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: engine
166 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 9, 2026
The contact's friend owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated for an extended period. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanic shops, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Suspension, Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Front end suspension need replacing confirmed by Nissan Dealership when rear suspension recall was done. Loud noise when in reverse or backing out with or without acceleration, transmission mount defect.
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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 22, 2024
Passenger airbag safety light does not light up as it should, shows passenger isn't wearing seat belt when they are. Airbag might not deploy under these conditions. There was a recall for this, took to dealership, was not corrected. Transmission stalls and studders, will not accelerate due to faulty CVT. Causes near miss accidents. Shift lock occasionally prevents car from changing from park, reverse, drive.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2024
Delayed acceleration after making a stop, high RPMs when accelerating after making a stop. All above conditions appears to happen randomly.
Engine, Jan 18, 2024
I feel like my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL sedan is/was Part of the Transmission Recall. I purchased my vehicle in 2017/2018… Since then I already replaced all the solenoids in 2020 for the transmission and it drove fine for 2 years. Then in October/November of 2023 the transmission code P0776 came on and it was taken to a Nissan dealership in Maine and was informed that the whole transmission was no good and needed to be replaced. I since bought a new Nissan Altima transmission that was never used before so, the transmission has 0 miles on it and had my personal mechanic place it in and now in early 2024 the transmission went from Driving 65mph on the highway and suddenly dropped to 30mph still on highway with no dashboard light notice at all… so now I have a vehicle that is broken and I don’t know what to do next!!! Please advise. I was wondering if my Vin# was one that had the original Recall and was taken care of anlready before I bought it? And if I can get any help with this new transmission that is now no good?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2023
Steady Check Engine light came on April 25, 2023. Just had oil change/filter done day before. Had tune-up done May 25, 2023. Had mechanic who replaced my catalytic converter and (2) O2 sensors a year ago check my car. Found that the inside of the catalytic converter was melted. They checked for a fuel leak in engine, none found. Replaced catalytic converter and front O2 sensor. As of today, no Steady Check Engine light has come back on. I think a Flashing Check Engine light should have displayed for something as serious as a fuel leak. What if my car caught fire while driving? Also, I was told several years ago by a local Nissan dealer that my driver side airbag would need replacing - that indicator light never came back on the dash board either. Faulty sensors? I notified Nissan in TN by mail.
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the hood failed to open as needed. The vehicle was also leaking anti-freeze. The contact was unable to open the hood to check or add coolant. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the contact was as unaware of the repair performed on the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning smell coming through the A/C vents. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that unknown frontal air bag had deployed under the hood and burned; however, the mechanic could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. An unknown dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2023
doing 55 or 60 the car goes into limp mode and wont let me go more then 35 to 45 at times its a safety hazard as cars almost ran right into the back of my car if nissan dont fix the issue i will hire a lawyer and sue nissan its not worth losing my life or the life of others in my car GET THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF NOW....i have called nissan in mansfield about this issue 3 different times ive emailed nissan and still to this day they have not reached out to me
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 21, 2022
Unable to engage automatic gear shift from park to drive or reverse. Must use small object, (screwdriver) with brake to place in drive.
Air bags, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag module and ECU module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle started hesitating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the street for approximately 10 minutes before continuing driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had an unknown component tied; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2021
car over heats passanger door latch suspention in front is messed up when they did the computer update as a recall my car tranny slips and jerks it sucks more gas
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2021
my car over heats passanger door wont open from the inside its a latch issue ive told the dealer ship in mansfield and they done nothing about it front suspenction has issues still dealer does nothing about it every since they did the recall update with programing my car its like my tranny slips and jerks
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer in 2016, for a recall repair for the mass airflow sensor however, the failure recurred. The contact had her nephew replace the mass airflow sensor on three separate occasions. The mass airflow sensor was also replaced once by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that recall repair was only performed one time free of charge. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 12, 2021
The original transmission on this car failed and I had it replaced at a Nissan Dealership. In less than two years, the new transmission also failed. I was driving on the highway and transmission gave up and the vehicle would not accelerate putting my Life and others' life in danger/unsafe. I contacted Nissan consumer/customer service and the case manager was not helpful and literally, stonewalled my concerns. Gross negligence by Nissan about the vehicle owners and their safety. The Nissan Altima cars that were manufactured between 2013-2015 are pure LEMONS.
Engine, Jul 7, 2021
Car stalled on highway in 1st lane. Car jerking, stalling, not starting. Found recall on cvt transmissions on car. Nissan consumer affairs refuse to honor recall. States recall closed. Car not drivable. Being fixed at Firestone repair. Begged Nissan consumer affairs because of my safety to please fix. Spoke with 2 managers who would not honor closed past campaign!!! Told them I am a 60 yr old woman now to scarred to drive car. Had no choice but to have it fixed which I cannot afford.
Seat belts, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2021
WHEN PUSHING THE GAS ON THE HIGHWAY OR THE STREETS IT FEELS LIKE THE POWER OF THE CAR IS HOLDING BACK. FEELS LIKE THE GEARS ARE MESSING UP. AND THERE'S PROBLEM WITH CATALYST CONVERTER. IT'S ALWAYS SHOWING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVEN AFTER I HAVE TRIED OTHER SOLUTIONS ON FIXING THAT AND THE GAS ODOMETER IS NOT READING THE GAS LEVELS RIGHT EITHER. PLUS THE PASSENGER SEAT BUCKLE IS STUCK AND DOESN'T LATCH TO THE SEAT BELT FOR A HOLD FROM A CAR ACCIDENT. LIKE YOU HAVE TO REALLY PUSH HARD FOR THE SEAT BELT TO HOLD ON.
Engine, Dec 24, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE OF MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH SENSOR CIRCUIT (NOTED IN NISSAN BULLETIN 16-030). MANUFACTURER SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS LISTED ON DEALER INVOICE STATES SERVICES REGARDING THIS DEFECT WILL BE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER. HOWEVER, DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR POLICY AND CHARGED FOR SERVICE.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 29, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON OPEN HIGHWAYS THE VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AND BREAKING. VEHICLE WILL ALSO EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUES WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY STREETS. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND BREAKS WILL NOT WORK. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE NOVEMBER 2019
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2020
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT NEARLY 122,000 MILES IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSTATE WHEREIN THE VEHICLE COULD NOT TURN BACK ON. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THERE WERE WEEKS OF JERKY SHIFTING, THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO COAST, QUICKLY ACCELERATE, OR COME TO A STOP WITHOUT JERKING THE CAR UNTIL STOPPED. THE IDLE OF THE CAR WAS UNUSUALLY HIGH NEAR THE DAY OF FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AFTER COMPLETELY REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH A BRAND NEW ONE, THE CAR STILL IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING SMOOTHLY.
Power train, Engine, Jun 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THERE WAS A LAG IN BETWEEN WHEN THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AND THE RPM AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO THE NEXT GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE VEHICLE ON CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE REVVED UP WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSH TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,045.
Suspension, Seats, Engine, Mar 12, 2020
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES IN ONE YEAR, THE SUSPENSION IS GIVING UP AND THE DRIVER SEAT IS ALWAYS BRAKING
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 25, 2020
PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2014 WITH 36000 MILES. AROUND 55,000 MILES THE GEAR SHIFTER COMPLETELY WENT OUT. NOW I'M AT 107,000 MILES AND MY CAR IS STALLING WHEN STOPPED. THE CAR IS NOT READING ANYTHING ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE IS ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I LIVE IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA SO THIS IS A VERY BIG DEAL.