH DIAMETER HOLE AND SCATTER GLASS PIECES; REST OF THE GLASS WAS ALSO BROKEN/CRACKED. THERE WAS NO VEHICLE AT THE TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AND IT WAS NOT DUE TO THE EXTERNAL FORCES, IT WAS DUE TO INTERNAL PRESSURE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND VISOR. I WAS SO SCARED WHEN THE GLASS EXPLODED BUT LUCKILY E…”
NHTSA complaint #10919166, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD SMELL MOLD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,793.”
NHTSA complaint #10473158, 2012

Wheels 2

“PUSHED BRAKE TO START STOPPING, BRAKES SHUTTERED. LET UP ON BRAKE, THEN REAPPLIED AND IT SHUTTERED AGAIN. THIS CONTINUED. CHECKED BRAKE FLUID, IT WAS DOWN SLIGHTLY, PUT IN TO FILL. PROBLEM BETTER BUT STILL EXISTS, NOW AIR COMPRESSOR GONE.. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT IN OCT 2012 WHAT A LEMON. THANK GOODNESS IT IS A LEASE. NOISE UNDER CAR SINCE DAY BOUGHT. AT 30 MPH IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING HITS SOMETHING UNDER THERE. DEALER SAYS, JUST NATURE OF CAR. I DO NOT BUY THAT EXPLANATION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10596031, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BECAME WORN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TIRE DEALER TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY DUE TO FAULTY CALIPERS. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH DUE TO NOT HAVING THE WHEEL PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,509. UPDATED 12/23/13*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10551961, 2013