NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima. The newest was filed on February 2, 2013. A campaign covers some or all cars of this model year. To check one car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Air bags2Steering1Suspension1
Recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima
NHTSA 12V055000 · filed February 2, 2013
Air bags: side/window
What NHTSA says: 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.
The risk: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix, as filed: 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.
What NHTSA says: 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.
The 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.
The fix, as filed: 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.
What NHTSA says: 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.
The risk: 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, as filed: 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.
What NHTSA says: 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.
The risk: 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, as filed: 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.
This list is for the model year. Only a VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows which recalls are still open on one car.
Confirm the build
Recalls often cover one engine, trim or build period. Decode the VIN to see what the car left the factory with.
Retiring the car?
See a rough scrap and parts value with the working shown. It is an estimate, not an offer.
Source: NHTSA recall data, checked November 1, 2026.Not affiliated with NHTSA or Nissan.
2012 Nissan Altima recalls: common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Altima as of November 1, 2026. Each campaign covers some or all vehicles of that model year, so not every car is affected by every recall.
How do I check if my 2012 Nissan Altima has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the manufacturer's own recall page. That lookup shows the recalls still unrepaired on that one car, which this page cannot do. The VIN is on the driver's side of the dashboard, seen through the windshield, and on your registration card.
Do I have to pay for a recall repair?
Under federal law the manufacturer generally has to fix a safety recall at no charge to the owner. There are limits, for example for vehicles first sold more than 15 years before the recall was issued (5 years for tires). A Nissan dealer does the work, so call one with your VIN to book it.
Where does this recall list come from?
From NHTSA, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which publishes recall records as public data. We refresh the list every week and show NHTSA's own wording for each campaign. We are not affiliated with NHTSA or with any vehicle manufacturer.