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: suspension
289 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Feb 19, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 35 MPH. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR STARTED TO SWAY AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OK. I STARTED TO DRIVE AND AS I GOT UP TO 20 MPH IT STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 18, 2020
MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BROKEN CORRODED REAR WHEEL SUSPENSION LINK. THE LOWER ARM BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLIDE ALMOST LIKE I WAS DRIVING IN ICEY CONDITIONS, HOWEVER THE ROADS WERE CLEAR. THE ANTI SKID SENSOR ALSO LIT UP ON THE VEHICLE CONTROL PANEL. ONCE I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, I COULD SEE THE REAR WHEEL ARM WAS BROKEN, CAUSING THE TIRE TO LEAN HEAVILY TO THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP IN WHICH I WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL P9324. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT A LOCAL NISSAN REPAIR SHOP TO GET THE REPAIRS FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. I FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATION AND CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN REPAIR SHOP. AFTER TALKING WITH A TECHNICIAN, HE CONFIRMED THEIR WAD A RECALL AND I MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED THERE. SINCE THEN I WAS TOLD BY THE SAME SHOP THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT FALLS UNDER THE RECALL. I RESEARCHED THE RECALL AND FOUND THAT NISSAN IS CAMPAIGNING TO ALERT 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS LOCATED IN COLD WEATHER STATES OF THE MALFUNCTIONING PART DO TO CORROSION FROM SALT USED IN SNOW REMOVAL. I LIVE IN MINNESOTA AND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MINNESOTA. THE EXACT PART THE NISSAN IS CAMPAIGNING TO BE REPLACED HAS BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION, HOWEVER, NISSAN REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIR COSTS AND CLAIMS MY VEHICLE DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL. I DO BELIEVE THIS BROKEN PART CAUSES A SAFETY RISK AS IT OCCURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THE DAMAGE AFFECTED MY ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AS THE REAR END WAS SWERVING DUE TO THE TIRE BECOMING DETACHED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION.
Suspension, Jan 29, 2020
I WAS DRINKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO THE CITY STREET I DON'T BELIEVE I HIT ANYTHING. AS I WAS DRIVING I HEARD A SCRAPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR AREA OF MY CAR AS I PROCEEDED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. AS I WAS IN MOTION GOING HOME I FELT THE CAR DRIVING A BIT DIFFERENT LIKE I WAS DRIVING WITH A FLAT TIRE. I STOPPED GOT OUT CHECKED MY TIRES EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. I CONTINUED ON SLOWLY AND QUIETLY TO LISTEN TO MY CAR THIS TIME I FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS DRIVING OFF TRACK LIKE MY STEERING WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT BUT MY CAR WAS SLOWLY GOING A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. AS I MADE IT HOME I PARKED AND LOOKED AT MY CAR AGAIN FROM EVERY ANGLE THIS TIME I NOTICED THE PROBLEM. MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS GOING FACING INWARD. I LOOK UNDER MY CAR FROM THE BACK AND I NOTICE SOMETHING WAS HANGING LIKE A PIPE.
Suspension, Jan 22, 2020
I WAS DRIVING, CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL, HEARD LOUD NOISE GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER CAR AND CONTROL ARM WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. LUCKILY I WASNT ON THE HIGHWAY OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Jan 7, 2020
MADE A RIGHT TURN AT THE INTERSECTION AFTER STOPPING FOR THE RED LIGHT FELT LIKE THE CAR HIT A CHUCK HOLE BUT DIDN'T SEE NO CHUCK HOLE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY HAD TROUBLE CONTROLLING VEHICLE MANAGED TO PULL OVER IN A PARKING LOT AND NOTICE THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS AT AN ANGLE HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE WE FOUND THE LEFT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD BROKE OFF FROM ITS PIVOT POINT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED ON THE SAME PIVOT POINT
Suspension, Jan 6, 2020
DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET 30MPH. CAR STARTED PULLING BACK AND FORTH. WAS ABLE TO SLOW CAR AND GUIDE IT INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. GLAD I WASN'T ON FASTER ROADS AS TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL COULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. ONCE PARKED I GOT OUT TO EXAMINE VEHICLE AND REAR DRIVER SIDE WAS SITTING VERY LOW ON THE WHEEL. LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND SAW LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKEN APART.
