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, Aug 2, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE CAR APPEAR TO DRAG. AT THIS POINT I HAVE TO MOVE MY FEET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. TURN THE WHEEL STRAIGHT AND SLOWLY PRESS THE GAS. NEVER HAPPEN UNTIL I MAKE A TURN.
Suspension, Aug 1, 2019
THE ENTIRE REAR CONTROL ARM RUSTED AND SNAPPED. COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS HARM TO MY FAMILY. THIS IS ONLY A 6 YEAR OLD CAR AND SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED LIKE THIS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD HEARD A SNAP AND CAR STARTED TO WIGGLE GOT HOME AND IT BARELY MADE IT UP THE DRIVE WHILE DRAGGING THE TIRE.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,800. *TT SOME PHOTOS FROM MECHANIC REGARDING BROKEN REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM OF 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA, ATTACHED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM EXHIBITED SIGNIFICANT RUST AND FATIGUE. *JS
Suspension, Jul 24, 2019
I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK NOISE AND THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT SO I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE BACK PASSENGER TIRE WAS CAVED INWARD. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE CONTROL ARM THAT ATTACHED THE TIRE TO CAR WAS COMPLETELY SEVERED DUE TO CORROSION
Suspension, Jul 23, 2019
BACKING UP IN PARKING LOT, HIT CURB AT MINIMAL SPEED AND FELT AND HEARD LOUD SOUND. CAR LISTED WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. PROBLEM NOT APPARENT INITIALLY, SO DROVE CAR HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE REAR RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. (SEE PHOTOS). THE CAR HAD 67,000 MILES AT THE TIME. REGULAR SERVICE AT NISSAN DEALER NEVER INDICATED ANY RUST OR OTHER PROBLEMS. I FEEL FORTUNATE THAT THE CONTROL ARM DID NOT BREAK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. COST TO REPLACE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT CONTROL ARMS OVER $2000. I FEEL AT THE MINIMUM NISSAN SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INSPECT THE CONTROL ARMS. THE CAR IS GARAGED IN CONNECTICUT, WASHED REGULARLY, AND NOT DRIVEN FOR 6-8 WEEKS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHILE RESIDING IN WARMER CLIMATE.
Suspension, Jul 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLUNKING TYPE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARMS HAD CRACKED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. DORSCHEL NISSAN (3817 W. HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Suspension, Jul 18, 2019
CAR WAS IN MOTION APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. A SMALL BUMP WAS HIT IN THE ROAD AND THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL SLIGHTLY. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE CAR AND DETERMINED I WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME (LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY) GOING AT A SLOW ~10 MPH SPEED. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE CAR UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE FURTHER IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE WHEEL WAS CLOSE TO THE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL (~2-3 INCHES) AND WAS AT A SLIGHT INWARD ANGLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR WAS TOWED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED UNDER THE DEALER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS NOT REPLACED UNDER THE DEALER WARRANTY AS IT HAD NOT SHOWN IMMEDIATE SIGNS OF FAILURE. HAD THE WARRANTY NOT COVERED IT, THE PARTS AND LABOR WOULD HAVE TOTALED AROUND $800. THE VEHICLE HAD 66,125 MILES WHEN IT ENTERED THE DEALER.
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Jul 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTROL ARM GAVE OUT AND COMPLETELY CORRODED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED BOUCHER NISSAN OF WAUKESHA (1451 E MORELAND BLVD, WAUKESHA, WI 53186, (262) 542-5500) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR*JB
Suspension, Jul 13, 2019
I BEGAN NOTICING A LOUD CRACKING NOISE WHICH SEEMED TO ORIGINATE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR WHENEVER THE REAR WHEELS WOULD GO OVER SHARP BUMPS. I HAD THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AND I HAVE A CRACKED CONTROL ARM.
