CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Nissan Altima engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Nissan Altima have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 95,836 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Altima | 59 |
| 2008 Altima | 44 |
| 2009 Altima | 40 |
| 2010 Altima | 20 |
| 2011 Altima (this page) | 22 |
| 2012 Altima | 31 |
| 2013 Altima | 51 |
| 2014 Altima | 28 |
| 2015 Altima | 21 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Voluntary Emission Recall Campaign ***** Campaign Summary ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign on approximately 116,479 specific MY2010-12 Altima 2.5L SULEV vehicles identified in Service Comm to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) to assure compliance with the applicable United States SULEV emission specifications. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an improperly calibrated ECM that, if not repaired, may potentially cause exhaust gas emissions to exceed standards at high mileage. This incident has no effect on safety, performance, drivability or fuel consumption. In addition to re
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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. ï· - The VIN is shown in SERVICE-COMM under âL32 NMOG EXT_DTC P2423 NTB20-020.â ï· - The vehicle is within the L32 NMOG Warranty Extension period (refer to Table 1). IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON and DTC P2423 (HC ADSORPTION CATALYST FUNCTION) is stored in the ECM, AND The vehicle is within the L32 NMOG Warranty Extension period, AND L32 NMOG EXT_DTC P2423 NTB20-020 appears in SERVICE-COMM for the vehicle. ACTION Replace the front exhaus
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 2010-2012 ALTIMA SEDAN AND COUPE (SULEV); ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions recall campaign on certain specific model year 2010-2012 Altima Sedan and Coupe (SULEV) vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) will be inspected, and if needed, reprogrammed. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number R1720 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY It is the dealerâs responsibility to check Service COMM or Dealer
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Nissan Altima engine and CVT powertrain generates a constellation of serious failures. The most dangerous is CVT overheating: several owners report the transmission entering limp mode after 1-2 hours of normal highway driving, cutting acceleration to 20-30 mph without warning. Dealers recommend full transmission replacement (around $4,000); one independent shop suggested an aftermarket cooling system as a possible workaround but offered no guarantee.
Check-engine lights plague many examples. P0101 (mass air flow sensor) appears repeatedly and persists even after sensor replacement and air filter changes—Nissan bulletin NTB12-051D calls for ECM reprogramming. One owner's SES light remained on for a full year across multiple dealer visits that failed to identify the cause. P2A00 codes (oxygen/air-fuel ratio sensors) require expensive dual-sensor replacement around $1,000.
Stalling is another pattern. Owners report abrupt engine shutdown at highway speeds, during city driving, and post-fueling, often without warning lights. One vehicle at just 60,022 miles developed a cracked engine block. Starting problems emerge too—several owners found engines that won't crank despite electrical systems functioning, traced to ECM or software glitches requiring dealer intervention. One catastrophic case involved complete power loss at 65 mph, power steering failure, and engine fire within 60 seconds.
Same Nissan Altima engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Overheating / Limp Mode
CVT transmission overheats during normal highway driving and enters fail-safe/limp mode, cutting engine acceleration power to 20-30 mph as a protection mechanism. Occurs after 1-2 hours of steady driving. Accompanied by whirring noise from transmission. Dealer recommends full transmission replacement; independent shop suggested secondary cooling system as possible workaround with no guarantee.
When: After 1-2 hours highway driving; reported at 95,836 miles and ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring noise from transmission; Inability to accelerate past 50 mph despite pedal input; Vehicle deceleration to 70 mph without warning at highway speeds (80-85 mph); Loss of acceleration control; Requires rest periods to resume normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested full transmission replacement (~$4,000). Independent transmission shop suggested secondary cooling system installation as possible remedy but offered no guarantee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned for CVT cooling issue. Nissan referred owner to local dealer for additional diagnostics.
Service Engine Soon Light - Recurring
Service Engine Soon (SES) light illuminates persistently from day one of vehicle ownership and remains on despite multiple dealer service attempts. Initial misdiagnosis blamed gas cap; later attempts included valve adjustment and multiple inconclusive diagnostic checks. Light returns within hours of each 'fix'.
When: From purchase date (2/1/11) through at least 1/12/12; persists approximately 1 year
Symptoms owners cite: Service Engine Soon light remains illuminated; Light recurs within hours of diagnostic attempts and resets
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan performed valve adjustment based on diagnostic check, but light returned within one hour. No root cause identified after multiple visits.
Check Engine Light - P2A00 (Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor)
Check engine light with diagnostic code P2A00 indicating upstream (air/fuel ratio) and downstream (oxygen) sensor failure. High repair cost cited at approximately $1,000 for both sensors. Owner notes catalytic converter was replaced 33k miles prior, during which sensors should have been inspected.
When: Approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle jerking with check engine warning
Codes mentioned: P2A00
Repairs/costs cited: Both upstream air/fuel ratio sensor and downstream oxygen sensor replacement required, cost approximately $1,000.
