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
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2014
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR AN INTERSECTION ALL ELECTRONICS ON CAR STOPPED WITH NO WARNING AND MOTOR SHUT DOWN. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH. CAR BECAME COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONING IN AN INSTANT. NO POWER BREAKS OR STEERING, DASH LIGHTS, CONSOLE DISPLAY OR IGNITION ON INDICATOR. GOT CAR TO A STOP. PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTARTED WITH NO ERRORS OR INDICATIONS THAT THE CAR MECHANICALLY AND ELECTRONICALLY JUST DIED. CLOCK WAS SET TO THE CORRECT TIME BUT TRIP ODOMETER AND MANY OTHER CUSTOMIZED SETTINGS WERE RESET. ACTED AS IF THE ECM DID A RESET WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 12, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED TO SHUTTER. IT WAS FIRST HAPPENING ON INCLINES THEN ALL THE TIME. IT EVENTUALLY JUST SLOWED DOWN AND I HAD TO QUICKLY EXIT TO AVOID GETTING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE BROUGHT THE SHUTTERING/JERKING ISSUE TO THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY AND WAS TOLD THAT NO ISSUE WAS FOUND. NOW I AM TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH IS $3,500. AFTER DOING SOME INTERNET SEARCHES I LEARNED THAT SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION ON THEIR "NEW" NISSAN ALTIMA (2013). *TR
Power train, May 22, 2014
MY CVT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS AT 900-MILES TOOK TO DEALER WILKES NISSAN IN WILKESBORO,NC LIKE 8-TIMES AND 2-TIMES TO ANOTHER.CVT WOULD SHUDDER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.WILKES NISSAN SAID THAT WAS NORMAL IN ONE SENTENCE,THEN IN THE NEXT SAY THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE.AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET IT FIXED THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] WAS WALKING OUT IN THE SERVICE BAY AND WAS TELLING ME AS MY GIRLFRIEND WAS HEARING THIS THAT "NISSAN KNOWS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM,BUT DOESN'T HAVE A FIX FOR THIS AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER LET THAT OUT OF THE FACTORY LIKE THAT" WHILE HE WAS SAYING THIS A EMPLOYEE HAD WALKED BY AND OVERHEARD THIS.AND HE WAS SHORTLY FIRED AFTERWARDS?THEY TOOK MY CAR IN AND HAD IT FOR LIKE 2-DAYS AND PUT A 124-MILES ON MY CAR,I HAD EXPLAINED THAT HE DIDN'T NEED TO DO THAT JUST TAKE OFF GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SLOW DOWN THEN TAKE OFF,IT WILL START TO SHUDDER.I CAME DOWN AND GOT THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] AND THE TECH RODE WITH ME AND I GOT IT TO SHUDDER INSIDE OF 15-MINUTES WITH THEM WITH ME.WE GOT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WITHIN 15-MINUTES [XXX] SERVICE MANGER SAID "WE JUST GOT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN OCTOBER 2013 IN WHICH WAS A LIE.I FOUND OUT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED ON JUNE 13TH 2013 FOR A "CVT CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT SHUDDER" & [XXX] LOOKED MAD WHEN WE GOT BACK FROM THE TEST DRIVE.THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND HAD MY CAR FOR 16-DAYS,WHEN I RETURNED TO PICK UP THE CAR,THE WILKES NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND WITHIN 11-MILES THEY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING AGAIN AT SLOW SPEEDS AS WELL AS HIGHWAY SPEEDS.I WAS GOT SO SICK FROM ALL THE ARGUING THAT I WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL IN DECEMBER 2013 FOR 5-DAYS.I HAD THE PROBLEM AND WAS SICK FOR MONTHS SO WHEN I STARTED TO FEEL BETTER.I TOOK THE CAR DOWN TO WILKES AND THEY SAID NISSAN REFUSED TO WORK ON MY CAR EVEN THOUGH UNDER WARRANTY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2014
CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS AN EVENT IN WHICH THE AUTOMOBILE TRANSMISSION AND THROTTLE SIMPLY STOPS WORKING WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. I EXPERIENCED THIS EVENT THIS PAST SATURDAY ON A TRIP INTO BOSTON. IT IS QUITE TERRIFYING TO BE DRIVING ALONG IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND HAVE YOUR CAR STOP FUNCTIONING WITH RESPECT TO HAVING NO POWER OR GEARS SUCH THAT YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OR ABILITY TO MAKE THE CAR RESPOND. *TT
Power train, Mar 26, 2014
WHILE LEAVING A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE FORWARD THE ENGINE RPM WENT TO 5000RPM BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IT MAINTAINED THE CONSTANT SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. AFTER BACKING OFF ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THIS EVENT HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I CONSIDER THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO RESPOND TO A NEED FOR INCREASED SPEED A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2014
11 MONTH OLD CAR. 22,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CAR WOULD START - BUT STALLS OUT WHEN PLACED IN GEAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 27, 2014
ALTIMA 2.5L ENG. ENGINE VIBRATIONS/CVT SHUTTERING STARTED APPROX. 3600 MILES BUT HAS CONTINUALLY GOTTEN WORSE WITH MORE MILES (7000 MI 12/31/13). VIBRATIONS FELT AT 1500-2000 RPM (ENOUGH TO SHAKE THE DASH COMPONENTS), THEN VIBRATION GOES AWAY. SLIGHT ACCELERATION UNDER LOAD AT 1500-2000 RPM AND AT ANY SPEED (20-30, 40-55, 72 MPH) WILL RESULT IN VIBRATIONS (EVERYTIME). HAD NISSAN SERVICE WRITER RIDE WITH ME, THEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE VIBRATIONS. SAID TO RETURN NEXT WEEK JAN 2014 TO FURTHER DOCUMENT. GUESS WHAT, HE SAID THEY HAVEN'T HAD THIS PROBLEM??? HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NISSAN MANY TIMES OVER THIS PAST YEAR. I NOW BELIEVE THIS VIBRATION IS COMING FROM THE ENG NOT FROM THE CVT SINCE I CAN FEEL THE VIBRATIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED (IN PARK OR IN NEUTRAL). NISSAN HAS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE AND FAIL TO ADMIT.
Power train, Engine, Feb 26, 2014
NOTICED CAR SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHILE COASTING AT ABOUT 17 MPH AND THEN ACCELERATING. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER THAT CAUSES IT TO SHIFT BETWEEN GEARS AT ABOUT 28 MPH. I TOLD THEM THAT MINE WAS HAPPENING AT ABOUT 17 OR 18 MPH. WAS TOLD THEY WERE LOOKING INTO IT. CALLED AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND NISSAN WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 13, 2014
ALTIMA 2.5L ENG. PROBLEM: ENGINE VIBRATIONS/CVT SHUTTERING SINCE APPROX. 3600 MILES, BUT HAS CONTINUALLY GOTTEN WORSE WITH MORE MILES (7000 MI 12/31/13). VIBRATIONS FELT AT 1500-2000 RPMS (ENOUGH TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE THE DASH COMPONENTS), THEN VIBRATION GOES AWAY. SLIGHT ACCELERATION UNDER LOAD AT 1500-2000 RPMS AND AT ANY SPEED (20-30, 40-55, 72 MPH) WILL RESULT IN DRONING/VIBRATIONS (EVERYTIME). HAD NISSAN SERVICE MGR. RIDE WITH ME, THEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE VIBRATIONS. HE SAID TO RETURN THE VEHICLE IN JAN 2014 TO FURTHER DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM THAT NISSAN DOES NOT ADMIT EXISTS. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NISSAN MANY TIMES OVER THIS PAST YEAR (2013). I NOW BELIEVE THIS VIBRATION IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND NOT FROM THE CVT SINCE I CAN FEEL VIBRATIONS 1500-2000 RPM EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED (IN PARK OR IN NEUTRAL). UPDATE: 1/08/14 NISSAN DEALER REPLACED ENGINE ALTERNATOR, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, NO CHANGE IN VIBRATIONS. 1/10/14 NISSAN REPLACED TENSIONER AND ENGINE SERPENTINE BELT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, NO CHANGE IN VIBRATIONS. 1/13/14 FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2013
CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN GOING 40 MPH. VIBRATION ALSO OCCURRING AFTER LONG DRIVES AND THEN COMING TO A STOP. CAR WILL SHAKE. IT IS NOT HAPPENING ALL THE TIME, BUT IS NERVE RACKING WHEN IT DOES. INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE KEY ID NOT BEING RECOGNIZED WHEN ENTERING THE CAR WHEN THE DOORS ARE LOCKED AND YOU PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR HANDLE. OR WHEN GETTING INTO AN UNLOCKED CAR THE KEY IS NOT RECOGNIZED. LOCK THE DOORS AND AUTO START THE CAR BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB NOT STARTING THE CAR. HAPPENING ON BOTH KEY FOBS. HEADLIGHTS DURING LONG TRIP WERE DIMMING, THEN WOULD BRIGHTEN. THIS DURING A 6 HOUR DRIVE. GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 38.4 MPG TO 33.1 MPG HIGHWAY DRIVING. SAME ISSUE WITH AROUND TOWN ABOUT 5 MPG DROP. MILEAGE SEEMS TO DIFFER WHEN FILLING UP CAR. GOES FROM OVER 600+ MILES TO AROUND 580+ MILES. NOT SURE WHY WHEN YOU FILL IT ALL THE WAY UP THE MILEAGE IS NOT THE SAME. TIRE PRESSURE SEEMS TO DIFFER. NOT SURE THAT IS RELIABLE READING. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS EASIER TO CONTROL ONCE THE SPEED DECELERATED TO 50 MPH AND BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Power train, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE LOCKED POSITION, THE RPMS WOULD HAVE TO BE HIGH ABOVE 1,000, WHICH THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NORMAL IDLE WAS 750. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ALSO PREMATURELY WEARING DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT ASSISTING IN DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 8, 2013
SPORADICALLY WHEN STARTING CAR (FROM A COLD START OR AFTER 2 HOURS) THE RPMS WILL DO THE NORMAL GOING UP THEN SLOWLY DOWN AND THEN LOWER ONCE IN GEAR; HOWEVER, ONCE STARTED TO DRIVE AND STOP THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND APPEAR TO BE TRYING TO CHOKE....TOOK TO SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NOTHING IS IN THE LOG.....TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHILE PROBLEM OCCURRING THE MECHANIC FELT THE SHAKING AND THE BIG BUMP AND SAID THE IDLE RPMS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED TO HIGHER LEVEL WITHIN 36 HOURS THE CAR WOULD DO THE SAME SPORADIC PROBLEM JUST AT A HIGHER RPM......TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN LEFT OVERNIGHT THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM STATED EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AND THE SALESPERSON DEMO SUPPOSEDLY DOES THE SAME THING (WHICH IT STARTED NORMAL). *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AUTOMATICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD AND EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Sep 3, 2013
THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE USING THE AIR CONDITIONER AND COASTING FROM 45 MPH TO 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED HARD ENOUGH TO JOLT THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC AND SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND STATED WHEN INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO BRING THE CAR BACK WHEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. AROUND 20000 MILES THE HARD SHIFTING ALSO BEGAN TO OCCUR WHILE THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING. THE OWNER REQUESTED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THE INCIDENT WAS OCCURRING, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DECLINED AS THEY WERE BUSY AND TO CALL BACK AFTER THE HOLIDAY. WHEN THE OWNER CALLED BACK AFTER THE HOLIDAY, THE SERVICE PERSON ASKED IF THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING HARD. THE OWNER STATED YES, AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS FEELING IS NORMAL IN A CVT TRANSMISSION AND THERE WAS NO NEED TO BRING THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR SHIFTS SO HARD, SOMETIMES THE TIRES SQUEAL. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN IN TRAFFIC AND WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY IN ICY OR WET CONDITIONS. TO DATE, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *JB
Power train, Aug 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,300.
Power train, Jul 28, 2013
WE FIRST BEGAN NOTICING WHAT FELT LIKE A HARD DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AT SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED AS A ANTILOCK BRAKE PROGRAMMING ERROR, BUT REPAIRS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE SEVERITY INCREASED. WHEN TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 30 - 45 MPH AND WE'D TAKE OUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, IT ALMOST FELT LIKE WE WERE BEING REAR-ENDED. IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE NEW CONTINUOUS ACCELERATION TRANSMISSION (I.E., NO SHIFT). ONCE THE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FELT THE PROBLEM WHEN IT HAPPENED, A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED (APPROX. AT 10,000 MILES). AFTER THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED, WE HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AROUND 15,000 MILES, WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. WE TOOK IT BACK IN FOR REPAIRS, AS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH SUCH A HARD JERKING PROBLEM. THEY TRIED REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER, BUT THAT ALSO DID NOT WORK. WHEN THEY TOLD US THAT THEY WERE GOING TO NEED TO INSTALL ANOTHER NEW TRANSMISSION WE TOLD THEM WE DIDN'T WANT THE CAR ANY LONGER. THE DEALERSHIP WORKED ON OUR BEHALF TO TRY TO GET HELP FROM NISSAN FOR A NEW VEHICLE, BUT WITH VERY LITTLE SUCCESS. FORTUNATELY, OUR DEALERSHIP STILL DID THE RIGHT THING AND WE HAVE A NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2013
THE BEST I CAN DO TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2013 ALTIMA IS TO COMPARE IT TO THE JERKING YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN A STICK SHIFT VEHICLE IF YOU DO NOT CLUTCH AND SHIFT PROPERLY ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP. ONCE I WAS ENTERING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR ACTED AS IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED IT (ST.CLAIR AUTO MALL), THE MECHANIC DROVE IT AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY HE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. WE DROVE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP (SERVICE DEPT.). HE LOOKED UP SOME INFORMATION IN THE COMPUTER, SAID DIAGNOSTICS TESTS WERE RAN BUT THE TEST(S) TURNED UP NOTHING. AND ALSO THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH INDICATING A PROBLEM. SO, FOR THAT REASON NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2013
