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, Nov 4, 2022
CVT Failure yes it is available for inspection at this time. I was driving down Massachusetts Route 114 and slowed as approaching a traffic light the car shook and sputtered and shut off and could not get it to move as cars behind me were speeding up behind me the car would start again but shut off when placed in gear could not move from the middle of the road. Yes my safety and the people speeding up behind me were at risk. The dealer has confirmed that the CVT transmission has failed this is a known Nissan problem. No warning until the time it happened the engine light came on as it died. Nissan should be required to recall this known part failure instead of placing lives in danger.
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, while slowing the vehicle for traffic ahead, the vehicle started to shake with the steering wheel jerking to the left and the right. The contact was able to slow the vehicle however, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failure occurred constantly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT transmission and front and rear suspension needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the drive train and bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Power train, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while his son was driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering significantly and the parking brake engaged independently, which locked the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times the same day. The son was able to restart the vehicle on each occasion. However, the failure persisted and the contact's son could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) software needed to be updated. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) module was replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who reprogrammed the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) module. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while at a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled and vibrated, and then lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then restarted the vehicle and drove to her destination; however, the vehicle lost motive power again. The vehicle remained at the location for a day; the contact then returned and noticed the transmission fluid had drained out onto the ground. The local mechanic confirmed the transmission fluid leak. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer out of town and diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission was repaired by another mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Power train, Air bags, Jul 9, 2022
1) Driver’s side airbag warning light is on all the time, constant red. 2) Transmission shift lever would not move out of park and had to be replaced @ 115,000 at a cost of $954. 3) The transmission failed and had to be replaced at 118,000 at a cost of $4,500. When I contacted Nissan about these issues, I was told that there was nothing they could do.
Power train, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle then lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Power train, Jun 17, 2022
I own a 2013 Nissan Altima SV with about 70,000 miles. It had an extended warranty, that expired late May 2021 and started have problems thereafter. The CVT transmission would cause the car to lunge and stall when shifting from park. The car would stall once you backed out onto the road. Several times at a busy traffic signal, the car would lunge forward, even though you had your foot on the brake. I had the car towed to the local dealer after the first incident. They kept the car about 4 days, but mainly worked on the recalls. They said, nothing showed up on diagnostic. However, I drove my car south about 1000 miles and the situation became worse. Made an appointment, at the local dealership and drove my car there. Within 1 hour, the service guy stated I needed a new transmission, a $5,600 repair. It was mentioned that I may want to contact Nissan about the situation. By reading many reviews, this is a serious problem that Nissan should fix. s
Power train, May 16, 2022
I key system error. Engine control module malfunction. Car loses power when accelerating, not safe when driving on road. Car will not start up at times.
Power train, Apr 25, 2022
I was driving on a road that is 40 mph. I was getting close to a stop light that had been red and cars had not moved yet once the light turned greened. I started pressing my brake to slow down and my cars emergency brake came on by itself and I got stuck in the middle of the road. My cars brake light and battery light came ln and the car was stuck- could not change gears or drive . I had to turn the car on and off five or six times in order for it to finally I brake itself and let me drive very slowly. Got the car checked by two auto shops, one was Nissan and the other David’s Auto repair Service . David’s said code P17F1 and I would need a new transmission. Nissan said it was my battery , got my battery changed and the car kept doing the same thing , got inspected again by Nissan and they also got the same code and said I would need a new transmission. My car only has 107k miles - no other issues prior to this. I cannot drive my car now because it judders and brakes itself and it’s dangerous to drive
Power train, Apr 12, 2022
CVT- erratic shifting, shuddering .The same well known problems that Nissan knows about.
Power train, Mar 21, 2022
While driving, the vehicle began to make a loud noise followed by shuddering. It was taken to the dealership and a code was returned that indicated a transmission failure. This same CVT Transmission was replaced in August 2017 and has been driven only 23,000 more. While Nissan is aware that their transmissions are defective, they offer no assistance outside of the limited warrant that only lasts 3 years. No warning light appeared.
Power train, Mar 16, 2022
Transmission shifter would not come out of park have put new transmission fluid in this car twice in 112,000 miles Had to replace whole shifter assembly 1300.00 been warned this CVS TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED EVERYONE INCLUDING DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD AND NEED TO CHANGE FLUID AND FLUSH EVERY 30,000 miles now … 300.00 to do it !!!! I’ve owned 3 Nissans never had anything like this
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
Power train, Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, after several attempts the vehicle failed to start-up. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the transmission fluid; however, while the contact was driving home, the failure recurred without warning. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Jan 18, 2022
Known issue of cvt transmission needs replaced... original owners did not receive notification and was denied warranty when presented the issue
Power train, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jerked and would no longer accelerate properly. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the transmission was previously replaced for the same failure, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 97,722.
Power train, Oct 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the gear shifter would remain stuck in the park position and a screwdriver was used to unlock the gear shift lever. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shift actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Power train, Oct 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that soon after the restart, the vehicle again stalled without warning. She also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while in reverse with an abnormal, clunking sound coming from the engine. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and then seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a storage garage. The contact called and notified the local dealer about the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2021
Gear shift got stuck in park one day at grocery store. When trying to shift out of park the gear shift will not shift. We had to engage the shift override button using a screwdriver. This is dangerous because having the shift override button exposed makes it easy for anyone to shift the car out of park accidentally. We plan to take the vehicle to a dealer on 10/1/2021 to have it inspected. Second issue : low beam headlights are very dim not bright at all making it difficult to see at night without using my high beams which is dangerous to myself and other drivers.
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
When trying to shift out of park the gear shift will not shift. We have had to engage the shift override button using a screw driver. From what we have researched online it has happened to many people with a 2014 Nissan Altima. This is dangerous because having the shift override button exposed makes it easy for anyone to shift the car out of park accidentally and without mashing the break to do so. We have had this inspected by a mechanic and it was going to cost over $1000 because we would have to have the entire shift assembly replaced rather than just the part affected by this issue.
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Sep 25, 2021
Steering it’s heavy A/C stop working it self Airbag check light on dashboard
Power train, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward. The vehicle then would return to normal function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 74,300.
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