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.
Air bags, Nov 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V069000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, WHICH HE BELIEVED WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Air bags, Nov 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED WHILE THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V069000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF UPDATED 1/23/2014 *JS
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2013
RE: KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEMS. THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR SO I DON'T KNOW VIN OR MILEAGE, OR EXACT YEAR. I RENTED A CAR LAST WEEK IN SAN DIEGO, MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH KEYLESS IGNITIONS. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ONE DAY AND WAS NOT USED TO THIS SYSTEM. LATE AT NIGHT I PARKED CAR, PUSHED THE IGNITION TO "OFF" STARTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR, WHEN CAR STARTED DRIVING FORWARD BECAUSE I HAD FORGOTTEN TO PUT IT IN PARK. I WAS KNOCKED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, IT WAS PITCH BLACK OUTSIDE, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING, UNTIL I SAW THE CAR DRIVING AWAY. I MANAGED TO CHASE THE CAR AND JUMP BACK INSIDE BEFORE IT HIT ANYTHING. HOWEVER, MY KNEE WAS TORN UP REALLY BAD, AND I AM STILL DEALING WITH THE INJURY MORE THAN A WEEK LATER. NOT HAVING ANY WARNING/SAFETY MEASURE TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK, COUPLED WITH A WHISPER QUIET ENGINE, IS A TOTALLY DANGEROUS COMBINATION, AND CLEARLY DEADLY FROM MANY ON LINE ACCOUNTS I HAVE READ. DON'T KNOW HOW THIS RIDICULOUS IDEA EVER MADE IT TO FACTORY, MUCH LESS APPROVED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYSTEM IN PLACE. I HATE THESE CARS AND THINK THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. AT LEAST IN A REGULAR CAR THE KEYS WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION OF THE CAR IS NOT IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. I AM LUCKY THE CAR DID NOT RUN OVER ME, OR SOMEONE INNOCENT BYSTANDER. BUT I WOULD IMAGINE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ACCIDENTS LIKE MINE THAT ENDED MUCH WORSE. LIKE I SAID, THESE CARS ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED, AND THIS SYSTEM SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. *TR
Steering, Nov 16, 2013
AS MANY HAVE ALREADY DESCRIBED, WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CAR EMITS A HIGH PITCH NOISE. THIS NOISE WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN TEST DRIVING THE CAR AND APPARENTLY ONLY BEGINS TO MANIFEST ITSELF AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN A FEW HUNDRED MILES. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO FIX IT, WE TEST DROVE A BRAND NEW CAR ON THE LOT TO COMPARE THE NOISE, AND IT DID NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. ON MY FIRST ATTEMPT TO FIX THE NOISE I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BULLETIN TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BUT ULTIMATELY THE BULLETIN DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. WE TRIED AGAIN.IT APPEARS THAT IT IS THE BRACKET WHICH IS HOLDING THE PUMP IN PLACE THAT IS CAUSING THE NOISE. WHEN THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE BRACKET, THE NOISE DISAPPEARED. THE BRACKET NEEDED TO BE PUT BACK FOR SAFETY REASONS BUT AS SOON AS WE DID, THE NOISE REAPPEARED. THE MECHANIC ULTIMATELY DID SOMETHING THAT REDUCED THE NOISE AND I WAS HAPPY. UNFORTUNATELY, THE NOISE RETURNED AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING TO DO. A REGIONAL PERSON WAS GOING TO BE AT THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING WEEK AND I WAS ASKED TO BRING MY CAR BACK FOR HIS ASSESSMENT. HIS ASSESSMENT WAS THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. NISSAN DEEMS THE NOISE NORMAL BECAUSE ALL THE CARS ARE PRODUCING THE NOISE? THAT MAKES IT NORMAL??? THE NOISE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND HAD IT PRESENTED ITSELF DURING THE DRIVE, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT IT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO TURN ON MY RADIO AT A HIGH VOLUME IN ORDER NOT TO HEAR THE HIGH PITCH NOISE. IT'S EMBARRASSING WHEN I HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR WHO ASK ME WHAT THE NOISE IS? I COMPLAINED TO NISSAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION (THAT'S A JOKE) WHO IS TELLING ME THAT IF THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX, THEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM.THE MECHANIC SAID THAT MINE IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AND THAT OTHERS HAVE BROUGHT THEIR CAR IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CORPORATE IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS.THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! *TR
Air bags, Equipment, Nov 13, 2013
