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.
In This Article...
What issues are there with 2012 Nissan Altimas?
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.
Which year Altima is the most trustworthy?
The staff at Olive go on to say that the Nissan Altima’s best years appear to be in its fourth generation. The search is now limited to the years 2007 to 2012.
The second half of a model generation is typically the best because the automakers have ironed out any bugs and recalls with the new model. Having said that, the Nissan Altima’s two greatest years, 2011 and 2012, were almost a tie.
These two years of the fourth generation are not only the most dependable but also the most reasonably priced. Nissan Altimas from this year’s range typically cost between $5,000 and $8,500. It goes without saying that the car’s condition and mileage have a big impact on its values.
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.
Has a 2012 Nissan Altima been equipped with a CVT?
If you choose the appropriate engine, the 2012 Nissan Altima performs admirably. Although one test driver believes even the base four-cylinder engine is rather good, the automotive press claims that the Altima can be pretty entertaining to drive with a 3.5-liter V6 and the standard Continuously Variable Transmission.
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.
Nissan superior to Toyota?
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 lifespan of an Altima transmission?
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.
When did Nissan Altima transmission issues start?
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.
Is there a timing belt in the 2012 Nissan Altima?
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.
Check all the inside accessories, including the windows, the audio system, and the air conditioner, when purchasing a used Nissan Altima.
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?
Which Altima generation is the best?
The 1993, 1996, and 2019 Nissan Altima model years are the greatest. The worst Nissan Altima model years, on the other hand, are 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2013. If you’re seeking to buy a used Nissan Altima, it’s vital to pay attention to these model years.
Which Nissan model is the most trustworthy?
Reliability was recently discussed as the Murano’s superpower. According to CR’s automotive data, the Murano is Nissan’s most dependable model. This Nissan is a worthy midsize SUV if this factor is one of your top objectives. The Murano additionally received a distinction that few other vehicles did. Due to its long-term quality, J.D. Power ranked it one of the top 2020 family SUVs. It also comes equipped with several of the newest active safety and infotainment systems, just like other new Nissans.
Another important selling factor for SUVs is their power. A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission are standard on all Muranos (CVT). The CVT on the Murano is unobtrusive and the V6 is quick. However, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg, it merely has average fuel efficiency. The Murano has poor external visibility as well.
Are Altimas vehicles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Nissan Altima is ranked 11th among 24 midsize automobiles. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $483 average annual repair cost. Major repairs are rare for the Altima since the severity of the repairs is ordinary and the frequency of those difficulties is low.
CVT Transmission Trouble 101
Let’s start by discussing the CVT overview. Continuously Variable Transmission is what it stands for. Once activated, it operates similarly to a conventional automatic transmission, requiring no further intervention from the driver. But the CVT has no gears. It operates with a dual pulley system. A smoother transition between lower and higher speeds as well as improved fuel efficiency are the goals of this more recent transmission. Although this makes sense in theory, there have been some issues with Nissan applications. The problems were typically reported between 2012/2013 and 2018. When Nissan first started utilizing this transmission in 2003 and during the generation of CVTs from 2007 to 2012, there were a few issues. The Murano, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Versa, and Versa Note are specific models.
Although anything might go wrong for any manufacturer, Nissan’s issue is most likely the result of overheating. Failure to adequately cool the transmission might hasten the deterioration of the transmission. Additionally, for these specific models, the automobile detects heat distress and lowers its RPMs to prevent damage, which naturally affects horsepower. Nissan’s extended warranty may be useful for a while if your vehicle is affected and/or recalled. Transmission coverage was extended for some vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles. Nevertheless, the warranty will eventually expire, and you might discover that your car needs, which
Signs to Watch For
You don’t want to spend money on unneeded, expensive repairs if your automobile is in good condition. You also don’t want to disregard emerging problems because they can get worse quickly. How can you tell when it’s time to discuss your Nissan CVT with a qualified technician? A fluid leak can provide a hint. You might have to pay closer attention to see if this is happening. Contrary to the reddish hue of normal transmission fluid, CVT fluid is more translucent and has a slight golden or green tint. Other common symptoms include transmission slippage, a burning smell, power loss, or jerking. Bring your vehicle to Dave’s Ultimate Automotive if you observe them.