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.
Power train, Sep 15, 2016
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L SV 76,000 MILES CVT FAILURE MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED CVT FAILURE WITH ONLY 76K MILES.. UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE INITIAL OCCURRENCE, I MISDIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BAD GAS. THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS, BUCKS AND STALLS WHEN DECELERATING OR ACCELERATING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS OR IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. ADDITIONAL STALLS OCCUR WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR (DRIVE OR RESERVE) WHICH MAY CAUSE VEHICLE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF PARKING LOTS AND ROADWAY. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GO INTO REMISSION FOR THE PAST YEAR, EVEN THOUGH LOOKING BACK I CAN SEE SOME SLIGHT SIGNS OF BUCKING WHEN COMING TO A STOP, ROUGH IDLES, LOUDER WHINING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, ECT. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE NISSAN TECH CONFIRM CVT FAILURE AND THAT IT IS NOT A RARE ISSUE. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH VERIFIES THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE CVTS AND NISSAN HAD PROVIDED A RECALL AND EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL THEIR CVT'S MANUFACTURED BEFORE 2011. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED ON NEWER MODELS AND IS A ROAD HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN INTERSECTIONS OF MAJOR ROADWAYS AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS. PLEASE ADVISE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2016, fire
WHILE ENTERING ONTO INTERSTATE 64 IN HAMPTON, VIRGINIA I NOTICED FIRE COMING UP FROM THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE ARM REST. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE INVESTIGATION REPORT STATES THAT IS WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE. NISSAN COMPANY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND A CASE NUMBER PROVIDED. THEY HAVE STATED THEY WILL INVESTIGATE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2016
SHIFT GEAR LOCKS UP IN PARK AND WILL NOT MOVE UNLESS YOU PRESS THE SHIFT OVER RIDE. ONLY 39000 MILES ON THE CAR. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS.0
Air bags, Sep 9, 2016
FIXED TWICE THROUGH PREVIOUS RECALLS BUT STILL DOES NOT DETECT A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF THE AIRBAG.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD AND QUARTER PANELS WERE ALSO DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V029000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 5, 2016, crash
EN NOVIEMBRE DEL 2014 COMPRE UN NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 CON APENAS 31000 MILLAS, A LAS 54000 MILLAS TUVE QUE CAMBIAR EL ALTERNADOR,Y AHORA SIENTO QUE TENGO PROBLEMAS CON LA TRANSMISION, ES UN CARRO RELATIVAMENTE NUEVO,NO DEBERIA DAR TANTOS PROBLEMAS, ESPERO ME AYUDEN A RESOLVER EL PROBLEMA!! GRACIAS!!
Power train, Engine, Sep 5, 2016
ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS IS FAILURE TO START OR STOP. THE OTHER IS THE NOISY TRANSMISSION. NOT A VERY DEPENDABLE CAR. NOW I HEARD A RECALL BECAUSE OF HOOD LATCHES. AS FOR ENGINE PROBLEM COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU WERE ON AN INTERSTATE AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIES. TRANSMISSION VERY NOISY ALL THE TIME.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 2, 2016
I BOUGHT A NISSAN ALTIMA 2013. BACK IN FEBRUARY THE CAR WOULD START AND WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN I PUT IT ON DRIVE AND REVERSE. THIS HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT THERE FOR A MONTH AND THEY STILL WERE NOT ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. EVEN THOUGH A TECHNICIAN DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM THE CAR COMPUTER WOULD STILL SAY THE CAR IS FINE .I TOOK IT TO GET A SECOND OPINION FROM A NISSAN MASTER TECHNICIAN AND THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. AFTER ABOUT A MONTH THE CAR STARTED WORKING AGAIN. I WAS TOLD BY A 3RD PLACE I TOOK THE CAR THAT IT MIGHT BE A SENSOR ISSUE AND THE CAR LITERALLY DECIDES WHEN'S GOING TO WORK AND NOT AND THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE IWTH THE ALTIMA. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO THE CAR WOULD TOOK OFF WITH ME AT A RED LIGHT WHEN I JUST TAP THE GAS. I WAS AT A RED LIGHT THE LIGHT TURN GREEN I TP THE GAS THE RPMS JUMPED AD THE ACCELARATED IN HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS AFTER I PUT IT IN REVERSE IMMIDIATELY, IT WOULD STAY IDEL FOR ABOUT 5 TEN SECONDS THAN GO. THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR HE COMPUTERS KEEPS SAYING THE CR IS FINE. I HAVE TOLD NISSAN HEADQUATERS THAT I FEEL UNSAFE WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THAT THIS A ON GOING DEFECT WITH THE ALTIMA 2013 THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO ADDRESS. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN AND TOLD THEM THAT THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND IM STARTING TO FEEL ITS PUTTING MY LIFE AND SOMEONE S WITH THIS CARELSE IN DANGER AND THERE RESPONSE WAS BASICALLY TOUGH LUCK. RIGHT NOW THE CAR IS CRANKING BUT NOT START . I FEEL LIKE NISSAN DID A POOR JOB WITH THIS CAR AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD
Air bags, Aug 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR KEPT INDICATING "OFF", REGARDLESS IF THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN 4 TIMES AND THEY PROVIDED NO REPAIR SOLUTION. THE DEALER RESET THE CODE MORE THAN ONCE AND RESET THE SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V244000 (AIR BAGS), 15V681000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V138000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,813.
