2011 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Altima, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints: 54
Recalls: 1
Crashes: 2
Fires: 1
Injuries: 3
Median mileage: 110,500 mi

Key facts

Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 15 of 54 complaints (28%).
Engine (13) and suspension (7) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 110,500 mi.
Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries.
The 2011 Nissan Altima has 1 recall on file.
It ranks 16th of 22 Nissan Altima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 27% fewer complaints than the 2010 model year (74).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Power train	15
Unknown or other	14
Engine	12
Suspension	7
Electrical system	5
Vehicle speed control	4
Air bags	4
Structure:body	3

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Nissan Altima complaints that list mileage.

2011 Nissan Altima recalls (1)

Recall 11V371000Jul 19, 201120,000 vehicles
SUSPENSION
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.
Risk: If the bolt comes out completely, the driver may experience difficulty controlling the direction of the vehicle which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts and tighten them to the proper torque specification free of charge. The safety recall began on august 8, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recent 2011 Nissan Altima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Jun 3, 2026PAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
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…
NHTSA complaint #11741855 · source
Filed Jul 12, 2025AREngineOther / Unknown
This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on
NHTSA complaint #11673091 · source
Filed Jul 3, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
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…
NHTSA complaint #11671150 · source
Filed Feb 13, 2025NCOther / Unknown
There is issue with sunroof drainage tubs causing rain to soak the floor of car. This definitely malfunction or inadequate problem with drainage tubs and sunroof parts with Nissans. I took it to the dealership and car collision repair shop and was told this is high reoccurring issue with Nissan sunroofs, but no recalls have been given, and I have to pay out pocket to get fixed. At 1st was told just get the drains cleaned out and you shouldn't have that problem again. The…
NHTSA complaint #11642486 · source
Filed Jun 17, 2024LAOther / Unknown
I have complained to Nissan that the dash in the car is literally melting. It started around 2014 when I noticed it was having a sticky texture and because of this it creates a glare in the windshield that makes it hard to see. Over the years it has only gotten worse and the dash is literally crumbling. I read online where they have had this issue before. I have tried to get help locally but I am lost no one will help me. This is a really bad safety issue!
NHTSA complaint #11594805 · source
Filed Apr 29, 2024NYVisibility & Wipers
I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situation. I called Nissan and they said it is a common problem in years 2005-2012 and there is nothing they can do. I googled it and there are many complaints online regarding this problem. A 13 y/o car that was garaged for 11 years in the NE and now parked…
NHTSA complaint #11585729 · source
Filed Apr 19, 2024NJEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
NHTSA complaint #11584172 · source
Filed Mar 31, 2024ALEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.
NHTSA complaint #11580274 · source

Compare the 2011 Nissan Altima with another vehicle →

Other 2011 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology