NissanAltima2012Overview/nissan/altima/2012/base/

2012 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2012 Nissan Altura is a midsize passenger car built on Nissan’s contemporary platform and powered by a drivetrain that relies on a 4.9‑quart oil capacity with a 5W‑30 API‑rated viscosity. In the field it attracted 423 owner complaints, the bulk of which centered on the power‑train, and it was subject to four manufacturer recalls. Across the model’s broader history from 1993 to 2025, complaint volumes have varied dramatically, peaking at 2,304 in 2013 and dropping to a mere six by 2025. Positioned after the complaint‑heavy 2013 model, the 2012 Altima represents a relatively moderate point in the line’s reliability trajectory, indicating that while it is not the most problematic year, it still carries a noticeable incidence of power‑train issues.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-60TR16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter165460Z000 alt 16546JA00B
Spark plug22401JA01B alt 22401EW61C
Battery24410JA10A alt 999M1NB35C
Front wiper blades28890ZX00A discontinued · alt 28890JA010
Serpentine belt11720JA10B alt 11720JA00B
Thermostat210496N220 alt 21200EA000
Cabin air filter27277JA00C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.1 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height55.5 in
Wheelbase105.5 in
Curb weight3095 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–8.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2009 3.5 SE
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20102.5 SL 2.5L I-48.40 sec16.40 sec175 hpFWD
20093.5 SE 3.5L V65.80 sec14.50 sec270 hpFWD
20093.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.90 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
2009Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec7.10 sec15.60 sec198 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.30 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE 3.5L V66.30 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V66.40 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.1 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts31 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts23 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Ignition Timing15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm
Ignition Timing12, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.16-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-182 °F
Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature180 °F
Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure ReliefRadiator leak pressure testing, 5 psi.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket32 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs / 107 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.024 in / 0.354 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.945 in / 0.315 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9514–15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., step 2: 60 degrees 2014 Rogue, +622 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
132 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-9032 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts in reverse order
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
4103 degrees103 degrees
5103 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.103 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1bolts 1-6 upper intake bolts sedan model18 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9524–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The fourth-generation Altima (2007–2012) saw complaint volumes peak sharply in 2009 at 1,547 before declining to a low of 241 in 2011. The 2012 model year, however, reversed that downward trend with 423 complaints and 4 recalls, matching the recall count of 2008 and 2009. Power train issues dominate the 2012 record at 108 complaints, followed by air bags at 37, while the year also logged 1 investigation and 23 crash-related complaints. This uptick in both complaints and recalls suggests the 2012 model may carry more unresolved reliability concerns than the preceding 2011 model year. Consequently, a 2012 Altima appears to be a less favorable choice within its generation, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the power train is advisable.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
121
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
423
Owner complaints
23 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 423 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train108
Air Bags37
Unknown Or Other30
Engine27
Structure22
Electrical System21
Vehicle Speed Control12
Visibility/Wiper10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

12V055000Air Bags:Side/WindowReported 14/02/2012

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING… Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY…

11V408000Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-InactiveReported 09/08/2011

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 21, 2011 AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2011… Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 121 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Altima take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.