Research · Midsize Cars

2011 Nissan Altima HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 246 owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (69) and engine (38). The EPA rates it 33 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
33mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
246
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

246 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train69
  2. Engine38
  3. Electrical system34
  4. Structure27
  5. Air bags22
  6. Steering15
  7. Suspension15
  8. Vehicle speed control10
  9. Fuel/propulsion system10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Altima Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20081,047
20091,601
2010393
2011246
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

69 reports1 crash
“Hi my Nissan has 120k miles son it and the transmission is completely wrong don’t go more than 30 mph I take it to the shop to inspect and they told me that it need to be replace. It has code p1778 and code p0868 they told me that the transmission has no oil presure that it was a mechanical problem inside the transmission and that it was really common on that car becouse the cvt transmission”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2022Power trainODI 11498614

Engine

38 reports1 crash1 fire
“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 component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent mechanic diagnosed the issue and confirmed the code P0101. After reviewing Nissan’s official TSB DE97AA, they advised me to go to a Nissan dealership to have the ECM reprogrammed…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11741855

Electrical system

34 reports2 crashes
“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 pressure sensor, and steering gearbox failures, requiring replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, the horn failed to function as intended, and power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an alternate independent mechanic, where diagnosis confirmed a broken air bag clock spring damaged during the initial repair. The vehicle was returned to the initial independent mechanic, who stated the replacement rack and pinion was defective. The rack and pinion and horn were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 161,059.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Steering, Air bags, Electrical systemODI 11771643
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Altima Hybrid
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
333333$1,900269
  • Altima Hybrid
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    33 city · 33 hwy · $1,900/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Altima HEV 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 359
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Altima Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 246 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (69), engine (38), electrical system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid at 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026