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: structure
134 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 14, 2015
I BOUGHT A NISSAN ALTIMA NEW IN 2013 AND MY DASH HAS BECOME EXTREMELY STICKY AND SHINY CAUSING A BAD VISIBILITY GLARE IN MY WINDSHIELD WHEN I DRIVE. I CONTACTED NISSAN BUT THEY REFUSED HELP EVEN WITH A PURCHASE OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Aug 27, 2015, crash
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL NOTICE MALFUNCTION HOOD RELEASE WHICH COULD CAUSE A COLLISION. WELL HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER ON AUGUST 9TH, WHO HAD MY PERMISSION TO DRIVE MY CAR SHE BY THE WAY IS 28. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL, HOWEVER MY FRIEND THAT LEASED THE SAME VEHICLE TWO MONTHS PRIOR AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP, WAS NOTIFIED. MY DAUGHTER WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY DOING APPROX. 20 MPH IF THAT WHEN THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE "RELEASED" AND BLEW UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD TO WHERE SHE COULD NOT SEE AT ALL. LUCKILY GOD WAS WITH HER AND SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AS OF TODAY, AUGUST 26TH, COLLISION SHOP STILL SITTING IN THE SAME SPOT THAT IT WAS TOWED TO. OVER 6,000.00 IN DAMAGES FOR A RECALL THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND NISSAN SHOULD BE PRAYING AND FEELING BLESSED THAT THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT AND BELIEVE ME IT WAS HORRIFYING TO SEE THAT PEOPLE WERE NOT KILLED, SHAME ON NISSAN CORPORATION FOR ME NOT RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, SHAME ON NISSAN FOR NOT FIGURING OUT WHEN MY CAR WAS IN FOR SERVICE THAT MY VIN NUMBER SHOWED NOTHING OR IT WAS IGNORED, RECALL NOTICES ARE CONNECTED AUTOMATICALLY TO ANY NUMBERS WHETHER CAR, APPLIANCE, CAR SEATS, ETC., COME ON WE ARE LIVING IN 2015. SHAME ON NISSAN THAT THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT TO THEM TO HELP ME. I HAVE DATES AND RECORDS OF COMMUNICATION AND AM TRYING TO REACH OUT AND TRY TO MAKE THIS PUBLIC HOWEVER I AM AT A STAND STILL AND NEED ADVICE AND HELP, THANK YOU! *TR
Steering, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 27, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM AND TOOK EXIT 10B OFF OF I85 NORTH. WENT TO REACH DOWN TO GET MY COFFEE AND HIT THE GRASS WHICH IN TURN SLUNG ME INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS WRECK DONE 10,000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE STEERING IS VERY TOUCHY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. MY AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK EITHER. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR IN BECAUSE IT DOES ACT RIGHT WHEN YOU ACCELERATE BUT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO TOOK IT IN FOR A LEAK AND THEY TOLD MY IT WASN'T LEAKING IT WAS A 2013 AND IT WAS TO NEW. BUT THERE IS A SPOT IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT PARKS THERE.
Structure, Service brakes, Mar 9, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON MAXWELL ROAD NORTH OF HYNE ROAD IN BRIGHTON, MI. IN PREPARATION TO MAKE A 90 RIGHT HAND TURN TO STAY ON MAXFIELD, I APPLIED THE BRAKES WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE TURN. AFTER DOING SO, THE ABS BRAKES PULSED THE BRAKE PRESSURE REPEATEDLY RENDERING THE BRAKES USELESS. I TRIED TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN, I REALIZED I WAS HEADING AT ~45 RIGHT INTO A TREE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND CUT THE WHEEL AS HARD AS I COULD TO THE LEFT. THE FRONT RIGHT BUMPER AND FENDER HIT THE TREE. I HAD CONSIDERED WRITING A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY AS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE FEARED FOR MY SAFETY AS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP IN A REASONABLE DISTANCE AND I HAVE ALMOST SLID INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, POWER TO THE WHEELS IS CUT MUCH MORE THAN WHAT IS REASONABLE WHEN STARTING ON DAMP OR SNOWY ROADS TO THE POINT THAT I FEAR PULLING OUT ONTO A ROAD AND HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THERE IS NO TRAFFIC FOR OVER A MILE. I BELIEVE THAT THE TUNING OF THE ABS SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS AN ISSUE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THEY ARE TURNED THIS WAY TO PROTECT THE CVT FROM ANY SORT OF IMPULSE DUE TO THE WHEELS SLIPPING AND THEN GRABBING PAVEMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Feb 10, 2015, crash
WIFE WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON OHIO ST RT 125 DOING 40 MPH WHEN A CAR GOING EAST BOUND ON OHIO ST RT 125 ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF HER AND HIT HER HEAD ON BRINGING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP IN JUST A COUPLE FEET. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF . THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK UP. NONE OF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON THIS CAR WORKED DURING THIS HEAD ON COLLISION.... UPDATED 02/19/15 *BF UPDATED 10/28/2015*JS *TR
Structure, Feb 6, 2015
WHILE ACCELERATING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY, THE HOOD BLEW OPEN AND CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. *JS
Structure, Feb 2, 2015
WHILE ACCELERATING AFTER MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA. THE HOOD BENT BACK PAST THE HINGES TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. BECAUSE THE HOOD BENT BACK SO FAR, IT PULLED THE FRAME OF THE CAR UP ON BOTH SIDES. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE SAFELY. HOOD CLOSED AND SEEMS TO LATCH NOW. I DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING POP UP INSIDE THE CAR THAT THE HOOD WAS OPEN. *TR
Structure, Dec 3, 2014
WE PULLED IN TO A GAS STATION AND I REACHED DOWN IN THE DARK TO RELEASE THE FUEL DOOR. MY HUSBAND PUT GAS IN THE CAR AND WE HEADED FOR HOME. SUDDENLY, THE HOOD FLEW UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY BLOCKING MY VIEW AND SCARING THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF US. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT. WHEN WE GOT HOME, UPON INSPECTION, WE FOUND PRETTY EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND SIDE PANELS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WORKS ON OUR CAR AND WAS GIVEN A VERY PRICEY ESTIMATE. I FEEL THAT THE SAFETY ON THE HOOD LOCK SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE ( IT COULD HAPPEN WHEN I HAVE MY BABY GRANDDAUGHTERS IN THE CAR ) AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL. *JS
Structure, Dec 2, 2014
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT AROUND MIDNIGHT.THE HOOD POPPED OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN.FORTUNATELY ,THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN THE FRONT OR REAR.THIS SCARED THE HELL OUT OF US.WE CHECKED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANY SIMILAR INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED.WE FOUND THAT 238,000 NISSA ALTIMA 2013 WERE BEING RECALLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.WE BROUGHT THE MATTER TO THE DEALER,S ATTENTION AS WELL AS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MANUFACTURER.WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THA THE VIN OF OUR VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL.NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.THE HOOD IS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE IT SLAMMED INTO WINDSHIELD WHEN IT POPPED OPEN.WE ARE DEMANDING JUSTICE AND REPAIR OF OUR VEHICLE AND A SAFETY CHECK. *JS
