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2012 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima, filed between July 19, 2011 and October 10, 2012. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 12V494000 | October 10, 2012 | Steering |
| 12V055000 | February 14, 2012 | Air bags: side/window |
| 11V408000 | August 9, 2011 | Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive |
| 11V371000 | July 19, 2011 | Suspension |
Steering (12V494000)
Filed October 10, 2012
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.
What could happen. 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.
The fix. 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.
Air bags: side/window (12V055000)
Filed February 14, 2012
What is wrong. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
What could happen. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive (11V408000)
Filed August 9, 2011
What is wrong. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.
What could happen. THE AFFECTED ACU WILL NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED AND THIS ISSUE MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO INFLATE IN A CRASH WHEN THEY ARE DESIGNED TO INFLATE. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix. NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension (11V371000)
Filed July 19, 2011
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.
What could happen. IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The 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.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2012 Nissan Altima may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Nissan dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Nissan may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Nissan customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Altima
- 2025 (2)
- 2024 (1)
- 2021 (2)
- 2020 (6)
- 2019 (7)
- 2018 (2)
- 2017 (3)
- 2016 (4)
- 2015 (10)
- 2014 (8)
- 2013 (12)
- 2011 (1)
- 2010 (3)
- All years
More: all Nissan recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2012 Nissan Altima recall questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2012 Nissan Altima free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Nissan dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2012 Nissan Altima was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.