2012 Nissan Altima
US · Subcompact Cars
The 2012 Nissan Altima is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: 6-speed CVT, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 2.5 L to 3.5 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: CVT, Manual | |
| Gears | 6 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
6 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 14, 2026.
12V494000: STEERING
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Reported October 10, 2012. View on NHTSA
12V055000: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
Reported February 14, 2012. View on NHTSA
11V408000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Reported August 9, 2011. View on NHTSA
11V371000: SUSPENSION
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported July 19, 2011. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 14, 2026
Data verified: October 14, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2011 Nissan Altima
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder · FWD
33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) - 2013 Nissan Altima
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder · FWD
31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.5L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Altima?
Combined fuel economy is 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2012 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 14, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.