Suspension, Jan 1, 2020
REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE. LEFT BACK DRIVER SIDE. RUSTED AND BROKE.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 31, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, EXITED THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NISSAN OF CANTON (42175 MICHIGAN AVE, CANTON, MI 48188, (734) 392-8248) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER CONTROL ARM AND SUBFRAME WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA19002. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 38269408. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,751.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE DRIVER'S LOWER CONTROL ARM ALSO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V490000 (STEERING AND SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE TWO OPEN INVESTIGATIONS REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM (NHTSA ACTION NUMBERS: EA19002 (SUSPENSION) AND PE18013 (SUSPENSION)). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Suspension, Dec 16, 2019
REAR CONTROL ARMS PRONE TO EXTREME CORROSION. TO THE POINT THE ALREADY PAPER THIN METAL IS BREAKING UNDER NORMAL STRESS. BOTH INSTANCES OCCURRED IN A DRIVEWAY WITH VEHICLE IN REVERSE.
Suspension, Dec 15, 2019
THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM SNAPPED OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN MOTION RESULTING IN TOEING IN OF TIRE. BOTH JEFF SCHMITT NISSAN OF DAYTON AND NISSAN CORPORATE WERE UNCLEAR ON HOW TO RE-MEDIATE THE ISSUE AND WHAT WOULD BE COVERED FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH A CAMPAIGN WAS POSTED ON NISSANASSIST.COM. NISSAN ALSO MENTIONED THAT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE POSSIBLE COSTS TO BE INCURRED (UPWARDS OF $2,000 FOR ESTIMATE), I HAD TO PERSONALLY REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS (LEFT WAS ABOUT TO SEPARATE AT ANY MOMENT), AND SWAY BAR LINKS.
Suspension, Traction control system, Dec 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, IT FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP AND THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERTERA NISSAN (888-380-7759, LOCATED AT 569 OXFORD ST S RTE 20, AUBURN, MA 1501) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
Suspension, Dec 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FIANCE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A MINOR POTHOLE, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. WHEN THE DRIVER ARRIVED HOME, THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Dec 7, 2019
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED MOVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY AUTO MECHANIC. THE ISSUE WAS A BROKEN REAR RIGHT CONTROL ARM. THE CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR.
Suspension, Dec 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CRACKING NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GRAFF NISSAN OF OKEMOS (1728 W GRAND RIVER AVE, OKEMOS, MI 48864, (517) 679-8900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA19002. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 36460515. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,473.
Suspension, Dec 3, 2019
DRIVER REAR LOWER ARM CONTROL BROKE AT THE CENTER BOLT. CAR SWERVED AND WHEEL WAS UNSTABLE ON THE PA TURNPIKE AT 70 MPH.
Suspension, Dec 3, 2019
I DRIVING WITH MY SIN IN THE CAR.WE TURNED THE CORNER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER MY CAR WAS DRIVING WOBBLY! I GOT OUT CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. MY WHOLE REAR WAS RUSTED OUT AND MY TIRE WAS DETECTED FROM THE BAR UNDER THE CAR! IT WAS JUST HANGING (THE LEFT REAR TIRE) IN THE AIR. MY HUSBAND TOOK A PICTURE SENT TO A MECHANIC FRIEND. HE SAID THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DETECTED!! WHEN I CALL A DEALER SHIP NEAR BY HE HAD A CAR AT HIS SHOP WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE NISSAN ALTIMA TOO!! SHE WAS TRYING TO CALL NISSAN ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD HIM THEY WILL CALL HIM BACK. I'VE SEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY SAME ISSUE AS I BEGIN TO RESEARCH. MY SO AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR COULD HAVE DIED IF WE WERE GOING FASTER. I CALL NISSAN ABOUT IT AND THEY SEEN TO UNCONCERNED. I TOLD THEM I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A ON GOING PROBLEM THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT AND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE! I HAVE TOWEL MY CAR THERE AND PAY TO GET IT FIX BUT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR MY COST. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT NEED TO BE RECALLED.