Power train, Aug 24, 2016
WHEN I GET INTO DRIVE MY CAR IT STARTS BUT IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF TURN IT BACK ON THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT STILL WON'T WORK ON ABLE TO USE MY VEHICLE. AND WHEN I AM ABLE TO USE IT SOMETIMES I GET STRANDED AT THE STORE BECAUSE IT WON'T COME OUT OF PARK.
Air bags, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 24, 2016, crash
I WAS IN A ACCIDENT WHERE I HYROPLANNED AND THE BACK END HIT A DITCH AND MY CAR WENT ONTO THE MEDIAN ON THE FREEWAY AND I TOTALED MY CAR AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 23, 2016
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA S FROM CLAY COOLEY MARCH 2015 SO I ONLY HAD THE CAR A YEAR AND SOME MONTHS AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE OUT I GET MY CAR SERVICED AS I SHOULD AND NOW THIS AND NO ONE WANTS TO HELP CLAY COOLEY DAY I'M OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILES OVER 24000 ON THE CAR AND I'M STUCK OUT TO STILL FORK OUT A 518 CAR PAYMENT IT'S NOT RIGHT I NEED HELP. I WAS LEAVING WORK MY MY CAR STARTED VIBRATION AND STARTED TO DECELERATE AND JERKING LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO GO DEAD I THOUGHT I HAD GOT SOME BAD GAS SO I PULLED OVER MY CAR STARTED JERKING HARDER AND CUT OFF SO I TURNED IT BACK ON AND I SHIFT IT IN REVERSE AND IT WENT DEAD SO I CUT IT BACK ON AGAIN AND SHIFT IT IN DRIVE IT CUT OFF SO I DIT THERE FOR OVER AN HOUR THEN I STAR IT AGAIN AND SHIFTED IT IN DRIVE AND IT DIDN'T GO DEAD I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SO THE NEXT DAY I WENT OUT TO SEE IF IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN AND IT DIDN'T WHILE DRIVING MY RPMS WENT UP HIGH AND MY CAR MADE WHINING NOISE AND STARTED VIBRATIONS AGAIN AND THIS TIME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I WAS COMING UP TO A LIGHT SO I STOPPED BUT WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT WOULDN'T MOVE SO I PUT THE BLINKERS ON AND SOME GUY CAME BEHIND AND PUSHED ME OVER TO THE SIDE AND I SAY THERE FOR ABOUT HOUR AND I STARTED UP AND IT MOVED SO I WENT STRAIGHT HOME AND CALLED AROUND AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED SO THE MAN FROM AMCO TOLD ME TO COME DOWN SO I CALLED FOR A TOW AND GOT TOWED THERE AND HE TESTED IT AND SAID THAT MY TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND IT'S A CVT TRANSMISSION DO IT CANT BE REBUILT IT HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR AS MUCH AS 4000 DOLLARS
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2016
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA AND HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR NEEDS A NEW HEAD GASKET!! THE CAR ALWAYS GOT ITS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WITH OIL, GAS, AND FLUID LEVELS ALWAYS AT THE PROPER LEVEL. I WENT IN FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR, ALSO MY AIR CONDITIONING HAD SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I FOUND OUT I NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR. I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR AFTER THIS, I ORDERED MY PARTS AND HAD THE RADIATOR INSTALLED A WEEK LATER. THE CAR WAS DRIVING GREAT. THEN I PARKED IT SHUT IT OFF AND COULD NOT GET IT TO START AGAIN. SO THE MECHANIC RAN DIAGNOSTIC ON IT AND HAD A NEW CODE OF CYLINDER MISFIRE. SO I CHANGED OUT MY SPARK PLUGS, BUT SAME THING HAPPENED. THE CAR WOULD START BUT ONCE SHUT OFF IT COULD NOT START AGAIN. THEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE PLUGS WERE WET AND SAID THAT IT WAS ANTI-FREEZE DRIPPING IN, THUS HIS DIAGNOSIS A NEW HEAD GASKET IS NEEDED.
