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: electrical system
159 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2026
Front passenger door lock actuator fails to unlock door when driver's, passengers or key fob to unlock is activated. All other doors (3) work as they should. This creates a safety issue as the door must manually be unlocked which during a panic situation may not be easily accomplished. I am in the process of having the mechanism inspected & repaired. Part failed with no notice. It may have failed earlier, but July '26 was the 1st I noticed.
Electrical system, Wheels, Nov 3, 2025
Tire Pressure light is on but no issues with air pressure.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2025
Shifter Lock does not release when brake is pressed. Unable to shift out of Park. Need to manually press the shift relesae override to shift.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2024
Sometimes when I'm driving the car starts idling as if I'm going fast that's how it sounds and I'm making a turn and it's sounds like it's accelerated but it won't go as much as I step on the gas it will not go so I got to pull over to the side wait for a little bit turn off the car and let it sit and then I'll go back tomorrow and it's every time this light turns on the dashboard with a car with the swively lines
Electrical system, Air bags, May 17, 2024
OCS System for Passenger Airbag is not working properly. Went to two dealerships and they said it was not covered under the recall 16V-244. I spoke with Nissan Consumer Affairs and they said that the recall was addressed in the past but was not able to provide when and where. The dealerships I go to for servicing do not have any history of the OCS ever being repaired which means that it was probably repaired sometime with the original owner. Assuming it was actually replaced in the past, with replacement, the part is still failing and not having reached the 15 year mark for the car or the actual recall itself is alarming.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Feb 10, 2024
Headlights
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2023
The headlights on low beam do not put out enough light to see what is in front of the car and I still have them. It is unsafe to drive a care with inadequate low beam lighting. Yes, dealer confirmed it but said 4/25/2022 was the last date to report the problem to have it replaced as part of the settlement. The dealerships are well aware of this problem. No warning, the lights just gradually got dimmer over time.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2022
THE CAR STARTS GOOD ENGINE SOUNDS GOOD BUT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE THE CAR TURNS OFF
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 1, 2022
The airbag light came on the dash and stays on without the vehicle being involved in a crash. I took it to a shop to have it repaired and they stated it was a faulty airbag sensor.
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2022
Unknown, but the issue is beneath the passenger seat where it seems a wire has shorted out and even became disconnected and i am unsure but pretty positive that it has something to do with the passenger side airbags because shortly after a diagnostic scan shows several airbag fault codes. Also since then my car’s performance has changed and now i am receiving diagnostic trouble codes for different electrical components such as mas air flow sensor low voltage and its causing my car to stall at random times while driving and even on freeways. It also has caused my car to slow down while fully accelerating on the pedal. Very big safety concern as im driving on the freeway with my family in the car as well.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2021
My 2013 Nissan Altima has serious electrical problems and continues to drain my battery, leaving me seeking alternative transportation to and from home, work, etc. The headlight low and high beams are dangerously dim! I have replaced the bulbs several times and the problems continues to get worse. I have seen litigation online with numerous people involved. I thought NTSB would have acted by now? I have also had numerous problems with the AC not working? I am getting estimates currently looking at a $2,000 problem. This car seems very unsafe and any action form your agency would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2021
UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN ENGAGING FOOT BRAKE WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. SHIFT IS STUCK IN PARK. HAVE TO USE TOOL IN SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO MOVE BETWEEN GEARS TO DRIVE CAR. I WAS DRIVING AND WAS STOPPED AT A RAILWAY CROSSING. PUT CAR IN PARK. ONCE TRAIN HAD PASSED I TRIED TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE POSITION AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. AFTER READING MANUAL I DISCOVERED THAT IF A FAULT OCCURS YOU MUST USE A TOOL ON THE SHIFT LOCK BUTTON RELEASE TO MOVE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2021
REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES DUE TO DETERIORATION OF REFLECTORS. COMMON FAILURE ON THIS MODEL. NO NISSAN RECALL. SAFETY ISSUE WITH FAULTY LIGHTS. SINCE REPLACING BOTH ASSEMBLIES, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A BULB TWICE. GOING TO THE DEALER AGAIN BECAUSE OF LIGHT FAILURE.
