2012 Nissan Altima Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2012 Nissan Altima recalls

Most common 2012 Nissan Altima problems

Problem areas named in the 426 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	149
Engine	68
Air Bags	57
Unknown Or Other	56
Vehicle Speed Control	49
Electrical System	44
Structure	33
Service Brakes	17
Suspension	17
Steering	17

What owners report

2026-09-22, Steering
am submitting a formal safety defect report regarding the steering system on my 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe. The vehicle exhibits a loose and unstable steering feel, accompanied by a distinct clunking impact whenever the wheel is turned, including during low‑speed maneuvering. This condition indicates a potential failure within the steering linkage, intermediate shaft, or associated structural components. Although my VIN does not currently appear in Nissan’s recall database, the symptoms are materially similar to steering‑related defects previously documented for this model year. Under federal motor vehicle safety standards, any defect that affects steering performance constitutes a safet

2026-08-16, Structure
Took the car to a repair shop to get an alignment. Was told that the frame rear cross member was so rusty that it needed to be replaced, and that if it broke while driving I would lose control of the car. The component has not been removed from the car. No one else has looked at the car. Only prior warning/message/symptom was uneven rear tire wear first noticed about 6 months prior, but that may have been due to bad rear shocks.

2026-07-24, Air Bags
I was working, and as I was on my way to a location a lady in front of me came to a complete stop since a couple of ducks were crossing causing me to come to a complete stop as well. As I stopped I looked into my rearview mirror I noticed the lady behind me was not stopping and then smashed into the back of me launching me into the car in front of me. My passenger air bag went off, however my driver seat airbag did not go off, failing to protect me. My car was completely totaled in result of the accident.

2026-05-01, Tires
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 up metal positions, where the bumper attached to under the car. The tire also took out the entire i

2026-04-09, Unknown Or Other
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 despite maintaining a reasonable following distance. After the impact, the Cybertruck initially left

2012 Nissan Altima questions

Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima: Steering; Suspension; Air Bags:Side/Window; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Suspension. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?

Based on 426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (149), Engine (68), Air Bags (57).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Nissan Altima has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.