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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE T BE REPLICATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V138000 (AIRBAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS INDICATING THE AIR BAG WAS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2014
MY 18 YEAR OLD SON, WEIGHING APROX. 135 LBS, 5'11", SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH HIS FEET ON THE EDGE OF THE SEAT. I SEE THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT GO ON. (INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF.) THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. AFTER 1ST HEARING ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, I WAS EXPECTING TO RECEIVE A LETTER FROM NISSAN. DIDN'T HAPPEN. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS EXHIBITING THE SAME DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE... *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 8, 2014
WHILE DRIVING EAST ON I-20 AT ABOUT 70 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND. I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTED A CRACK IN THE WINDSCREEN FROM THE TOP CENTER OF THE GLASS TO JUST BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE MIRROR. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF IMPACT DAMAGE AND NO OBJECTS WERE SEEN AT THE TIME OF THE CRACK. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS THE CRACK DIVERGED AND ENLARGED TO AN APPROXIMATELY CIRCULAR CRACK IN THE REGION BELOW THE MIRROR. *TR
Structure, Aug 6, 2014
MY HUSBAND, 9 YEAR OLD, AND I HAD JUST LEFT KROGER LEAVING GATLINBURG, TN AFTER A WEEKS VACATION. WE PULLED ONTO A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. AS THE CAR GOT TO 25-30 MPH THE HOOD JUST FLEW OPEN AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT MY HUSBAND HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR ON THE BUSY HIGHWAY (WE WERE IN THE FAST LANE) AND CLOSE THE HOOD. BOTH SIDE PANELS WERE COMPLETELY DAMAGED (BENT, SCRATCHED, AND CRUMBLED) AND MY HOOD IS ALSO DENTED. WE MADE OUR WAY TO A GAS STATION TO FURTHER INSPECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE LEVER IS PULLED THE HOOD UNLOCKS. HOWEVER, THE SAFETY DOESN'T CATCH. YOU DON'T HAVE TO PUSH THE HATCH. I AM NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR I JUST BOUGHT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN READING STORIES ABOUT NISSAN HAVING THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! HOODS COVERING A WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING IS FAR MORE DANGEROUS THAN AN AIRBAG DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ILLUMINATED OFF WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE AIRBAG. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V138000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM).THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,076. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL, DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/18/14
Air bags, Jul 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER CLEARED THE COMPUTER CODE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V069000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V138000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Air bags, Jul 28, 2014
I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. I SCHEDULED THE PRESCRIBED FIX WITH THE DEALER, KLINE AUTOWORLD, MAPLEWOOD, MN, AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY FIXED THE RECALL PROBLEM, 07/03/2014. THEN, ON OR ABOUT 07/16/2014 THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING OFF LIGHT CAME ON WITH MY SPOUSE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TWICE REGARDING THIS WARNING LIGHT. SO FAR THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED ON SEVEN OCCASIONS SINCE THE RECALL FIX, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. UPDATED 06/10/15. *JB
Visibility, Structure, Jul 27, 2014
