Makes›Nissan›Altima›2012

2012 Nissan Altima

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

Nissan Altima
Pictured: 2024 Nissan Altima SR, front left, 05-05-2025. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe 2.5s181.1 in70.9 in55.5 in105.5 in60.6 / 61 in3,095 lb61/39
2dr Coupe 3.5sr181.1 in70.9 in55.5 in105.5 in60.6 / 61 in3,298 lb61/39
4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s190.6 in70.9 in57.9 in109.4 in60.6 / 60.2 in3,168 lb60/40
4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5sr190.6 in70.9 in57.9 in109.4 in60.6 / 60.2 in3,364 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Altima Coupe2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+20%$2,600342
Altima Coupe2.5L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+20%$2,600342
Altima2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+9%$2,600342
Altima Coupe3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+6%$2,900386
Altima3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-8%$3,050404
Altima Coupe3.5L 6-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-3%$3,200423
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.7 MPG2012 Subcompact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Nissan Altima (this car)26 MPGNot rated4
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

356Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
18Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
19Injuries reported
85,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train136
Engine61
Unknown Or Other55
Air Bags47
Vehicle Speed Control40
Electrical System33
Structure › Body19
Visibility/Wiper15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/11: 222/12: 123/01: 123/02: 223/03: 223/04: 123/06: 123/07: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 124/02: 224/04: 224/10: 124/12: 125/03: 125/06: 225/07: 125/11: 126/04: 126/05: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 122/1123/0223/0623/1024/0425/0325/1126/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 136 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 61 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 47 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Altima30192.9 inNot rated01
2025 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★27
2024 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★141
2023 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★030
2022 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★031
2021 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★270
2020 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★6161
2019 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★7234
2018 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★2226
2017 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★3393
2016 Altima31191.7 inNot rated4555
2015 Altima31191.7 inNot rated10952

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →