What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2007–2012) Altima?

Front 3/4 view of a Nissan Altima

Altima owners have made 1,300 complaints about the 2007–2012 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 52nd out of 54 Nissan generations in overall reliability, with real steering and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Altima Generations

Common 2007-2012 Nissan Altima Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Altima owners have to deal with.

  2. Sunroof Rattles and Explodes

    Heads up, Nissan owners! That giant piece of glass above your head may soon be on its way down in a thousand little pieces. Lawsuits accuse Nissan of using a faulty tempering process for their sunroofs since 2008.

    Continue reading article "Sunroof Rattles and Explodes" Nissan sunroof with giant shards of glass missing

  3. Steering Wheel Locked

    Nissan owners are fed up with not being able to start their cars due to a ESCL defect. A new service campaign means defective steering locks will be fixed (at least in some models)…

    Continue reading article "Steering Wheel Locked" Push start ignition with start crossed out and replaced with stop

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2007–2012) Altima Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,300 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 52nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 4th Generation Altima Owners