DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Nissan Altima steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Nissan Altima have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 30,350 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Altima | 37 |
| 2009 Altima | 858 |
| 2010 Altima | 20 |
| 2011 Altima | 12 |
| 2012 Altima (this page) | 16 |
| 2013 Altima | 94 |
| 2014 Altima | 58 |
| 2015 Altima | 48 |
| 2016 Altima | 16 |
5crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 16 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 steering 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.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. 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 ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Sixteen owners report steering system defects as the primary issue, with power steering becoming unresponsive or extremely difficult to turn at various mileage levels. Several describe sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds resulting in accidents—one vehicle flipped, another hit a tree after the owner lost control, and a third crashed when the steering wheel input didn't match vehicle direction. One owner experienced complete brake failure at just 4,000 miles, driving off a driveway embankment and into a neighbor's property before hitting a tree.
The CVT transmission exhibits a pattern of downshifting without warning, dropping from highway speeds (65 mph to 30 mph) to dangerous levels. While one owner's torque converter was replaced under warranty, a second failure months later was denied coverage. Owners also report the transmission getting stuck at low RPMs, shaking hard during acceleration, and throwing check-engine codes.
Suspension components fail prematurely: tie rods gave way before 25,000 miles on one vehicle, power steering hoses leak from manufacture, and CV joints break down early. One owner reported a steering column replacement was needed. Several vehicles exhibit hard vibration, bouncing, and rattling at speed that tire rotation failed to resolve.
A critical report describes engine shutdown while driving, simultaneously causing brake and steering lock—the dealer blamed a loose battery cable. Owners express frustration that Nissan recalls exist for certain years but communication about them is poor, and that some failures fall outside warranty coverage despite affecting vehicle safety.
Same Nissan Altima steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering System Failure
Complete or partial loss of power steering control, resulting in steering wheel becoming extremely hard to turn or unresponsive to driver input, sometimes accompanied by locking or resistance.
When: Varies; reported from 4,000 miles to 129,921 miles; some cases occur within first 4 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; Steering unresponsive to driver input; Abnormal whining noise from steering wheel; Steering wheel vibration; Front wheels appear locked; Steering in correct direction becomes impossible; Loss of control of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported steering column replacement ordered; one recalls power steering bolts recall issued for 2012-2013 models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 12V494000 (Steering, Suspension) mentioned; one owner was informed vehicle not covered under this recall despite symptoms
Power Steering Hose Leak
Fluid leak from power steering hose present since manufacturing, compromising steering hydraulic system integrity.
When: Present from manufacture; owner report indicates less than 24,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering hose leak; Loss of steering control due to fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: Not fixed by manufacturer
Tie Rod Failure
Tie rods fail or wear prematurely, causing loss of steering control and alignment issues.
When: Within 5 years; one owner reports failure before 24,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rods give away; Vehicle veers to one direction and will not respond to correction attempts; Excessive force needed to steer; Loss of control
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod replacement required; one owner reports steering column replacement ordered for alignment/pull issues
Brake System Failure
Complete loss of braking ability during normal driving, leaving driver unable to stop vehicle. This is a critical safety defect.
When: At 4,000 miles; 4 months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no response; Brakes unresponsive even when pumped; Vehicle will not slow down or stop
Repairs/costs cited: Tow operator stated no brakes; body shop assessed master cylinder damage; $13,000 in crash damage reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states recall was issued for 2012-2013 power steering bolts; Nissan investigating defect claim but owner says investigation has not started
Transmission Shift Failure (CVT)
CVT transmission fails to shift smoothly, dropping speed dramatically without warning while vehicle is in motion on highway or mountain road. Also includes transmission shuddering and hard shaking at low speeds.
When: Reported at 1.5 years and again shortly after; CVT lag complaint reported separately
Symptoms owners cite: Speed drops from 65 mph to 30 mph without warning; Speed drops from 40 mph to 25 mph on mountain road; Transmission cannot shift correctly; Hard shaking from transmission at low speeds; Transmission gets stuck at 2000 RPM then jumps; Transmission lags
Codes mentioned: P1777
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced under warranty on first failure; second failure out of warranty and dealer declined coverage; stepper motor issue noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued according to dealer and Nissan customer service; owner states many online reports of similar transmission issues
Steering Unresponsiveness and Pulling
Vehicle pulls to one direction (typically right) and does not respond to steering wheel input to correct; steering may feel out of alignment or require excessive force.
When: Reported by used car owner; timing of onset not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Car veers to the right; Does not respond when trying to bring steering back; Feels out of alignment; Steering wheel turned right but vehicle kept going straight
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ordered
Engine and Electrical System Shutdown
Engine cuts out completely while driving; simultaneously, brakes fail and steering locks up, creating an immediately dangerous loss-of-control situation.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine quits while driving; Brakes fail when engine quits; Steering locks up when engine quits
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed to loose battery cable
Suspension and Vibration Issues
Vehicle exhibits rattling, bouncing, shaking, and vibration at highway speeds; may be associated with tire, suspension, or steering component wear or misalignment.
When: Reported on certified used purchase from Feb 2013; CVT vibration issues noted in separate complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling, noise, and vibration at 35-40 mph; Shaking and jerking at 60 mph; Clunking and bouncing from right tire; Hard shaking from transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Tire rotation performed but did not resolve problem
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Car goes to the right. .will not respond when trying to bring back. Then to much. Like out of alignment. Going to replace steering column. Going to fix ordered part. Dec 8 2014. *tr
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2012 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 30,350. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.