Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Nissan Altima
The 2012 Nissan Altima has moderate issues reported, primarily in power train and engine. Some recall campaigns address steering, suspension, and air bag concerns, suggesting quality control lapses in those areas, but the issues are quite specific to certain vehicle batches. Overall, the data points to a need for careful inspection but not widespread defects.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Nissan Altima has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 426 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #12V494000 Loose Steering and Suspension Bolts NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V055000 CURTAIN AIR BAG INFLATOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V408000 AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V371000 TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 149 complaints
- Engine 68 complaints
- Air Bags 57 complaints
- Unknown or Other 56 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 49 complaints
- Electrical System 44 complaints
Of the 426 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 426 complaints, owners report 26 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loose steering bolts
How to check: Inspect for any loose bolts in the steering linkage.
Faulty airbag propellant
How to check: Ensure airbag recalls have been addressed.
Loose transverse link bolt
How to check: Check for rattling noises while driving.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for transmission shifting smoothly.
Red flag: Jumpy or harsh gear changes
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and stability.
Red flag: Vibration or lack of power
- 05
Braking
What to check: Ensure brakes respond well.
Red flag: Grinding noise or delay
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test steering response when parking.
Red flag: Heavy or unresponsive steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Any unresolved recalls?
- Service history of the transmission?
- Any past airbag replacements?
- Has the steering been checked?
- Was the suspension inspected?
- Any accidents impacting the structure?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history
- Proof of recall repairs
- Vehicle history report
- Record of past ownerships
- Warranty records (if applicable)
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Nissan Altima at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Nissan Altima? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.