Research · Midsize Cars

2011 Nissan AltimaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 242 owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Most complaints involve power train (68) and engine (36). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2011
Owner complaints
242
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension

Free remedy

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.

SuspensionReported Jul 19, 2011NHTSA 11V371000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

242 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train68
  2. Engine36
  3. Electrical system32
  4. Structure27
  5. Air bags22
  6. Suspension14
  7. Steering13
  8. Fuel/propulsion system10
  9. Vehicle speed control9

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998125
199996
2000176
2001168
20021,062
2003883
2004276
20051,091
2006824
2007498
20081,031
20091,547
2010381
2011242
2012426
20132,315
20141,113
2015955
2016555
2017393
2018226
2019234
2020182
202171
202220
202330
202443
20257
20261
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

68 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

36 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

32 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 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6) · Manual 6-spd
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 8, 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
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$2,400342
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233126$2,400342
Altima Coupe
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233126$2,400342
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700386
Altima
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202722$2,850404
Altima Coupe
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$2,950423
  • Altima
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Altima
    Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
—/ 5
Not rated
Nissan Altima 2 DR FWD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.3%
Overall
4 / 5
Nissan Altima 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 8, 2026Vehicle 358Vehicle 357
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 questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Altima problems?

Owners filed 242 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (68), engine (36), electrical system (32). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Nissan Altima get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Altima at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2011 Nissan Altima?

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

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026