Model year guide

2011 Nissan Altima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 949 on record.

2011 Nissan Altima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints241
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$9,700

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Nissan Altima recalls 1

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #11V371000 · 19/07/2011

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. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.

Fix: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS AND NUTS AND TIGHTEN THEM TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Nissan Altima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 241 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2011 Nissan Altima safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 Nissan Altima 2 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,575

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Nissan Altima worth?

Low
$7,100
Typical price
$9,700
High
$12,400

From 944 comparable 2011 Nissan Altima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,250
Total$19,125
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,700) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,439), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5 S · 2.5 · 3.5 SR
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 170 hp · 3.5L 6-cyl 255 hp · 2.5L · 2.0L 4-cyl 140 hp

2011 Nissan Altima vehicles on record

Other Nissan Altima model years

2011 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima?

Based on 241 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, vehicle speed control, electrical system.

What is the 2011 Nissan Altima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 Nissan Altima crash-test ratings of rollover 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Altima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Altima at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2011 Nissan Altima worth?

Comparable 2011 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $7,100–$12,400, typically around $9,700 (from 944 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.