Affordable midsize car is generally known to be among Nissan’s more reliable vehicles. But as the 2011 Altima continues to age, its CVT becomes more problematic. Also, a variety of other minor issues detract from its solid reputation.
Key Points
- The 2011 Nissan Altima only recorded a single recall in its 10-year history, and that was a minor issue affecting a limited number of cars.
- Out of 211 complaints logged at the NHTSA, nearly 30% of them refer to the aging powertrain with a struggling continuously-variable transmission.
- The cost for a rebuilt transmission can run up to $4,000, representing about half the average market price for the vehicle.
- Other minor problems include a variety of electrical issues associated with its smart key ignition system and a dashboard that melts under the summer sun.
2011 Altima’s Single Recall Requires Tightening a Transverse Link Bolt that was Incorrectly Installed During Production
The single recall associated with the 2011 Nissan Altima appeared in July 2011 and applied to just 20,000 vehicles. A transverse link bolt was not torqued to spec on the assembly line. This resulted in a rattling sensation while the car was in motion. Tightening or replacing the worn bolt solved the problem.
With over 260,000 vehicles sold for this model year, it isn’t a recall that will likely affect an Altima in the current day.
However, if you dig a little deeper into the 211 complaints lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are a few items that should be on your radar for this ride.
Beware of a CVT that may Last Long Enough to Get Past the Warranty but then Sticks You with the Bill
While 211 is not a huge number of complaints for a model year, nearly 30% of the complaints refer to the power train. Owners that just bought a used 2011 Nissan Altima or have driven one for years are reporting a failing CVT.
In some instances, the engine light and traction control light come on resulting in a loss of power. Others listen to the transmission struggle to shift. The diagnosis is often a dead transmission. A rebuilt CVT runs around $2,500 to $3,000 plus the cost of labor. Buying a used instead of a refurbished transmission just opens you up to another pricey repair. The CVT generally starts dying around 80,000 miles, well past the warranty.
While the issue has not generated an investigation or recall, bad CVTs in other model years resulted in a lawsuit. The settlement reimbursed owners of the 2013 to 2016 Nissan Altima for the cost of repairs to their transmission.
What is interesting is that beginning in 2014, Nissan released a service bulletin to add a cooler assembly to protect the CVT fluid from overheating. The upgrade applied only to vehicles where symptoms were reported. Later in 2016, a second service bulletin was released to test the transmission fluid level and its type.
Nissan thought that using the wrong aftermarket transmission fluid may be damaging the CVT. If the 2011 Nissan Altima is on your shortlist, it is wise to have its transmission fluid checked and take the car out for a lengthy test drive before signing the sales agreement.
Melting Dashboards Frustrate Owners in Hot Climates, and the Intelligent Key System May Prevent the Car from Starting
A few owners of the 2011 Nissan Altima also reported electrical issues with the Push to Start ignition button. Several causes that may be behind the problem include a bad battery, a smart key that lost its programming, or a failed brake pedal switch. If the smart key is not recognized by the car, its security system locks the ignition and requires a reset.
Finally, if you live in a hot and sunny region, you may encounter melting dashboards in the 2011 Nissan Altima. Some owners show that their dash deforms while others watch it turn into a sticky and shiny surface.
Since it is considered a purely cosmetic problem, Nissan has not offered any support for the defect. Two different class-action lawsuits were filed for the 2008 and 2009 model years.
One was settled in Florida with owners receiving around $1,000 toward repairs costs. A judge dismissed the second suit in Texas. If your Altima resides in northern climes, it is not likely that you will experience this problem. If you do have a melted dash, you can order an inexpensive dash overlay for under $50 or one engineered for the car for under $300. Replace the entire dash for $1,000 plus labor.
Ultimately, the 2011 Nissan Altima CVT Struggles with Longevity and Durability
The popular and affordable 2011 Nissan Altima scored well as a new or gently-used car. But now that it is entering its second decade, owners and potential buyers should be wary of the aging CVT. If it fails you are facing an expensive replacement. The other problems tend to be superficial and demand only basic repairs to keep you on the road.
Photos: Nissan
