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: power train
505 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Power train, Apr 7, 2026
The car feels unbalanced and shifting is bad
Power train, Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 15 MPH and then unexpectedly decelerated. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator; however, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the RPM became elevated, and the vehicle started accelerating unintendedly. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal and entered a parking lot where the vehicle lost automotive power, and the engine shut off. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,073.
Power train, Jul 1, 2025
Shift sticks in Park position. Intermittent problem happening often.
Power train, May 10, 2025
I have been told by Nissan dealership and Christian brothers Automobile and Midas my CVS transmission is defective- factory defective. It often slips and gets hot and emits an odor I now have transmission flushed and serviced every 30,000 miles per dealer suggestions- no one thinks this was good and I’d factory defective— help me I bought this to be my last car serviced as suggested I’m told Nissan knows it but refuses to do a recall ????? Please told nothing I can do surely Nissan recognizes this and will recall it
Power train, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the transmission suddenly failed, and the vehicle started losing power while decelerating. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road from an off-ramp. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
I bought this car from Auto Auction Group Inc in Los Angeles, Ca. When I bought the vehicle it read 103,158 miles on the odometer, however I learned recently through a car fax, that when the car was received by auto auction group it had 222,854. They rolled back the odometer committing fraud and putting me at risk and selling me a lemon that was basically on its way to break down sooner rather than later. I also learned they had erased the check engine warning so it seemed like the car was fine.
Power train, Feb 13, 2025
I have had this vehicle for a few years, this car only have 118,333 mile on it, it stop working on me in the middle of the road. The dealership said the transmission went out in the vehicle but I’m not sure how that was possible. I could pay the price for the vehicle to be fixed with them because it was very pricey but didn’t know that many people with this year model have had the same complaints with the transmission. They never stated that the car had a recall about the transmission, I feel this is not right and something was hinted from me.
Power train, Oct 30, 2024
Unsafe to drive due to transmission not registering lower gears when at complete stop, takes full minute before gears accelerate. I have unexpectedly stalled in the middle of traffic and was almost rear ended. Going under the legal miles per hour on standard roads causing delays in traffic and potential Fire Risk due to overheating because of transmission issues. Potential harm to myself and others by causing collisions. Big O's in Boise Idaho (208) 996-1306 has confirmed it is unsafe to drive 10/29/2024. appointment with Nissan dealership 10/30/2024 Check engine light has failed to appear. The closure of a class action lawsuit over CVT transmission issues in vehicles like the 2013 Nissan Altima, without a recall, poses significant safety risks. Without a recall, critical transmission problems such as stalling, power loss, or erratic shifting remain unresolved for many drivers. Financial constraints may prevent owners from paying out-of-pocket for expensive repairs, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. Unlike recalls, which require manufacturers to notify all affected owners and provide free repairs, lawsuits end without ongoing accountability, meaning these safety risks can persist indefinitely. Additionally, future owners, especially in the used car market, may be unaware of the defect, unknowingly operating cars with hidden risks. The lack of consistent resolution means thousands of vehicles with potentially faulty transmissions continue to pose dangers not only to their drivers but also to other road users. A recall would ensure that all affected vehicles are inspected and repaired, but without one, the burden unfairly shifts to owners, compromising road safety on a large scale.
Power train, Oct 23, 2024
Power train gives out when car warms up. I’ve had fluids checked for the power train and Everything was fine. When on high way power train would either jerk tremendously or just give out. It almost caused me to wreck one day ass there was a truck behind me who nearly avoided rear ending me because the car completely slowed down.
