2012 Nissan Altima — Full Specifications
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The 2012 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 25–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Altima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 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 4 configurations for the 2012 Nissan Altima across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 26 mpg (US), or 25 to 31 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 | 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 2012 Nissan Altima
Running Costs: 2012 Nissan Altima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 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.
2012 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 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Steering (1), Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Steering — campaign 12V494000, reported 10 October 2012. Risk: The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Air bags — campaign 12V055000, reported 14 February 2012. Risk: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Air bags — campaign 11V408000, reported 9 August 2011. Risk: THE AFFECTED ACU WILL NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED AND THIS ISSUE MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO INFLATE IN A CRASH WHEN THEY ARE DESIGNED TO INFLATE. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
- 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 426 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas are Power train (149), Engine (68), Air bags (57). Complaints include 24 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 26 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 232 complaints across the 17 Nissan Altima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 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 (149 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 57 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (68 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Steering (1 recall campaign) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Nissan Altima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Nissan Altima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 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 2012 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 31 mpg.
How much does the 2012 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 2012 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Steering (1), 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 2012 Nissan Altima?
Among the 426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (149 complaints), Engine (68 complaints), Air bags (57 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 2012 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.