How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA lists 17 steering complaints for the 2012 Altima, which is 4% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Nissan Altima?

Yes. Recall 12V494000 covers 2012-2013 Altima vehicles built between May 10, 2012 and July 26, 2012, where transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts may not have been torqued to spec. Dealers tighten the bolts to fix it.

Have steering problems on the 2012 Altima caused crashes?

NHTSA data tied to the steering complaints for this year show 5 crashes and 3 injuries.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2012 Altima?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Altima is 26,357.5 miles.

How does the 2012 Altima's steering complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2012 Altima's steering complaints are 4% of its total complaints, similar to most other model years in the range, which run between 1% and 12% depending on the year.

2012 Nissan Altima Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 17 steering complaints for the 2012 Nissan Altima, 4% of its 426 total complaints for the year, linked to 5 crashes and 3 injuries. A related recall (12V494000) covers under-torqued power steering rack and transverse link bolts on some 2012-2013 units.

Steering complaints: 17; 4% of 426
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 26,358 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering wheel input does not match vehicle direction, with the car continuing straight or drifting right despite corrective steering.
Owners report a loose, unstable steering feel with a clunking impact when turning the wheel, even at low speed, suggesting a linkage or intermediate shaft problem.
Power steering hose leaks reported from early on, followed by tie rod and CV joint failures at low mileage, leading to loss of steering control.
Steering pulls or drifts to one side and overcorrects, described as feeling out of alignment, with one owner planning to replace the steering column.
Steering wheel becoming extremely hard to turn, with front wheels seeming to lock, reported in connection with a crash.

When 2012 Nissan Altima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 24, 2012, latest Sep 22, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2019 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima

NHTSA 12V494000Oct 10, 2012Steering13,919 vehicles
Steering
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.

Steering complaints by Altima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200531 (3%)
200615 (2%)
200717 (4%)
200837 (4%)
2009859 (56%)
201020 (5%)
201112 (5%)
201217 (4%)
201394 (4%)
201458 (5%)
201548 (5%)
201616 (3%)
201716 (4%)
201812 (5%)
20193 (1%)
202013 (8%)
20217 (10%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (3%)
20245 (12%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Nissan Altima?: NHTSA lists 17 steering complaints for the 2012 Altima, which is 4% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Nissan Altima?: Yes. Recall 12V494000 covers 2012-2013 Altima vehicles built between May 10, 2012 and July 26, 2012, where transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts may not have been torqued to spec. Dealers tighten the bolts to fix it.
Have steering problems on the 2012 Altima caused crashes?: NHTSA data tied to the steering complaints for this year show 5 crashes and 3 injuries.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2012 Altima?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Altima is 26,357.5 miles.
How does the 2012 Altima's steering complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2012 Altima's steering complaints are 4% of its total complaints, similar to most other model years in the range, which run between 1% and 12% depending on the year.