2012 Nissan Altima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 426 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Nissan Altima, 4% of the 426 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,350 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 2012 Nissan Altima. While driving 35-40 MPH the car began rattling,noise,bing like and vibration. When I reached the speed of 60mph, it began to shake and jerk. It's really hard to explain what it feels like, but I know it's not normal, I took it to the dealership, they said the front tires need rotated. The tires were rotated and the problem still exist. This car was a certified/used purchase on feb. 5,2013.”
NHTSA complaint #10498290, filed 2013-02, 30,350 miles“On the above date, my vehicle was involved in an accident which after thorough assessment by the body shop and by the insurance company's field adjusters, was deemed a total loss. My vehicle's steering suddenly became very difficult due to the front wheels becoming seemingly locked and steering in the right direction was impossible. Steering wheel was extremely hard to turn as well. The airbags did not deploy either. Everything happened so fast. There was a loss of control which caused the vehicle to overturn or flip . …”
NHTSA complaint #10761112, filed 2015-09, 68,000 miles“While in operation climbing up and inclines this vehicle engine lose power to approx: 40 - 50 miles and hour, along with a whining in the transmission, also the front suspension appears to be shaking. Windows refuse to go up and down.”
NHTSA complaint #10611060, filed 2014-07, 57,998 miles“I just found out that there were 4 safety recalls (performed 0)on our car according to kbb and for our safety purposed,it needs to be repaired and we just bought this in used car company last 09/09/2019.and please let us know if the car manufacturer will be responsible for the recall or we (owner).thank you in advanced”
NHTSA complaint #11396685, filed 2021-02“am submitting a formal safety defect report regarding the steering system on my 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe. The vehicle exhibits a loose and unstable steering feel, accompanied by a distinct clunking impact whenever the wheel is turned, including during low‑speed maneuvering. This condition indicates a potential failure within the steering linkage, intermediate shaft, or associated structural components. Although my VIN does not currently appear in Nissan’s recall database, the symptoms are materially similar to steering‑related defects previously documented for this model year. …”
NHTSA complaint #11766022, filed 2026-09Related recalls
- 12V494000Oct 10, 2012Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped…Covers: Nissan Altima 2012–2013
- 11V371000Jul 19, 2011Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 nissan altima sedan vehicles manufactured from april 25, 2011, through june 10, 2011 at the canton…Covers: Nissan Altima 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10171221Jan 17, 2020CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192178May 14, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer would like to activate a subscription for any of the following services: - SiriusXM Satellite Radio, NavTraffic, NavWeather, Travel Link Weather…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
- 10040510Aug 24, 2011Nissan: axle bolt and torque information.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 11 | 3% |
| 2016 | 12 | 2% |
| 2015 | 64 | 7% |
| 2014 | 132 | 12% |
| 2013 | 289 | 12% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 14 | 6% |
| 2010 | 31 | 8% |
| 2009 | 33 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 121 | 26% |
| 2006 | 18 | 2% |
| 2005 | 21 | 2% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 14 | 1% |
| 2001 | 20 | 13% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeats
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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