2011 Nissan Altima — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Nissan Altima is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–40 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 40 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Nissan Altima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Nissan Altima: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 89 cu ft (2,520 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 8 cu ft (227 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 212 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2011 Nissan Altima across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 33 mpg (US), or 25 to 40 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/31) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (33/33) | 167 | $2,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/31) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 8 cubic feet (about 227 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Nissan Altima
Running Costs: 2011 Nissan Altima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Nissan Altima at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2011 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Suspension — campaign 11V371000, reported 19 July 2011. Risk: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas are Power train (69), Unspecified (40), Engine (38). Complaints include 12 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, 9 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 232 complaints across the 17 Nissan Altima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Nissan Altima
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (69 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (38 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (33 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Suspension (1 recall campaign) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Nissan Altima's 31 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 28 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Altima model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 16th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Nissan Altima year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Nissan Altima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Nissan Altima: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Altima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 40 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 40 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2011 Nissan Altima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2011 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Nissan Altima?
Among the 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (69 complaints), Unspecified (40 complaints), Engine (38 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Nissan Altima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 8 cubic feet (about 227 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.