Check Engine Light - P0101 (Mass Air Flow Sensor)
Service engine light with diagnostic code P0101 indicating mass air flow (MAF) sensor issue. Air filter and MAF sensor replaced but light persists. Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB12-051D recommends engine control module reprogramming as solution.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light remains on; Check engine code P0101
Codes mentioned: P0101
Repairs/costs cited: Air filter and MAF sensor replaced without resolution. ECM reprogramming recommended per Nissan bulletin NTB12-051D.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB12-051D recommends ECM reprogramming for P0101 code. Owner believes this should be a recall covered by manufacturer.
Engine Jerking and Sputtering - Transmission-Related
Vehicle experiences uncontrolled jerking and sputtering while driving, losing acceleration control. In one case, jerking and sputtering prevented vehicle from moving and required towing. Owner attributes problem to CVT transmission issues common to 2011 Altima.
When: Various mileages reported; one case at approximately airport trip
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled jerking and sputtering; Loss of acceleration control; Vehicle unable to move; Engine shutdown without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing. Transmission replacement estimated at $4,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan reported no recall available for transmission. Owner directed to dealer for diagnosis with no guarantee of repair coverage.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Failure
Vehicle decelerated without warning while driving at 20 mph despite driver depressing accelerator. Failure was recurring after engine restart. Dealer diagnosis identified positive crankcase ventilation valve as requiring replacement.
When: Approximately 139,640 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected deceleration despite accelerator pedal input; Failure recurs after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement required. Vehicle was not repaired at dealer.
Engine Stalling
Engine stalls during city driving without warning indicators. In one case, owner parked car to avoid stalling at busy intersection. In another case, engine stalls after starting and sitting for 30 seconds post-fueling and requires restart.
When: Various mileages; one case at 60,022 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during city traffic driving; No warning lights before stall event; Post-fuel stall after 30 seconds at idle; Engine fails to restart after stall
Repairs/costs cited: One case resulted in towing. Engine block found to be cracked despite only 60,022 miles and regular maintenance.
Cracked Engine Block
Engine block cracking discovered during diagnostic inspection after engine stall and failure to restart. Vehicle was only 3 years old with 60,022 miles and had been well-maintained with regular oil changes every 3,000 miles. No warning lights indicated problem before failure.
When: 60,022 miles; vehicle age 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling; Failure to restart; No warning indicators before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Cracked engine block discovered during mechanic inspection; replacement required.
Engine Failure to Start - Software/ECM Issues
Engine fails to start despite normal electrical functions. Dealer advised software update needed. Multiple visits to dealer required with vehicle remaining in possession awaiting repairs. In separate case, engine would not turn over though all dash lights illuminated, traced to ECM defect.
When: One case at 19,000 miles; another case date 5/1/2019
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start; Engine will not turn over; All dash warning lights illuminated; Door lock sensor malfunction (message indicates door open when closed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised software update required. Vehicle left at dealer for extended period awaiting repairs. One case involved computer glitch diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer noted 8 TSBs were issued on the engine but no formal recall.
Engine Jerking with Check Engine Light
Vehicle jerks while driving with check engine warning light illuminated. Owner was able to temporarily correct failure by disconnecting and reconnecting battery and mass air flow sensor. Vehicle related failure to Emissions Recall Campaign R1720 but VIN was not included in recall scope.
When: Approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerking during operation; Check engine warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Related to Emissions Recall R1720
Repairs/costs cited: Owner temporarily corrected issue by reconnecting battery and MAF sensor; permanent repair not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer reported no recall associated with vehicle VIN. Vehicle not included in Emissions Recall Campaign R1720 (NMOG ECM Reprogramming).
Engine Power Loss and Fire
Engine lost power at highway speed (65 mph) with all warning lights illuminating. Power steering became disabled. White smoke came from under hood, turning black, and engine compartment was engulfed in flames within 60 seconds.
When: Incident during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete power loss at 65 mph; All warning lights illuminated simultaneously; Loss of power steering; White smoke from engine compartment; Engine fire within 60 seconds
Repairs/costs cited: Catastrophic failure resulting in vehicle fire.
Timing Belt Tensioner Rattle and Burned Rubber Smell
Timing belt tensioner produces rattling noise for approximately 45 seconds when engine is first started. Strong burned rubber odor present during driving, especially noticeable at end of short trips. No maintenance warning lights activated.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling noise from timing belt tensioner area (45 seconds after startup); Burned rubber smell during driving and after short trips; No dashboard warning lights
Engine Shutdown at Speed without Warning
Vehicle jerked uncontrollably and shut off without warning while driving at 65 mph. No diagnostic testing or repairs performed.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled jerking; Engine shutdown without warning at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Transmission keeps going bad
Service engine light remains on. Code po101. Mass air flow. Changed the air filter, and the MAF sensor but light remains on bulentin ntb12-051d regarding this issue states should get the engine control module reprogramed. I think it should be nissian recall and they should cover it.
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Nissan Altima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 62,567 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 95,836. A quarter of owners report trouble before 62,567; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.