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2012 Nissan

Altima

Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Nissan Altima: best and worst years
2012 Nissan Altima (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoDinkun ChenCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
32 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,400EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
25.1 mpg, reported by 9 driversabout 0.9 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
181 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
56 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,168 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
101 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
15 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
0
Owner complaints
0
Theft rate
2.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EQ12002opened Feb 14, 2012AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

    Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

117 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 13, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYNTB09-131C

    CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is a

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB13-107G

    VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB13-027D

    CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB10-066C

    CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB17-019H

    WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB13-028I

    REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB09-081K

    WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Sep 21, 2023STEERINGNTB08-097L

    DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • and 109 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.