Common Nissan Altima issues from 2007 to 2012
- Is the CVT in Nissan Reliable? Nissan gearboxes’ biggest opponent used to be fractured radiators, but it now seems that the transmissions are their own greatest enemy.
- Sunroof explodes and rattles. Owners of Nissan, beware!
- Locked steering wheel.
- Gas spills and EVAP clogs.
In This Article...
What is the maximum mileage for a 2012 Nissan Altima?
Response given by. Whether you drive a sedan or a coupe, the Nissan Altima is a fantastic car to own. You can anticipate your Nissan Altima to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or 13 to 20 years, because Nissan is committed to quality and performance.
Has the 2012 Nissan Altima experienced transmission issues?
Poor CVT performance and failure also occur frequently in the preceding Nissan Altima generation (2007 to 2012). Nissan extended the powertrain warranty on the Altima (only 2007–2010 models) to cover CVT difficulties for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles as a result of these concerns.
The 2012 Nissan Altima can’t depend on the Hybrid anymore to lift its average fuel economy.
Despite using continuously variable gearboxes, the Nissan Altima’s fuel efficiency is now only average for the class after losing its hybrid variant.
The most effective variants have a four-cylinder engine. The Altima with the smaller engine and the CVT achieves an EPA-rated 23/32 mpg in both coupe and sedan body types. The four-cylinder Altima with a six-speed manual transmission tests at a marginally lower 23/31 mpg in the coupe.
When upgrading to the V-6 models, the Altimas with CVTs also consume less fuel. The CVT is rated at 20/27 mpg for sedans and coupes, while the Coupe with the six-speed manual is rated at 18/27 mpg.
Overall, the Altima’s fuel economy ratings are reasonable for the class, but they fall short of those of some mid-size vehicles, such as the most recent iterations of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, both of which score 35 mpg on the interstate.
A timing belt is present on a 2012 Nissan Altima, right?
Timing belt vs. chain: There is no timing belt; the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines both have a timing chain. It is not necessary to replace the timing chain on a regular basis.
Pros include sporty exterior styling, a coupe with a sharp appearance, good handling, a spacious trunk, a good engine, passing scores in crash tests, and fuel efficiency for 4-cylinder variants.
Cons: The 4-cylinder engine is noisy while accelerating, the rear seat room is average for the class, and the CVT is the sole automatic transmission available.
Overall: As of December 2021, Consumer Reports gave the 2011 and 2012 Altima a dependability rating of “Better than average,” while only giving a “average” rating to the 2009 and 2010 model years. The Nissan Altima 2007 and 2008 garnered the most of complaints, according to the NHTSA website. Some of the complaints mentioned the 2008 Altima’s dashboard “melting” in hot weather and the 2007 Altima’s broken rear stabilizer bar.
The CVT transmission has a few problems. For 2003–2010 Nissan vehicles with with Continuously Variable Transmissions, Nissan extended the CVT limited warranty for a further ten years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first (CVT). The CVT transmission may cost up to $4,000 to replace if it breaks down and is not covered by a warranty. Due of this, a lot of used Nissan car purchasers choose to get an extended warranty (service contract) for the powertrain, which will pay for any necessary transmission replacements. Surprisingly, the CVT in the next-generation Altima had more issues, particularly in the 2013 and 2014. Pros and cons of purchasing a vehicle with a CVT transmission.
Overall, it’s a fantastic car with a reliable engine. The finest model years of this generation are 2011 and 2012. The price of replacing the CVT if it breaks down is our primary worry.
When buying a used Nissan Altima, keep the following in mind: Verify every interior accessory, including the windows, the stereo system, and the air conditioner.
Watch out throughout the test drive for any whining or humming sounds that become more audible during acceleration or at higher speeds; some of these sounds may be the result of a worn-out CVT transmission.
Check to see whether the driver’s seat shifts while turning; this problem has been brought up in some complaints. Avoid the vehicle if there are any indications of a gearbox issue or if the engine shakes when it is first started. More reading: Signs of automatic gearbox difficulties when test driving a used automobile and How to inspect a used car – illustrated guide.
Choosing the Altima model without the Tire Pressure Monitoring System would be a good decision. Have the car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. See also: What used-car miles is acceptable?
The 2012 Nissan Altima handles snow well.
Make sure you’re driving a car that can handle snowy road conditions if you live in or are traveling through a region of the country that experiences all four seasons. Driving in this kind of weather requires honed skills and a vehicle designed to withstand it. The Nissan Altima meets the requirements for winter driving, right? We looked into this well-liked mid-sized car from a variety of well-known sources so that you might have a clear response.
Driving in the snow is a breeze in the Nissan Altima. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower model levels and is recommended to rear-wheel drive for winter driving. All-wheel drive is available on higher trim levels for an even better driving experience in the snow.