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, Jan 24, 2021
MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK.(SPEEDOMETER, GAS LEVEL, MILAGE, HOT/COLD LEVEL, ETC.) MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DO NOT WORK (VOLUME BUTTON, MENU BUTTON, SOURCE BUTTON,CRUISE CONTROL, ETC.) MY AIR CONDITION/HEAT TEMPERATURE DISPLAY DOES NOT LIGHT UP. ALL THE FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND THEY ARE ALL GOOD. THE CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY HAD BEEN CHECKED AND THEY ARE GOOD.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 22, 2021
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS. I FOUND OUT TODAY
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 23, 2020
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO USE DURING THE DARK AND TRIPLE THE CONCERN WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IT'S RAINING. THIS USED TO NOT BE THE CASE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!! THIS HAPPENS WHETHER STREET DRIVING OR HIGHWAY DRIVING AND ESSENTIALLY MAKES ME HAVE TO USE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS WHEN THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER NATURAL LIGHTING TO HELP
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
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2020
A/C WAS BLOWING HOT AIR WHILE DRIVING AND HOT AIR WHEN I CAME TO STOPS AND IDLED. IT'S ONLY FOR SOME CARS THAT HAVE AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL APPARENTLY. THE ISSUE IS THE AC COMPRESSOR CONTROL VALVE FAILING. PLEASE SEE THE YOUTUBE LINK FOR A BETTER EXPLANATION OF THE ISSUE/RESOLUTION: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/IDWEDXJENKO
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2020
WHEN IN THE PARKED POSITION AND IDLE, THE PRESSING OF THE SHIFT TRIGGER ON THE SHIFTER WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO SHIFT FROM PARKED TO ANY OTHER POSITION (IT IS STUCK) DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A SELENOID SENSOR NOT ACTIVATING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE SHIFTING TO TAKE PLACE. PLEASE SEE THE LINK OF THE YOUTUBE VIDEO TO EXPLAIN THE ISSUE/RESOLUTION: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EU7VM2Y-7LY
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2020
CAR STALLING AT IDLE OR STOPPING. CAR STARTS THEN CUTS OUT, WON'T RUN. CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR 3 DAYS NOW PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND CAN'T SEEM TO PIN POINT EVEN WITH FIXD OR OTHER DEVICES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 5, 2020
WARNING LIGHT SHOWS FAULTY AIRBAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE, VERIFIED BY DEALER. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. DRIVER'S SIDE CODE APPEARED RIGHT AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR WAS MADE BUT WAS ADVISED THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER FIRST RECALL. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE 2 YEARS AGO, AND I'M NOT PAYING UPWARDS OF $5,000 FOR YOUR ELECTRICAL FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 4, 2020
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATES FAULTY ELECTRONICS. BEGAN ABOUT 50,000 MILES. THIS IS NOT DUE TO MISUSE. IT'S COMPANION TO EARLIER RECALL FOR A FAULTY AIRBAG, WHICH WAS CORRECTED. REPORTED TO DEALER. COST ESTIMATE TO REPAIR FROM $800 TO $5,000 DEPENDING THE LEVEL OF DEFECT. OWNER BELIEVES THIS SHOULD BE NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY, AS IT'S NOT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2020
THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE FROM THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN SHIFT LOCK ISSUE BASED ON SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AS WELL AS NISSAN OWNER TESTIMONIES. THE FAULT AS IT WAS EXPLAINED BY A NISSAN TECHNICIAN WAS THE SHIFTER SHORTS-OUT THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID WHICH ENGAGES THE UNLOCK FOR THE SHIFTER WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. COST TO REPAIR THE ISSUE IS ROUGHLY $800 BY REPLACING THE SHIFT HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND THIS "REPAIR" IS DUE TO A FAILURE OF A LOW COST SOLENOID SWITCH. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE ACCOUNTABLE OF FAULTY DESIGN. ACCORDING TO NISSAN, THIS IS NOT A SAFETY OR DESIGN ISSUE, BUT WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE. HOPEFULLY NHTSA WILL REVIEW THE FACTS OF THESE COMMON OCCURRENCES AND DETERMINE IF IT IS INDEED WORTHY OF RECALL REPAIR.