Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Altima, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 55 | 23% |
| Unknown or other | 29 | 12% |
| Structure | 17 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 16 | 7% |
| Air bags | 15 | 6% |
| Engine | 13 | 5% |
| Suspension | 8 | 3% |
| Steering | 7 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) s
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
This is the second nissan altima iv owed an the problem eatch one iv had is that were the idler tensioner pully gose and bolts to brakes so there for you cant put the idler tensioner pully back on
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) s
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
There is issue with sunroof drainage tubs causing rain to soak the floor of car. This definitely malfunction or inadequate problem with drainage tubs and sunroof parts with Nissans. I took it to the deale
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
I have complained to Nissan that the dash in the car is literally melting. It started around 2014 when I noticed it was having a sticky texture and because of this it creates a glare in the windshield that makes it hard
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situatio
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
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 1-8
| Reliability | 79 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 82 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 75 | good |
| Performance | 50 | average |
| Efficiency | 47 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 55 of them (23%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 79/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 73/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.