KnownCarProblems2011 Nissan Altima Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 241 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Altima, most often about the transmission (28% of complaints, typically around 100,000 miles). It is 16th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2011 Nissan Altima problems
Transmission
68 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Few weeks ago I noticed a whining noise from my car, and then the check engine light came on. I had my brother look at my car because he works on cars and is a mechanic and he said it is my transmission. The car is 6 years old and this shouldn't be happening.
The transmission just went out at 100,000 miles. I'm told the transmission is a CVT transmission and this is pretty much normal. I'm looking at a $4000 cost just to put another CVT transmission into it
Engine
42 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The check engine light lit on the dashboard. The associated engine code was p2a00 and both the upstream (air/fuel ratio) and downstream (oxygen) air sensors had to be replaced. The repair cost close to $1,000 please note: this is after many other costly repairs, including most recently another filing with the NHTSA…
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shake. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the…
Other or unspecified
40 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
My dashboard started melting!! In just the past month it has turned in to a shiny sticky mess that cannot be cleaned and impedes vision due to the reflection off the windshield. Very dangerous! I have contacted Nissan and am awaiting a response to see if they will help resolve the issue or not.
We moved from illinois to florida in 2014, after living in florida for 2 years the dash board in the Nissan became shiny and sticky, like it is melting. After contacting Nissan about the problem, they mentioned that the car is out of warranty and there is no recall on the dash board. We feel this should be looked into…
Electrical
31 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles.
My Altima failed to respond to the start button and exhibited all alarms lit on the dashboard (including erroneous indications of open doors.) aaa service was forbidden by aaa to provide any service beyond battery and towing. After being towed to a tire shop, I begged the mechanics to detach the ground wire in order…
Air conditioner stopped working during normal use. The coil to the compressor is fried and will not turn on the A/C even though it has working amounts of freon and all other equipment in A/C system is good.
Body and structure
27 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, interior panels.
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. While driving at various speeds, a fabric type material from the rear wheel fender well would make contact with both the driver and passenger side rear tires. The dealer stated that the rear wheel fender liners were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
After a heavy rain the rear floorboard and carpet is wet passenger side. Can also hear sloshing noises from either the passenger side door panel or under the rear carpet. Windows up tight, door seals look good. Seats are not wet. Just floor. No sunroof.
Air bags
21 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 38,500 miles.
Driving on the freeway on my 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5s at above 65 MPH, the passenger air bag light came on showing it was off/ disabled and stayed off for the whole trip duration - about 45 minutes. Air bag light location is in the center of dashboard and should light up when is disabled or no person is sitting on…
There is a fault in the sensor for the front passenger-side seat airbag. It fails to properly sense that an adult is occupying the seat. The airbag-off indicator light often is lit when an adult who weighs approximately 102-105 pounds, is sitting in the front passenger seat. I brought this to the attention of our…
Suspension
14 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and there was an abnormal rattling sound. The failure recurred on several occasions while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the failure was…
Ever since I purchased this car tire pressure sensor keeps coming on change all 4 tires brand new ones reset the computer and it still comes on the car swerves and it's sometimes hard to control after a certain speed I've learned that a 2011 subaru had a recall on their suspension and I believe there is something…
Steering
12 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles.
Steering wheel is peeling on the top and is soft to the point where at any given moment the foam will be in my hand.the car was a certified pre-owned vehicle by Nissan and bought at Nissan. They reviewed the defect to be replaced at "goodwill" but it did not qualify as a reason to a replace; even though it is a…
Steering wheel lock mechanism malfunctioning. Steering wheel locks, brake pad locks. Car turns on but engine will not start. Key fob opens door. Lights and dash light up.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 Nissan Altima recalls
Suspension
Risk: If the bolt comes out completely, the driver may experience difficulty controlling the direction of the vehicle which could result in a crash.
Fix: Nissan will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts and tighten them to the proper torque specification free of charge. The safety recall began on august 8, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
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 condition could cause the bolt to become loose while the vehicle is being driven, creating a rattling noise and vibration.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2011 Nissan Altima
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Altima?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (68 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles); engine (42 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles); other or unspecified (40 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 19, 2011 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2011 a bad year for the Nissan Altima?
- It is 16th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints, with 241 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.