NOTICED PROBLEM BACK IN JAN. CAR WOULD MAKE A BANGING NOISE & JOLT FORWARD WHEN COASTING TO A STOP. SAME PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS WHEN STOPPING AND GOING TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOP. HAVE TAKE CAR TO DEALER I PURCHASED IT AT 5 TIMES & WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG , THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING. ON JULY 11, 2013 THE TECHNICIAN TOOK THE CAR HOME & THEY FINALLY AND WAS ABLE TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUE WAS REAL AND NOW A NEW TRANSMISSION IS REQUIRED! IN DEC 2012 THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON THE TCM THAT'S WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER RECALL. *TR
Power train, Jun 13, 2013, crash
RESUMING AFTER A STOP THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH. IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THERE WERE SEVERAL STRONG JERKING MOTIONS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THEN WHEN IT FULLY ENGAGED THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED SPEED. I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH REACTION TIME TO BRAKE AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AT THE TIME BUT SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS DONE THE SAME THING STARTING OUT FROM A STOP. IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. I HAVE TO LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT TO AVOID ANOTHER ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 8, 2013
TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP AND AS I WAS ACCELERATING, HAD VIOLENT THUNK AND VIBRATION IN CAR WITH LOSS IF ACCELERATION FOR 1-2 SECONDS. BEFORE AND AFTER THAT, CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCE VIBRATION/SHUDDER AND DECREASED ACCELERATION AT ABOUT 20MPH WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS OR DON'T CONTINUE WITH SAME LEVEL OF ACCELERATION. *TR
Power train, Jun 6, 2013
THE CVT TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUTTER AND VIBRATE AT LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 1200-2000 RPMS. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION 800-343-6913 EXT457206 SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE CASE #'S [XXX] AND [XXX] ON TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THAT NISSAN ENGINEERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE ON SEVERAL WEB SITES. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE 3/26/2013 FROM NISSAN IN REGARDS TO MY COMPLAINT. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT ORLAND PARK NISAN, ORLAND PARK, IL AND HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY REPAIR THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE AND ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE ANSWER IS THEY HAVE DONE THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE BULLETINS SENT TO THEM FROM NISSAN TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER PERFORMING THESE REPAIRS. NISSAN KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO STAND BEHIND THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PRODUCT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2013
TRANSMISSION IS LOCKING UP AT ANY SPEED WHILE COASTING OR DECELERATING,FEELS LIKE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO COME RIGHT OUT OF IT. ON WAY BACK TO DEALERSHIP, IT HAPPENED AT 55MPH GOING AROUND A BEND,AND FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP AND CHIRPED,THIS WAS THE WORSE ONE, IF THIS HAPPENED ON SNOW COVERED ROADS,THERE'S NO DOUBT THAT I WOULD HAVE WENT RIGHT INTO THE DITCH..WE'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR 3WEEKS AND PUT LESS THAN 1500 MILES ON IT.THE CAR STARTED DOING THIS 3 DAYS AGO,TODAY TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP,TOOK SERVICEMAN ON TEST DRIVE AND WITHIN A 1/4 MILE, HE HAD SEEN ENOUGH,WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE CVT TRANSMISSIONS,THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN A TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS!!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 31, 2013
WELL I HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAVE A BAD VIBRATION AND GRINDING NOISE BETWEEN 1,200 AND 1,800 RPM'S WORST AT 1,500. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL. I AM SORRY BUT WHEN A TRANSMISSION IS VIBRATING OR MAKING BAD NOISES LIKE THIS IT HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I BELIEVE THIS IS CONTRIBUTING TO MY VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. ALSO WHILE FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATING I HAVE HAD MY CAR SURGE AND HAVE NO POWER WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND 2 OF THE TIMES I HAD A CAR COME UP ON ME FAST BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAN BE A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. *TR