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HOOD SLAMMED UP INTO MY WINDSHIELD BLOCKING MY VIEW OF SIGHT WHILE I WAS GOING 60 MPH. THE LIGHT ON THE CEILING CAME OUT OF THE HOUSING AND HIT ME ON THE HEAD. IT FELT LIKE A BOULDER LANDED ON MY CAR. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO SWERVE SAFELY TWO LANES OVER TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. I THEN EXAMINED THE DAMAGE AND THE HOOD WAS ALL DENTED UP, THE STEEL ON THE FENDERS WAS ALL TORN, AND THE ROOF HAD MAJOR DENTS. I WAS ABLE TO SLAM THE HOOD SHUT, GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND TOOK LOCAL ROADS TO MY DESTINATION. I WAS VERY SHOOK UP BY THE INCIDENT, AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT AS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I FOUND OUT THAT MORNING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OUT BY NISSAN FOR THE HOOD LATCH (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V565000) THAT OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 (APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AND A HALF PRIOR TO MY INCIDENT). TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, MY CAR WAS IN THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON OCTOBER 17, 2014 AND NO ONE MENTIONED THE RECALL TO ME AT THAT TIME EITHER. THAT TIME WAS THE LAST TIME THE HOOD WAS OPENED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT OCCURRING. IT IS BLATANTLY CLEAR THAT NISSAN IS AT FAULT WITH THIS ACCIDENT, THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE 5 TIMES AND HAVE STILL HAD NO RESOLUTION AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME A SPECIALIST IS SUPPOSED TO CALL ME BY THE END OF THE DAY 3 TIMES. I WAS EVEN GIVEN THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONTACT INFORMATION DURING THE 4TH CALL, AND HE FAILS TO REPORT MY CALLS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO TO TRY AND RESOLVE MY ISSUE. I NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP, PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME! *TR
Structure, Nov 3, 2014
THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR THE HOOD LATCH. APPARENTLY, ALL THAT IS DONE IS THEY BEND THE HOOD LATCH. THEREFORE, THERE IS NO MONEY IN IT FOR THE DEALERS AND I CAN'T FIND ONE THAT WILL PERFORM THE WORK. ONE, AUTONATION NISSAN, SAID THEY WOULD DO IT BUT ONLY IF I SCHEDULED OTHER WORK AT THE SAME TIME. I CONTACTED NISSAN, BUT THEY REFUSED TO GET INVOLVED. *TR
Structure, Oct 20, 2014
WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON MY DASH BOARD HAD MELTED DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT WAVE OUTSIDE. *TR
Structure, Oct 13, 2014
DRIVING THE 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30AM, GOING APPROX 10-15 MILES PER HOUR THE HOOD UNEXPECTEDLY FLEW OPEN. THE CAR WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE HOOD CLOSED. THE IMPACT OF THE HOOD FLYING OPEN BENT BACK METAL NEAR THE WINDSHIELD ON BOTH FENDERS AND THE BUMPER WAS SCRAPED HITTING A CURB OR SOMETHING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DUE TO THE EARLY HOUR THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY AS NO OTHER CARS WERE ON THE ROAD. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED 15 MINUTES LATER, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH. PHONE CALLS WERE MADE TO NISSAN AND AS WELL, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COCHRAN NISSAN (DORMONT, PA). IN BOTH INSTANCES WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE HOOD LATCH AND NISSAN WOULD NOT PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS. ODDLY THOUGH, THE DEALERSHIP WAS WILLING TO PROVIDE US A NEW HOOD LATCH AT NO COST (WOULD HAVE TO PAY LABOR TO INSTALL). I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THEIR ADJUSTER CLEARLY FOUND FAULT WITH THE HOOD LATCH AND IN AN UNSCIENTIFIC TEST THAT HE PERFORMED, THE HOOD FAILED 9 OUT OF 9 TIMES. CALLS WERE AGAIN MADE TO NISSAN WITH THIS INFORMATION AND WE WERE TOLD 'SORRY'. THEY WERE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES TO THE HOOD, BOTH FENDERS AND FRONT BUMPER. EVEN THOUGH WE WERE INFORMING THEM OF ALL THE REPORTS WE HAD FOUND ON THE INTERNET OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH 2013 NISSAN ALTIMAS. WE WERE TOLD THAT MOST LIKELY WHAT HAPPENED WAS THE HOOD RELEASE WAS USED INSTEAD OF THE GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE, AS THESE 2 RELEASES ARE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. (DOES SOMEONE SEE ANY FAULT IN THAT?). THE CLAIM FOR APPROX $2700 WENT AGAINST MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND I WAS ISSUED A CHECK FOR $2200 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. GIVEN THE NEWS ON THE RECALL I WILL BE WORKING WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO RECOVER THE $2700. *TR
Structure, Sep 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Structure, Aug 20, 2014
THE INTERIOR, DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM FAILED LEAVING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LOWERING THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW OR CLIMBING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO MILEAGE, ONE WOULD THINK A HIGH USE MECHANISM THAT BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE UPON FAILURE WOULD LAST FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. *TR
