NissanAltima2011Overview/nissan/altima/2011/base/

2011 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2011 Nissan Altima is a passenger car whose engine requires 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 API oil. Its reliability record shows 241 owner complaints, with the power train as the top concern, and one recall. Within the model’s complaint history from 1993 to 2025, this year’s total sits well below the 2013 peak of 2,304, indicating a comparatively solid vintage.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory battery and front wiper blades are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-60TR16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter165460Z000 alt 16546JA00B
Spark plug22401EW61C alt 22401JA01B
Battery24410JA80A discontinued
Front wiper blades28890JA000 discontinued · alt 28890ZX00A
Serpentine belt11720JA00B alt 11720JA80A
Thermostat210496N220 alt 21049ED00A
Cabin air filter27277JA00C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.1 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height55.5 in
Wheelbase105.5 in
Curb weight3095 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–8.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2009 3.5 SE
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20102.5 SL 2.5L I-48.40 sec16.40 sec175 hpFWD
20093.5 SE 3.5L V65.80 sec14.50 sec270 hpFWD
20093.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.90 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
2009Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec7.10 sec15.60 sec198 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.60 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V65.80 sec14.30 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE 3.5L V66.30 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD
20083.5 SE Coupe 3.5L V66.40 sec14.80 sec270 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.1 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts31 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts23 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Ignition Timing15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm
Ignition Timing12, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.16-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-182 °F
Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature180 °F
Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-22 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle107 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9514–15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
131 ft. lbs., step 2: 6031 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
132 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-9032 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
137 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
260 degrees60 degrees
3completely loosen bolts in reverse order
429 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
575 degrees75 degrees
675 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.75 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts in reverse order
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
4103 degrees103 degrees
5103 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.103 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1bolts 1-6 upper intake bolts sedan model18 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9524–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Nissan Altima sits near the end of a notably turbulent period for the brand, with federal complaints peaking at 1,547 in 2009 before declining sharply—by 2011 they had fallen to just 241, the lowest point between 2002 and 2013. This year also recorded only 1 recall and zero federal investigations, making it the quietest model year in a generation that would later see a dramatic resurgence in complaints (2,304) and 12 recalls by 2013. The 131 TSBs on file for 2011 is substantial but consistent with the elevated activity across this era. Within this specific model year, Power Train issues dominate at 55 complaints, followed by Unknown/Other (29), Structure (17), and Electrical System (16), with 11 crash-related and 5 fire-related complaints recorded. The data suggests 2011 represents a relative reprieve within a generation that otherwise exhibited consistently high complaint volumes—though it appears to be the calm before a significant escalation that peaked in 2013. **This makes 2011 a comparatively favorable year within this generation, offering the lowest complaint and recall counts of the period, but buyers should still budget for thorough inspection of the powertrain and verify any outstanding recall remedies have been completed.**

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
131
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
241
Owner complaints
11 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 241 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train55
Unknown Or Other29
Structure17
Electrical System16
Air Bags15
Engine13
Suspension8
Steering7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V371000SuspensionReported 19/07/2011

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 131 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Altima take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.