2011-2012 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC IF YOU CONFIRM The vehicle speed is, or was, reduced by the CVT fail-safe (reduced vehicle speed) after continuous operation under the following conditions: - High RPM and/or high speed driving (RPM of 4000+ or speeds of 65 mph (104.6 km/h) for 1.0 - 1.5 hrs. or more) - Driving in ambient temperature of 96 degrees or higher - Climbing steep or extended hills for 6 miles (9.6 km) or more - Whine or rattle type noise occurring during reduced engine performance (vehicle speed decrease) ACTION 1. Perform a self-diagnosis with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus). - If DTCs are present other than P0744, refer to the appr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Nissan Altima cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Nissan Altima have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 114,540 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Altima | 20 |
| 2009 Altima | 31 |
| 2010 Altima | 6 |
| 2011 Altima | 4 |
| 2012 Altima (this page) | 25 |
| 2013 Altima | 22 |
| 2014 Altima | 17 |
| 2015 Altima | 14 |
| 2016 Altima | 28 |
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 cruise control 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.
Among the 16 model years of Nissan Altima in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
NISSAN: CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET AND DTC P0605 IS STORED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION The "Lock / Unlock request buttons" that are located on the outside door handles of vehicles with Intelligent Key can be disabled (or enabled) through either the "Comfort & Conv." settings of the Audio/Visual/Navigation system, orthrough the "Combination Meter settings" depending on the vehicle model, year and trim level. NOTE: In some instances this feature may be unintentionally disabled. Please verify the status of this feature before any further diagnostic is performed. Please see this bulletin for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Nissan Altima report a range of powertrain and control issues. The most common complaint involves the CVT transmission entering a high-temperature protection ("limp") mode during highway driving—typically after 1.5 to 2.5 hours of continuous driving. When this occurs, the vehicle abruptly decelerates from highway speeds (65–80 mph) down to 30–45 mph regardless of throttle input, creating dangerous traffic situations. Some owners report the transmission refusing to shift, engine revving without acceleration, and difficulty merging into traffic. Several owners describe the vehicle losing all power mid-drive, requiring a shutdown and restart to restore function. One incident involved a vehicle surging forward in a parking lot and continuing to accelerate even when shifted to Park. Accelerator pedal mounting problems appear in two complaints—one pedal came completely loose (no bolts), and multiple owners report brake and accelerator pedals positioned too close together, causing accidental dual-pedal depression. A few owners mention unusual engine noises (whining, loud surge sounds) and difficulty with cruise control not responding to acceleration commands after extended use. One complaint describes the vehicle stalling while slowing for a turn, locking the brakes and steering. Diagnostic work by mechanics has replaced mass airflow sensors and speed sensors without resolving issues; one dealer quoted over $7,000 for CVT replacement.
Same Nissan Altima cruise control reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
CVT High-Temperature Limp Mode
CVT transmission enters failsafe high-temperature protection mode during sustained highway driving, cutting power and limiting vehicle to 30–45 mph regardless of accelerator input. Owners report this occurs after 1.5–2.5 hours of continuous operation. The vehicle manual acknowledges this feature may reduce speed below traffic flow.
When: After 1.5–2.5 hours of continuous highway driving; some reports at 215,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt deceleration from 65–80 mph down to 30–45 mph; No acceleration response even with pedal to floor; Transmission refusing to shift; Engine revving without corresponding acceleration; Vehicle becoming stranded or undrivable after extended trips; Issue resolves temporarily after shutdown and cool-down period
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted over $7,000 for CVT replacement; another recommended transmission cooling system installation. Extended warranty denied coverage, claiming cooler was not part of original vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2012 Nissan Altima owners manual page 5-17 acknowledges high-temperature protection mode and advises pulling to safe location. Later model years (2013 onward) received transmission cooling device retrofit, but owners report this did not fully resolve the issue. Service Bulletin NTB13-079D dated November 25, 2015 referenced by one owner; manufacturer stated vehicle out of warranty.