We’ll look at some driving advice that will help you get through bad weather now that we know the Altima can handle itself well in the snow. A Nissan Altima’s lifespan and the greatest Altima year may also be questions on your mind. What are the Altima’s typical issues? What may prevent an Altima from starting? Continue reading this page to see what our study has shown to provide the answers to these and other concerns.
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When did Nissan Altimas’ transmission issues start?
If you’re looking to buy a Nissan Altima, you should be aware that one of the major troubles this specific automobile model has is with its CVT transmission. Nissan Altima owners and lessees have complained about a number of persistent CVT transmission faults, including lurching, acceleration problems, vehicle overheating, and early transmission failure.
Numerous Nissan models and model years have been the subject of class action lawsuits due to persistent CVT transmission issues.
Nissan decided to extend the powertrain warranty on the 2007–2010 Nissan Altima for up to ten years or 120,000 miles as a result of problems with Nissan Altima vehicles from earlier model years.
Nissan Altima owners and lessees were the plaintiffs in a class action case, which was later settled. However, some customers are requesting for a recall on 2017–2021 Nissan Altima cars due to recurrent safety issues with their CVT gearboxes.
We have prepared a sample of complaints sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide you an insight into the problems with the Nissan Altima CVT transmission. Please take note that the Nissan Altima transmission complaints have been edited for clarity and language.
How much does a Nissan Altima transmission repair cost?
Cost of Nissan Altima transmission Depending on the car, a new Nissan Altima transmission might cost over $3,500. In contrast, less fancy transmission services like fluid changes and fluid flushes can sometimes be had for less than $150.
Nissan superior to Toyota?
Dependability and Excellence Toyota is known for producing some of the most dependable vehicles on the market. The business was rated as the second most dependable brand overall by Consumer Reports for 2021. Nissan ranked in sixteenth place, substantially further down the list.
What is the 2012 Nissan Altima’s most frequent issue?
Comparing the 2012 Nissan Altima to other midsize cars from the same year, it has a typical amount of issues. Compared to the 2013 model that underwent revision, there are noticeably less issues.
The most frequent issue is a transmission failure, which can result in a decrease in speed and a loss of power. A transmission cooler is sometimes installed by owners to fix the issue, but other times the entire unit needs to be replaced, which costs over $2,000 to do.
Another issue reported by owners is issues with Bluetooth and other infotainment systems. The problem is typically resolved by just restarting the stereo and reconnecting the devices. Rarely, if there is a hardware issue, the head unit needs to be replaced, which costs about $400.
Another issue noted is the engine shutting down and stalling. An alternator failure can be identified by a complete loss of power while driving. Depending on local labor rates, replacing the alternator costs roughly $350.
There are four recalls, which is typical for a 2012 model. The steering and suspension bolts, the air bag control unit, the air bag inflator, and transverse link bolts are among the items being recalled. The most crucial bolts are those with damage since failures can cause collisions.
Is Nissan Altima a trustworthy vehicle?
Since its introduction in 1993, the Nissan Altima has shown to be a dependable and trustworthy vehicle. Owners of Nissan Altima vehicles rely on them for their dependability and safety. They are sturdy automobiles. In terms of dependability, the Nissan Altima performs admirably. It ranks 11th out of 24 midsize automobiles with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, according to RepairPal.
The Nissan Altima has lower ownership costs than the industry standard due to its low average repair cost of less than $500. Furthermore, Altima substantial repairs are not common. A Nissan Altima’s average annual cost for repairs and maintenance is $483, which is lower than the $526 average for other vehicles in the same category.
How much does a 2012 Nissan Altima transmission replacement cost?
Depending on the car, a new 2012 Nissan Altima transmission might cost over $3,500. In contrast, transmission services like fluid changes and fluid flushes are significantly less expensive, sometimes costing less than $150.
How long does the transmission of a Nissan Altima last?
According to RepairPal, the Nissan Altima’s yearly maintenance expenditures come to $483 on average.
The Altima is far less expensive to maintain than the average vehicle ($651 annually), according to statistics.
According to data from RepairPal, the following are the Nissan Altima’s most frequent issues:
- Replacement of the Intake Manifold Gasket: $207–253
- Replacement of the Powertrain Control Module: $1,184
- $1,21
- Replacement of a water pump: $287–329
- Adjusting the parking brake system: $44–$55
- $44-$56 Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection
- Replacement of the Sunroof Motor: $1,002
- $1,046
- Replacement of a Suspension Shock or Strut: $809–867
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Depending on how you drive, the Nissan Altima brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.
If you frequently travel in stop-and-go traffic, your brakes will probably deteriorate more quickly.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
A well-kept Altima tire should last you three to five years. A reasonably driven Altima tire can travel 50,000 miles, according to the mileage it has covered.
Regular tire rotation and wheel alignment are crucial for extending the life of your Nissan Altima. Maintain the Nissan Altima’s specified tire pressure as well.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
The Altima makes use of unique spark plugs that don’t need to be changed as frequently as some others.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs, which the Nissan Altima uses, have a 105,000-mile lifespan.