Structure, Aug 6, 2014
MY HUSBAND, 9 YEAR OLD, AND I HAD JUST LEFT KROGER LEAVING GATLINBURG, TN AFTER A WEEKS VACATION. WE PULLED ONTO A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. AS THE CAR GOT TO 25-30 MPH THE HOOD JUST FLEW OPEN AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT MY HUSBAND HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR ON THE BUSY HIGHWAY (WE WERE IN THE FAST LANE) AND CLOSE THE HOOD. BOTH SIDE PANELS WERE COMPLETELY DAMAGED (BENT, SCRATCHED, AND CRUMBLED) AND MY HOOD IS ALSO DENTED. WE MADE OUR WAY TO A GAS STATION TO FURTHER INSPECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE LEVER IS PULLED THE HOOD UNLOCKS. HOWEVER, THE SAFETY DOESN'T CATCH. YOU DON'T HAVE TO PUSH THE HATCH. I AM NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR I JUST BOUGHT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN READING STORIES ABOUT NISSAN HAVING THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! HOODS COVERING A WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING IS FAR MORE DANGEROUS THAN AN AIRBAG DEFECT. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jul 27, 2014
OUR CAR HAS DARK INTERIOR WITH A BLACK DASHBOARD. ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DAYS, THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD BECOMES TACKY AND VERY SHINY. WHEN IT IS IN THIS CONDITION, IT AFFECTS MY VISIBILITY. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION OF THE SUN, THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS OFF THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD AND INTO MY EYES. AT TIMES, THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS OFF THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND RESULTS IN A BRIGHT REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD WHICH GREATLY REDUCES VISIBILITY. FROM SEARCHES ON INTERNET, I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. IT APPEARS THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE FORMULATION OF PLASTIC USED FOR DASHBOARDS ON SOME CARS PRODUCED WHICH IS CAUSING AN EXUDATION OF CHEMICALS IN HIGH TEMPERATURES. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS DEFECT HAS NOT ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT, IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT DOES. *JS
Structure, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HOOD INDEPENDENTLY BECAME UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT CLOSED THE HOOD AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE REACHED 70 MPH, THE HOOD ABRUPTLY OPENED AND FLEW INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT HAD TO STICK HIS HEAD OUT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROADWAY AND SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO UNLATCH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE SAFETY LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HOOD, SIDE PANELS AND THE ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,200.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 10, 2014
THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD HAS A VERY SHINY STICKY OIL LIKE SUBSTANCE AT MIGRATES TO AND COATS THE SURFACE CAUSING AN EXTREME GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION, THIS SUBSTANCE OUTGASSES AND CONDENSES ON THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE WINDSHIELD AS A MILKY HAZE WHICH FURTHER INCREASES THE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. THIS CONDITION ALSO AFFECTS THE REAR DECK PLASTIC AS WELL. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF PLASTICIZER, OR AN IMPROPER RATIO WAS USED DURING THE FABRICATION OF THE AFFECTED PARTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE MIGRATION OF THE PLASTICIZER TO THE SURFACE. THE MANUFACTURE IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER, NO FIX OR SOLUTION IS FORTHCOMING. THIS CONDITION IS MOST PREVALENT ON AFFECTED PARTS USED IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS IE; FLORIDA AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE SUBSTANCE CAN NOT BE REMOVED BY CLEANING. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE THRU THE GLARE AND HAZE ON THE WINDSHIELD DURING SUNNY DAYS CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Structure, Jun 11, 2014
DRIVING TO WORK , GOING ABOUT 45 MPH. WITH NO WARNING THE HOOD JUST FLEW UP TO THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS ABLE TO STOP PROMPTLY, AND DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. MY HOOD WAS NOT POPPED OPEN, AND IT WAS NOT JUST THE SAFETY LATCH HOLDING IT, IT JUST POPPED OPEN. I WAS SO LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN ON A BUSY STREET, SO NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED.....HOWEVER 3175.00 DAMAGE TO MY CAR HAD TO BE FIXED. THERE HAS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH... THIS IS MY 4TH ALTIMA, AND I HAVE ALSO WORKED FOR A NISSAN DEALERSHIP....NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE,,,,UNTIL NOW..... *TR