BOUGHT 2013 ALTIMA IN FEB. IN MARCH NOTICED THE PASSENGER LIGHT WAS ON WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. FOLLOWED BY ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER.....SAID HE FOUND SENSOR WAS BAD. ON NOV. 5,2013 IT HAPPENED AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO SAID IT SHOWED NO ERRORS. TOLD ME IT WAS SAFE BUT IF THE LIGHT CAME ON TAKE A PICTURE. IT CAME ON TWICE ON 11/8/2013. I AM AT A LOSS OF WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN HOLD NISSAN LIBEL FOR NOT FIXING AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. I WILL RETURN TO THE DEALER LATER THIS WEEK IN NOVEMBER 2013. HOW CAN WE GET NISSAN TO REACT TO OUR PROTECTION ON AN OBVIOUS COMPLAINT FROM SO MANY OWNERS? *TR
Air bags, Nov 12, 2013
IN APPROXIMATELY MARCH 2013, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON WHILE DRIVING OUR 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. AT FIRST, THE LIGHT WOULD COME FOR A MINUTE OR TWO AND THEN GO OFF. AS TIME PROGRESSED, THE OCCURRENCES BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND LONGER IN DURATION. ON MAY 31, 2013, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE NISSAN DEALER FROM WHICH THE CAR WAS PURCHASED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AND THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES. NO REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF THE LIGHT COMING ON CONTINUED TO INCREASE. AT ONE POINT DURING A TRIP TO THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES, THE "OFF" LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS WHILE DRIVING. ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2013, THE CAR WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. AGAIN, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES. SUPPOSEDLY, THE DEALER CONTACTED NISSAN FOR ASSISTANCE. IT WAS REPORTED THAT NISSAN DECLINED TO DO ANYTHING SINCE THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AGAIN, NO REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING. ALTHOUGH, WITH THE ARRIVAL OF COOLER WEATHER, THE FREQUENCY AND DURATION ARE LESS THAN THE OCCURRENCES DURING THE SUMMER HEAT. *TR
Steering, Nov 8, 2013
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 9/2012. SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER DRIVING, FOUND THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A STEERING PROBLEM. THE CAR CONSTANTLY WANDERS ACROSS THE ROAD, LEFT, SOMETIMES RIGHT. IT REQUIRES YOU TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS WITH A VERY TIGHT GRIP, OTHERWISE YOU WILL END UP IN THE NEXT LANE, OFF THE ROAD, OR POSSIBLY INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALSO NOTICE THE CAR PRACTICALLY LOSES CONTROL WITH EVEN THE SLIGHTEST WIND, AGAIN THIS REQUIRES YOU TO TIGHTLY HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I'VE RETURNED THE CAR 3 TIMES TO THE DEALER, WITH NO RESULTS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 7, 2013
I PURCHASED MY 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5SL ONE WEEK EARLIER. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT WHEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND GET TO 20-40 MPH THE CAR WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY AS IF MY CAR WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON THE TRANSMISSION AND KEPT MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS. THEY PUT 75 MILES ON MY CAR TO "ENSURE" THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I PICKED UP MY CAR ON THE 4TH DAY AND DROVE 2 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND ENCOUNTERED THE SAME JERKING AND SHUDDERING PROBLEM. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS GREETED BY A SERVICE MANAGER THAT INSISTED WE GO FOR A DRIVE TO SEE IF HE COULD EXPERIENCE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. AFTER TAKING THE RIDE HE EXPLAINED THAT HE DID FEEL THE JERKING AND SHUDDERING BUT IT IS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT NISSAN USA AND MAKE A COMPLAINT BUT THE DEALERSHIP REALLY DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER TO CORRECT THE ISSUE UNLESS THEY ARE CONTACTED BY CORPORATE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR!!! I AM AFRAID THIS CAR IS GOING TO STALL ON ME AT THE WORSE POSSIBLE TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Nov 6, 2013
PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATES THAT AIRBAG REMAINS OFF WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. NISSAN DEALER TECH CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM; JUST THE WAY THE SYSTEM WORKS. HE WOULDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT. *TR
Structure, Nov 4, 2013
I WENT TO GAS STATION TO FILL MY LAWN MOWER GAS CAN. I THOUGHT I OPENED THE TRUNK WHERE THE CAN WAS STORED. IT DIDN'T OPEN SO I RE-CLICKED THE LATCH. TRUNK OPENED. GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, SMALL TOWN, NO TRAFFIC AND MY HOOD FLEW OPEN AND BACK AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. I MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY HIT THE HOOD LATCH THE 1ST TIME-NOT SURE BUT REGARDLESS, THE SECONDARY CATCH SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS AT 25 - 30 MPH. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON EXPRESSWAY? NO DAMAGE TO ME BUT $2100 DAMAGE TO CAR. I AM INSURED. THEY ARE REPLACING THE FENDERS WHERE THEY WERE TORQUED BACKWARD, THE HINGES WHERE SPRUNG, AND THE LATCH MECHANISM BECAUSE UNSURE WHY SECONDARY LATCH DID NOT HOLD. WAS AT NISSAN DEALER WITHIN PAST MONTH IN CINCINNATI AND HOOD HAS NOT BEEN OPENED - NO INKLING ANYTHING WRONG. I DON'T FEEL THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH DEALER AS I HAVE DRIVEN NUMEROUS MILES SINCE AT 65-70 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHT IN DISPLAY SO EVIDENTLY THIS FAILURE IS NOT CONNECTED TO A WARNING SOUND OR LIGHT. AT THIS LOW SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD AND HOOD LOOKS OK INITIALLY - BUT MORE DAMAGE MAY APPEAR AS THEY WORK ON THE CAR. I HAVE A RENTAL DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERN OF CARSTAR ESTIMATOR. I FEEL THERE COULD BE SOME IMPROVEMENT MADE HERE TO PREVENT THIS. *TR
Air bags, Oct 29, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WITH FRONT PASSENGER (MORE THAN 115LB). WENT TROUGH THE RECALL (13V069000 )WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT. IT DIDN'T HELP AND AT DEALERSHIP I AM TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Oct 28, 2013, crash
THE CAR WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SWERVED TO MISS A DEER THAT HAD JUMPED OUT OF THE WOODS. THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND INTO SOME TREES AND A ROCK WALL. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED PRETTY EXTENSIVELY (TOTAL LOSS), WITH DAMAGE TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER AND A DIRECT IMPACT TO THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE PUSHING THE INTERIOR BUMPER APPROX. 10" BACK AND INTO THE RADIATOR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS CRASH. WE HAD BEEN TOLD PREVIOUSLY THAT NISSAN HAD A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS, AND WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER, NOTHING WAS DONE BECAUSE THEY RAN A REPORT STATING THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT DUE FOR THE RECALL. AFTER SHOWING THE DEALER PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE, THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT "THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND THAT "THEY BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE". I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE, AND I ALSO HAVE VIDEO EVIDENCE OF MY DAUGHTER SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON STATING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS WAS SHOWN TO THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE CRASH, AND STILL NOTHING WAS DONE TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE FURTHER. WHEN I SHOWED THE GM OF THE DEALERSHIP THE VIDEO, AND TOLD HIM THAT NOTHING WAS DONE TO REPAIR IT, HIS RESPONSE WAS "GOD FORBID THAT ANYONE OF US GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY'!! A FEW WEEKS LATER....THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEMS OF THESE CARS, AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED DURING A CRASH. *TR
Air bags, Oct 27, 2013
DASH MOUNTED PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES...AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR PASSENGER IS OFF. HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 12 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN SEP 2012. LIGHT IS LIT SOMETIMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME; SOMETIMES FOR SHORT (MINUTE OR LESS). DEALER HAS REPLACED SENSORS IN PASSENGER SEAT. PROBLEM CONTINUES. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2013
I LEASED THIS VEHICLE 3/29/13. A COUPLE WEEKS IN IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD WHINING NOISE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS "NORMAL FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEMS". IT'S NOT. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER LINE OUT THERE, FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC, THAT DOES IT. IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THE SHOP 4 TIMES NOW FOR THIS ISSUE. CURRENTLY I HAVE A FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED WITH NISSAN AND AM FILING A LEMON LAW CLAIM. IF THEY CANNOT DETERMINE THE ISSUE HOW CAN THEY DETERMINE THAT IT IS SAFE??? VEHICLE SEEMS TO HANDLE "LOOSELY" AT HIGHER SPEEDS ALSO. IT ALSO RANDOMLY HAS ISSUES ON STARTUP AND MY GAS MILEAGE SEEMS TO GET WORSE AS TIME GOES BY. NOT TO MENTION NOW THAT IT'S KNOWN IN THE MARKET ABOUT THIS ISSUE THE VALUE ON MY CAR HAS DRASTICALLY DECREASED. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE LOCKED POSITION, THE RPMS WOULD HAVE TO BE HIGH ABOVE 1,000, WHICH THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NORMAL IDLE WAS 750. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ALSO PREMATURELY WEARING DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT ASSISTING IN DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 8, 2013
