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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Power train69
- Engine38
- Electrical system34
- Structure27
- Air bags22
- Steering15
- Suspension15
- Vehicle speed control10
- Fuel/propulsion system10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Power train
“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”
Engine
“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…”
Electrical system
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 33 | 33 | $1,900 | 269 |
- 33mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.5%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.