Fitment notes: 3.5L V6 engine; standard engine compartment location
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Every control module on the 2008-2012 Nissan Altima — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 CVT: integrated into valve body inside transmission. 6-speed manual: no TCM present
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ CVT models: TCM is internal; requires transmission pan removal and fluid replacement; adaptive learning reset required
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)2.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly, below instrument panel at base of steering column
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Launch X431
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration and zero-point learning required after replacement
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side inner fender well, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Launch X431
⚠️ Brake bleeding and ABS initialization required after replacement; VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) integrated on models so equipped
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side lower dash panel, above fuse box, left of steering column
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ VIN programming and Intelligent Key registration required; controls interior lighting, power windows, door locks, and integrates CAN gateway functions
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN must be written to replacement unit
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 12V055000
2012-02-14
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.
Consequence: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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
2011-08-09
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
SUSPENSION · 11V371000
2011-07-19
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.
Consequence: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Wiper blades
2007-2012 Altima (L32) generation, sedan body style, no rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2012 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.