2012 Nissan Altima parts and specs

What changed for the 2012 Nissan Altima

• 2012Final year of the L32 sedan (2007–2012 design); the all-new L33 replaced it for 2013. The two-door Altima coupe continued on this platform through 2013.

Known problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima

3 of the 3 issues we track for the 2012–2012 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• CVT judder, whine and premature failure

  major

  The early Jatco CVT can shudder on light throttle, whine loudly, and overheat into a reduced-power limp mode on long grades in hot weather; worn steel belts and valve-body wear eventually kill the unit. Nissan's famous 10-year/120,000-mile CVT warranty extension covered 2003–2010 models only, 2012 cars got the standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, so out-of-warranty owners pay full price. Budget for a used or reman transmission if a high-mileage example starts shuddering.

  Typical cost: $3,000–$4,500 (replacement CVT installed)

• Transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls)

  majorNHTSA 11V-371 and 12V-494

  Suspension transverse link (lower control arm) bolts and power steering rack bolts were not torqued properly at the factory on some cars and can loosen or fall out, causing clunks, wandering steering, and in the worst case loss of control. Nissan recalled affected 2012 Altimas twice; dealers re-torque or replace the bolts free.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall)

  moderateNHTSA 12V-055

  Curtain airbag inflators on a batch of early-build 2012 Altimas were assembled with an incorrect propellant mix and may not deploy properly in a crash. Dealers replace the curtain airbag modules free of charge under recall.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Nissan Altima problems and years to avoid guide.