U.S. vehicle reference
2012 Nissan Altima MPG, Fuel Cost and Recalls
2012 Nissan Altima MPG and annual fuel cost by engine, with EPA ratings and NHTSA recall records below.
At a glance
2012 Nissan Altima reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
2012 Nissan Altima MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 26 mpg across 6 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Engine / transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinderAutomatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,350 | 341.8076923076923 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinderManual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,350 | 341.8076923076923 g/mi |
| 3.5L 6-cylinderAutomatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,650 | 386.39130434782606 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinderAutomatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 23 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,350 | 341.8076923076923 g/mi |
| 3.5L 6-cylinderAutomatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,800 | 403.95454545454544 g/mi |
| 3.5L 6-cylinderManual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423.1904761904762 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2012 Nissan Altima annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 2.5L 4-cylinder, Automatic (AV-S6), Front-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.
2012 Nissan Altima recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 12V055000
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 IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
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 CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 11V408000
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 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) WAS ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY.
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.
STEERING · 12V494000
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
SUSPENSION · 11V371000
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS AND NUTS AND TIGHTEN THEM TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
2012 Nissan Altima NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Altima 2 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 5/5 |
| 2012 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2012 Nissan Altima gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 26 mpg across 6 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Altima?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2012 Nissan Altima have recalls?
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05Last updated