Verdict
2011 Nissan Altima: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2011 Nissan Altima — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 245 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 74% of 2011 sedans. Power Train leads the reports (27%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2011 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
245
Reports to NHTSA, 2011
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
24
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 74% of 2011 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2011 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (27% of 245 reports), followed by unknown or other (14%).
+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 245 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10392821, ODI 11720577, ODI 11580274, ODI 11498614, ODI 11484425.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Suspension · 11V371000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2011 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2011 Nissan Altima 2 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 32 | 26 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 | 27 | 22 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2011 Nissan Altima: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Owners filed 245 NHTSA complaints about the 2011 Nissan Altima — more complaints than 74% of comparable 2011 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2011 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (27% of complaints) and unknown or other (14%).
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2011 Nissan Altima, covering components such as suspension. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Altima between 22 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.