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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 31, 2013
WELL THE MAIN SELLING POINT ON THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY WERE TOP IN MPG'S WITH 27 CITY AND 38 HIGHWAY. AFTER A WEEK OR SO I NOTICED THAT MY MPG AVERAGE IS NO MORE THAN 23.1. AND THAT WAS WITH MORE THAN 50% TRAVEL ON HIGHWAYS WITH NO TRAFFIC(NEVER WENT UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT). I FIGURED IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT BEING NEW AND IT WOULD AVERAGE OUT BETTER LATER. SO AFTER 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR I TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS JUST BECAUSE EVERY DRIVER AVERAGES DIFFERENT AND I KEPT SAYING BUT I AM NOT EVEN GETTING CLOSE TO THE 27 CITY AND I DRIVE MORE HIGHWAY. BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AND THEY RESET THE AVERAGE CALCULATOR. AFTER A WEEK IT WAS WORSE THAN IT WAS BEFORE AND I WAS BRINGING IT BACK FOR MY MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH THIS CAR. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS AND FINALLY TOLD ME THAT WHILE THEY HAD IT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THAT MY AIR FUEL RATIO SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THEY REPLACED IT AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE FIX. I HAVE PUT ABOUT A TANKS WORTH OF MILEAGE ON IT SINCE AND I AM GETTING UNDER 23 MPG STILL. EITHER SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH MY CAR OR NISSAN IS LYING ABOUT THE MPG'S AND YES I GET THAT THEY ARE PRESENTED BY THE EPA BUT NISSAN DOES THE TEST FIRST THEN SENDS IT TO THE EPA AND THEN THE EPA TESTS LATER ON. EITHER WAY THE MPG'S ARE WRONG AND I DRIVE TO TRY TO GET THE BEST MPG'S I DON'T EVEN GO OVER 2,000 RPM'S UNLESS GOING UP HILL. WHICH BRINGS ME TO THE VIBRATION FROM THE TRANS. BUT THAT'S IN ANOTHER COMPLAINT. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I CHOSE THIS OVER THE HONDA ACCORD JUST FOR THE MPG'S. *TR
Power train, May 30, 2013
RPM DROPS SUDDENLY FROM 1200RPM TO 800RPM IN 20-30MPH SPEED LEVEL AND VEHICLE BOUNCES WITH BANG SOUNDS AT TRANSMISSION AREA. WHEN I FEEL CAR LOOSENING THE POWER AT LOW SPEED DRIVING BY DROPPING RPM GAUGE, I HAVE TO PRESS BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR TO KEEP VEHICLE'S RPM SAFE LEVEL TO RUN THE CAR. THIS IS VERY NERVOUS THING. THIS PROBLEM HAVE HAPPENED SINCE MIDDLE OF MARCH AND WENT TO CAR DEALER TO CHECK THIS POINT. BUT THEY SAID NO PROBLEM IN MY CAR. I WILL VISIT AGAIN NEXT WEEK FOR THIS ISSUE. I FOUND MANY OF CASES THIS IN NISSAN ALTIMA FORUM AND OTHER SITES, ALL OWNER COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS BUT NISSAN DID NOT REPLY ANY YET FOR THIS. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM RELATED WITH SAFETY ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/VEHICLE-SHUDDER-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR
Power train, May 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *TR
Power train, May 16, 2013
VEHICLE STUTTERS AND VIBRATES AT LOWER SPEEDS. ALSO THEIR IS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES SINCE MARCH. ALL 3 TIMES I WAS TOLD IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR THE CAR. I READ ONLINE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2013
WHEN COASTING FROM A LOW SPEED (45-55) TO NEAR STOP THE TRANSMISSION "LOCKS UP" WHILE NOWSHIFTING. THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LOCKS UP, SO BAD THAT IT FEELS LIKE YOU'VE HIT SOMETHING. THE STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO AFFECTED TO THE BRUTE FORCE. NISSAN ISSUED A MANDATORY RECALL TRANSMISSION REPROGRAM WHICH I PROMPTLY HAD DONE TO THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, JUST THIS FRIDAY, 5/3/13, THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN DID THIS. BOTH TIMES I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ON BACK ROADS WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT IN THE WRONG CONDITIONS (ICE/SNOW/RAIN) OR WHEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS COMING COULD GET SOMEONE KILLED. I CAN'T EXPLAIN JUST HOW VIOLENT THE DOWNSHIFT IS, OTHER THAN TO SAY THE FIRST TIME MY 6 YEAR OLD BEGAN CRYING IN THE REAR SEAT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT WE WRECKED, AND THAT THE 2ND TIME MY CELL PHONE WAS JARRED FROM A VERY RUGGED CRADLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 29, 2013
THERE IS A SHUTTERING VIBRATION IN DRIVE TRAIN WHEN ENGINE IS AT 1500 RPM AND GOING UP AN INCLINE. EVENTUALLY IT IS GOING TO CAUSE LOOSING OF BOLTS AND CAUSE CRASH. *TR
Power train, Apr 20, 2013
THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS VIBRATING VIOLENTLY FROM 1200~1800 RPM WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING DRIVING. SUCH VIBRATION ALSO COMPROMISES THE MILEAGES THAT NISSAN HAS DECLARED THEREFORE MORE GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSION FOR SAME MILES. MANY 2013 ALTIMA OWNERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING IN FORUMS SUCH AS EDMUNDS, CARS.COM AND ETC. IT IS A MECHANICAL DESIGN FLAW THE COULD SEVERELY JEOPARDIZE THE CAR AND HURT THE PEOPLE IN IT THOUGH NISSAN NEVER ADMIT IT OR FIX IT IN THE PAST ONE YEAR. I SINCERELY REQUEST NHTSA TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Mar 31, 2013
