2012 Nissan Altima Problems: 14 Known Issues
2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Altima has 14 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Passenger seat occupant sensor fault turns on the air bag light (owner reports) and VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners ($1,200-$2,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 14 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
TIRES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines. The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nissan North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Altima vehicles. The retainer clip connecting the low pressure fuel tube to the high pressure fuel pump may not have been locked into position.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Nissan Altima vehicles. The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Altima has 14 documented issues. Documented issues include: Passenger seat occupant sensor fault turns on the air bag light (owner reports), VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners, Catalytic converter failure on the 2.5L (owner reports). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2012 Nissan Altima has 14 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Passenger seat occupant sensor fault turns on the air bag light (owner reports) and VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $80 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima Passenger seat occupant sensor fault turns on the air bag light (owner reports)?
Owners report the air bag warning light flashing or the 'passenger air bag off' indicator staying lit with an adult in the seat; dealers and mechanics traced it to the occupant sensor in the passenger seat cushion, and some owners were told the whole cushion must be replaced. Own… Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2018 Nissan Altima VQ35DE V6 Timing Chain Rattle from Worn Secondary Chain Guides and Tensioners?
On the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 the plastic secondary timing chain guides/tensioner shoes become brittle and break, and the secondary (cam) chain tensioners lose tension. This produces a loud rattle or whine from the front of the engine, most pronounced for the first few seconds of a cold… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima Catalytic converter failure on the 2.5L (owner reports)?
Owners report check-engine lights for the catalytic converter on the 2.5L four-cylinder, and some describe a clogged converter with loss of power. One owner reports the converter failing again after replacement, and others report it failing after ignition coil problems. 2007-2012… Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2012 Nissan Altima Power steering rack and pressure hose leaks (owner reports)?
Owners report power steering fluid leaking from the steering rack or the high-pressure hose, with noise when turning and heavy steering; some report losing power assist when the fluid ran out. 2008-2012 Nissan Altima (L32) with hydraulic power steering, based on owner reports. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2012 Nissan Altima Sunroof drain leaks soak the floor (owner reports)?
Owners of moonroof-equipped cars report rain water coming into the cabin and soaking the floor; dealers traced it to clogged or problem sunroof drain lines. 2010-2012 Nissan Altima (L32) with a moonroof, based on owner reports. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima Dashboard turns sticky, shiny and cracks, causing windshield glare (owner reports)?
Owners report the dashboard top becoming sticky, shiny or melted and cracking, and say the shine reflects onto the windshield and makes it hard to see. 2007-2012 Nissan Altima (L32), based on owner reports. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 Nissan Altima ABS/VDC wheel speed sensor codes C1101-C1104 — bulletin NTB10-102a?
The ABS/VDC control unit stores a wheel speed sensor code (C1101-C1104). Nissan's bulletin lists sensor damage, a missing sensor signal, short circuits and bent, corroded or contaminated connector pins as the things to check. 2007-2013 Nissan vehicles equipped with ABS/VDC, which… Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima Cracked exhaust manifold on the 2.5L (owner reports)?
Owners report the exhaust manifold cracking on the 2.5L four-cylinder, with a loud exhaust or banging noise at start-up and exhaust fumes entering the cabin. On these engines the front catalyst is part of the manifold assembly. 2007-2012 Nissan Altima (L32) with the 2.5L QR25DE,… Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Failures Causing Stalling or No-Start?
Altimas in this period frequently suffer from failing crankshaft position sensors and camshaft position sensors, especially on the 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Owners report intermittent stalling at stops or while driving, extended cranking, sudden no-start conditions, and check-engine… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0174 — System Too Lean (Bank 2) on 3.5L VQ35DE V6 from Intake Plenum/Manifold Vacuum Leak?
P0174 references Bank 2, which physically exists only on the Altima's 3.5L VQ35DE V6 (the inline-4 has no Bank 2), so this code points specifically at the V6 rear cylinder bank. It nearly always appears together with P0171, and that pairing is the diagnostic tell: a lean conditio… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2020 Nissan Altima EVAP vent control valve O-ring leak sets P0456 — bulletin NTB17-082E?
The check-engine light comes on with code P0456 (EVAP very small leak) because the O-ring seal where the vent control valve mounts to the charcoal canister leaks. All 2008 and newer Nissan vehicles except LEAF and Titan XD diesel, which includes the 2008-2020 Altima; the bulletin… Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2018 Nissan Altima P0128 — Coolant Below Regulating Temperature from Thermostat Stuck Open?
On the Altima, P0128 sets when the ECM sees that engine coolant fails to reach its target operating temperature (roughly 180-200F) within the expected time/warm-up cycle. The overwhelming Altima-specific cause is a thermostat stuck open (or a thermostat that opens too early), whi… Repairs typically run $180-$550. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2017 Nissan Altima HVAC Blend / Mode Door Actuator Clicking and Temperature Control Failure?
The plastic gears in the HVAC air-mix (blend) and mode door actuators strip, producing a repetitive clicking or knocking sound from behind the dash, usually loudest when the climate system is turned on or the temperature is changed. A failed blend actuator leaves the temperature… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2013 Nissan Altima Power Window Regulator Failure (Window Falls or Sticks Off-Track)?
The power window regulator (the cable-and-rail mechanism that raises the glass) is a frequently reported failure on these Altimas. The plastic cable guides or the cable itself break, so the window jams, drops into the door, or rises crooked/off-track. Owners and dealers describe… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.