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
2,312 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2021
There is a delay in acceleration. It won't accelerate whenever I want it too. Sometimes it won't do it even if I press the pedal all the way to the floor. When it engages the accelerator it would do it at a strong force. When the problem happens I would have to constantly press and depress the pedal so it won't engage with a strong force. It happens usually that I have noticed when at a stop position ready to start to move.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021
The gear shifter in my 2013 Nissan Altima will not shift. I turn on the vehicle. I then place my foot on the brake and push the button to shift gears and nothing happens. The unit is locked I cannot shift to any gear. I has to tow the vehicle home. I did not find out until later that a plastic piece can be popped out and a screwdriver or key could be pressed on the mechanism inside the hole to release the gear shifter to shift. In recent times there have been random shootings and car jackings in and around the Chicago area. I am very concerned with this for I or a family member could become a victim if the situation is presented. With no way to shift gears, we cannot avoid a potential emergency situation.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2021
Gear shift stays stuck in Park and takes 10 minutes to get out of Park if the safety button works. This is a known problem with Nissan's all over social media and youtube has videos about this issue with the gear shift going out and not functioning.Please add this to the recall please take the time so consumers can drive safely again.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway. The contact used the hi-beam headlights to properly see the roadway ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.
Suspension, Sep 19, 2021
While driving on the highway with my family (at the speed limit) we heard a noise and I lost control of the steering. There was no pre-warning. It felt like I was hydro-planing. We were in the center lane. Luckily, no cars were next to me. Definitely would have caused a collision. I assumed we had a flat tire. I was able to ease the car to the shoulder. All tires were OK. Car was towed to our regular mechanic. They determined a rear control arm had broken. It had rusted through. The other rear, and both front arms were in bad shape as well. They called local Nissan dealership to get the replacement part. They were then informed there was a manufacturer replacement warranty on the rear arms. (Why Not the Front?) Car was towed to dealer and they replaced both rear arms. I had never heard of this problem before. I had received no notice from Nissan of America. I had received notice of the hood latch recall, so I know they had my contact info. The car had been at two different dealerships in the past. Neither had ever warned me of the possible danger. We had to pay $47.48 for a replacement Rear Sway Bar Link that they had to cut to get to the control arm. Now we need to pay for an identical replacement on the front arms, which is not covered by Nissan. Nissan took no responsibility for what could have been a deadly accident. They offered no formal apology or compensation. They could not explain why this isnt a full recall. They could not explain why the dealers had not informed my of the issue prior.
Suspension, Sep 14, 2021
LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING. HIGH SAFETY RISK. REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY IS ONLY ATTACHED BY SHOCK ABSORBER. REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOW EXCESSIVE RUST. VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE AT NISSAN DEALER LATER THIS WEEK.
Exterior lighting, Sep 13, 2021
The headlights are dangerously dim, don't shine light more than a few feet ahead of the car. Apparently this is the cause: the reflective material in the light assembly has burned off from the heat of the bulbs.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2021
On Sunday August 29th 2021 my hood came up while I was driving and broke the front window glass and damaged both sides of the side hood due to the latch not being secured and lose and not being applied the right way.
Air bags, Sep 9, 2021
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACKSEAT AIRBAG FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the hood erroneously opened and slammed into the body and windshield and causing damage to the body of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2021
The low beam headlights provide extremely low visibility at night. It's like driving with a flashlight to light the road. The problem has progressively gotten worse over the past several years. My 25 year old son drove my car at night and told me he doesn't know how I can even see to drive at night. Last evening I had problems even seeing the road driving in an area where I was not used to driving. This is a huge safety hazard. Replacing the bulbs has not made any difference. I have resulted to having to use my high beams when driving at night which is also a hazard for other drivers on the road. There are no warnings.The lights function they are just extremely dim.
Air bags, Sep 3, 2021
Taken car in for State Inspection after a couple of days Air Bag light is continuing on. Had it checked out and came back on. Taken it to a Nissan Dealership said found Codes B0001 and B0002 B00A0 B0202 Stored in Air Bag System wanted to Replace Clock Spring/Spiral Cable Assembly said Found Internal Malfunction. Car only had 86,000 miles.. Replacement cost on me.
