CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION 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 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Nissan Altima have filed 64 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 102,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Altima | 56 |
| 2008 Altima | 78 |
| 2009 Altima | 81 |
| 2010 Altima | 67 |
| 2011 Altima (this page) | 64 |
| 2012 Altima | 144 |
| 2013 Altima | 490 |
| 2014 Altima | 195 |
| 2015 Altima | 157 |
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 64 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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
Owners have filed 64 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 27% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the hub bearing surfaces. NOTE: * Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin * Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for model specific torque specifications. - For 2007-2013 Versa and 2013 LEAF vehicles, see the Service Procedure torque specifications on page 4. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Altima's CVT transmission is the subject of 64 complaints, predominantly reporting sudden loss of power mid-drive—most commonly between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Owners describe the vehicle entering safe mode, reducing speed to 10–40 MPH on highways without warning, creating acute safety hazards. Several report complete transmission failure where the engine runs but the car won't accelerate or move. Transmission slipping and jerking during acceleration are precursor symptoms; whining noises appear especially after extended highway driving or in hot weather.
Owners consistently cite that earlier Altimas (2003–2010) received extended CVT warranty coverage (10 years/120,000 miles) due to known issues, yet Nissan excluded the 2011 from that protection despite using the same transmission type. Dealers routinely quote replacement costs of $3,500–$5,000+. One owner reported a Nissan dealer offering a software update ($153) that did not prevent subsequent transmission failure. One case describes a cooling-system failure that triggered transmission safe mode.
An unrelated incident involved an aftermarket remote-start system that caused uncontrolled acceleration at delivery, with Nissan and the installer blaming each other for the park-neutral switch or installation fault.
A handful of complaints cite recurring P0101 (MAF sensor) codes despite dealer reprogramming, software updates, and sensor replacement, per technical service bulletins that appear unresolved.
Same Nissan Altima powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission failure with complete power loss
Transmission loses all power to drive wheels; engine running but vehicle unable to accelerate or move. Occurs without warning mid-drive, often on highways. Multiple owners report needing full transmission replacement.
When: Between 39,400 and 166,782 miles; most commonly 80,000-120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration mid-drive; Engine revs but wheels do not turn; Vehicle stalls or coasts to stop; No forward or reverse gears despite engine running; Transmission enters safe mode (limp mode) reducing speed to 10-40 MPH
Codes mentioned: P0175, P1700, P1715, U1000, P0826, P1778, P0868
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement quoted at $3,500-$5,000+; some owners installed used transmissions from scrapyards for lower cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2003-2010 models received extended warranty 5/60K to 10/120K due to CVT issues; 2011 Altima excluded from extended warranty despite same transmission type; Nissan denies coverage for 2011 models; some dealers issued service bulletins (336174, 361957, NTB10121, NTB1012057) but no recall
CVT transmission jerking and slipping on acceleration
Transmission slips or jerks when accelerating from stop or in motion. Owners report violent shaking, hesitation, and inability to reach proper speed. Often precedes complete failure.
When: Various mileages starting at low as 53,000 miles; 72,000-127,000 miles common
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking or shaking when accelerating from stop; Transmission slips and RPMs spike without speed increase; Hesitation when depressing gas pedal; Vehicle feels 'restrained' or 'labored' during acceleration; Check engine light intermittently comes on and off
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission flush attempted by dealers but did not resolve issue; some repairs included transmission control module replacement ($850+) or software updates ($153); jerking often precedes need for full transmission replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge problem but claim it falls outside warranty after 60 months/60,000 miles for 2011 models; technical service bulletins issued for related codes (P0101) but no warranty extension
CVT transmission whining noise and overheating
Transmission makes high-pitched whining or whirring sound during acceleration or extended highway driving, especially in hot weather or after long driving periods. Associated with loss of power and transmission entering safe mode.
When: Occurs after extended highway driving or in hot weather conditions; reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or whirring noise during acceleration; Noise increases with speed and temperature; Noise accompanied by loss of power; Transmission enters safe mode limiting speed; Stuttering or jerking during low-speed driving
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports cooling system failure required replacement of cooler; noise suggests belt slipping within transmission; cooling system failure identified in at least one case
Unintended vehicle acceleration with remote start (aftermarket)
Vehicle accelerated and took off uncontrolled after remote start activation. Owner attempted to stop vehicle by holding door and jumping in but was unable. Vehicle hit parked car. Blame disputed between Auto Express (remote start installer) and Nissan over park-neutral switch.
When: 2011 model year at delivery/early ownership; 0 miles at incident
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerated unexpectedly with no driver in seat after remote start; Vehicle unable to be stopped by owner chasing it; Collision resulted; owner injured (muscle and soft tissue trauma)
Repairs/costs cited: Auto Express removed remote start mechanism and paid for vehicle and rental repairs; parts in question were park-neutral switch or autostart mechanism installation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan blamed Auto Express installer; Auto Express blamed Nissan park-neutral switch; Nissan cleared park-neutral switch in testing; remote start removed by Auto Express
CVT transmission slow to respond after stopping
Transmission delays engagement after depressing accelerator pedal when starting from stop. Vehicle remains idle for several seconds before power engages, creating unsafe merge and acceleration scenarios.
When: Reported at under 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed acceleration response after foot lifted off brake; Engine idles instead of immediately engaging; Takes several seconds for car to accelerate to speed; Hazardous when merging on interstates or at intersections
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported repair cost would exceed $5,000 for transmission replacement; extended warranty had expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case opened but no follow-up assistance provided; Nissan extended warranty for 2003-2010 models to 10/120K but did not extend to 2011
Check engine light with MAF sensor and recurrent codes
P0101 code (MAF circuit) returns repeatedly despite dealer reprogramming ECU, updating software, and replacing MAF sensor. Technical service bulletin issued but problem not resolved.
When: Reported at various mileages; recurring issue across multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates intermittently; P0101 code returns despite repairs; Increased fuel consumption from inaccurate MAF readings; Car jerks with service engine light on
Codes mentioned: P0101
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reprogrammed ECU, updated software, and replaced MAF sensor; problem persisted; technical service bulletin issued but did not resolve root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical service bulletin issued but problem remains unresolved after multiple dealer visits
Transmission upshift/downshift electrical failure
Electrical circuit failure in transmission mode control system. Vehicle throws P0826 code indicating problem in upshift/downshift switch correlation circuit.
When: Reported at 53,000 miles with recurring episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently, lasts about a week, then goes away; P0826 code indicates electrical circuit problem
Codes mentioned: P0826
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
On july 9, 2017 when I was driving in the high speed line. My car went from doing 65 miles to 10 miles with no warning signs. I pushed on the gas pedal all the way down. And my car still will not go over 10 miles. Almost got myself killed. I took it back to the dealership they said. They found nothing wrong with it. 4 months later the same thing happen when I was driving on the highway…
Going down interstate, when you press the gas, vehicle hesitates if you are going faster than 40 miles an hour, motor didn't die but you are unable to go faster for a few seconds, this is very dangerous situation on our interstates. And this is happening on every trip that I am afraid to drive this car, its not trustworthy and I can't afford a new car in today's economy.
Hi my Nissan has 120k miles son it and the transmission is completely wrong don’t go more than 30 mph I take it to the shop to inspect and they told me that it need to be replace. It has code p1778 and code p0868 they told me that the transmission has no oil presure that it was a mechanical problem inside the transmission and that it was really common on that car becouse the cvt transmission
Driving on the road at 55 MPH the Nissan all of a sudden would not go over 20 MPH. After taking the car to the dealership, the stated we needed a new transmission. The vehicle is only 6 years old. We maintained the vehicle and followed all the guideline for maintenance. I was quiet shocked to learn that this is a common occurrence for Nissan CVT transmissions. My concern is for the safety…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Nissan Altima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 64 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 84,354 and 126,600 miles, with the median around 102,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 84,354; a quarter make it past 126,600. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.