Suspension, Dec 2, 2019
THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM OR LOWER SPRING LINK FRACTURED WHILE BACK THE VEHICLE OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. MOMENTS BEFORE THE ISSUE WAS TRAVELING 25 MILES ON THE FREEWAY IN RAIN AND SLEET. STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE'S BACK END FELT LOOSE. POOR CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER INCIDENT. NO INDICATIONS BEFORE THE FAILURE. NO KNOCKING OR TROUBLE STEERING. ATTEMPTED TO TIGHTEN LUG NUTS AND WAS ABLE TO SWIVEL THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BACK AND FORTH.
Suspension, Dec 2, 2019
AFTER A TURN ONTO A MAIN ROAD IN THE TOWN OF HENRIETTA NY THE STABILITY WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY HAD TO BE 20 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT TO GO STRAIGHT. AFTER GETTING OF THE ROAD IN A SAFE PARKING LOT I NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TIPPED TOWARD THE RIGHT AND TIPPED IN ABOUT 15 DEGREES AT THE TOP RIDING VERY HIGH IN THE WHEEL WELL. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR I COULD SEE SOME PIECE OF THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION METAL HANGING DOWN. THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 65 MPH! THE NISSAN DEALER ADVISED BECAUSE OF AGE AND MILEAGE [ABOUT 90,000] THIS WOULD NOT BE A "COVERED" REPAIR EVEN THOUGH I WAS AWARE OF A NISSAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN [NOT A RECALL] TO HAVE THE OWNERS OF SOME 212,000 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA'S BRING THEIR CARS IN FOR REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM [SPRING BUCKETS] REPLACMENT AT NO CHARGE. IT WAS FOUND THAT IN THE 22 STATES THAT USE ROAD SALT THESE PARTS WERE DEVELOPING CRACKS DUE TO RUST AND CRACKING. I WASH MY CAR FREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE SO I BELIEVE THIS IS AN INHERENT DESIGN/ENGINEERING DEFECT. IN 2018 NISSAN REDESIGNED THIS PART TO MITIGATE THIS ISSUE.
Suspension, Nov 29, 2019
2 DAYS AGO PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY HEARD A LOUD POP, GOT OUT AND NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS CANTED, AND THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY RESTING ON THE TIRE. LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR TO FIND THE LEFT REAR LOWER LINK HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN. TOOK PICTURES OF SAME. NISSAN ADVISES A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON 2013 NISSAN ALTIMAS FOR REAR LOWERING LINKS RUSTING OUT IN STATES THAT USE SALT IN THE WINTER, HOWEVER THEY SAY MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THIS PARTICULAR BATCH DOESN'T HAVE THE ISSUE. I WOULD SAY THE PHYSICAL AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE ARE CONTRARY TO THAT OPINION. I AM IN IOWA WHERE THEY USE SALT. MY FAMILY WAS JUST IN THIS CAR LAST WEEK DRIVING TO LAS VEGAS FROM IOWA. WHERE SPEED LIMITS ARE 80 MPH, CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE OUTCOME HAD THIS OCCURRED AT 80 MPH IN A MOUNTAIN PASS, LOOK AT THE PICTURES, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AND DEADLY. HOW MANY TIMES DOES THIS HAVE TO BE DOCUMENTED? PEOPLE DO NOT ASSUME A WHEEL COULD COME OFF OF A 6 YR OLD CAR, THEY TEND TO TRUST 6 YR OLD CARS.
Suspension, Nov 27, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN A SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL PULL TO THE RIGHT, ALMOST AS IF MY CAR WAS OUT OF ALIMENT. IT FELT AS IF I WAS DRIVING ON SNOW, MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. I STARTED DRIVING IT TO MECHANIC WHEN IT STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING, IT FELT AS IF THE BACK END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. MY MECHANIC WENT TO TAKE IT INTO THE BAY AND CAME OVER TO GET ME. IT DIDN'T MAKE INTO THE BAY AND HE WAS SHOCKED WHEN HE REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HE SAID THE CONTROL ARM ON THE REAR WAS SO RUSTED OUT THAT IT JUST SNAPPED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LEAN IN TOWARDS THE INSIDE OF REAR. HE STATED I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY I WASN'T DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS SNAPPED. I WAS DRIVING IT DOWN A STRAIGHT SMOOTH ROAD AT 30 MILES AN HOUR.