Loss of Power and Stalling During Drive
Vehicle experiences complete loss of power or sudden stalling while driving, requiring restart to restore function. Occurs unpredictably during highway operation and city driving. One incident involved stalling on a busy street with loss of brake and steering assist.
When: After 30 minutes to 2+ hours of driving; mileage not specified in most reports
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power mid-drive; Sudden engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering and power braking when stalled; Vehicle dies in intersection; Engine dies even with pedal to floor
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have replaced spark plugs, battery, alternator, and filters without resolution. One mechanic replaced mass airflow sensor, but issue recurred three weeks later.
Unintended Acceleration and Shift Control Failure
Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly or continues to accelerate when brakes applied or gear shifted to Park. One incident involved vehicle surging forward into building twice before driver shut off engine. Another involved loud engine noise and surge propelling vehicle over embankment.
When: Occurs during routine parking and low-speed maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward despite being in Park; Continued forward motion after multiple Park gear selections; Loud engine noise preceding surge; Vehicle unable to remain in Park or Neutral; Uncontrolled acceleration into obstacles
Accelerator Pedal Assembly Failure
Accelerator pedal mounting bolts missing or loose, causing pedal to separate from mount assembly during driving. Owner had to manually adjust pedal while operating vehicle on interstate.
When: Failure occurred during interstate driving; vehicle age/mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal came completely off mount; No bolts holding pedal in place; Pedal loose and unstable
Repairs/costs cited: $59.94 charge at Nissan dealership for inspection and repair; dealer confirmed no bolts present on pedal assembly
Brake and Accelerator Pedal Spacing Issue
Brake and accelerator pedals positioned too close together, resulting in accidental simultaneous depression of both pedals. Multiple owners report shoe catching on brake pedal while lifting off gas, nearly causing collision.
When: Occurs intermittently during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Shoe/foot catching between pedals; Inadvertent depression of both brake and accelerator simultaneously; Loss of control during pedal transition; Nearly colliding with objects or buildings due to unintended acceleration
Transmission Shift and Acceleration Hesitation
Vehicle exhibits jerking, hesitation, and inconsistent acceleration response. Engine revs without corresponding wheel speed increase. Throttle does not respond correctly; requires shutdown and restart to restore normal function. Issues occur episodically, sometimes weekly.
When: Occurs after variable driving times; one report at ~30 minutes, others after extended highway use
Symptoms owners cite: CVT jerking and hesitation; Engine revving without acceleration; Inability to accelerate or merge into traffic; Whining noise when pressing gas pedal; Inconsistent throttle response requiring vehicle restart; Vehicle sometimes accelerates, sometimes does not at same throttle input
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic replaced mass airflow sensor; issue recurred. Fluid check not possible on sealed CVT units per dealers.
Cruise Control Malfunction
Cruise control fails to respond to acceleration commands or stops functioning after extended use. Owner reports cruise control worked initially during 350-mile trip but ceased functioning at 350–400 miles.
When: After 30–40 minutes to 350+ miles of use
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not accelerate when commanded; Unable to increase speed via steering column cruise controls; Cruise control stops responding after extended highway use
Engine Light and Speed Sensor Issues
Service engine light illuminates; speed sensor replacement performed but light returns. ABS light comes on during acceleration with jerking motion.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light on; ABS light illuminates during acceleration; Jerking and jumping sensation
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor replaced; service light returned
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The sensor was replaced but the light engine light still came back on now the speed sensor is causing the issue. The abs light comes on while accelerating it jumps and jerks
Cvt transmission jerking, can’t accelerate. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple mechanics my vehicle stopped accelerating in the highway while everyone was going 80 mph mine dropped to 60 causing almost a collision also my car had turned off because of the jerking was so bad there is no check engine light on at all
Had cruise control trouble with your 2012 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 cruise control problem on the 2012 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 71,000 and 146,000 miles, with the median around 114,540. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,000; a quarter make it past 146,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2012/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.