2011 Nissan Altima: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: CVT transmission (early Jatco). 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 28% about transmission & drivetrain.
Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Known problems on the 2011 Nissan Altima
CVT transmission (early Jatco) $3,000–$4,500 to fix
The first Jatco CVT generation has the same failure modes as the 2013+ cars — overheating, judder, failure — and by now most survivors are well past the extended-warranty window.
Check for: Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Basis: NHTSA complaints; Nissan CVT class actions (2007–2010 Sentra/Altima/Versa)
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2011 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Suspension
IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Details 11V371000
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.
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.
2011 Nissan Altima safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Exhaust and emissions: 2010-2012 ALTIMA; MIL ON WITH DTC P2423 NOTE: The warranty period for the front exhaust tube with catalyst (20010-ZX10A) has been extended on the Applied Vehicles if the following criteria are met: ï· - The MIL is ON and DTC P2423 is stored in the ECM.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2011 Nissan Altima safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
241 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Nissan Altima years
2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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