2011 Nissan Altima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Altima years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
1/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Nissan Altima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 38 of its 242 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: CVT transmission whine, slip and loss of drive (84 complaints, median 100,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 242filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles, 174 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Nissan Altima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 Altima most often report CVT transmission trouble — whining or slipping, then loss of drive or a needed replacement — with the highest miles in the sample. A separate cluster describes a melting, sticky dashboard that throws glare onto the windshield, and another covers P0101 mass-air-flow codes with stalling and jerking. The complaints span a wide mileage range, from low-mileage electrical and push-button start problems to transmission failures well over 100,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission whine, slip and loss of drive
- 84 complaints (35%)
- median 100,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,700 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Owners describe a whining or humming noise from the transmission, often at highway speed or under load, followed by jerking, stuttering, reluctance to accelerate, or no forward or reverse drive at all. Several say an independent mechanic or dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed replacement, and some report the repair was not done because the vehicle was said to be outside a warranty extension or not covered by a recall. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 170,000 miles, several after extended highway driving or in hot weather.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed with the radio off and listen for whine or hum, and feel for shudder or hesitation on acceleration. Ask for transmission service records and whether any warranty extension or CVT work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Nissan says my CVT transmission isnt covered by the extended warranty. My car has only 72,000 miles and is starting to show problems. I feel if it doesn't break now it will soon and feel they should honor the warranty that a law suit was filed. The rpms arent climbing when I accelerate and there is a noise when its between 30 and 40 miles an hr.”
NHTSA complaint #11307867, filed 2020-02, 72,000 miles“I have a 2011 Nissan Altima throwing CVT transmission codes. The car accelerates quickly to high RPM's and you have to take your foot off the gas to make the car drive properly. Nissan is fully aware of the CVT transmission issues as they have an extended manufacturer warranty up to 120k miles. However, it caps off at 2010 models. I was told my VIN is not covered. I called Nissan consumer affairs, but currently jumping hoops to see if this is covered. …”
NHTSA complaint #10850551, filed 2016-03, 110,000 miles - Body and structure
Melting, sticky dashboard and windshield glare
- 27 complaints (11%)
- median 60,775 mi at 6.9 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2024
The dash top becomes sticky and appears to melt, leaving a film on the inside of the windshield that produces glare in sunlight. Owners say this makes it hard to see the road, pedestrians or cyclists, and some describe a chemical smell inside the car. Dealers and the manufacturer are described as quoting a dashboard replacement, sometimes around a few thousand dollars, or saying the vehicle is out of warranty. Reported from about 30,000 miles upward, and owners often describe it worsening over several years.
What to check: Run a hand over the top of the dash and check for sticky residue, cracks, or a shiny film on the inside of the windshield; drive it into the sun to see how much glare appears.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our 2011 Nissan Altima has a black dash board that started feeling sticky. We have noticed that the dash board is melting. We also confirmed this with a local mechanic. We have seen older model's have had this same issue. It has melted to the point that you can't touch the dash much less lay anything on the dash board.”
NHTSA complaint #11337963, filed 2020-07, 110,000 miles“My vehicle has a very shiny, sticky and melting dashboard. This has been going on for approximately 3 years and has been getting progressively worse. I contacted Nissan and they said it is out of warranty (3 years, 36000 miles) and I'm on my own and they cannot help me. This is a big safety issue because the shine produces a glare all over my windshield and makes it difficult to see driving in the sunlight. Please help!!”
NHTSA complaint #11394456, filed 2021-02, 80,000 miles - Electrical system
Push-button start and key/electrical no-start
- 24 complaints (10%)
- median 35,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2022
Owners describe the push-button ignition failing to start the car, sometimes requiring repeated presses for minutes, and occasionally the car cannot be shut off or becomes unresponsive with lights and accessories stuck on. Others report a key or steering-lock warning light and a no-start condition, or headlights cutting out while driving. Dealers are described as reprogramming control modules or being unable to reproduce the fault. Includes very low-mileage reports (under 15,000 miles) as well as vehicles past 80,000 miles.
What to check: Start and shut off the car several times during the test drive, confirm both key fobs work, and ask whether any body control or key-related reprogramming has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There have been several times the car was unable to start and unable to be shut off without having to be towed. They claimed it was a battery issue, but the car almost acted like it was encountering a software crash both times. I've had to have the exhaust / catalytic converter replaced on the car. I've had several major steering problems. At one point, a tie rod had to be replaced on this car. The latest steering issue just occurred in the last few weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679608, filed 2015-01, 83,000 miles“Went to start my car.in the dashboard was a key light.car wouldn't start look up things that could be the problem saying something about steering lock.the car was sitting at my house .”
NHTSA complaint #11121910, filed 2018-08, 158,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light on
- 20 complaints (8%)
- median 36,200 mi at 4.6 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2026
Owners report the air bag warning light staying on or the passenger-side air bag indicator showing off even with the seat occupied. Some were told the air bags or a seat sensor needed replacement; others say the cause could not be diagnosed and no repair was made. Reported across the sample, with several cases between about 30,000 and 110,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the air bag light bulbs self-test and go out after start-up, and ask whether any open air bag recalls or sensor repairs apply to the VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle was backed into at approximately 0-5mph at 2,100 miles while legally parked. Since then, neither south point Nissan of austin tx or town north Nissan of austin tx have been able to explain why my srs airbag light comes on. 12+ repair attempts, almost 3 months in service (two days from now it'll have been in for a whole month this time alone) insurance carrier blames Nissan for veh. Defect, Nissan blames collision. I have full coverage and extended warranty you'd think somebody here would make me whole. …”
NHTSA complaint #10409091, filed 2011-06, 2,100 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact received a tk holdings recall letter. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator had been illuminating since june. The vehicle was to taken to an unknown dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11048276, filed 2017-11, 110,000 miles - Engine
P0101 mass air flow code with stalling or jerking
- 9 complaints (4%)
- median 68,500 mi at 6.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report the service engine light with code P0101, along with rough running, sputtering, stalling, or the car cutting out while driving. Some had the mass air flow sensor and air filter replaced and the ECM reprogrammed, only for the code and symptoms to return after a while; a service bulletin on this code is referenced by owners. Spread across the sample from about 40,000 to 170,000 miles, with several reports of repeat occurrences over months.
