2012 Nissan Altima Problems Cover Loose Suspension Bolts, Transmission Failure, Airbag Recalls He is famous for relying on him. Problems such as loose suspension bolts, faulty airbags, and premature transmission failure are potentially serious, but are uncommon and easy to spot in a test drive. Combine that with excellent crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the, and you’ve got a remarkably safe and reliable mid-size.
- Loose bolts in the suspension and steering system of your 2012 Nissan Altima can cause a hustle or loss of control.
- Sudden transmission failures have been reported between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
- Severe but rare airbag problems include a failure to propagate and flash warning lights.
- The 2012 Nissan Altima issues are concerning, but notably rare, with only four recalls on file and fewer than 400 complaints in total.
- Although IIHS didn’t award the 2012 Altima a Top Safety Pick, the car earned solid ratings across the board, with a comprehensive four-star crash test from NHTSA (we set it at around 4.3 stars).
2012 Nissan Altima Problems Cover Loose Suspension Bolts
A loose suspension bolt may cause steering problems
It was released almost immediately after the debut of the car, in 2011, for 20,000 units of the 2011 and 2012 models with an incorrect transverse connecting bolt, which is part of the steering and suspension system. The follow-up recall in 2012 covered another 13,000 or so units.
In a worst-case scenario, a loose transverse bolt engagement could make it difficult to steer your vehicle. In most cases, what you’ll get is a lot of vibration and vibration with annoying noises coming from the suspension system.
Regardless of the outcome, the loose transverse hitch bolt means you can’t really rely on your suspension and steering system to do its job. Fortunately, the recalls seem to have brought the issue under control, as few steering and suspension complaints have been recorded since 2012.
Recently, a 2021 report claims that the steering wheel was making unusual noises and required extra effort to do its part. This was reported at 129,921 miles, and was the only steering complaint for 2021. This means suspension and steering issues may persist, but it’s fairly uncommon since the recalls.
Sudden transfer failure has been reported in several units
The powertrain produced a main lead for the page, with a total of 140 reports. A recent report indicates that the transmission fluid has been changed, and now the car simply will not start. A 2019 report states that the car stopped accelerating on a two-lane road. The 2021 complaint refers to a loss of speed on the highway.
In any report explaining the end result, the only possible solution was to replace the entire transmission. Not all drivers report mileage failures, but where this is stated, it is usually exceeding the 60,000 mile mark guaranteed by Nissan’s warranty program.
These issues are, fortunately, fairly rare, with fewer than 200 reports on file. But you don’t want to be a buyer stuck with a clunker, so if you want to make sure you get a good car in good condition, it’s all about a test drive.
Check the transmission fluid, shift to every gear during your test drive, and hit those slopes wherever you can. If you hear that the car struggles to make small hills, chances are the car has more powertrain problems than the dealer would let go.
Severe airbag problems rarely persist after two retractions
Airbags are among the biggest concerns for 2012 Altima drivers, with 53 complaints, two recalls, and. The issues here range from minor issues like flashing airbag lights to major concerns, like deployment failures and malfunctioning control units.
The last airbag complaint date was in late 2020, with the driver claiming that the passenger side airbag’s passenger rating system was defective. The “passenger airbag off” light has come on, and the airbag warning light will flash whenever the vehicle is operating.
Two airbag recalls treated 54 units with failed control units in 2011, and just under a thousand units with defective inflators in 2012, and this recall was later in response to an airbag investigation, which opened and closed in early 2012.
In short: Your Nissan Altima airbag problems could be pretty severe if you were affected by it, but the chances of you being affected are very slim. When test drive and inspect a used Altima for purchase, just pay attention to any flashing warning lights on the dashboard, or strategically placed electrical tape, for that matter.
Don’t let a few rare issues scare you away with this amazing 2012 Nissan Altima
2012 Nissan Altima Problems Cover Loose Suspension Bolts
The problems explored above seem very serious. Airbags not deploying, transmission failing out of nowhere, suspension sound. But these problems occur at such an incredibly low number, with fewer than 400 complaints on file with the NHTSA, that you’re unlikely to have to deal with them.
With a car like the 2012 Altima, your biggest concern will be the previous owner. Did they change the oil regularly? Do they know how to maintain a single speed transmission? Did they ride it violently on broken roads? No matter how well made a car is, if you treat it like an old pickup, it won’t last.
So test drive and check it out, kick the tyres. Ask questions and see if they can offer a service schedule so you can ensure the vehicle gets the care it needs to reach those big numbers on the odometer. The 2012 Altima could easily be your ticket to a quarter of a million miles, but there’s a lot you can do to make up for someone else’s negligence.
The main thing you want to do when buying a 2012 Nissan Altima is hit those slopes. Transmission failure has been drivers’ biggest ever concern, so you’ll want to see how it works on the hills before you hand any money over to the dealer.