Suspension, Nov 20, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE A BANG OR CRACK AND MY STEERING BECAME WOBBLY AND UNWIELDY. I PULLED OVER TO SEE IF I HAD A PUNCTURED TIRE OR SOMETHING AND FOUND THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY VEHICLE HAD SNAPPED AND WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED.
Suspension, Nov 14, 2019
ON MONDAY , NOVEMBER 11TH 2019, AT AROUND 7 AM . I WAS DRIVING TO WORK NORTHBOUND ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT A LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY FRONT END . SWERVING RIGHT AND LEFT , MY QUICK REACTION TIME, THE DRY CONDITIONS AND LUCK OF HAVING NOONE AROUND ME AT THE TIME SAVED ME FROM AN ACCIDENT. I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE CAR , I FOUND THAT MY RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED FROM THE FRAME (BUSHING) . I CONTACTED AAA AND WAS TOWED OVER 35 MILES BACK HOME . I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED BOTH MY LOCAL DEAL AND NISSAN CORPORATE. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING A RESPONSE BACK FROM CORPORATE. I PLAN ON TOWING THE CAR TO SAID DEALER ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH.
Suspension, Nov 13, 2019
CAR WAS MAKING A FUNNY NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY NOTICED REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED AT THE JOINT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. AFTER LOOKING IT UP ONLINE I SEE THAT OTHERS ARE COMPLAINING OF CORROSION ISSUES AND THAT NHTSA IS LOOKING INTO IT.
Suspension, Nov 13, 2019
WHILE GETTING A NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH MY REAR CONTROL ARMS WERE EITHER CRACKED OR WOULD BREAK SOON. THE MANAGER INFORMED ME OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF A CONTROL ARM FAILING WHILE DRIVING, SO WITHOUT HESITATION I HAD BOTH OF THEM REPAIRED IN ORDER TO PASS INSPECTION. THE MANAGER AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP HAD RECOMMENDED TO GET BOTH SIDES REPAIRED BECAUSE HE HAD SEEN DOZENS OF CARS OF THE SAME EXACT YEAR AND MODEL (2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SV SEDAN) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FROM MY RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT REGIONS THAT USE SALT TO CLEAR ROADS IN THE WINTER HAVE OR WILL ENCOUNTER A FAILING CONTROL ARM AND THAT A REFUND FOR THE REPAIRS IS POSSIBLE. I LIVE IN A TOWN NEAR UTICA, NY WHERE WE AVERAGE OVER 100 INCHES OF SNOW A YEAR, SO I WAS ALARMED WHEN I WAS REJECTED FOR A REIMBURSEMENT FROM NISSAN WHEN CONTACTING THEM. IF NISSAN HAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, THEY ARE NOT DOING IT FAST ENOUGH WHICH ENDANGERS THE LIVES OF PEOPLE EVERY MILE THEY DRIVE IN A 2013 ALTIMA. I URGE YOU TO PLEASE MAKE THIS PROBLEM ONE OF YOUR PRIORITIES BEFORE MORE CARS CONTINUE TO FAIL. MY CONTROL ARMS JUST RECENTLY FAILED, BUT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OUR REGION USES SALT ON THE ROADWAYS FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS A YEAR. OTHER REGIONS THAT USE LESS SALT WILL MOST LIKELY TAKE LONGER TO FAIL; SO EVERY YEAR, THERE SHOULD BE MORE AND MORE CARS TO REPORT THIS ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE INSPECTION, SO PLEASE HELP TO REPORT THIS KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE TO PREVENT ANY CASUALTIES. P.S- THE PHOTO PROVIDED BELOW IS OF A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT WAS NEXT TO MINE. I ASKED THE MECHANIC IF I COULD TAKE A PICTURE OF WHAT THE ISSUE LOOKED LIKE SINCE MY PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AT THAT MOMENT.