Coil packs for a 2012 Nissan Altima typically cost between $60 and $150 per coil, depending on engine (2.5L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6) and brand. A full set costs roughly $240–$900 before labor, depending on engine and source.
In 2012, the Altima offered two engines, and each cylinder uses its own ignition coil (coil-on-plug). Replacing individual coils is common when only one is failing, while replacing the entire set is often done as preventive maintenance or when diagnosing multiple misfires. Prices vary by OEM vs aftermarket and by retailer.
Engine options and coil count
The Altima's two engine choices determine how many ignition coils you need:
- 2.5L 4-cylinder (4 coils): one coil per cylinder, total of four ignition coils in the engine.
- 3.5L V6 (6 coils): one coil per cylinder, total of six ignition coils in the engine.
Having the right coil count is essential because a mis-match can cause misfires or engine management issues. Always verify the engine configuration for your specific vehicle by checking the VIN or the owner's manual.
Price ranges by source
Prices are typically quoted per ignition coil, with OEM and reputable aftermarket parts costing more than budget aftermarket options. The following ranges reflect common market prices as of 2024–2026:
- 4-cylinder, per coil (OEM/reputable aftermarket): approximately $60–$120
- 4-cylinder, per coil (budget aftermarket): approximately $40–$90
- V6, per coil (OEM/reputable aftermarket): approximately $90–$150
- V6, per coil (budget aftermarket): approximately $70–$130
To estimate full-set costs, multiply the per-coil price by the number of coils: about $240–$480 for the 4-cylinder engine, and about $480–$900 for the V6 engine, before tax and shipping.
Where to buy and how to verify compatibility
When shopping for ignition coils, you’ll find OEM Nissan parts, widely used aftermarket brands (such as Denso, NGK, Delphi, Standard Motor Products, and Facet), and retailers that sell individual coils or bundles. Always confirm compatibility by engine type and VIN, especially since the 2012 Altima could be equipped with either a 2.5L or a 3.5L engine.
- OEM Nissan parts through a dealer or official parts retailer.
- Reputable aftermarket brands (Denso, NGK, Bosch/Siemens, Delphi, Standard Motor Products).
- Online retailers and auto parts stores (RockAuto, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Amazon).
- New vs remanufactured options—remanufactured coils are common but may carry different warranties.
Consult a technician if you are unsure which coil type is correct for your Altima. VIN-based lookup is the safest way to ensure you buy the right coils.
Installation considerations and maintenance tips
Replacing ignition coils is generally straightforward if you have the right tools and some mechanical experience. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Single-coil replacement versus full-set replacement depends on diagnostics; if one coil is faulty, replacing only that coil is common, but if multiple coils show wear, replacing all on that bank or the entire engine can prevent future failures.
- Labor costs vary by shop and location; typical shop rate plus time to replace 1–6 coils can range from about $60 to $300 for labor, depending on whether you're replacing a single coil or all coils.
In the event of a misfire, you may also need to replace spark plugs (particularly on older engines) or intake components, as worn plugs can contribute to misfires that mimic coil failure.
Summary
The 2012 Nissan Altima uses one ignition coil per cylinder, so a 4-cylinder model has four coils and a 6-cylinder model has six. Coil prices vary by brand and whether you buy OEM or aftermarket, typically ranging from roughly $40–$90 per coil for budget aftermarket to about $60–$150 per coil for OEM or reputable aftermarket parts. Full-set costs are around $240–$480 for the 4-cylinder and $480–$900 for the V6, before labor. Always verify compatibility with your specific vehicle (engine type and VIN) and consider whether you need a single replacement or a full set, especially if diagnosing multiple misfires. Labor and related parts can add to the total cost, so consult a mechanic for a precise estimate.