2011 Nissan Altima
Common Problems
Ranked from 89 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
8 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Dashboard Melting and Glare
45complaintsSafety riskOtherThe dashboard is melting and becoming sticky, causing a glare that impairs visibility while driving.
- 2
Transmission Slipping
45complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission slips, causing the vehicle to lose power and struggle to accelerate.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Transmission failure with loss of power
16complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe continuously variable transmission (CVT) fails, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall, especially at higher speeds.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine stall due to electrical system failure
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe engine stalls when attempting to start, despite all lights illuminating. The electrical system is unable to properly start the engine.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is malfunctioning, causing persistent P0101 codes and engine stalls at idle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Sunroof Malfunction
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe sunroof suddenly explodes or malfunctions, causing damage to the vehicle and potential injury.
- 7
Steering Wheel Lock Mechanism Malfunction
2complaintsLow severitySteeringThe steering wheel and brake pedal lock mechanisms malfunction, preventing the car from starting.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Transmission Failure with Gear Shifting Issues
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission is failing, causing gear shifting issues and check engine light illumination.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.