NHTSA has 242 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Nissan Altima, received from 2011 to 2026. The most-reported system is power train (68 complaints, 28%), followed by engine (42) and unknown or other (40). Owners reported 11 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries and 0 deaths. Median mileage at failure: 72,000 miles. Complaints peaked in 2018, with 38 received that year. 1 safety recall covers this model year.
242NHTSA complaints
1safety recalls
11crashes reported
5fires reported
9injuries
0deaths
Quick answers
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Owners report power train problems most often: 68 of 242 NHTSA complaints (28%), followed by engine (42) and electrical system (32).
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2011 Nissan Altima. The most recent is 11V371000 (suspension, 2011-07-19).
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Altima problems happen?
The median mileage at failure is 72,000 miles, across 174 complaints that reported mileage.
Have owners reported crashes or fires in the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Yes. Owners reported 11 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries and 0 deaths in NHTSA complaints.
Problems by system
System
Complaints
Share
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Median miles
Power train
68
28%
1
0
2
100,200
Engine
42
17%
1
1
0
86,993
Unknown or other
40
17%
0
2
0
60,000
Electrical system
32
13%
2
0
0
35,000
Structure
27
11%
2
1
0
50,000
Air bags
22
9%
5
0
2
44,761
Suspension
14
6%
1
0
2
51,087
Steering
13
5%
1
0
0
77,000
Service brakes
12
5%
3
0
2
19,809
Fuel system
10
4%
0
1
1
78,000
Speed control
9
4%
0
0
0
70,000
Electronic stability control
6
2%
0
0
0
83,700
Visibility and wipers
6
2%
0
0
0
6,500
Seat belts
4
2%
0
1
1
75,500
Tires
4
2%
1
0
0
55,850
Seats
3
1%
0
0
0
80,000
Wheels
3
1%
0
1
1
58,000
Exterior lighting
2
1%
1
0
0
16,720
Equipment
1
<1%
0
0
0
700
Fire related
1
<1%
0
1
0
100,000
Traction control
1
<1%
0
0
0
170,000
A complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Defect: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.
Power train · NHTSA complaint 11720577, received 2026-02-25
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.
Power train · NHTSA complaint 11580274, received 2024-03-31
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…
Engine · NHTSA complaint 11741855, received 2026-06-03
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
Engine · NHTSA complaint 11673091, received 2025-07-12
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while a granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction, followed by an abnormal sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
Electrical system · NHTSA complaint 11771643, received 2026-10-16
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…
Electrical system · NHTSA complaint 11741855, received 2026-06-03
Built from the NHTSA complaints flat file and the NHTSA recalls flat files, data as of 2026-10-22. Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models collect more of them.