Structure, Jun 11, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE POPPED OPEN, SLAMMING THE HOOD ON THE CAB OF THE CAR OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW. WHEN THE HOOD HIT THE CAB IT PUSHED THE COMPARTMENT, THAT HOLDS SUNGLASSES OUT AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD. THE HOOD WAS SECURELY LATCHED BEFORE DRIVING! THAT DAY I DROVE TO WORK, BACK HOME AND THEN TO THE STORE. IT WAS WHEN I WAS HEADING BACK HOME FROM THE STORE THAT MY HOOD LATCH FAILED THEREFORE SLAMMING IT ONTO THE CAB AND OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO SEE UNDER THE HOOD TO DRIVE OFF THE BUSY HIGHWAY. I LIVE IN NORTH GA THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES ON THAT ROAD WHERE I COULD HAVE DROVE OFF THE ROAD THERE ARE NO GUARD RAILINGS! *TR
Structure, Equipment adaptive/mobility, May 29, 2014
ON MAY 26, 2014 APPROX 9:30AM WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED IN EASTERN PA. IN MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXTREMELY LOUD GUN SHOT TYPE SOUND RIGHT ABOVE THE CAR ROOF. AFTER SLOWING DOWN AND VISIBLY SHAKEN INCLUDING MY 2 OCCUPANTS WE SLOWLY PULLING BACK THE SUNROOF LINER THAT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. IT WAS NOTICED THE ENTIRE SUNROOF HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE CAR ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND TRUNK AREA. THE REMAINING GLASS WAS BULGED OUTWARD LIKE THE GLASS WAS PUSHED OUTWARD FROM INSIDE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION WHATSOEVER OF IMPACT FROM OUTSIDE THE CAR. THE ROOF, TRUNK AND REAR SPOILER WERE COVERED IN SMALL SHARDS OF GLASS WITH MANY NOTICEABLE DEEP SCRATCHES FROM THE GLASS IMPACT. WE STOPPED AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN WILKES BARRE, PA AND SHOWED THE DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM WE JUST ENCOUNTERED. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED AND COVERED THE DAMAGED SUNROOF AND ADVISED US TO DRIVE SLOWLY HOME UNTIL YOU COULD CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY COULD GIVE ME NO REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED OR HAD NEVER HEARD OR SEEN THIS PROBLEM. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHEN I GOT HOME AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. I WAS ADVISED FROM MY DEALERSHIP AFTER THEY CLAIMED THEY CONTACTED NISSAN MOTORS AND THE LOCAL NISSAN AREA REP. THAT THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY REASON WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THEY TOLD ME THEY USUALLY DON'T COVER GLASS BREAKAGE BUT CALLED IT A GOOD WILL GESTURE AND WOULD REPLACE THE SMASHED SUNROOF AT NO CHARGE BUT REFUSED TO FIX THE DAMAGED PAINT THAT WAS CAUSED FROM THE GLASS HITTING THE ROOF, TRUNK AND SPOILER SURFACE. *TR
Structure, May 23, 2014
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 30MPH, WITH MY SIX MONTH-OLD BABY IN THE BACK SEAT, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I NARROWLY AVOIDED LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DESPITE HAVING MY VIEW COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED BY THE PRESENCE OF THE HOOD ON THE WINDSHIELD. EVIDENTLY, I HAD ACCIDENTALLY PULLED THE INTERIOR HOOD RELEASE WHILE REFUELING BEING THAT THE HOOD RELEASE AND GAS GAGE RELEASE ARE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. NEVERTHELESS, AS I AM CERTAIN YOU ARE AWARE, THE SECONDARY LATCH SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED SUCH A NEARLY TRAGIC SEQUENCE OF EVENTS. AS A RESULT OF THE HOOD COLLIDING WITH THE WINDSHIELD, THE VEHICLE HAS SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2014
WHEN I GOT IN THE ALTIMA THE HOOD WAS SECURELY LATCHED. WHEN I HIT 25MPH THE HOOD FLEW UP, BLOCKING MY WINDSHIELD AND PREVENTING ME FROM SEEING. *TR
Structure, Mar 3, 2014
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND JUST STOPPED AT A LIGHT. I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN AND WHEN THE CAR REACHED ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND COULD NOT SEE OUT MY WINDSHIELD. I REALIZED THAT MY HOOD JUST OPENED AND SLAMMED INTO MY WINDSHIELD. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT THE TIME GOING TWICE THE SPEED. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT OPEN THE HOOD. THE NIGHT IT HAPPENED I OPENED THE HOOD WITH THE LATCH IN MY CAR WENT OUTSIDE AND JUST PULLED MY HOOD OPEN NO SAFETY LATCH ENGAGED WHEN I LEFT THE DEALER I DID THE SAME THING AND COULD NOT OPEN THE HOOD AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX IT. NOW I HAVE TO TALK TO SOMEONE FROM CORPORATE BECAUSE THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. *TR