PROBLEM GUIDE

2007–2012 Nissan Altima Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated March 2026

1,547

complaints filed for the 2009 model year

2007–2012

Model years affected

$400 – $3,000

Typical repair cost, by problem

The most notable everyday issue we found is TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) sensor failure — reported independently at least 8-9 times across a very wide mileage range, the single most frequently recurring item in our entire sample for this vehicle. It's low-drama (annoying, not dangerous) but very common. Separately, a steering column lock / push-button ignition fault shows up repeatedly and was addressed by a manufacturer Service Campaign that ran 2017-2020 — that campaign has since expired, so we're treating it as recall-adjacent content rather than a routine problem for now. See the recall notice below.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) sensor failure

the tire-pressure warning light behaving oddly, not necessarily a real low-pressure condition

Check engine light: Off

This is the most frequently reported problem on this vehicle, appearing at least 8-9 separate times across a very wide mileage range. TPMS sensors have internal batteries that typically expire after roughly 5 years regardless of mileage, which is a big part of why this shows up so often. The $500 – $650 range is shown as reported, since it spans a simple sensor swap up to a costlier diagnostic case. This is a tire-pressure system fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

$500 – $65038,200–145,000 mi

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AC compressor / AC system failure

a loss of AC cooling performance

Check engine light: Off

AC compressor and broader AC system failure (including the condenser and heating motor) shows up with a documented cost range of $1,200 to $3,000. One case at $1,600 (90,000 mi) noted the compressor failure actually prevented the car from starting — worth knowing since that's an unusual way for an AC fault to manifest. This is a comfort-system fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light on its own.

$1,200 – $3,00090,000 mi (one documented case)

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Battery failure

a battery that won't hold a charge

Check engine light: Off

Multiple separate battery failure reports for this generation, with repair costs reported across a wide range. Reported between 30,300 and 64,200 miles. A standard 12V battery fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

$400 – $49530,300–64,200 mi

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Check engine light due to catalytic converter failure closest to cylinder head

Check engine light from a catalytic converter failure at the position closest to the cylinder head

Check engine light: On

Check engine light from a catalytic converter failure at the position closest to the cylinder head. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 606 owner reports on file.

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Engine cranks and doesn't start, or runs rough

Engine either won't start despite cranking, or runs rough once started

Check engine light: On

Engine either won't start despite cranking, or runs rough once started. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 270 owner reports on file.

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Failed external seal on engine oil cooler may leak

Engine oil cooler leaks from a failed external seal

Check engine light: Off

Engine oil cooler leaks from a failed external seal. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 261 owner reports on file.

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Right side engine mount wear, excessive movement

Excessive engine movement from right-side engine mount wear

Check engine light: Off

Excessive engine movement from right-side engine mount wear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 220 owner reports on file.

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Low pressure AC hose leak at crimped connection

AC refrigerant leak at a crimped connection on the low-pressure hose

Check engine light: Off

AC refrigerant leak at a crimped connection on the low-pressure hose. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 197 owner reports on file.

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Front struts wear prematurely, knocking noise

Premature front strut wear producing a knocking noise

Check engine light: Off

Premature front strut wear producing a knocking noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 197 owner reports on file.

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Misfire due to faulty intake manifold

Engine misfire traced to a faulty intake manifold

Check engine light: On

Engine misfire traced to a faulty intake manifold. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 194 owner reports on file.

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Check engine light and loss of power due to throttle body unit failure

Check engine light and loss of power from a throttle body unit failure

Check engine light: On

Check engine light and loss of power from a throttle body unit failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 181 owner reports on file.

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Car shuts off intermittently

Vehicle shuts off intermittently while driving

Check engine light: Off

Vehicle shuts off intermittently while driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 158 owner reports on file.

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Rattle and check engine light from cracked welds on catalytic converter heat shield

Rattle and check engine light from cracked welds on the catalytic converter heat shield

Check engine light: On

Rattle and check engine light from cracked welds on the catalytic converter heat shield. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 86 owner reports on file.

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Sunroof drain leak, water on driver-side floor

Clogged sunroof drain lets water collect on the driver-side floor

Check engine light: Off

Clogged sunroof drain lets water collect on the driver-side floor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 79 owner reports on file.

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This generation was the subject of a manufacturer Service Campaign (not a formal NHTSA safety recall) to replace the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL), which can fail and prevent the vehicle from starting. That campaign ran 2017-2020 and has since expired — meaning an owner experiencing this today may be paying out of pocket rather than getting free coverage, similar to how Toyota's brake actuator program for the Prius lapsed. There is also Campaign 08V521000 (airbags and electrical systems). Separately, CVT transmission failure is a widely-known reliability concern for this generation, but independent-repair records likely understate it (major CVT failures often go through dealership warranty/goodwill repair rather than being logged as an independent repair) — there is not enough cost and frequency detail to list it as a common problem here. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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