Power train, Aug 17, 2016
I PURCHASED MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SL WITH ABOUT 18,000 MILES IN MAY OF 2013. THE CAR PERFORMED WELL IN THE BEGINNING. AT ABOUT 28773 MILES THE CAR BEGAN TO SHUTTER HESITATE AND NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. UPON INCLINES HILLS LOW SPEEDS, LOW RPM'S IT WAS ESPECIALLY NOTICABLE. I BROUGHT MY NISSAN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE CAR PERFORMED NORMALLY BUT THEN INTERMITTENTLY THE SAME PROBLEM THE SHUTTER, LACK OF SHIFTING PROPERLY THE HESTATION, JERKY STRONG VIBRATIONS, JUMPING OF RPM'S. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY AGAIN REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. IT WAS ROAD TESTED AND THEY RECCOMMENDED THE TRANSAXLE BE REPLACED FOR REPAIR. THIS WAS AT 55002 MILES. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEW TRANSMISSION WARRANTY WOULD BE 10 YEARS AND 120,000 MILES. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY FOR CONSUMERS. THE CAR DOESN'T PERFORM PROPERLY WITH THE EXISTING CVT TRANSMISSION THE BELT SLIPS AND THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT OR IS STUCK IN EXCELARATION. IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER I WASN'T INFORMED THE EXISTING PROBLEM WAS FIXED CORRECTLY WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION. I WAS INFORMED ABOUT A WARRANTY. I AM CONCERNED I WIL ENCOUNTER THE SAME UNSAFE CONDITION! THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AS OF 08/22/2015
Power train, Aug 17, 2016
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L SV 72,000 MILES CVT FAILURE MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED CVT FAILURE WITH ONLY 72K MILES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED, WITH THE FIRST INSTANCE HAPPENING A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR AGO. UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE INITIAL OCCURRENCE, I MISDIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BAD GAS. THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS, BUCKS AND STALLS WHEN DECELERATING OR ACCELERATING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS OR IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. ADDITIONAL STALLS OCCUR WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR (DRIVE OR RESERVE) WHICH MAY CAUSE VEHICLE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF PARKING LOTS AND ROADWAY. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GO INTO REMISSION FOR THE PAST YEAR, EVEN THOUGH LOOKING BACK I CAN SEE SOME SLIGHT SIGNS OF BUCKING WHEN COMING TO A STOP, ROUGH IDLES, LOUDER WHINING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, ECT. THIS SECOND OCCURRENCE I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE ISSUE DIAGNOSED BY NISSAN TECHNICIANS AT CAUSEWAY NISSAN IN MANAHAWKIN, NJ AND THEY HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS INDEED A CVT FAILURE AND THAT IT IS NOT A RARE ISSUE. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH VERIFIES THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE CVTS AND NISSAN HAD PROVIDED A RECALL AND EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL THEIR CVT'S MANUFACTURED BEFORE 2011. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED ON NEWER MODELS AND IS A ROAD HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN INTERSECTIONS OF MAJOR ROADWAYS AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS. PLEASE ADVISE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Aug 15, 2016
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING OFF N ON W NO PASSENGER...SCARED SOMETHINGS NOT GONNA WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. CAR JERKING ON HGHWY NOT ACCELERATING ..N LOSS OF POWER MID DRIVE OR TURN..I HAVE KIDS N THIS IS BECOMING A DEATH TRAP..W NO CK ENGINE LIGHT .
