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.
Seats, Aug 3, 2023
Good Day, The airbags don't show as on when passengers sit. And the transmission is giving me more problems.
Suspension, Aug 3, 2023
The rear sub frame is broken (rusted completely) on the passenger side rear. I had a sudden flat tire and took it in to have a new tire put on and the tire company showed me that the tire issue was due to the sub frame being broken.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 25, 2023
The airbag sensor stop working. The airbag light stayed on whether someone was sitting in or not sitting in the passenger seat. The dealership stated there was an opening in the circuit and had to be re-builded. With the airbag not working this made the vehicle unsafe to drive and they could not tell me if the defect was with the driver side or passenger side airbag.
Power train, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to shift from park(P) to drive(D), the gear shift lever failed to move as needed. The contact stated that the gear shifter also failed to shift to reverse(R). The contact stated that she had to move the shifter back and forth until the gear shifter responded. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,756.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2023
Steady Check Engine light came on April 25, 2023. Just had oil change/filter done day before. Had tune-up done May 25, 2023. Had mechanic who replaced my catalytic converter and (2) O2 sensors a year ago check my car. Found that the inside of the catalytic converter was melted. They checked for a fuel leak in engine, none found. Replaced catalytic converter and front O2 sensor. As of today, no Steady Check Engine light has come back on. I think a Flashing Check Engine light should have displayed for something as serious as a fuel leak. What if my car caught fire while driving? Also, I was told several years ago by a local Nissan dealer that my driver side airbag would need replacing - that indicator light never came back on the dash board either. Faulty sensors? I notified Nissan in TN by mail.
Air bags, Jul 19, 2023
I had recall work done on my car was not properly repaired Issue still needs addressed Nissan refuses to look into they are telling me it was addressed. But the issue still remains. To fix the issue they want me to pay for it but I ma afraid that it may not be fixed properly again . This is the third accordance with this issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the hood failed to open as needed. The vehicle was also leaking anti-freeze. The contact was unable to open the hood to check or add coolant. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the contact was as unaware of the repair performed on the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2023
Im not sure what the malfunction. Is but I’ve been experiencing delayed acceleration. I can be at a stop light and when it turns green I hit the gas and it won’t go until about 4 seconds later. I’m afraid i will get hit in the back or hit when turning because the delay. This also happens at stop signs or when I’m simply pulling out somewhere. When I looked it up on google many Nissan altimas are having the exact same problem. Also me and a relative have the same car and she’s been experiencing the same problem!
Exterior lighting, Jun 29, 2023
Both front head lights (low lights) are very dim; right headlight may require re-wiring due to constant burning out of head light (low lights) and turning signal light. Measures have been taken by owner to address the situation by careful step-wise cleaning of headlight covers. After cleaning of headlight covers, there was significant fogginess still noted as having a film like appearance. This film appeared to be on the inside portion of the head lamps. Visibility was not improved after cleaning headlights. Night time driving visibility is significantly affected, leading to issue of safety while driving. Passengers have noted inability to distinguish whether headlights are turned on or off while driving at nght. Issue has been brought up to multiple nissan car dealerships who refuse to further inspect or acknowledge the issue of defect in the 2013 Nissan Altima. The issue has previously been brought up in the case of Rafael Suarez, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., Case No.3:21-cv-00393-WLC-AN. Dealership refuses to acknowledge case or issue in general.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2023
Local (Rockwall Texas) Nissan dealership does not have the parts for recall on 1n4al3ap7dn404470. I've been waiting for a year.
Suspension, Jun 18, 2023
Rear lower control arm broke as was backing into the garage. Traction control light was turned on on the dash.
Suspension, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right. The contact steered to the left and kept turning the steering wheel to the left in to bring the vehicle back into a straight lane. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive back to the residence and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the passenger’s side rear lower control arm had sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA19002 (Suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Exterior lighting, Jun 13, 2023
My headlights have been dangerously dim for about a year now. According to the dealer is not a simple bulb replacement situation. They are telling me that I need to replace both headlamp assemblies and the cost will be about $1300 total. ($650 per headlamp). It is extremely difficult to drive at night with these dim headlights. A significant safety issue. Yes. Not yet. No warning lights or messages.
Air bags, May 24, 2023
I took my vehicle in for assessment which costs around $160 as had many warning lights, including airbag. Nissan reviewed and informed my the passenger airbag needed to be replaced as the sensor was bad. There have been four previous recalls on Nissan Altima for airbag sensor issues and mine was not addressed. Now there is an issue and I'm told to spend money I don't have for an issue Nissan should fix. In the event somebody is hurt or worse, Nissan will be held responsible. Please take action and correct this issue and hold Nissan responsible.
Suspension, May 10, 2023
The Passenger side Rear Lower Control Arm broke in half while driving down the road. There were no potholes or rough road conditions present when failure occurred. The failure caused instant loss of stability of the vehicle, but luckily did not result in an accident. Where was no warning before the failure occurred. The event occurred in Iowa. There is currently a Nissan Service Campaign (P9324) to replace this component. It is the correct vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Altima, and occurred in a covered state (Iowa). I opened an inquiry with Nissan Customer Care (Case 48827935), but was told my vehicle was not covered. The explanation given was that not all 2013 Nissan Altimas are covered, and it was likely the lower control arm date code or vehicle build location was outside the scope of the Service Campaign. I would ask that the NTHSB and Nissan review the data for failed units and consider if this service campaign should be expanded.
Power train, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and was also serviced under two unrelated recalls; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sputtering and jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the CVT controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Power train, May 1, 2023
Cat transmission when out for the second time
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2023
While driving my vehicle when trying to accelerate it wouldn’t go above 20mph had to hit the brakes then vehicle would just accelerate real fast I was in traffic with my kids thank god we wasn’t hurt Nissan needs to recall this situation it’s affecting a lot of 2013 and up
Suspension, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble and almost crashed into another vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park and noticed that the wheel was tilted inwards. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the control arm broke had fractured due to corrosion. The sub frame was also fractured. The contact stated that a second independent mechanic was notified of the issue and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. The VIN was not available.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 23, 2023
While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph the car seemed to lose traction and the slip indicator light appeared. Once able to safely look at the vehicle it was noticed the rear wheels were not aligned and the lower rear control arm had snapped.
Steering, Power train, Structure, Apr 19, 2023
My power steering somehow had a slow leak which caused steering wheel to lock on while driving. Also, when I turn it sounds like a clucking sound like something is wrong with my power train. When I drive my accelerator seems like it be taking its time to catch up to speed. I've done did so much mechanical work to this car and it seems like nothing is working.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning smell coming through the A/C vents. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that unknown frontal air bag had deployed under the hood and burned; however, the mechanic could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. An unknown dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle started shaking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the wheel bearing, performed an alignment, and replaced the tires; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, while accelerating, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to any independent mechanic, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 17, 2023
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Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 12, 2023
Rear passenger suspension arm broke while driving from what looks to be corrosion. Was able to make it safely due to 1 bolt holding in place the car is not drivable. Had I kept driving the whole wheel would have came off causing an accident .