Power train, Apr 30, 2024
I bought the car at 48, 750 miles at 71,000, transmission was sputtering and stalling. Extended warranty from Zurich paid for new parts in an old transmission. Now, car is at 106,000, transmission is shot, it is banging and knocking while driving.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2024
Hello, I took my Nissan Altima into my local Nissan dealer for a hood latch recall on 11/13/2023. On [XXX] at about [XXX] I was driving my car at a speed of maybe 45-50mph and my hood flew open hitting my windshield causing damage to my car, and scaring my son and I. I called the dealer the next morning and spoke to Anthony from the service department regarding this situation, and he stated a faulty latch could have been put on my car, causing this to happen. I sent pictures to him via email, and he advised that he would contact the director and call me back with an update. I received a callback within hours advising Nissan would cover the damages but I would need to contact consumer affairs to see which location could do the repairs as they were behind by 8 month at that location in particular and could not provide me with a loaner car. My fiancé contacted consumer affairs on 11/22/2023 and was told someone would call on 11/27/2023. I received a missed call and voicemail advising that I would receive a callback on 11/29/2023. I did not want to wait until the 29th and tried calling back as well as emailing several times and had not heard back. Today 11/28/2023 a call was placed to the direct number I was given and no answer. I then called the 800 number and spoke with a rep named Monica requesting a supervisor or manager and was yelled at and told I would receive a call back on the 29th. I advised that I am extremely saddened by the way I am being handled after such a traumatic ordeal that could have been deadly or life altering. This recall was supposed to prevent this issue, and it only caused it. This recall hasn't done anything to fix the cars, and neither have three other hood latch recalls for Altima cars. Altima drivers are in danger from hoods that suddenly fly open while driving, and this situation just proves a problem. Nissan doesn't know how to properly repair it, and my car and I are proof. As of today 1/30/2024, I received a callback from Maria. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and jerked intermittently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.
Power train, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an unusual sound and stalled. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and then the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
Power train, Sep 13, 2023
There is a known cvt transmission issue with certain years of different models of Nissans. My sons car recently started hesitating and not accelerating when pulling out of intersections. I took the vehicle to Nissan and was told that there is a known issue and they have extended warranties on the issue but my sons car was out of warranty and they were not willing to assist due to no recalls as of yet. The issue with the car hesitating is a huge safety concern. They recommended a new transmission for 6500.00.
Power train, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to shift from park(P) to drive(D), the gear shift lever failed to move as needed. The contact stated that the gear shifter also failed to shift to reverse(R). The contact stated that she had to move the shifter back and forth until the gear shifter responded. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,756.
Power train, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and was also serviced under two unrelated recalls; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sputtering and jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the CVT controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Power train, May 1, 2023
Cat transmission when out for the second time
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2023
While driving my vehicle when trying to accelerate it wouldn’t go above 20mph had to hit the brakes then vehicle would just accelerate real fast I was in traffic with my kids thank god we wasn’t hurt Nissan needs to recall this situation it’s affecting a lot of 2013 and up
Steering, Power train, Structure, Apr 19, 2023
My power steering somehow had a slow leak which caused steering wheel to lock on while driving. Also, when I turn it sounds like a clucking sound like something is wrong with my power train. When I drive my accelerator seems like it be taking its time to catch up to speed. I've done did so much mechanical work to this car and it seems like nothing is working.
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle started shaking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the wheel bearing, performed an alignment, and replaced the tires; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, while accelerating, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to any independent mechanic, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Mar 8, 2023
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while driving on the Highway in traffic.When the vehicle came to a complete stop after thankfully not being in a collision the vehicle would start but wouldn't go into drive.It was later Determined that the Transmission suffered a catastrophic failure for the second time.The Transmission has less than 17K on it and the first Transmission failed at 41K Nissan should be held accountable for producing a Transmission that can cause a catastrophic accident due to a complete Mechanical failure on a piece of equipment that Nissan Produced. Nissan and the government agencies are aware of the issues with these vehicles and failures to take action.Shame on Both.
Power train, Feb 7, 2023
My 2013 Nissan Altima only has 121,000 miles and is only driven 1 time per week all highway miles. This week my car broke down in the middle of several intersections....very dangerous! I was almost hit several times because my car would just die when trying to take off. I never had any warning or warning lights appear. I was told by Nissan dealership I had transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). I now need a new transmission which costs $5,000.00. This is an ongoing issue with Nissan and CVT Transmissions. I would like to see Nissan make it right for their consumers that purchased their 2013 Nissan Altima and other models/years only to have the transmission fail due to faulty CVT transmissions that Nissan is aware of and will not take responsibility for or do anything to help. Year after year they continue to use the same faulty CVT transmission. They have extended the original warranty of 5 years/60,000 to 10 years/120,000 for 2003-2010 Nissan models with the CVT transmission due to this problem yet refuse to help the consumers of newer Nissan models. This is not right and it is not fair. They have deceived their consumers by having the knowledge of the CVT transmission failures yet still continue to use them.
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
Power train, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he heard abnormally loud sounds coming from the transmission. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle responded as needed and the contact continued driving. However, the contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.