2012 L32 (4th generation, final year)
2012 Nissan Altima Common Problems and Years to Avoid
3 documented problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012 Nissan Altima recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 11V-371 and 12V-494 | Transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls) | major |
| NHTSA 12V-055 | Side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
CVT judder, whine and premature failure
majorThe 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.
Transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls)
majorSuspension 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.
Side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall)
moderateCurtain 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.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Altima. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Nissan Altima model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Nissan Altima built from 2012 through 2012 — the L32 (4th generation, final year), mid-size sedan (coupe continued separately through 2013). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during 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.
2012 Nissan Altima problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Altima?
- The recurring ones are: cvt judder, whine and premature failure; transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls); side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2012 Nissan Altima years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by cvt judder, whine and premature failure (2012) and transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls) (2012). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2012 Nissan Altima?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 11V-371 and 12V-494 (transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls)), NHTSA 12V-055 (side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012 Nissan Altima repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: cvt judder, whine and premature failure, $3,000–$4,500 (replacement CVT installed); transverse link / power steering rack bolts can loosen (recalls), Free under recall; side curtain airbag propellant defect (recall), Free under recall.
Sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle, 2012 Nissan Altima (11V-371, 12V-055, 12V-494)
- Nissan parts catalog, 15208-9E01A oil filter fitment 1998–2012 Altima
- TirePressure.org, 2012 Nissan Altima placard pressures
- HID Nation, 2012 Nissan Altima bulb sizes
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Altima EPA ratings
- Nissan Altima Forum, 2012 vs 2013 oil viscosity (5W-30 vs 0W-20)