OUR CAR HAS DARK INTERIOR WITH A BLACK DASHBOARD. ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DAYS, THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD BECOMES TACKY AND VERY SHINY. WHEN IT IS IN THIS CONDITION, IT AFFECTS MY VISIBILITY. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION OF THE SUN, THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS OFF THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD AND INTO MY EYES. AT TIMES, THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS OFF THE SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND RESULTS IN A BRIGHT REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD WHICH GREATLY REDUCES VISIBILITY. FROM SEARCHES ON INTERNET, I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. IT APPEARS THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE FORMULATION OF PLASTIC USED FOR DASHBOARDS ON SOME CARS PRODUCED WHICH IS CAUSING AN EXUDATION OF CHEMICALS IN HIGH TEMPERATURES. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS DEFECT HAS NOT ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT, IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT DOES. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2014
I HAVE HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE THIRD DAY AFTER PURCHASE. THE BRAKES HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND I HAD IT IN SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NEVER "DUPLICATE" ANYTHING. THEN THE CAR STARTED TO MISFIRE AND EMIT A THICK BLACK SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND AT FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL BECAUSE THE CAR HAS A CVT TRANSMISSION. THEN THEY SAID BRING IT IN FOR ASSESSMENT. A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE WITH ME AND EXPERIENCED THIS FIRST HAND. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT SERVICE IT THAT DAY, BUT TO BRING IT BACK IN. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER, THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN MUCH BACK AND FORTH. I ASKED THEM TO BUY THE CAR BACK BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS WERE LIFE THREATENING. THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUT OFF ON ME, TWICE, IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I LAST CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, ON JULY 24TH, 2014, ABOUT THE MAJOR ISSUES I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING; THE EARLIEST THEY SAID THEY COULD SEE ME WOULD BE ON AUGUST 11TH, 2014. ON YESTERDAY, IT FINALLY SHUT OFF FOR GOOD, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. AS I WAS ON A TRIP, I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED 125 MILES TO MY HOMETOWN DEALERSHIP AT THE COST OF $230.00, OUT OF POCKET. THE ONLY REASON I GOT IT HOME THAT CHEAPLY WAS BECAUSE I HAVE FOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COVERAGE PACKAGES AND LUCKILY ONE OF THEM COVERED TOWING UP TO 100 MILES. THE CAR IS NOW SITTING ON THE DEALERSHIP'S PARKING LOT. *JS
Structure, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HOOD INDEPENDENTLY BECAME UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT CLOSED THE HOOD AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE REACHED 70 MPH, THE HOOD ABRUPTLY OPENED AND FLEW INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT HAD TO STICK HIS HEAD OUT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROADWAY AND SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO UNLATCH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE SAFETY LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HOOD, SIDE PANELS AND THE ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,200.
Power train, Jul 19, 2014
I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S IN AUGUST 2013 AND THE NEXT MONTH I NOTICED A SHUDDER IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. SINCE THEN IT HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT AT ALL SPEEDS, IE 20 MPH, 35 MPH, 45 MPH, IT WILL HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED. I'VE MENTIONED IT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. EVEN THE WIFE STATES THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Air bags, Jul 18, 2014
AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS, I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD GO ON WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DID, THE LIGHT COULD STAY ON FOR AN ENTIRE TRIP. IN THIS NISSAN CAR, WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, THAT MEANS THE AIR BAG IS OFF. I TOOK MY CONCERN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED MANY OF THE PARTS UNDER THE SEAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BY OCTOBER OF 2013, NISSAN SENT A SPECIAL TECHNICIAN TO FIVE TOWNS NISSAN IN INWOOD,NY TO ADDRESS MY PROBLEM. HE REPLACED THE RAILING UNDER THE SEAT BUT TOLD ME THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING CORRECTLY AND THEY WERE JUST MAKING ME HAPPY. HOWEVER, IN MAY OF 2014, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY VERY PROBLEM. IT TURNS OUT MANY OTHERS MUST HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE RECALL WAS A SOFTWARE RE-PROGRAM OF THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR. BUT, THIS RECALL DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANY TIMES AND THEY TREAT THIS LIKE AN INDIVIDUAL PROBLEM. THEY ACTUALLY ASK ME WHAT I WOULD LIKE THEM TO DO. I TELL THEM I WANT THE AIR BAG TO INFLATE DURING AN ACCIDENT SO MY PASSENGER DOESN'T DIE. I'M FED UP WITH THEIR RESPONSE. THE COMPANY THAT MAKES THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. LIKE WITH ALL CAR COMPANIES, THEY CONCEAL THE TRUTH AND WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE BEFORE THEY SOLVE A PROBLEM. I HAVE NOW TAKEN MY CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, NINE TIMES IN THE PAST FIFTEEN MONTHS AND THERE IS STILL NO SOLUTION. *TR
Air bags, Jul 14, 2014
ALTHOUGH MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER A VOLUNTARY RECALL, THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTS. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT DETECT SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT MOST OF THE TIME SO THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON NOTIFYING THE DRIVER THAT THE AIR BAG IS OFF. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 10, 2014
THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD HAS A VERY SHINY STICKY OIL LIKE SUBSTANCE AT MIGRATES TO AND COATS THE SURFACE CAUSING AN EXTREME GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION, THIS SUBSTANCE OUTGASSES AND CONDENSES ON THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE WINDSHIELD AS A MILKY HAZE WHICH FURTHER INCREASES THE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. THIS CONDITION ALSO AFFECTS THE REAR DECK PLASTIC AS WELL. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF PLASTICIZER, OR AN IMPROPER RATIO WAS USED DURING THE FABRICATION OF THE AFFECTED PARTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE MIGRATION OF THE PLASTICIZER TO THE SURFACE. THE MANUFACTURE IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER, NO FIX OR SOLUTION IS FORTHCOMING. THIS CONDITION IS MOST PREVALENT ON AFFECTED PARTS USED IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS IE; FLORIDA AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE SUBSTANCE CAN NOT BE REMOVED BY CLEANING. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE THRU THE GLARE AND HAZE ON THE WINDSHIELD DURING SUNNY DAYS CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 9, 2014
WE BOUGHT OUR CAR IN JANUARY AND IT HAD 1,900 MILES ON IT. WE DIDN'T DRIVE IT VERY MUCH BECAUSE IT WAS WINTER AND THE ROADS IN WV ARE BAD. BUT I REMEMBER IN MARCH WHEN I WENT TO SEE MY DAUGHTER IT STARTED JERKING LIKE IT WANTED TO STOP ON THE ROAD. I REMEMBER I HAD LET THE GAS GET DOWN TO A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS WHEN IT FIRST STARTED AND I THOUGHT I HAD GOT SOME BAD GAS. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT SOMETIMES IT WOULD DO IT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T FOR A WHILE. BUT THE PAST MONTH IN JUNE IT IS SO BAD IT FEELS LIKE YOU SLAM ON THE BRAKES WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AND SOUNDS LIKE THE MOTOR IS GOING TO FALL OUT. I ALSO NOTICED I HAD LET THE GAS GO DOWN TO A QUARTER TANK AGAIN AND IT IS SCARY SO I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IF IT DIDN'T SET THE CODE THEY COULDN'T TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE HAD WATER IN THE GAS AND TOLD US TO PUT THE WATER TREATMENT IN THE GAS AND WE DID. IT DIDN'T HELP AT ALL IT IS GETTING WORSE SO THEY HAVE FINALLY SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR US TO BRING IT IN. I HAVE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME THING THAT IS GOING ON WITH OUR NISSAN. IT IS SO BAD I AM AFRAID NOW THAT IT IS GOING TO STOP RUNNING WHILE I AM DRIVING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WONDER IF THAT IS WHY THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRADED IT IN. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900.
Air bags, Jul 5, 2014, crash
OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT HITTING THE SIDE OF MY CAR DOING OVER 50 MPH AND THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Jun 30, 2014
I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH MY CARS " AIR BAG OFF " WARNING LIGHT STAYING LIT WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW . IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE " REPAIRED " 4 TIMES . EACH TIME IT WAS NOT CORRECTED . RECENTLY I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR THIS PROBLEM AS PART OF THE SAFETY RECALL . DESPITE THIS ,ONCE AGAIN THIS PAST WEEKEND THE " AIRBAG OFF " LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT . THE LIGHT WILL COME ON RANDOMLY AND THEN STAY LIT THE WHOLE TIME I AM DRIVING ... NO MATTER HOW THE PASSENGER SITS OR MOVES IN THE SEAT IT WILL NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND THEN RESTARTED . NOW THE DEALER SAYS TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR THE 5TH TIME AND THEY WILL SEE IF THERE IS AN ERROR CODE . ( IN THE PAST THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ERROR CODES RETAINED ) I FEEL THIS CAR IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY UNTIL THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FIXED ... UNTIL THEN I NEVER KNOW IF MY AIRBAGS ARE TRULY WORKING CORRECTLY ... AND I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO FIND OUT AFTER AN ACCIDENT THAT THEY WEREN'T . MY LAST NISSAN ! *TR
Air bags, Jun 29, 2014
ADULT WAS SEATING IN PASSENGER SEAT AND NO AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN UNTIL AFTER I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. *TR
Air bags, Jun 27, 2014
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS ON SPORADICALLY, WHETHER A 150 POUND ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. ISSUE WAS FIRST NOTICED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO OUR VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY AND THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE PROBLEM RECURRED CONSISTENTLY OVER THE LAST YEAR WITH SERVICE DEPARTMENT MECHANICS REPEATEDLY PERFORMING THE SAME "FIX" THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD GIVEN THEM FOR THE ISSUE. ONCE THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED AND WE GOT OUR CAR IN TO THE GARAGE, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SAME "FIX" WOULD BE PERFORMED. AS EXPECTED, THE ISSUE WAS SEEN ONCE AGAIN 3 DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL WORK. *TR
Air bags, Jun 23, 2014
ADULT PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATING THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY. HAD THE LATEST RECALL FIX APPLIED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO BUT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2014
FOG LIGHT SHATTERED ON PASSENGER SIDE. I CONFIRMED IT WAS NOT IMPACT RELATED AND RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE PROBLEM UNLESS I PAID FOR THE PART FIRST. I REPLACED THE PART MYSELF AND FOUND THAT THE LIGHT UNIT HAD: 1. NOT BEEN TIGHTENED DOWN AND 2. AND INCREDIBLY, HAD BEEN ASSEMBLED BY SOMEONE WHO USED A CIGARETTE BUTT AS A WASHER UNDER ONE OF THE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE LIGHT UNIT IN PLACE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V138000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES. THEY RE-PROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TWICE, AND REPLACED THE SENSORS, TO NO AVAIL. UPDATED 07/22/14
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jun 20, 2014
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER I LEASED BRAND NEW CAR. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE FOX NISSAN DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NISSAN WILL NOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION. I'VE BEEN TRYING FOR A YEAR NOW AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, NISSAN OR DEALERSHIP CANNOT SAY IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK IN THE CASE OF A CRASH. I'M PAYING MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE SAFE. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE? TOOK THE CAR IN LAST FRIDAY FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL, PROBLEM IS STILL THERE AFTER DEALERSHIP UPDATED THE SOFTWARE PROBLEM. BOTH FOX NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND NISSAN REGIONAL FIELD REP SAID THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO SINCE THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THE PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM THEY HAD ME TAKE WE'RE TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE THEY ACTUALLY CARED. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M CONTINUING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 18, 2014
THIS IS A FIRST TIME INCIDENT PERTAINING TO MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN. MY BRAKE WARNING LAMP (RED) ILLUMINATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED OF 45 MPH. NOTE...EARLIER IN THE MORNING I DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CONFIRMED THAT MY PARKING BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULLY RELEASED. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND MOMENTS LATER I RESTARTED IT. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP STAYED ILLUMINATED. KNOWING THAT MY BRAKES WERE PERFORMING NORMALLY, I CONTINUED ON MY JOURNEY AND DROVE HOME. AT THAT TIME I CHECKED THE VEHICLES BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FLUID LEVEL. IT WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW THE RESERVOIR'S MAXIMUM INDICATOR. IN ADDITION I CHECKED AND CONFIRMED THAT MY REAR BRAKE LAMPS WERE OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 4 HOURS AND THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. I THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES WITHOUT THE PROBLEM RECURRING. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE DAYTIME TEMPERATURE WAS RATHER HIGH AT 94 DEGREES. *TR