CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Altima has a defect trend of CVT transmission failure showing up around the 100,000 mile mark.

It's an expensive repair at nearly $2,000 average repair cost. For more information see Nissan Altima CVT defect info on NissanProblems.com.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,475 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Nissan Altima drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 6 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #42

Mar 112016

Altima

  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The transmission went out after 65K miles. I took it to the dealership and because the warranty is only up to 60K they would not help me or warrant any repairs. Because of dealer cost I was able to rebuild it at a different repair shop for $4000. The mechanic told me that this was caused by a leak in the radiator, the coolant leaked into the transmission fluid causing damge to the transmission. It seems that Nissan had a recall on models up to to 2010 and also gave extended warranties. However the 2012 is not on this reacall. I feel that the problem still exist and a recall for my model should take place. My cost was 4000 dollars, it just doesnt seem fair. No transmission shuld go out before 100K. This is my daughters vehicle and it quit functioning in traffic in the middle of the road where she could have been in an accident. This is a huge problem that the dealership should own up to.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #41

May 062017

Altima

  • 36,000 miles
Whining up hill and no drive down hill, when heated up transmission will not go until cooled off

- West Bend, WI, USA

problem #40

May 012017

Altima

  • 100,000 miles
When the car is at 75mph, it loses speen and the RPM goes up and it slows down when you stop the car and wait for an hour or more, it will go back to normal for a while it happens after and hour or long trips.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #39

Apr 202017

Altima

  • 104,850 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving down fl. I75 did not have power to pass another vehicle. Push the gas pedal several tines no power. No warning lights on dash. After sever miles safely got off I75. Found out cvt over heated and shut engine down. Nissan waiting for some one to get killed. Is that what Nissan is waiting for? there is a fix for over heating cvts. Is NHTSA going to sit on there butt or do something about it. This is an on going thing with Nissan.

- Milton, FL, USA

problem #38

Apr 262017

Altima

  • 92,600 miles
Vehicle lost power while driving 70 mph down highway. Almost got rear ended by semi as I could not keep enough speed to stay ahead and get to side of road. When I searched web, found this to be a frequent occurrence on the 2012 cvt transmission.

- Hamilton, MI, USA

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problem #37

Feb 262017

Altima

  • 80,000 miles
I was driving my car down the road heading to get something to eat. It was a Sunday night, it just started misting rain. I drove on my usual curvy 2 lane paved highway and then proceed onto my usual 4 lane paved highway to mcdonald's where I got food inside and then upon leaving decided to go through drive through for another item. I left and headed approximately 3 miles back on the same road I traveled to town on. As I was on the 2 lane ithe all of a sudden appeared to be raining heavier and I could tell by the rain crossing over my headlights. Something different than normal caught my eye, it looked like orange rain, I assumed just the appearance from one of the bulbs. Unsure though, I continued driving but scooted to the edge of my seat and set up tall to getta better look, at that time I seen flames. The car was on fire, I couldn't pull off side of road as it has no ditches just ravines so I slowed down and tried unlocking my door to open it wouldn't and my window wouldn't roll down, terrified I proceeded to call 911 and inform them my car was on fire and I was in it driving down the road and was hoping to get to next road I knew I could pull off. The entire time never did anything warning lights or gauges come on nor did the temperature rise. I finally was able to exist the car fully engulfed in flames. The police department and fire department finally arrived. Theyou got it put out but it was complete loss. I have no idea as to why this fire happened I took well care of my car, maintaining it regularly as recommended and always cautiously driving it. I have another Nissan Altima that's still running strong with $300,000 miles on it, so this should show I care for my vehicles above what's recommended.

- Van Buren, MO, USA

problem #36

Mar 282017

Altima

  • 113,090 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted by the key fob. In addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle would not stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was able to place the vehicle in park to stop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,090.

- Towson, MD, USA

problem #35

Feb 282017

Altima

  • 91,400 miles
Driving at highway speeds car engine suddenly revved to approx. 5000 RPM. Pulled over and upon accelerating again the car would drive but the engine revved very high and the cvt wouldn't change gear ratios ("shift") as it normally does. Realized car would accelerate and not rev as high if I accelerated extremely slowly. Car however is extremely dangerous to drive at this point. Also couldn't drive above 55 mph without the engine revving very high approaching redline. After approx 5 more miles of driving the "service engine" light came on and I scanned the code. Showing code P1778 which appears to be a stepper motor problem with the cvt. Called dealer and sounds like they don't fix cvt, just replace for between $4000-$5000. Very disappointed Nissan hasn't resolved these problems yet and that they treat a $5000 part as a replacement item and not one that can be fixed.

- Baldwinsville, NY, USA

problem #34

Feb 042017

Altima

  • 20 miles
Driving vehicle at time of transmission failure. Have a 2012 Nissan 2.5L Altima with recent extended warranty that just expired. (of course). I have been dealing with the car and its hesitation and chugging issues since October 2015. I brought car into the dealership and on three separate occasions concerned about the performance of the vehicle. First time in shop I was told that the scope showed no warning codes and recommendation was to complete the 100,000 mile maintenance of flushing transmission and spark plug replacement, which was done and car seems to ruin ok... for a few days. Then same issues. We took a trip to Colorado from Minnesota and the problem with hesitation and chugging with automatic gear shifting. I took the car back in and again in December with technician now driving the car was told nothing was showing up. Car continued to get worse with now no acceleration, so I took it in a week ago when the car was showing alot more signs of something wrong, and technician drove with me in the car and stated to service manager that he didn't experience anything that indicated an issue. The next day, of course on a Saturday, the car would not go over 5 miles an hour and created almost a massive accident on local city street. I immediately took it in to the dealership and was finally given the news (which I knew all the time) that codes where indicating a transmission failure and unfortunately was in need of a new transmission! cost $3,900 and some change!!! that's when I started researching and saw this problem dated back to 2008 with Nissan products. Nissan did settle on a class action suit by providing car owners an extended warranty, yet knowingly, they continued to manufacture cars with the same transmission! I am outraged that dealers continue to sell these cars.

- Eagle Lake, MN, USA

problem #33

Nov 222016

Altima

  • 70,000 miles
Transmisson went out while driving on the highway.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #32

Aug 062016

Altima

  • 145,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was traveling from Alabama to atlanta Georgia on interstate I-20. As I travel about a hour and a half into the trip the car begin to decline in speed. I was traveling about 80-85 mph and had to move over from the left lane to get in the right lane in order to exit off, it decline down to about 40 mph. As I pushed on the accelerator, it did nothing. It wouldn't go past 40mph. It continued so I pulled the car off on the next exit. After about 20 minutes of letting the car set and I begin to start the trip back the car was fine. So on my way back to Alabama it did it again. When I returned back from the trip that Sunday I went to my local Nissan dealer that Monday morning and was told that it was the transmission. It would cost me $5000 for a new one or $3500 for a used one. As I look at these complaints, this is a Nissan problem. Why should I have to come out of pocket for something that is going on with my car and as I see others. Nissan needs to put a recall on this for it is a problem!!!

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #31

Aug 292016

Altima

  • 69,411 miles
I have had the issues of losing power while driving my Altima at a speed of 60 mph for longer than an hour I would lose all power. I would be driving on the highway moving with traffic at a speed of 75 -80 mph and then all of a sudden with no warning lights my car will start to lose power and drop all the way to 40 mph. Now I am trying to go from the fast lane over two other lanes while losing power. I am lucky that I haven't been rear ended at this point. I have been complaining about this issue to Nissan since I purchased the car in 2012 I have brought it into Nissan on Oct 2013, May 2015 and June 2016 that I have receipts for. In 2013 and 2015 I was told by Nissan there was nothing wrong with my car then in June 2016 I was told I needed a new transmission. I received a quote of $2304.72 and 10 hours of labor in June 2016 now Aug 29 2016 I am being told that it will be over $3500 for a new transmission. There is a service bulletin out dated Nov 25 2015 for this exact issue I am having my transmission has finally gone and I think it is just wrong that I have to pay for something that Nissan knows is built poorly.this is a safety issue and Nissan needs to fix it before someone does get seriously hurt

- Poland, ME, USA

problem #30

Aug 182016

Altima

  • 139,000 miles
My vehicle would not go forward when pressing on the gas pedal. It would not go past 40 mph on the expressway. After 20 minutes in traffic is when the check service engine came on. I had it diagnosed at a transmission shop and the code reflected the cvt transmission. I have an appointment with a Nissan dealership to check out the diagnosis...will update documents later.

- Hernando, TN, USA

problem #29

Aug 122016

Altima

  • 81,000 miles
8/12/16 I was driving from schaumburg il. To la crosse wi with my daughter in my car and my son following behind. Drive is approx 3 hrs & 50 mins. The weather outside high 80's & humid. An hour into my trip on 90west in stop and go traffic on the expressway due to construction. Went to accelerate from a complete stop the car would only go to 20 mph with my foot to the floor & it took some time. The rpms didnt move, the car didnt rev, there were no warning lights, no lights dimming on the interior & the temperature gauge was just where it should be. I thought it was just a fluke. When approaching the wi dells 2 hours into my trip & an hour & a half remaining, I was in the "fast lane" of traffic doing about 80 mph, I went to accelerate more I noticed the same thing was happening. Only now my speed was rapidly decreasing. I moved over & got off on the nearest exit still attempting to accelerate, I pulled into a gas station. Hesitant on shutting the car off not knowing what was happening. Called my brother & described the event I had experienced. Advised to shut it down thinking maybe the system just needed a reset. Waited 20 mins & advised my son that we would stay in the "slow" lane. Car started right up & went the hour & 30 mins with no problem. Car sat at the hotel we were staying at all night. Morning of the 13th did short trips, got lunch & attend a meeting near campus. Car was just as it always has been. 4 pm cst I got on 90E to head home. The same 3hr 50 min 248 mile trip. Outside mid 80's not as humid as the day before. 1 hr & 30 min from my home doing 80/85 mph, now in various construction areas that do not provide a shoulder, my car starts to lose acceleration while I am trying to accelerate. I'm in the "fast" lane & noone would move over.let it sit 10 minutes drove the last hour & a half, no problems.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

problem #28

Aug 082016

Altima

  • 89,000 miles
Im driving down the freeway taking the curve downtown dallas & my car stalls O power available. I cannot steer to coast, nor put can ion emergency flashers. Where it dies it sits. This is a major safety issue and Nissan cannot figure out why. I have only had car for 2 months. Very disappointed and scared.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #27

Jul 032016

Altima

  • 105,000 miles
While driving on the interstate to fl from ky at around 65-75 mph the vehicle would not accelorate past 3000 RPM's. going up hills was the worst, cars would pass and our vehicle would slowly decline in speed. Pulled over to check the car out and after if cooled down it when back to working okay but after another hour on the road it done the same thing.

- Elkton, KY, USA

problem #26

Jul 312016

Altima

  • 73,000 miles
Vehicle was traveling at 70 mph when car slowed down to 55 mph with no warning. Pressing accelerator would not make care go any faster. Pulled over and waited 10 minutes then continued drive.

- Greer, SC, USA

problem #25

Jul 152015

Altima 4-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. When driving in weather above 84 degrees, the cruise control failed while driving approximately 70 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cvt transmission overheated and the vehicle needed a valve body and oil cooler to correct the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000. The VIN was not provided. Updated 09/06/16

- Auburn, ME, USA

problem #24

Jul 092016

Altima

  • 114,000 miles
Please note this is a safety hazard that occurs when the car is driving one the interstate or highway at 55-70 mph. The car will decelerate and slowly lose speed. I can slam the gas pedal to the floor and the car will not accelerate. This usually happens in very hot weather. It always happens in motion, and sometimes on a hill. It has almost caused me to be rear-ended while hauling children in my vehicle. If I stop the car and wait about 10 minutes, I can start it up and continue on going 300 or more miles before it may happen again. This had happened about 4 times in the last 4-5 months, but now it is occurring more frequently. There was no engine light and it was not giving a code. I took it to East Tennessee Nissan in morristown, tn, who could not determine the problem but said similar cars are experiencing transmission issues. I took it to a licensed transmission shop who could not get a code. The transmission shop said it could be a problem starting with the valve body of the transmission as he has seen as many problems with the 2011-2012 models as the earlier models that got extended warranties. Both places said they could not give a guaranteed fix because it is not showing them a problem. Yesterday, the problem occurred multiple times on our way home from vacation, almost getting us hit by a semi truck. Finally, after 6 restarts yesterday, the car is showing code P0744, which is torque converter clutch intermittent which we have been told is the transmission valve body. This is an absolute danger that needs to be addressed before people are killed or seriously injured.

- Newport, TN, USA

problem #23

Jun 172016

Altima

  • 75,000 miles
Car loses acceleration when driving. I noticed it does this when the temperature outside gets hot. I took my car into Nissan last year (when it was still under warranty) and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it besides it needing brakes. Now that the weather is getting hotter (palm springs, ca 120 degrees) and my car is out of warranty (75,000 miles) it's doing it again!! this is a huge safety issue. I've almost got rear ended twice because of this! since I know it's been happening I've been trying to use cruise control as much as possible on the freeway (going about 65-70) because I'm afraid it's going to do it again! last weekend I had to pull off the freeway 3 times because my car would not go over 40 mph!! I read online there are a ton of complaints about this same issue and Nissan won't do anything to fix this. This is a huge safety issue and needs to be fixed with a recall! this has happened about 20 times in the past year!

- Riverside, CA, USA

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