AFTER THE FIRST CAR WITH 2000MILES AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF IN THE ACCIDENT SO WENT BOUGHT ANOTHER NEW ONE THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON IN 70 MILES SO PUT A NEW SEAT FROM ANOTHER CAR NISSAN DID NOT HAVE A NEW SEAT NO THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THE CAR HAS A VIBERATION THAT NISSAN CANT FIX NEED TO STOP SELLING LEMONS. *TR
Power train, Mar 27, 2013
I HAVE A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SV WITH 10800 MILES ON IT. ABOUT 5000 MILES AGO BEGAN TO HEAR AND FEEL VIBRATION WITH ACCELERATION. NOISE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID THE ISSUE WAS COMING FROM THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SERPENTINE BELT AND THE TENSIONER. VIBRATION IS CURRENTLY BETTER BUT CONCERNED THIS IS JUST A SHORT TERM SOLUTION. I THINK NISSAN NEEDS TO PUT A RECALL OUT AND FIND A LONG TERM SOLUTION. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 17, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 3/8/2013 AS BRAND NEW WITH 24 MILES ON IT. 7 DAYS LATER WHEN STARTING UP THE MOTOR THE ENGINE STRUGGLED TO CATCH OR START RUNNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. WILL BE CONTACTING NISSAN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR HAVING A WEEK OLD "NEW" CAR. STILL WAITING FOR RESPONSE FROM DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2013
ABNORMAL TRANSMISSION GRINDING / LUGGING NOISE OF THE TRANSMISSION AT LOW RPM (1200-1600). NISSAN CLAIMS NOISE IS AS DESIGNED. HOW IS GRINDING NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH A CAR THAT HAS 3000 MILES NORMAL? AGAIN NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL. 1800-343-6913 EXT. [XXX] CASE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.
Power train, Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Mar 2, 2013
WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE STARTER WOULD KEEP CRANKING AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE START BUTTON, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT ALSO THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE VERY HARD TO LOCK IN DO TO THE RECEIVER END PUSHES DOWN INTO THE SEAT WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A FEW PROBLEMS THE LOW END RATTLES AND SHAKES AND 45 AND ABOVE THERE IS A WINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT SOUNDS LIKE A BAD ALT BEARING OR TRANS PROBLEM IT GETS LOUDER THE FASTER YOU GO VERY ANNOYING WITH TODAY TECHNOLOGY THESE PROBLEMS AND THIS IS JUST A FEW IS A BIG STEP BACK FOR NISSAN NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER JUST BROKE 6000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 27, 2013
CVT TRANSMISSION SHUTTER, WHILE DRIVING FROM STOP TO GO, CAR FELT IT WAS GOING TO STALL, LIKE WHEN TURNING LEFT IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2013
PURCHASED A NEW 2013 ALTIMA SEDAN 3.5SL IN NOVEMBER 2012. AT APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE KICKING IN AND ACCELERATING (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND ATTEMPTED TO START IN 4TH GEAR). THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE. ADDITIONALLY, OFTEN WHILE ACCELERATING THE RPMS WILL DROP SIGNIFICANTLY AND THE CAR WILL SHUDDERS BEFORE KICKING BACK IN AND ACCELERATING. LASTLY, ON OCCASION, WHILE DECELERATING, THE CAR WILL JERK HARSHLY (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND SHIFTING INTO TOO LOW A GEAR FOR THE SPEED). TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE 2/6/2013 AND THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME SHE HADN'T HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT SHE WOULD OPEN A TICKET. CALLED BACK TO NISSAN CORPORATE 2/27/2013 TO FOLLOW UP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY PREVIOUS TICKET HAD BEEN CLOSED. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2013
STARTED TO DRIVE FROM A PARK POSITION I WAS GOING ALREADY AROUND 15-20 MPH BEFORE TRANSMISSION KICKED INTO GEAR. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2013
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED I WAS AT A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN STARTED TO MOVE WHEN I FELT A PULL BACK ON THE CAR AND THEN CAR SHOT FORWARD. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2013
PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 2 MILES. AT 4500 MILES, HEAT GAUGE INDICATED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE TEMPERATURE. DROVE 2 MILES TO A SERVICE STATION, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD, ANTI-FREEZE WAS SPRAYED EVERYWHERE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER INSPECTED, AND SAID THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER PERFORMED PRESSURE TESTS, AND SAID THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jan 29, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ALL OF A WEEK. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE FIRST IS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS "OFF" WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEATS. SHE IS AN ADULT, HEIGHT ABOUT 5' 2" AND WEIGHS APPROX. 120 LBS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. CALLS TO NISSAN ARE A WASTE OF TIME AT THIS POINT AS I'M TOLD NOTHING ABOUT HOW THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION, AT ABOUT 1200-1500 RPM THERE IS A VIBRATION AND ITS VERY NOISY. IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO DIE OUT. THE OTHER ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR OF WHICH THERE ARE A FEW ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFETY RELATED SO I WONT POST THEM HERE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE ARE BETTER AND SAFER CHOICES OUT THERE. CHOOSE WISELY. *TR
Power train, Jan 22, 2013
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FIVE TIMES FOR DIFFERENT THINGS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. MAIN PROBLEM REPORTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE IS MY TRANSMISSION. BETWEEN 20-50 MPH AND 1000-2500 RPM THE CAR WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND LOSE POWER. I HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL HARDER TO GET THE CAR TO STOP SHUDDERING AND PICK UP ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN TOW REAR END COLLISIONS B/C OF THE LOSE OF POWER AND SHUDDERING. NISSAN STATES THAT I MUST WAIT FOR A REPROGRAMMING FIX. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE TO SACRIFICE MY SAFETY? TOTALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE OWNED 3 PREVIOUS NISSAN PRODUCTS WITH NO PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2013
WHEN ACCELERATING GENTLY OR DECELERATING YOU CAN HEARD A RUMBLING AND VIBRATION NOISE. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER 20 DAYS OF DRIVING, WHILE STOPPED, A STRANGE VIBRATION WAS EMITTED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,333. UPDATED 03/13/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIMED THE VIBRATION. ON THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER THE GENERAL MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED TO BUY A NEW MAXIMA OR ALTIMA. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. THE VIBRATION ONLY WORSENED CAUSING A THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/28/2013 *JS
Power train, Jan 4, 2013
BROUGHT CAR IN TO DEALER FOR A RECALL THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LOUDER AND RATTLED ON ACCELERATION. PROCEEDED TO GET WORSE BY THE DAY. BROUGHT TO DEALER ON WEDNESDAY AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2012
SINCE BUYING THE CAR NEW, THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION/SHUDDER COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN SLOWLY ACCELERATING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE PROBLEM TWICE AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH A TECH HAS HEARD THE VIBRATION WHILE RIDING WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE POWERTRAINS THAT ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY SHOULD NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. *TR
Power train, Dec 16, 2012
APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2013 ALTIMA 3.5 S THE CAR DEVELOPED A SHUDDER AND VIBRATION WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY. IT ALSO OCCURRED GOING UP SMALL HILLS, AND WHEN I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN PULL OFF (FOR INSTANCE AT A RED LIGHT). AFTER NOTICING THIS, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER, AND WE DID A TEST DRIVE IN HOPES OF MIMICKING THE ISSUE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A CVT ENGINE, AND THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I WASN'T QUITE CONVINCED, BUT I WANTED TO TRUST HIS OPINION, SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME DRIVING A CAR WITH A CVT ENGINE. HOWEVER, A FEW WEEKS PASSED AND THE SHUDDER AND VIBRATION GOT WORSE. THE CAR EVEN JERKED FORWARD ONCE WHEN I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. THIS PROMPTED ME TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER VISIT WITH THE DEALER. THIS TIME THE SAME MECHANIC FROM THE FIRST VISIT AND THE MANAGER RODE ALONG WITH ME. DURING THIS TEST DRIVE THE MANAGER FELT THE SUDDEN SHUDDER, ONCE WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SLIGHTLY ACCELERATED. THIS PROMPTED THEM TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION, NOT EVEN 30 DAYS AFTER MY PURCHASE. I PICKED MY CAR UP FROM THE DEALER ON 12/7/12 AFTER THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR DROVE PERFECTLY FINE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT NOW THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED THE SAME SHUDDER AND VIBRATION EVEN MORE NOW. I WILL BE CALLING FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TOMORROW, BECAUSE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU HAVE ANOTHER CAR RIDING DIRECTLY BEHIND YOU. *TR ## VIN FAILED