NHTSA Service Bulletin 10186854: 2018-2021 Nissan Altima
Official manufacturer communication context for 2018-2021 Nissan Altima, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
DTC B12A3-72 FOR FUEL PUMP RELAY STUCK OPEN SERVICE INFORMATION DTC B12A3-72 (Fuel Pump Relay Stuck Open) may be stored when the IPDM monitor circuit internally sees 0V to ground at pin #46. This is caused by an internal short to ground in the IPDM or one of the IPDM fuses listed below is open. If B12A3-72 is current or reoccurs after erasing DTCs, inspect the model specific fuse first. If the fuse is not open replace the IPDM. Altima Fuse # 58 (page 2) Kicks Fuse # 54 (page 3) Versa Fuse # 61 (page 4) For additional IPDM diagnostic information refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM): Section ELECTRICAL & POWER CONTROL > POWER CONTROL SYSTEM > IPDM E/R. See model specific fuse locations starting on page 2.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10186854?
DTC B12A3-72 FOR FUEL PUMP RELAY STUCK OPEN SERVICE INFORMATION DTC B12A3-72 (Fuel Pump Relay Stuck Open) may be stored when the IPDM monitor circuit internally sees 0V to ground at pin #46. This is caused by an internal short to ground in the IPDM or one of the IPDM fuses listed below is open. If B12A3-72 is current or reoccurs after erasing DTCs, inspect the model specific fuse first. If the fuse is not open.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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