2012 Nissan Altima Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 426 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seats of the 2012 Nissan Altima, 2% of the 426 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought this car nov 30 2013 from the dealer that originally owned it, it was a loaner car for their service dept. From day one that I have owned it, the passenger airbag light goes on an off at will. With nothing in the seat, it comes on and off, with a person in the seat it also comes on and off. This is a major safety issue! I took it to the dealer and they said it didn't do it while they were looking at it. Bring it back when it gets worse.... There are alot of these cars out there with this problem! There needs to be a recall on the sensor/seat/electrical system related to this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566763, filed 2014-03, 3,600 miles“The driver's seat is crooked - both across the back and across the seat. This means one's shoulders and torso are twisted and facing the center console, not the steering wheel. Hips are uneven with the right side significantly lower than the left. This is a very uncomfortable and painful position to be in. I have been informed by the dealership that all 2012 altimas are like this and therefore it is not a warranty item! I have been able to determine the back of the seat is in fact crooked in the more than two dozen examples I have been able to check. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465368, filed 2012-07, 2,000 miles“I believe the recall which came out yesterday for the airbag sensor in the front passenger seat should include 2012 altimas (not just 2013-2016). I have had this issue several times in the last 6 months or so where I may or may not have a passenger or items on my front passenger seat and my airbag indicator light in the middle of the dash board will come on at random, even when there is a full-size adult in the seat. This happens whether the car is stationary or moving.”
NHTSA complaint #10862582, filed 2016-05“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima (n/a). The contact stated that the headrest caused the contact back pain, head aches and numbness in the arm. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the dealer turned the head rest around. The contact stated that after the head rest was turned, there was no more pain. The failure mileage was 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10470026, filed 2012-08, 1,000 miles“Paint is coming off the car from where the factory has repainted over a clear coated surface. Paint is also coming out of the jams of the car causing rust. Parts on the car are also starting to break down. The seats do not properly catch the gear holding them into place. Transmission makes a terrible winding noice”
NHTSA complaint #10779317, filed 2015-10Related service bulletins
- 10192195Jun 17, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm there is a need to replace the steering wheel switches on an Applied Vehicle for any reason: - Do not replace the driver air bag module. The…
- 10041744Oct 7, 2011Nissan: when adjusting either front seat, driver/passenger, forward or backwards, it will bind or not move at all.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 11 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 0% |
| 2014 | 14 | 1% |
| 2013 | 37 | 2% |
| 2012 | 7 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 14 | 1% |
| 2008 | 24 | 2% |
| 2007 | 11 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Altima
149 complaintsEngine
68 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsElectrical system
44 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsFuel system
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Altima
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology