Is the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA reliable?

The 2011 Nissan ALTIMA has 320 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (69 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (43 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (42 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): SUSPENSION. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Nissan ALTIMA?

The 2011 Nissan ALTIMA gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Nissan ALTIMA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA is approximately $1,571/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Nissan ALTIMA

Q: Is the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA often stolen?

The Nissan ALTIMA was the #4 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 15,200 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Nissan ALTIMA has 320 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 344. The most common issue is transmission problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: i have a new 2011 nissan altima sl which i parked in my church parking lot and went into church. at the end of mass, as i was leaving the church and walking toward the parking lot, i used my automatic start...the car started and was warming up. as i approached my running car, i walked in front of . There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 15 crash reports 8 injuries

320

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

69 complaints

22%

• I HAVE A NEW 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHICH I PARKED IN MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO CHURCH. AT THE END OF MASS, AS I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE PARKING LOT, I USED MY AUTOMATIC START...THE CAR STARTED AND WAS WARMING UP. AS I APPROACHED MY RUNNING CAR, I WALKED IN FRONT OF
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING HIS VEHICLE IT CONTINUED GOING FORWARD. THE CONTACT HASTILY JUMPED BACK INTO THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT AND BROKE HIS WRIST IN THE PROCESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT NEEDING A KEY TO START OR STOP IT CA
• ON JUNE 26, 2014 AROUND 8PM, THE CAR BEGAN TO ABRUPTLY LOSE ACCELERATION. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 25MPH. I FORTUNATELY MADE IT HOME THAT EVENING, BUT FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014; THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV IN ANY GEAR AND I WAS ALMOST STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE O

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“I HAVE A NEW 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHICH I PARKED IN MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO CHURCH. AT THE END OF MASS, AS I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE PARKING LOT, I USED MY AUTOMATIC START...THE CAR STARTED AND WAS WARMING UP. AS I APPROACHED MY RUNNING CAR, I WALKED IN FRONT OF ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Nissan ALTIMA

Based on 220 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 72K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 87K mi · 26 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 19 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Later than typicalmedian 50K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

SUSPENSION19/07/2011

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.

Fix: 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.

High theft risk

#4 most stolen in 2025

The Nissan ALTIMA was the #4 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 15,200 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Widely available, high resale demand

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Nissan ALTIMA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,500/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Nissan ALTIMA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,571

Full coverage / month

$131

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1571

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan ALTIMA Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2011 ALTIMA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 320 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: I HAVE A NEW 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA SL WHICH I PARKED IN MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO CHURCH. AT THE END OF MASS, AS I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE PARKING LOT, I USED MY AUTOMATIC START...THE CAR STARTED AND WAS WARMING UP. AS I APPROACHED MY RUNNING CAR, I WALKED IN FRONT OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE OWNER'S MANUAL DISPLAYED A MESSAGE INFORMING HIM OF A CHIME ALERT THAT WOULD SOUND WHENEVER THE DRIVER SEAT BELT WAS NOT SECURELY FASTENED. WITH THE SEAT BELT UNFASTENED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHIME ALERT DID NOT SOUND. THE VEH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VIN# - [XXX]. PURCHASED FROM NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN LA. PURCHASED NEW ALTIMA FROM DEALER ON 2/1/11. BEFORE I REFILLED THE CAR WITH FUEL THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I RETURNED THE CAR TO BE SERVICED ON 2/8/2011. I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THAT THE SES LIGHT WAS FROM NOT CLOSING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I SET THE CLIMATE CONTROL TIMER FOR MY NISSAN LEAF TO TURN ON VIA THE COMPUTER THROUGH NISSAN'S CARWINGS APPLICATION. THIS IS TO PRE-COOL THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING. WHEN I WENT TO THE CAR, THE CAR WAS NOT COOL BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THE CAR WAS DISABLED AND UNABLE TO BE STARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)