The Most Common 2011 Nissan Altima Problems

From issues with the powertrain to engine repairs, this article goes into detail about the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima have to do with the transmission, engine, and electrical system. This vehicle has also been recalled once due to a problem with the transverse link bolts.
The Nissan Altima is a notoriously reliable car, but that doesn’t mean that it’s entirely without issues—and, as cars get older, problems begin to show up with increasing frequency. So, what kinds of problems do you need to look out for in the 2011 Nissan Altima?
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The most common 2011 Nissan Altima problems

While the Nissan Altima is definitely a reliable car, owners have experienced a few issues. Some of the most commonly reported problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima include:
  • Transmission failure: Many 2011 Altima drivers have reported that the transmission has difficulty shifting or has failed entirely. In these cases, drivers have to have their transmission replaced, whcih can cost between $4,600 and $5,000.
  • Catalytic converter failure: Some Altima drivers reported engine failure due to a bad catalytic converter. Replacing this part costs about $841.
  • Engine stalling: Some drivers have had problems with the engine in their Altima stalling after they start their car. This may be caused by a failed crankshaft position sensor and/or camshaft position sensor, but the problem should be assessed by a mechanic to determine the exact issue.
  • Electrical system failure: The Altima may suddenly lose power due to failure of the electrical system. This sometimes occurs due to warning lights that fail to turn off and therefore drain power from the battery, but the exact problem can be determined by your local auto repair shop.
The 2011 Altima has also been recalled once due to a problem with the transverse link bolts, which are small bolts that are part of your car’s suspension. These bolts were found to be loose and improperly secured in the 2011 Altima. 
If the transverse link bolts were to come free of the suspension, the driver would have difficulty controlling which direction their vehicle was going. This could easily result in an accident.
Most sellers will check for any recall maintenance before putting a used car on the market, but this problem is still something to watch out for in the 2011 Altima model!
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
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Is the 2011 Nissan Altima reliable?

Overall, the 2011 Nissan Altima is very reliable
This vehicle earned a four out of five for reliability from RepairPal and an 82 out of 100 for reliability from J.D. Power. Both of these scores are great and indicate that the Altima experiences few problems when compared with other vehicles in its class.
This Nissan model also has great ownership costs. On average, 2011 Altima drivers can expect to pay about $468 per year for repairs, which is significantly lower than the national average. This is great news for used car buyers, since it means that you probably won’t encounter unexpectedly high repair costs after purchasing your Nissan.

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Even if your vehicle rarely experiences issues, accidents still happen. That’s where your
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