DecodedCars2011 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.5s, 2dr Coupe 3.5sr, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5sr
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 33 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 181.1–190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,095–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,095 lb (2dr Coupe 2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (33 city / 33 highway), 42% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 193 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.5s | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,095 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.5sr | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,298 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,168 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5sr | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,364 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,490 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 33 / 33 | +42% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +17% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +17% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Nissan Altima.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nissan Altima (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension · Jul 19, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V371000 · 20,000 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2011 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 63 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →