2011 Nissan Altima MPG
EPA ratings for the 2011 Nissan Altima run from 18–23 mpg in town to 27–32 on the highway, or 21–26 combined, depending on which of its 6 gasoline versions you look at.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive, at 26 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive and is rated 21 mpg combined. The EPA also rated a hybrid version, the best at 33 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg lower than the best gasoline 2010 version (27 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid | 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 33 | 33 | Regular · 269 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular · 386 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular · 404 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular · 423 g CO₂/mi |
2011 Nissan Altima fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2011 Nissan Altima costs about $2,510 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (26 mpg combined), or roughly 17 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (21 mpg combined) comes to about $3,110 a year, $600 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2011 Nissan Altima specs
2011 Nissan Altima buyers could choose between 3 engines, according to EPA records: 2.5 L 4-cyl, 3.5 L 6-cyl and 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid. It came with continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a subcompact car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L | 4 | Manual 6-spd; Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 3.5 L | 6 | Automatic (AV-S6); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 2.5 L hybrid | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2011 Nissan Altima problems
Owners have filed 246 complaints about the 2011 Nissan Altima with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Power train is the most-reported area (21% of component mentions), followed by engine (11%) and electrical system (10%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 15 complaints a year: fewer than the 2010 (23 a year) and the 2012 (28 a year).
That ranks 13th of 17 Nissan Altima model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 246, 12 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 7 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 70 | 21% |
| Unknown or other | 40 | 12% |
| Engine | 38 | 11% |
| Electrical system | 34 | 10% |
| Structure | 27 | 8% |
| Air bags | 22 | 7% |
| Steering | 15 | 5% |
| Suspension | 15 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 6 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 2% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 5 | 2% |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1% |
| Tires | 4 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1% |
| Seats | 3 | <1% |
| Wheels | 3 | <1% |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | <1% |
| Visibility | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Firerelated | 1 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Traction control system | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
Drive axle suddenly not functioning properly, caused dangerous conditions to stop the car while driving on highway.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. …
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while a granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction, followed by an abnormal sound while turning. …
2011 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 Nissan Altima.
The most recent, campaign 11V371000 from July 2011, concerns suspension.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Altima years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V371000 | July 19, 2011 | Suspension | 2011–2012 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 3 versions of the 2011 Nissan Altima; the best overall score is 4 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2-door FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ |
| hybrid 4-door FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Nissan Altimas can be compared fairly. Among other 2011 models in the EPA's subcompact cars class, the 2011 Honda Civic (29 mpg) comes closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 34 | 1,046 | 55 | 4 |
| 2009 | 34 | 1,601 | 89 | 4 |
| 2010 | 34 | 393 | 23 | 3 |
| 2011 | 33 | 246 | 15 | 1 |
| 2012 | 26 | 426 | 28 | 4 |
| 2013 | 31 | 2,313 | 164 | 12 |
| 2014 | 31 | 1,114 | 85 | 8 |
Every Nissan Altima model year compared →
Similar 2011 models
FAQ
Is the 2011 Altima a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2011 Nissan Altima has 15 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (13th most of 17 model years), 1 recall campaign, a best overall crash rating of 4 stars and up to 33 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2011 Altima problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are power train (70), engine (38) and electrical system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2011 Altima have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Altima get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 21–26 mpg combined (18–23 city, 27–32 highway). The hybrid version reaches up to 33 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Altima per year?
About $2,510 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $3,110 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).