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2021
Even though I've just replaced my headlight bulbs with brand new ones it is impossible to drive the car at night! If I drive with high beams on you can see but obviously you blind everyone else. I can no longer drive it to work at night. It is unsafe!!!!!!! It's seriously like trying to drive with a super dim flashlight. This problem started a few years ago and has slowly gotten to this point. You cannot see pedestrians even on the side of the road. Very very unsafe and Nissan should fix whatever the problem is free of charge. I'm the sole owner of this car since it was new. The headlight lenses are not yellowed or worn. I've nearly hit persons walking across the street because I can't see them. I'm 49 years old and have good eyesight.
Power train, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward. The vehicle then would return to normal function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 74,300.
Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 31, 2021
ODI#11431173.....Bought the car may 19 2021 picked it up on may 22.2021 brought it back with issue's 3 days later unprofessional argument place because their blaming me trying to say the car was good until I took possession of it. I broke it therefore I'm responsible, i brought the vehicle back to the them in 3 days because the powersteering fluid leak out n there's a winding and grinding noise n the back tire area their mechanic told me i need bearing on the rear passenger n brakes on rear driver side after addressing the bearing n ordering the right powersteering fluid for the car the owner says i gotta pay half an the mechanic got amnesia quick he didn't tell me i needed brakes anyways car lights traction and brakes come on June 4th notified them they made appointment for the 9th the car lost complete brakes 6/7/2021 tried to speak to the owner again it's my fault so I towed the vehicle to Curry Nissan in Chicopee mass n they knew I was towing it to Nissan i couldn't afford them already spent 7340.00 car shouldn't have had any life threatening issues.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed and failed to stop the vehicle in a timely manner. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence and then had it towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with rear brakes and caliper failure. The rear brakes and calipers were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,242.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 70 mph, the hood disengaged without warning. The windshield was damaged. The hood was secured by the driver. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated she failed to receive notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V315000 (Latches, Locks, and Linkages.The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2021
car over heats passanger door latch suspention in front is messed up when they did the computer update as a recall my car tranny slips and jerks it sucks more gas
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2021
my car over heats passanger door wont open from the inside its a latch issue ive told the dealer ship in mansfield and they done nothing about it front suspenction has issues still dealer does nothing about it every since they did the recall update with programing my car its like my tranny slips and jerks
Suspension, Aug 24, 2021
The rear control suspension arm broke causing my car to rock back and forth as if the wheels feel off, prior to that the car was in reverse backing out of,parking spot and very large boom or breaking noise happened
Exterior lighting, Aug 22, 2021
Low beams dim. Reflective material in headlight assembly delaminated. Common issue. Tried to remedy by installing LED bulb, no improvement. Dangerous for night driving.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2021
Experience delay acceleration on Interstate 15. The vehicle will not speed up from about 55MPH when pedal was full depress.
Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2021
Headlights are very dim even after replacing bulbs with led bulbs.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2021
NHTSA-16V-244 Nissan refuses to fix this issue. My air bag light is off and will not go on if someone is sitting in the passenger seat. I need your assistance with Nissan.
Power train, Aug 16, 2021
CVT Transmission failed when driving on interstate. The car lost power, jerked and stopped. I have a special needs child (3 year old) in the car during the incident and it almost put both of our lives in danger. We followed all the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations for the engine and transmission and changing the fluid and filters at the proper recommended mileage and time. All services including a transmission fluid (last one on Dec 2020) were done at the dealership. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING SIGNS. THERE ARE NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES ALSO WHEN TESTED AT THE DELERSHIP. NO WARNING SIGNS ALSO. THIS IS THE SCARY PART OF THE PROBLEM. It just broke down all at once in the middle of interstate. When towed to the dealership, they said, it would cost about $4500 to replace transmission. My car has only 75k miles on it and Nissan extended transmission warranty up to 85k miles. Dealer refused to repair/replace the transmission indicating Nissan had already settled a law suite which covers only up to 7 years or 85k miles whichever occurs first. Since I used it for 9 years, they refused saying law suites are settled. We understand all cars have repairs, but not $4500 kind. When approached Nissan Consumer affairs, they mentioned they are not going to help and gave me an address if I would like to approach an Attorney. It's clear on the call with Nissan that Customers are not important. They know that their CVT transmissions are faulty. I'm sure they have an army to fight their faulty transmissions. But for an average customer with very limited resources, this is INJUSTICE. They know, we cant fight and few complaints will not hurt their sales. There are many reported customer issues related to CVT transmission. Please do something about negligence of Nissan installing faulty transmissions and gladly selling remanufactured transmissions at $4500. This is INJUSTICE to an average customer. Hope this complaint helps some current and future customers.