2012 Nissan Altima
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8,334 on record.
2012 Nissan Altima at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2012 Nissan Altima recalls 4
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 IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
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 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.
Fix: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
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.
2012 Nissan Altima common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 423 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2012 Nissan Altima safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2012 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2012 Nissan Altima worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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 ($12,019) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,105), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2012 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record
2012 Nissan Altima vehicles on record
Other Nissan Altima model years
2012 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Nissan Altima?
Based on 423 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, suspension.
What is the 2012 Nissan Altima safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2012 Nissan Altima an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Altima get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Altima at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway).
How much is a 2012 Nissan Altima worth?
Comparable 2012 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $9,800–$14,250, typically around $12,019 (from 8,324 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.