Recall 11V371 covers 20,000 2011-2012 Nissan Altima vehicles with improperly torqued transverse link bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 20,000 2011-2012 Altima sedans under recall 11V371 because the transverse link bolt was not tightened to specification. A loose bolt can cause rattling and vibration, and if it comes out completely, the driver can have difficulty controlling the vehicle; the dealer repair will be free once Nissan makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The transverse link is part of the front suspension on the 2011-2012 Nissan Altima. It helps hold the wheel assembly in the correct position as the suspension moves over bumps and during steering. A bolt secures that link, so the joint depends on the bolt being tightened to the correct specification.
On affected Altimas, the transverse link bolt was not tightened enough during assembly at the Canton, Mississippi plant. Road vibration and normal suspension movement can let an under-tightened bolt work loose while the vehicle is being driven. Once it loosens, the link is no longer held as firmly as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the bolt starts to loosen, the owner can hear a rattling noise or feel vibration from the suspension, especially while driving over uneven pavement.
Who's affected?
The listed 2011 and 2012 Altima vehicles share the same production window, April 25, 2011, through June 10, 2011.
| 2011 Nissan Altima | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Altima | suspension component |
| Units affected | 20,000 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose transverse link bolt can come out completely. If that happens, the driver can have trouble controlling the vehicle's direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Use caution and confirm repair status with your VIN. Repair will be free at any franchised Nissan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Nissan Altima is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to ask about the free transverse-link bolt and nut repair that corrects the loose suspension bolt condition.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V371 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Listen for rattling or vibration from the suspension and avoid extra trips.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician replaces the transverse link bolts and nuts, then tightens the new hardware to Nissan's proper torque specification. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Nissan reported that the recall repair began on August 8, 2011. Call a Nissan dealer with your VIN so the service desk can confirm parts, appointment timing, and whether your 2011-2012 Altima still needs the campaign completed.
Timeline
| July 19, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V371?
Recall 11V371 covers 20,000 2011-2012 Nissan Altima sedans with transverse link bolts that were not tightened to the proper specification. A loose bolt can cause rattling and vibration, and Nissan replaces the bolts and nuts for free at a franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Nissan Altima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Altima is included in recall 11V371. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer and ask for the transverse link bolt and nut replacement. Reference recall number 11V371 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Nissan will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts and tighten them to the correct specification free of charge at a franchised Nissan dealer.
What is the safety risk on recall 11V371?
The safety risk is loss of directional control if the transverse link bolt comes out completely. NHTSA campaign 11V371 says that condition increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Nissan dealer repair and ask the service desk about safe transport if the vehicle is rattling or vibrating.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a rattling noise or vibration while driving. Those signs match the loose transverse link bolt condition described in recall 11V371. A warning sign does not replace the VIN check, since only the VIN confirms whether your specific 2011-2012 Nissan Altima is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V371000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V371 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V371000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →