2013 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 2,312 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 63 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 48 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchMay 28, 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Campaign 20V315000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 19, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V911000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJan 22, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Campaign 16V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 20, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineAug 4, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchFeb 27, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
Campaign 15V116000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchSep 15, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013. In the affected vehicles, interference between the hood inner panel and the secondary latch lever, in combination with debris and corrosion, may cause the secondary hood latch to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V565000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMar 25, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireApr 24, 2013
Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013. The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.
Tires that are significantly over- or under-inflated may fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMar 1, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V069000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringOct 10, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 12V494000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
514 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Dec 1, 2021
There was no incident but I went to the Nissan dealership because my airbag sensor light was on and I was told that the passenger airbag or all of the cars airbags were malfunctioning and would possibly not deploy if in an accident. This is a major safety issue and there should be a recall on this.
Air bags, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the “Air Bag Off” warning light remained illuminated for approximately a year. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the OCS sensor and module had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V911000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.
Steering, Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Oct 17, 2021
Very hard to steer and check engine light come on after a very loud beep.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Oct 5, 2021
When a passenger sits in the front seat the airbag light on the dashboard indicates the airbag isn't armed. I have had a Nissan dealer "fix" it three times and it starts again in a few weeks. First time dealer said a connection came loose when the seat was adjusted. Same thing the second time and the third time they said they secured the connection. the light came on in a matter of weeks again . I will take the car back for a fourth time soon. I asked the dealer service rep if there were any service bulletins regarding this problem, he said there weren't any, I feel that I can't have the only car with this problem. Whenever there is a passenger in the front seat I worry about being involved in an accident and their airbag not deploying.
Air bags, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the driver’s side frontal air bag and the passenger’s side frontal air bag sensors were replaced under an unknown recall; however, the air bag sensor warning lights had been illuminating while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of repair because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 10,984.
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Sep 25, 2021
Steering it’s heavy A/C stop working it self Airbag check light on dashboard
Air bags, Sep 9, 2021
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACKSEAT AIRBAG FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
Air bags, Sep 3, 2021
Taken car in for State Inspection after a couple of days Air Bag light is continuing on. Had it checked out and came back on. Taken it to a Nissan Dealership said found Codes B0001 and B0002 B00A0 B0202 Stored in Air Bag System wanted to Replace Clock Spring/Spiral Cable Assembly said Found Internal Malfunction. Car only had 86,000 miles.. Replacement cost on me.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2021
NHTSA-16V-244 Nissan refuses to fix this issue. My air bag light is off and will not go on if someone is sitting in the passenger seat. I need your assistance with Nissan.
Air bags, Aug 4, 2021
The OCS System in this vehicle has been faulty and on recall several times. Nissan refuses to take accountability. Whenever we take the car to the dealership all they do is clear the code out of the system but they are refusing to repair the occupant safety sensor. This sensor defect can cause the airbags to not deploy in the case of an accident which is not only dangerous to the driver but to others on the road as well, it is potentially deadly. There are several people with the same complaint and Nissan is insisting that consumers need to pay out of pocket to fix the problem although they know their recalls have not been sufficient to remedy the issue. At this point, there needs to be some accountability and reassurance that drivers and their safety mean more than a company's bottom line. This is a potentially deadly hazard that they should be responsible for repairing. The AIRBAG OCS light continues to stay on the dashboard, and the passenger occupant light does not adequately work. There are others online complaining of the exact same issue.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2021
My Occupant Classification System is not functioning correctly. There is a voluntary campaign related to this issue (Campaign ID: PC214, NHTSA# 13V-069) that covers 2013 Nissan Altima but for some reason my VIN is not covered under this. However the recall campaign is for the exact problem I am having. I want my VIN to be included in this campaign.
Air bags, Jul 19, 2021
According to documents that Nissan has filed with the NHTSA, there are several factors that owners should consider related to the recall. Firstly, if the ODS system malfunctions, the passenger airbag will permanently suppress regardless of the occupant’s weight. If the system does malfunction, the (red) supplemental airbag warning light (SRS Light) will illuminate to alert the driver of the problem. Additionally, the (amber) front passenger airbag status light will illuminate to alert the front seat passenger. In December 2012, Nissan first became aware of the airbag defect due to an increasing amount of warranty claims regarding the SRS Light and/or the passenger airbag status light on 2013 Nissan Altima models. The automaker eventually linked the ODS system problem to a supplier (Tier 2 to Panasonic) problem. Evidently, its supplier had made changes to the sensor, which affected its performance. On February 21, Nissan determined that a recall was necessary after a two-month probe. Our vehicle was serviced in 2015 for this recall. Subsequently, we have had problems with the passenger airbag continuing to stay on. When trying to get an inspection it always has trouble because of this light. We have been told by Nissan it is not "their problem" however there are thousands of similar complaints. Nissan is refusing to remedy the situation that is a danger to vehicle owners and others on the road. Nissan needs to be held accountable for this known defect and error that can be a grave danger to human life. Subsequently, they need to issue a recall to further remedy the situation or allow vehicle owners the ability to have it fixed at no cost. This is a known error, this is not fair to consumer safety nor is it fair that a big corporation can get away with potentially harming others due to their negligence in repair.
Air bags, Jun 26, 2021
Supplemental air bag warning light stays on. Dealer had reset it once but it came back on. According to the manual, "If this light is on, it could mean that the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag systems and/or pretensioner systems will not operate in an accident."
Air bags, Seats, May 29, 2021
Both the driver and passenger side seat sensors do not detect when a person is in the seat, causing the air bags to remain off when vehicle is occupied. This is a common issue with the 2013 Altima, but Nissan has not issued a recall to have the seat sensors repaired.
Air bags, May 22, 2021
My supplemental airbag light is on and I have not been in accident. I know that there was recall for passer side airbag light so I am wondering if there is something going on with driver side air bag.
Air bags, Apr 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STATE LINE NISSAN (10401 MADISON AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000. *DT
Air bags, Apr 11, 2021
THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN CLEARED BY A MECHANIC, HOWEVER, IT CAME BACK ON AND STAYS ON.
Air bags, Mar 3, 2021
A FEW MONTHS BACK I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE AIRBAG RECALL FIXED. FLASH FORWARD A FEW MONTHS AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. IF SOMEBODY SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE LIGHT GOES OFF. THE NISSAN DEALER IS SAYING THE OCS SENSOR SOMETIMES GO BAD AND QUOTES $400-$1500 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS KEPT CLEAN SO THERE IS NO CHANCE THAT AN ITEM EFFECTED THE OCS SENSOR UNDER THE SEAT WHEN THE SEAT WAS MOVED. BUT THE MORE I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE THE MORE SUSPICIOUS THIS SEEMS. HOW DO SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM...AND HOW MAMY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT CANT OR DONT KNOW HOW TO REPORT IT.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2021
TRANSMISSION ON NISSAN ARE EASILY DAMAGED MY CAR START BUT DONT DRIVE I JUST PAID MY CAR OFF IN STARTING TO HAVE PROBLEMS
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 22, 2021
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS. I FOUND OUT TODAY
Air bags, Jan 20, 2021
HI, I AM AN OWNER OF A NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 S VEHICLE. RECENTLY I NOTICED THAT AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED WITH B0028-13 AND SAID IT WAS A PAST CODE AND CLEARED THE CODE. IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING AFTER A MONTH. I AGAIN DIAGNOSED AND THE SAME CODE AND SHOWING A PAST CODE. DEALER COULDN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT NEEDS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SEAT, WHICH WILL COST 1800 DOLLARS. THEY SAID THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. AND I NOTICED ONE THING, AFTER CODE IS GETTING CLEARED, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T COME ALL OF A SUDDENLY, ALTHOUGH IT HAS SOME PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER OCCUPANCY TOO, AS SOMETIME EVEN IF AN ADULT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, PASSENGER AIRBAG STAYS OFF. WHICH IS VERY RISKY WHILE DRIVING. NISSAN HAS NO ANSWER TO THAT. AND RIGHT AFTER THAT, AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES BACK. I AM A STUDENT AND DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH OF MONEY TO GET THIS COSTLY REPAIR ( SEAT REPLACEMENT) DONE AND IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP ME IN THIS MATTER.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2021
HEAD LIGHTS ARE SO FUN LOOKS AS IF THEY ARE NOT ON, AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON EVEN WITH PASSENGER IN SEAT, BOTH AIR BAG LIGHTS ON DASK AND IN CONSOLE. DOESN'T MATTER IF CAR IS IN MOTION OR NOT COMPLETELY DANGEROUS
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 22, 2020
THE RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARDS IS SOLID LIT WITHOUT A ADULT PASSENGER ON PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS A ADULT PASSENGER ON THE PASSENGER SEAT
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Dec 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PRODUCE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED DEACON JONES NISSAN (3305 MCLAIN ST, GOLDSBORO, NC 27534, (919)734-2411). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *BF
Air bags, Wheels, Nov 29, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE STAYS ON WHICH MEANS THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE IT'S NOT DETECTING ANY WEIGHT. EVEN WHEN SOMEONE SITS IN IT IT DOESN'T DETECT WEIGHT. THE TIRES ARE CONSTANTLY LOSING AIR.