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2012 Nissan Altima suspension problems

17 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 30,350. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
30,350
crashes
3
recalls
2

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Altima suspension problems in other years

19931995200020052010201520202024

Related recalls

SuspensionReported October 10, 2012 · 13,919 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Risk
The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 12V494000 · Recall details

SuspensionReported July 19, 2011 · 20,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the bolt comes out completely, the driver may experience difficulty controlling the direction of the vehicle which could result in a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 11V371000 · Recall details

What 2012 Nissan Altima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CT

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. Under federal motor vehicle safety standards, any defect that affects steering performance constitutes a safety hazard regardless of recall status. The looseness and clunking present an unreasonable risk of loss of steering control, which could result in a crash or injury. I am requesting immediate inspection, formal documentation of the defect, and corrective action consistent with Nissan’s obligations under safety defect reporting requirements.” than you for your kind and immediate attention to the safety of your driver's. Misc is s responsible and prominent company and I know that they take care of their customers. Thank you again for your attention to this hazardous matter. 8

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · TN · crash

The vehicle is unsafe to driver and others on the road. The power steering hose has had a leak since it was manufactured and was not fixed by the manufacturer at all! Tie rods gave away within 5 years of a mileage less than 24,200 miles. Cv joints along with tie rods have been easily compromised and damaged causing loss of control and steering .suspensions are no longer in tact nor reliable and will pose a danger. All errors were not found by manufacturer and has caused immediate danger to not only driver but everyone on the road. The engine has a rattle only after 2 years which is not usual.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine, Steering · AZ

Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Suspension · 236,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle, followed by a dragging sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear driver side tire was hanging from the suspension. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 129,921 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would emit an abnormal whining noise while both stationary and while making turns in either direction. As the failure persisted, the steering wheel began to vibrate, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that her vehicle was not covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V494000 (Steering, Suspension). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 129,921. Consumer stated RECALL was called due to the rack and pinion of the steering wheel of the car.

Filed Oct 20, 2021 · Airbags, Suspension · CA

the airbag light that is under the dash board always turns on all of a sudden I am concerned the airbags might open or their migght be something wrong and god forbid in a accident they dont open also the suspention has always had issues

Filed Feb 17, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

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

Filed Jan 25, 2019 · Suspension · 23,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 nissan altima. While driving over 30 MPH, the vehicle became very unstable and swayed to the right and left. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer (mountain view nissan, 2100 market st, chattanooga, tn) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 23,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · RI

Cvt, the car jerks, shudders, stalls while driving. This is very dangerous! Engine revs on its own, read about the horrible nissan CVT will never purchase a nissan nor recommend to anyone! Turning is a nightmare, driving on the highway is quite scary. Called customer service nissan does not care! Class action suit should be filed asap this is people lives you're talking about !

Filed Sep 2, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · 68,000 miles · NC · crash

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". The vehicle was still upside down when passersby and law official arrived.this accident could have been avoided if we'd received prior notification. We know there were recalls for this year,make and model vehicle and those similar, however we were never notified by anyone of said recalls.this accident could have been fatal, that's how bad it was.by the grace of god it wasn't.

Questions about the 2012 Nissan Altima suspension

Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Nissan Altima, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Nissan Altima suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 30,350 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Nissan Altima suspension?

Yes, 2 recalls: 12V494000, 11V371000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Altima have bad suspension?

The Nissan Altima model years with the most suspension complaints are 2013 (290 complaints), 2014 (132 complaints) and 2007 (121 complaints).

Other 2012 Nissan Altima problems

Transmission 149Engine 72Airbags 57Acceleration 49Electrical 44Body 33Brakes 20Visibility 18Steering 17Fuel system 13Driver assistance 9Seats 7Tires 6Lights 5Seat belts 5Locks 2Wheels 2

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