YearToAvoid

2011 Nissan Altima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2011 Nissan Altima ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 30 and a Good verdict. It had 241 complaints, 1 recall, and its top problem area was Transmission & Powertrain at 28% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 100,200 miles for that system.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
30/100
#15 of 21 Altima years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
241
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
11
reported in complaints
Fires
5
Injuries
9
Top issue
Transmission & Powertrain
Best nearby year
2021
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24.5
21.5 city / 29 hwy
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Top 2011 Nissan Altima problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain68 (28%)
  2. Engine47 (20%)
  3. Other42 (17%)
  4. Electrical System31 (13%)
  5. Structure & Body30 (12%)
  6. Airbags21 (9%)
  7. Brakes19 (8%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (8%)
  9. Steering12 (5%)
  10. Fuel System10 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with little stopping effect, in one case at low speed and another leading to a crash into a pole and tree.
  • Owners describe sudden loss of engine power on the highway accompanied by warning lights, disabled steering, and smoke that turned into an engine fire.
  • Headlights have reportedly shut off unexpectedly while driving, contributing to at least one crash when the driver lost visibility.
  • Passenger-side airbag warning lights reportedly stayed off and airbags failed to deploy in more than one collision despite occupancy or impact.
  • A tire sidewall blowout on a Michelin tire was reported at 110,700 miles, causing the vehicle to leave the road.
  • Owners also report engine bay fires linked to transmission problems and other unspecified mechanical issues.
2011 Nissan Altima complaints: complaints filed per quarter142011 Q12013 Q22015 Q22017 Q22019 Q22021 Q22023 Q22026 Q2
241 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q3 (14).

2011 Nissan Altima recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V371000Jul 19, 2011Suspension, Wheels & Tires20,000 vehicles

    Suspension

    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.

2011 Nissan Altima fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21.5 MPG
Highway
29 MPG
Combined
24.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other Altima years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Avoid951,547424
2010Caution60380323
2011Good30241124.5
2012Caution50426424.5
2013Avoid1002,3121226

All Nissan Altima years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Altima has a complaint index of 30 and ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Altima years.
What is the main problem with the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Transmission & Powertrain issues make up the largest share of complaints at 28%, with a median mileage at failure of 100,200 miles, followed by engine problems at 20%.
Does the 2011 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall for the 2011 Altima, covering a transverse link bolt that may not have been torqued to the proper specification; Nissan's remedy is to replace and re-torque the bolts and nuts.
How does the 2011 Altima compare to other Altima years?
With a complaint index of 30, the 2011 model performs much better than years like 2013 (index 100) and 2009 (index 95), both rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Altima?
The EPA rates the 2011 Altima at 24.5 mpg combined (21.5 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.