The most common 2012 Nissan Altima problems include powertrain issues, engine performance, and airbag malfunctions. Less serious problems include the check engine light not turning off.

The Nissan Altima is a favorite choice among those looking for an affordable and reliable sedan. It sports a powerful engine, relaxed ride, great fuel economy, and comfortable seating. With proper maintenance, the 2012 Altima can last for years.

Still, the 2012 Nissan Altima isn’t without fault. Over the course of its lifetime, you’re bound to encounter issues. Here to guide you through what you can expect is

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The most common 2012 Nissan Altima problems

First, a piece of great news: overall, the 2012 Nissan Altima is a super reliable car without many major problems, but a car of this age will start to encounter some issues as time goes on. Thankfully, they’ll be easy to address thanks to Nissan’s solid engineering.

Because the 2012 Altima’s problems are so widely reported, you pretty much know what you’re going to get with this vehicle. The most commonly reported problem is with the powertrain and the vehicle losing power at high speeds. This is a serious issue because suddenly losing power and speed while on the highway could lead to an accident.

Many consumers report issues with the transmission at highway speeds that end in needing to get their transmissions replaced. Because no recall has been issued, motorists are responsible for their own transmission repairs, which can cost over $4,000.

The next most common reported problem is with the engine turning off at low speeds. Multiple drivers have reported executing turns or going through a parking lot at speeds not exceeding 15 mph only for their Altimas to turn off without warning.

Other common problems with the 2012 Altima include:

Passenger airbag malfunction

Power steering failure

Dim headlights

Doors not locking or unlocking

Brake noises

While a couple of these issues are minor inconveniences, many of them pose serious threats to driver and passenger safety if left unattended.

Keep an eye on your 2012 Nissan Altima because it has had four issued recalls. The recalls are related to loose steering and suspension bolts, side curtain airbag malfunction, airbag control unit malfunction, and loose transverse link bolts.

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Is the 2012 Nissan Altima reliable?

You might think the 2012 Nissan Altima is unreliable after reading the above, but it still pulls in above-average reliability scores.

Let’s take a closer look. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable midsize sedan, the 2012 Nissan Altima is a great contender. RepairPal gives it a 4.0/5.0 reliability rating thanks to its low instance of major repairs. It hasn’t been evaluated by other authorities like J.D. Power.

You’ll enjoy low annual repair costs with the 2012 Nissan Altima, who averages $483 per year. This is about the same price you’d pay to maintain a newer sedan, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra for the vehicle’s age.

MORE:

2012 Nissan Altima oil capacity guide

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

If you need a trustworthy car to get you from the grocery store to a night on the town to a road trip across the country, you can count on the 2012 Nissan Altima. You’ll need the best

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