2011 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2011 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2011 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
241 complaints 1 recall 10th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2011 Nissan Altima problems
Transmission problems
68 complaints (28%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Engine problems
42 complaints (17%) name the engine, most often the crankcase (PCV) and engine control module (ECU / ECM).
Electrical problems
31 complaints (13%) name the electrical system.
Body problems
27 complaints (11%) name the body and structure, most often the body and dashboard.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (165 of 241). The amber line is the middle value, about 74,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2011 Nissan Altima recalls
Suspension
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. 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.
Recall 11V371000 · Jul 2011Get an email when your 2011 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2011 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system and body and structure. 68 complaints (28%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Altima transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 83,000–125,000 miles, with a middle value near 101,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
1. Suspension (11V371000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2011 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.