SPORADICALLY WHEN STARTING CAR (FROM A COLD START OR AFTER 2 HOURS) THE RPMS WILL DO THE NORMAL GOING UP THEN SLOWLY DOWN AND THEN LOWER ONCE IN GEAR; HOWEVER, ONCE STARTED TO DRIVE AND STOP THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND APPEAR TO BE TRYING TO CHOKE....TOOK TO SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NOTHING IS IN THE LOG.....TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHILE PROBLEM OCCURRING THE MECHANIC FELT THE SHAKING AND THE BIG BUMP AND SAID THE IDLE RPMS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED TO HIGHER LEVEL WITHIN 36 HOURS THE CAR WOULD DO THE SAME SPORADIC PROBLEM JUST AT A HIGHER RPM......TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN LEFT OVERNIGHT THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM STATED EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AND THE SALESPERSON DEMO SUPPOSEDLY DOES THE SAME THING (WHICH IT STARTED NORMAL). *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 1, 2013
THE VEHICLE BLIND SPOT WARNING & LANE KEEP SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING. THE WARNING ON THE DASH SAYS TO CLEAN THE CAMERA LENS BUT THE LENS ARE CLEAN. IF YOU STOP THE CAR & SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THEN RESTART THE SYSTEM WILL START OPERATING AGAIN. NISSAN CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Oct 1, 2013
THE VEHICLE PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" WARNING LITE COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN AN ADULT, WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 160#, IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *TR
Air bags, Sep 26, 2013
PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS DESPITE NISSAN REPLACING THE SENSORS IN THAT SEAT ON 9-25-2013. PREVIOUSLY THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES DURING THE PERIOD 9-8-2012 TO 9-25-2013. NISSAN UNABLE TO REPLICATE ERROR IN SHOP OR ASCERTAIN CAUSE. ONLY WHEN I PRODUCED VIDEO EVIDENCE OF THE MALFUNCTION DID THEY TAKE ACTION AND REPLACE SEAT SENSORS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *JS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 23, 2013
VEHICLE JERKS AT STOPS AND TAKES OFF, RPMS CLIMBED ON THEIR OWN, VEHICLE WON'T START AND WAS TOWED IN, VEHICLE STALL IN MOVING TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE, AND FAN BLOWER.
Visibility, Visibility/wiper, Sep 23, 2013
NISSAN SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL! I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA (LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OLD) AND I WAS AT A DRIVE THRU WAITING FOR MY FOOD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CRACK IS VERY LARGE AND IT'S ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD BY THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOTHING EVEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD TO CAUSE IT TO CRACK AND I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE CAR AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED TO CONFIRM THAT. I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD OF A CAR I JUST BOUGHT LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AGO. I'M ACTUALLY SCARED TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THE SAME THING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. IF YOU GOOGLE "ALTIMA WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON" YOU WILL SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM ALTIMA OWNERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEAR. HOWEVER, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RESOLVE IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS CAUSING EXTRA STRESS ON THE WINDOW. I'VE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD OR HAVE SEEN ONE CRACK RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME WITHOUT ANYTHING STRIKING IT. UPDATED 10/22/13 *CN UPDATED 10/29/13*CN
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 21, 2013
WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 2 TO 25 MPH HEAR LOUD HIGH PITCH WHINING SOUND FROM ENGINE. THIS STARTED AFTER ABOUT 200 MILES ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD 51 MILES ON IT WHEN PURCHASED. DEALER SAID THIS IS NORMAL IT IS THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. THE WHINING NOISE IS VERY DISTURBING AND DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. SUCH NOISE IS NOT NORMAL. NISSAN NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A FIX. JUST PURCHASED FROM DEALER ON 9/13/2013.
Power train, Sep 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AUTOMATICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT FORWARD AND EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PASSENGER'S WEIGHT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,464. .... UPDATED 10-17-13 *BF UPDATED 10/23/2013 *JS
Air bags, Sep 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR 30 MILES. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND ON THE THIRD VISIT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONE WEEK LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,200. UPDATED 9/24/13*CN THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/25/13