VehicleVerdict

2011 Nissan Altima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Nissan Altima sits mid-pack among Altima years: 320 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 320, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (69), other (42), and engine (42), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

320

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Altima years?

Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted2,976 complaints1993: 150 complaints1994: 120 complaints1995: 216 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 141 complaints1998: 141 complaints1999: 110 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 202 complaints2002: 1,321 complaints2003: 1,099 complaints2004: 334 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 1,043 complaints2007: 598 complaints2008: 1,376 complaints2009: 2,150 complaints2010: 541 complaints2011: 320 complaints2012: 577 complaints2013: 2,976 complaints2014: 1,391 complaints2015: 1,197 complaints2016: 781 complaints2017: 507 complaints2018: 320 complaints2019: 344 complaints2020: 278 complaints2021: 111 complaints2022: 52 complaints2023: 37 complaints2024: 60 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Altima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Altima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6922%
Other4213%
Engine4213%
Electrical System3812%
Body & Structure278%
Airbags217%
Suspension144%
Brakes134%
Steering124%
Fuel System113%
Speed Control93%
Tires & Wheels72%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Seat Belts41%
Seats31%
Lighting21%

Does the 2011 Nissan Altima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V371000SuspensionJuly 19, 2011 · 20,000 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE A NEW 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHICH I PARKED IN MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO CHURCH. AT THE END OF MASS, AS I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE PARKING LOT, I USED MY AUTOMATIC START...THE CAR STARTED AND WAS WARMING UP. AS I APPROACHED MY RUNNING CAR, I WALKED IN FRONT OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 9, 2011 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE STEERING BECAME DISABLED AND THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP. WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT IMMEDIATELY TURNED BLACK AND 60 SECONDS AFTER THE CAR LOST POWER IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 17, 2013 · fire

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. SHE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT THE CAR. A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 13, 2012 · fire

“THERE IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE 4 YEARS. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. IN ORDER TO START THE CAR THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED FIRST AND THEN PLUG BACK IN AND THEN IT WILL START BACK UP.IN THE PAST I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 14, 2018 · crash

“I WAS IN A BUMPER TO BUMPER ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SMOOCHED IN. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL (MY SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED) KNOCKING THE AIR OUT OF ME, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 8, 2014 · crash

2011 Nissan Altima — common questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Altima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Altima: 320 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Altima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (69 complaints), other (42 complaints), engine (42 complaints).

Does the 2011 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Altima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Altima years to avoid are 2013, 2009, 2014, 2008, 2005, 2002, 2015, 2003, 2006, 2016, 2007, 2012, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among Altima years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2011 Nissan Altima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Nissan Altima earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.