2012 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Subcompact 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
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 181.1–190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,095–3,364 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2012 subcompact car (21.7 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Nissan Altima is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) 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 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 20% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 356 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
- No hybrid version any more
- Best combined MPG down from 33 to 26
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 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 |
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 Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -3% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Nissan Altima.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Altima (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Suspension · Oct 10, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V494000 · 13,919 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
- Risk
- The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Feb 14, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V055000 · 976 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
- Risk
- THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Aug 9, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V408000 · 54 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.
- Risk
- THE AFFECTED ACU WILL NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED AND THIS ISSUE MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO INFLATE IN A CRASH WHEN THEY ARE DESIGNED TO INFLATE. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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 2012 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 136 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 61 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 47 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 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 | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →