2011 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (58) · Structure:body (19) · Electrical System (16)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Nissan Altima model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
174 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Suspension 2011-07-19 · campaign 11V371000 · 20,000 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Service bulletins (131)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure:body 2026-04-13 · NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. these items may be availabl
Structure:body 2026-04-13 · NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. these items may be availabl
Electrical System 2024-05-21 · NTB13-107G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System 2024-05-21 · NTB13-027D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System 2024-05-21 · NTB10-066C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Visibility/Wiper 2024-04-30 · NTB17-019H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
window glass warranty information this bulletin has been amended. see amendment history on the last page. please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Showing the 6 most recent of 131 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-16 · Steering · 161,059 mi“the contact's granddaughter owns a 2011 nissan altima. the contact stated that while a granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction, followed by an abnormal sound while turning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where diagnosis revealed rack and pinion, power steering…”
2026-06-03 · Vehicle Speed Control“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 co…”
2026-02-25 · Power Train“drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.…”
2025-07-12 · Unknown Or Other“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 …”
2025-02-13 · Unknown Or Other“there is issue with sunroof drainage tubs causing rain to soak the floor of car. this definitely malfunction or inadequate problem with drainage tubs and sunroof parts with nissans. i took it to the dealership and car collision repair shop and was told this is high reoccurring issue with nissan sunroofs, but no recalls have been giv…”
2024-06-17 · Unknown Or Other“i have complained to nissan that the dash in the car is literally melting. it started around 2014 when i noticed it was having a sticky texture and because of this it creates a glare in the windshield that makes it hard to see. over the years it has only gotten worse and the dash is literally crumbling. i read online where they have had this issue …”
2024-04-29 · Visibility/Wiper“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 ther…”
2024-04-19 · Vehicle Speed Control“while driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance. …”
2024-03-31 · Unknown Or Other“unknown. my car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. sometimes it works but mostly it won’t. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.