What to check: Ask whether the ECM reprogramming for the P0101 bulletin was performed, and scan for stored codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Service engine light remains on. Code po101. Mass air flow. Changed the air filter, and the maf sensor but light remains on bulentin ntb12-051d regarding this issue states should get the engine control module reprogramed. I think it should be nissian recall and they should cover it.”
NHTSA complaint #11056571, filed 2017-12, 72,000 miles“P0101 powertrain/maf circuit issue keeps coming back with car. Even a technical service bulletin has been issued by the manufacturer for this issue. Dealer reprogrammed ecu/updated & <maf sensor . After certain miles have accumulated the error keeps on coming back with minimal drivability issues such as more fuel consumption due to inaccurate maf readings. Car jerks ever so often with the service engine light on regarding to the p0101 code. Dealer acknowledge but problem still not resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10864267, filed 2016-05, 41,879 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the CVT — noise, shudder and service history — since transmission repairs are the most commonly reported and costly item here. Also check the dashboard surface and air bag warning light, and confirm any open recalls by VIN.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 242 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima. 174 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,000 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 131 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Nissan Altima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 1 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown42 17%
- Engine36 15%
- Electrical system32 13%
- Body and structure27 11%
- Air bags22 9.1%
- Suspension14 5.8%
- Steering13 5.4%
- Brakes12 5.0%
- Fuel system10 4.1%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (9), Electronic stability control (6), Engine cooling (6), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Seat belts (4), Tires (4), Seats (3), Wheels (3), Exterior lighting (2), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I bought a 2011 Nissan Altima and at 127,000 miles the transmission is slipping and when it warms up the car will not go over 50 MPH. Transmission will not shift. There should be a recall for these transmission from everything I'm finding out about them now. At this point with what this is costing I won't by another Nissan when they don't believe there's an issue with these transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11234661, filed 2019-07, 127,000 milesOther or unknown: “The dashboard for my 2011 Nissan Altima is extremely sticky and melting. It create a major glare and covers a major portion on my windshield. This significantly reduces my ability to see the road, pedestrian or cyclists. Its even worse when I have to take turns. I started beginning of last year but wasn't such a big issue. But, it progressed with time and have become a major safety concern for me. I am bit scared to drive this car.”
NHTSA complaint #11361694, filed 2020-09, 90,000 milesEngine: “When driving for about 45 min or more and maybe a little hotter than usual, and you are driving on a freeway or highway, the speed will lock at 65 or under, it will not let you go any higher, when it locks it slows down fast like if hitting the breaks, this is so dangerous when on freeway we have been so close to accidents because of this, we travel on the car, and it has done it a lot lately, we know nothing of why it's this way.”
NHTSA complaint #11113715, filed 2018-07, 40 milesElectrical system: “The vehicle was having a hard time getting past 2nd gear being told it was an electrical misfire and causing the car to jerk until it was able to hit 2nd. That was repaired by our local auto repair shop. The other issue is the dashboard. The dashboard is literally melting away and has become slimy and sticky. It is working it's way down to the steering wheel area and air vents. I'm sure that is some sort of hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11219803, filed 2019-06, 73,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
37% of the 174 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.5% risk |
| Altima HEV · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.5% risk |
| Altima · coupe FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 9.3% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Nissan Altima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V371000Jul 19, 2011SuspensionCovers: Nissan Altima 2011–2012
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…
Recall details for the 2011 Nissan Altima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 131 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Altima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 3,522 | 2 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 15,073 | 1 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 30 | 65,200 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 30,300 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 42,897 | 2 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 182 | 34,000 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 234 | 18,074 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 393 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 555 | 58,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 955 | 57,000 | 10 | 5 | 31 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 1,114 | 64,150 | 8 | 5 | 31 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 2,313 | 64,750 | 12 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 426 | 75,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 242 | 72,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 1 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 381 | 53,128 | 3 | — | 23 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,547 | 78,931 | 4 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,030 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 26 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 471 | 61,765 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 824 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,091 | 86,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 276 | 73,480 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 883 | 84,900 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,047 | 88,164 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 159 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 160 | 83,500 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 87 | 99,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 123 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 92,420 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 92 | 84,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 180 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 106 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 122 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Altima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Owners of the 2011 Altima most often report CVT transmission trouble — whining or slipping, then loss of drive or a needed replacement — with the highest miles in the sample. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission whine, slip and loss of drive; Melting, sticky dashboard and windshield glare; Push-button start and key/electrical no-start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA recorded 242 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Altima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Nissan Altima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 68 complaints (28% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 42.
Has the 2011 Nissan Altima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2011 Nissan Altima do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 Nissan Altima 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Altima (Altima, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima reported?
Among the 174 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,000 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 110,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.