Suspension, Jul 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH ANY TURN AND THE FRAME STAYED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS NEEDED AND SCHEDULED TO BE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY MAY ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE IN THE FUTURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Suspension, Jul 10, 2019
I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 5MPH AND HEARD A LOUD THUD, AS IF I RAN SOMETHING OVER, LOOKED UNDER MY CAR AND THE REAR WHEEL CONTROL ARM HAD COME DETACHED AND WAS BROKEN. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER WHO SAID BOTH CONTROL ARMS NEED REPLACED BECAUSE THE OTHER ONE IS CRACKED. I STARTED RESEARCHING AS I FOUND THIS ODD TO HAPPEN IN A 2013 VEHICLE & FOUND MORE THAN 347,000 CARS MAY HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND ALL VEHICLES NEED RECALLED AS THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER LOSING COMPLETE CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE AND POSSIBLE DEATH. I AM GRATEFUL MY 18 YR OLD SON WHO IS A NEW DRIVER WAS NOT ON THE TURNPIKE WHEN THESE DECIDED TO GIVE OUT AND THAT I WAS JUST BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. NOT ONLY IS IT A SAFETY HAZARD BUT WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT COULD ALSO LEAD TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF ADDITIONAL DAMAGE IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY IN MOTION WITH THE VEHICLE. AS I AM IN NEED OF A VEHICLE I HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE TO BE FIXED WHICH I WAS JUST QUOTED A WHOPPING $2,100. SHAME ON NISSAN!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE IF THE CONTROL ARMS OF THE 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA DO NOT GET RECALLED AND THESE VEHICLES ARE LEFT ON THE ROAD WITHOUT THE REPAIRS NEEDED.
Suspension, Jul 9, 2019
WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY ON THE CORONADO BRIDGE AT LOW SPEED THE REAR LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE AND LEFT THE CAR IMMOVABLE. A TOW WAS REQUIRED AND POLICE FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED AND READY TO FAIL ALSO. THERE WAS NOT ANY PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE FROM NISSAN WARNING OF THE POSSIBLE FAILURE AND NO REASON TO EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN WITH A 2013 CAR WITH 85000 MILES.
Suspension, Jul 8, 2019
I WAS DRIVING IN A ROUNDABOUT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD SNAP COMING FROM REAR, DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. I STARTED LOSING CONTROL OF THE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A SIDE STREET WHERE I PULLED OVER. I NOTICED THE REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED A BIT SIDEWAYS, AND HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC NEAR BY. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A BROKEN CONTROL ARM.
Suspension, Jul 2, 2019
DURING SAFETY INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CRACKED. THE WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF THE CAR. PICTURES (ATTACHED) SHOW SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE WELD SEAMS AND KNUCKLE CREVICES. I KEPT THE PARTS FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. NOTED THAT THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION WITH NHTSA IN REGARDS TO THIS FAILURE.
Suspension, Jul 1, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A MAINTAINED TWO LANE COUNTY ROAD AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DARTED ACROSS THE ROAD AND BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. ONCE STOPPED, YOU COULD SEE THE THE VEHICLES LEFT REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS TILTED IN AND RENDERED INOPERABLE. I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS OF THE CONTROL ARM BOTH WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM AND FROM THE REPAIR STATION IT WAS TOWED TO. THE CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED AND BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME/PROPER CONNECTION. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT BOTH REAR CONTROL ARMS NEED TO BE REPLACED, THE BROKEN ONE AND THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE IS IN THE SAME CONDITION. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 86,100 MILES ON IT.
Suspension, Wheels, Jul 1, 2019
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND ON A HIGHWAY,READY TO GET ONTO A MAJOR INTERSTSTE RT295N IN NJ. I WAS GOING APROX. 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED PULLING DRASTICALLY TO MY RIGHT,I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. PULLED THE CAR OVER TO INSPECT, AND MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS NOT FLAT BUT BENT AS IF IT WAS COMING OFF. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE HE CONFIRMED THE YES IN FACT THE TIRE WAS COMING OFF! HE SAID IF I DROVE MUCH FURTHER I WOULD HAVE LOST MY TIRE IT WAS HANGING BY A RUSTY THREAD!! UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTE THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND I NEEDED NOT ONE BUT BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACE BECAUSE THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ALSO. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME BIG BUCK ALONG WITH A RENTAL CAR,AS THIS IS NOT SOMETHING INSURANCE WILL COVER. APPARENTLY THERRE HAVE BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL/YEAR CAR EXACTLY THE SAME AS MY INCIDENT.THERE WAS NO WARNING NOR PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS TO THIS HAPPENING. I COULD HAVE BENN HURT OR KILED NOT TO MENTION SOMEONE ELSE NEAR ME ON THE ROAD! I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES.
