NISSAN ALTIMA · model year

2011 NISSAN ALTIMA

316 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011NISSANALTIMA carries 316 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 8 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 ALTIMA is power train with 66 filings, followed by unknown or other (40) and engine (35). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2011 ALTIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

316
Complaints
18
Crashes
8
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

316 filings

Crashes Reported

18 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN66
UNKNOWN OR OTHER40
ENGINE35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
STRUCTURE:BODY25
AIR BAGS21
SUSPENSION14
STEERING12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
SERVICE BRAKES8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
TIRES4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4

Recalls (1)

11V37100019/07/2011

SUSPENSION

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

Recent Complaints

20250712ENGINE

This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on

20250712UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on

20250703ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An

20250703VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An

20250703ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This specific issue is addressed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin DE97AA, which recommends an ECM reprogramming. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. ⸻ • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the vehicle is at a complete stop and I attempt to accelerate, it becomes jumpy and unresponsive, refusing to accelerate properly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when trying to merge into traffic or cross intersections, as I am unable to match the speed of other vehicles. This increases the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident due to unexpectedly slow acceleration. ⸻ • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An

20250213UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is issue with sunroof drainage tubs causing rain to soak the floor of car. This definitely malfunction or inadequate problem with drainage tubs and sunroof parts with Nissans. I took it to the dealership and car collision repair shop and was told this is high reoccurring issue with Nissan sunroofs, but no recalls have been given, and I have to pay out pocket to get fixed. At 1st was told just get the drains cleaned out and you shouldn't have that problem again. The issue has progressed and now I have paid for drains to get unclogged 2x so far in one year and keep happening every time its alot of rain at one time. My only option I'm told is to keep getting drains cleaned and unclogged pay out of pocket or get another car without sunroof. I have gotten this done 2 years in row, that's getting too expensive to pay. That's not fair when you know it's problem with these drains and don't do nothing to fix issues. I like cars with sunroofs and have no contro

20240617UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have complained to Nissan that the dash in the car is literally melting. It started around 2014 when I noticed it was having a sticky texture and because of this it creates a glare in the windshield that makes it hard to see. Over the years it has only gotten worse and the dash is literally crumbling. I read online where they have had this issue before. I have tried to get help locally but I am lost no one will help me. This is a really bad safety issue!

20240429VISIBILITY/WIPER

I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situation. I called Nissan and they said it is a common problem in years 2005-2012 and there is nothing they can do. I googled it and there are many complaints online regarding this problem. A 13 y/o car that was garaged for 11 years in the NE and now parked underneath a parking garage should not have this problem. It is definitely a defect in manufacturing that is causing a safety issue and a diminished value issue.

20240419ENGINE

While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.

20240419VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.

20240331POWER TRAIN

Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.

20240331ENGINE

Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.

20240331UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.

20240118AIR BAGS

Airbag sensor flashing. Seems to be a very common issue and no recall. Found tons of articles and YouTube videos.

20231004ENGINE

It started about 2 months ago that the RPM was revving when it came to the gears shifting. I would accelerate and the car would barely move and the transmission was making a whirring sound. The Service Engine Soon light came on so I took my car to O Reilys and the code for the stepper motor came back. I had the stepper motor replaced in my transmission but I am having the same issue. My Mechanic told me that my Transmission is failing and I would need a brand new one.

20231004UNKNOWN OR OTHER

It started about 2 months ago that the RPM was revving when it came to the gears shifting. I would accelerate and the car would barely move and the transmission was making a whirring sound. The Service Engine Soon light came on so I took my car to O Reilys and the code for the stepper motor came back. I had the stepper motor replaced in my transmission but I am having the same issue. My Mechanic told me that my Transmission is failing and I would need a brand new one.

20230815UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR SUB FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. YES IT IS AVAILABE FOR INSPECTION. FRAME COULD BREAK AT ANY TIME AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT .

20230801UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was on my way to work driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a sort of shaking from the car. I then exited the freeway and approached a red light. When the light turned green, my car moved some but then was stalled so I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, I wasn’t too far from my job and I was able to eventually ease my way the next few miles. I was later told by a mechanic that it was my transmission that needed to be replaced .

20230801ENGINE

I was on my way to work driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a sort of shaking from the car. I then exited the freeway and approached a red light. When the light turned green, my car moved some but then was stalled so I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, I wasn’t too far from my job and I was able to eventually ease my way the next few miles. I was later told by a mechanic that it was my transmission that needed to be replaced .

20230612SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that water was leaking from the bottom of the front driver’s and passenger side doors. Additionally, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

Compare 2011NISSANALTIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA have?
The 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA has 316 NHTSA complaints, 18 crashes, 8 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA?
The 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA?
Yes, the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA is POWER TRAIN with 66 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.