Air bags, Aug 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V244000 (AIR BAGS), 15V681000 (AIR BAGS), 14V138000 (AIR BAGS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND 13V069000 (AIR BAGS). THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FAILURE CODE WAS CLEARED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF A REPAIR SOLUTION AND WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 15, 2016
PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL WAS COMPLETED BY NISSAN DEALER AS A "SOFTWARE" FIX. END RESULT LEAVES PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IN ILLUMINATED POSITION WHEN PASSENGER SEAT EMPTY. AT NIGHT, THIS CREATES A SERIOUS DISTRACTION AND CAUSES DRIVER TO TAKE EYES OFF ROAD. DISTRACTION COULD CAUSE INJURY/DEATH. NISSAN FACTORY REP REFUSES TO REMEDY PROBLEM AND WILL MAKE NO FURTHER REPAIRS.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,600.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 11, 2016
WE NOTICED THAT OUR CAR'S BLACK DASHBOARD WAS BECOMING STICKY AND SHINY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS HAS DEVELOPED INTO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT AFFECTS MY VISIBILITY WHEN I'M DRIVING. THE MELTING DASHBOARD CREATES A STRONG GLARE OR REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IMPEDES MY ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD AND MY SURROUNDS. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH ALSO DENIED MY REQUEST TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT THE DASHBOARD MATERIAL THAT IS USED WAS NOT PROPERLY TESTED FOR HIGHER TEMPERATURES OR THAT THIS IS SIMPLY A DEFECTIVE PART. THE RESIDUE ON THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD COULD ALSO BE A HEALTH HAZARD AS THE DASHBOARD IS CLEARLY DEGRADING AND MAY BE EMITTING FUMES WITHIN THE CABIN. I ALSO SUSPECT THAT LEFT UNTREATED, THIS MELTING DASHBOARD HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. I EXPECT THAT NISSAN ADDRESSES THESE CONCERNS AND OFFERS A SOLUTION TO THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2016
PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN DOOR EVEN WHEN MANUEL LOCK IS IN OPEN POSITION . CAN NOT EXIT CAR UNLESS YOU ROLL DOWN WINDOW AND OPEN FROM OUTSIDE HANDLE. ONCE DOOR IS OPEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE CAR RUNNING DOOR OPEN TO ROLL UP WINDOW BEFORE SHUTTING OFF CAR. ONLY INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WON'T OPEN CAR. OUTSIDE GETTING INTO CAR IS NO PROBLEM. CAR WAS STATIONARY ON CITY STREET.
Air bags, Aug 5, 2016
AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR 5-10 MINUTES WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND CAR IN DRIVE. ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND CONTINUES TO OCCUR AFTER FIX RECOMMENDED IN THE SPRING 2016 NISSAN RECALL. NISSAN REPORTS THEY CANNOT ADDRESS IT UNLESS THEY WITNESS IT AND BEING AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE, HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO SO. VIDEO PROOF OF THIS HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED.
Power train, Aug 3, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" I WENT TO PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR JUST SHUT OFF. STARTED RIGHT BACK UP BUT SHUT OFF AGAIN WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE. EVENTUALLY I GOT CAR TO GO WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF BUT FELT CAR JERKING ON AND OFF AND ALMOST SHUTTING OFF WHEN I CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. WOULD HAVE TO QUICKLY PUSH ON GAS TO KEEP CAR FROM TURNING OFF. CONTINUES TO JERK WHILE DRIVING BUT NOT CONTINUOUSLY.
Suspension, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 2, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V244000 (AIR BAGS), 16V029000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), AND 15V468000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Jul 30, 2016
THE CAR HAS 44,500 MILES AND WAS GROWLING, SHUTTERING AND VIBRATING WHEN DRIVING. ESPECIALLY AT ACCELERATION AND STOPPING. FINALLY I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THE CAR JERKED HARSHLY AND SHUT OFF. IT WOULD START RIGHT BACK UP, BUT THEN DIE WHEN PUT INTO (D) DRIVE. THE ROAD WAS A VERY DANGEROUS HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALONE SO COULD NOT PUSH CAR TO THE SIDE. FINALLY AFTER ABOUT 20 START AND 15 MINUTES, I MANAGED TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE. I DROVE IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER DIRECTLY WHILE IT WAS BUCKING, JERKING AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I BLEW THREW 2 RED LIGHTS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT TO STOP. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 6.5 HOURS WHEN THEY CALLED TO TELL ME THAT NO LIGHTS WERE ON AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. IF I WANTED TO PAY $120 DIAGNOSTIC FEE, THEY COULD GO AHEAD WITH SOME WORK. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO MANAGER, HOWEVER HAD LEFT FOR THE DAY. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER, THEY CALLED AGAIN STATING THAT HE SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AND IT IS MOST LIKELY AN ABS SYSTEM PROBLEM, BUT I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY THE $120 DIAGNOSIC FEE.