Suspension, Jul 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WAS PUSHED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. *AS
Suspension, Jul 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE CAME FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS BENT INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Jul 1, 2019
THE LOWER, RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM HAS CRACKED, BUT NOT FAILED FORTUNATELY. IT IS IN THE NISSAN SHOP RIGHT NOW. THE DIAGNOSIS IS THAT THAT THE LEFT SIDE IS PROBABLY GOING TO FAIL IN TIME. I LOOKED A THE MECHANIC'S OBSERVATIONS AND I AGREED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS, SO I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TELL THE SERVICE GUY TO MAKE THE REPAIR ON BOTH SIDES. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 80,000 MILES ON IT, NOW, BUT THE NOISE STARTED ABOUT 10,000 MILES AGO. I NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS, AND ESPECIALLY SPEED BUMPS.THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL, BUT MOST ALTIMA OWNERS DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ARE LIKELY GOING TO FIND OUT AFTER A FAILURE. HOPEFULLY, THE WILL FAILURE WILL NOT BE CATASTROPHIC. I QUESTION THE METALLURGY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THE WELDING METHODS USE ON THE ORIGINAL CONTROL ARMS. HOPEFULLY NISSAN REALIZES THAT THEY HAVE A POTENTIALLY HUGE LIABILITY ISSUE HERE.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 27, 2019
REAR CONTROL ARM ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 CAME APART ON AN INTERSTATE PUSHING ME ON TO THE LEFT LANE ALMOST AT 65 MPH. GOT REALLY SCARED AS I USUALLY DRIVE WITH MY NEW BORN BUT LUCKILY HE WAS NOT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES AND I HAD TO REPLACE THEM ON BOTH SIDES ON THE REAR AS THEY MENTIONED THE OTHER ONE TOO IS GOING TO BREAK SOON. REALLY DISAPPOINTED AS HAD TO MAKE A HUGE REPAIR SPENDING 1300 BUCKS FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY USED TO RUN FEW ERRANDS OVER THE WEEKEND AS I COMMUTE ON TRAIN FOR WORK. *DT*JB
Suspension, Jun 25, 2019
PASSENGER REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED DUE TO CORROSION NEAR THE FRAME CONNECTION POINT WHILE TRAVELLING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OVER A SPEED BUMP IN PARKING LOT. DRIVERS SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ALSO SHOWING SIGNS OF CORROSION. CAR DRIVEN IN MN WITH 90,000 MILES.
Suspension, Jun 21, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY AT THE PIVOT CONNECTION ON THE BODY. THE CONTROL ARM AT THE PIVOT CONNECTION IS HEAVILY RUSTED. THE LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM IS STILL CONNECTED BUT IS ALSO HEAVILY RUSTED.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2019
MY DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. IT CORRODED AND BROKE ON ONE SIDE. I WAS DRIVING AT 28/30 MILES AN HOUR, HIT A BUMP AND HEARD SOMETHING POP AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL.
Suspension, Jun 13, 2019
IN MOTION LOST CONTROL. TOOK TO A REPAIR GARAGE. PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED. THEY SUGGESTED TO CONTACT DEALERSHIP. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND CALLED NISSAN CORPORATE. WAITING FOR AN ANSWER FROM BOTH DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE. UNSAFE CONDITION.
Suspension, Jun 10, 2019
I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS - IT'S A 6 YEAR OLD CAR WITH A SINGLE PREVIOUS OWNER, ALWAYS LIVED IN A GARAGE, WELL MAINTAINED, ETC. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY ONE MORNING AND SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL YANKED OUT OF MY HANDS, SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, AND LOCKED UP. I COULD BARELY KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE AND HAD TO DRIVE LIKE A VIDEO GAME, CONSTANTLY SHAKING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH. I TRIED TO MAKE IT ONE MORE EXIT, BUT COULDN'T SAFELY SO I PULLED OVER. ONLY HAD TO TEST DRIVE IT ~20 FEET BEFORE WE REALIZED THE DRIVERS REAR WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF. WE LAID ON THE GROUND AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND SAW THE CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED AND BROKEN OFF DUE TO RUST. SURE ENOUGH IN THE SHOP, MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT BOTH SIDES HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN OF THE CONTROL ARM THAT ALLOWS WATER TO POOL ON TOP AND NOT DRAIN - THE WATER SITS ON THE CONTROL ARM IN A DIVET AND THE METAL RUSTS AWAY. FORTUNATELY, MY MECHANIC CLEVERLY FIXED THE PROBLEM ON THE REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARMS BY WELDING A PLATE ON TOP TO PREVENT WATER COLLECTION AND FUTURE RUST.