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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,312

Of the 2013 reports, 63 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 48 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernAir bags514 reports · 22% of complaints
Owner complaints2,312Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags514
  2. Power train505
  3. Exterior lighting442
  4. Suspension289
  5. Other or unspecified240
  6. Electrical system159
  7. Engine158
  8. Structure134

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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 Owner’s 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  1. Power train, Engine, Jun 8, 2013

    TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP AND AS I WAS ACCELERATING, HAD VIOLENT THUNK AND VIBRATION IN CAR WITH LOSS IF ACCELERATION FOR 1-2 SECONDS. BEFORE AND AFTER THAT, CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCE VIBRATION/SHUDDER AND DECREASED ACCELERATION AT ABOUT 20MPH WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS OR DON'T CONTINUE WITH SAME LEVEL OF ACCELERATION. *TR

  2. Air bags, Jun 7, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V069000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1500. *TR

  3. Air bags, Jun 6, 2013

    PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATES OFF WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT.- RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR ON JAN,21, APR 4, MAY 14 AND JUNE 4. DEALER REPLACED OCCUPANT SENSORS ON APRIL 4,2013. PROBLEM WAS NOT RECTIFIED, THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO DEFECT. FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, THEY CLAIM THEY COULD ONLY GO BY WHAT DEALER STATES. THEREFORE THEY ARE USELESS TO CONSUMER. *TR

  4. Power train, Jun 6, 2013

    THE CVT TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUTTER AND VIBRATE AT LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 1200-2000 RPMS. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION 800-343-6913 EXT457206 SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE CASE #'S [XXX] AND [XXX] ON TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THAT NISSAN ENGINEERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE ON SEVERAL WEB SITES. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE 3/26/2013 FROM NISSAN IN REGARDS TO MY COMPLAINT. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT ORLAND PARK NISAN, ORLAND PARK, IL AND HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY REPAIR THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE AND ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE ANSWER IS THEY HAVE DONE THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE BULLETINS SENT TO THEM FROM NISSAN TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER PERFORMING THESE REPAIRS. NISSAN KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO STAND BEHIND THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PRODUCT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  5. Structure, Jun 4, 2013

    AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM THE STORE, I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN OBJECT DONE BY MY GAS PEDAL. I WENT TO PICK IT UP AND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS SUPPOSED TO BE HOLDING SOMETHING UP THERE. I LOOKED UP AND COULD NOT FIND WHERE IT WENT, BUT THEN NOTICED A BOLT THAT HOLDS THE BRACKET FOR THE HOOD, AND GAS DOOR CABLES WAS LOOSE. I MEAN IT WAS HALF WAY OUT AND THE OTHER WAS TIGHT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR FINDING ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS. ALMOST LIKE THEY DID NOT QUALITY CHECK IT! *TR

  6. Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Jun 4, 2013

    DRIVER' SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT DEALERS TO REPLACE THE MIRROR AND MIRROR HOUSING AND PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. MIRROR CONTINUES TO VIBRATE. ALSO, I GOT SEVERAL LETTERS OF RECALLS ON THIS CAR, SUCH AS THE SENSORS ON THE AIRBAGS AND THE SPARE TIRE BEING OVER-INFLATED. ALSO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON TWICE AND DOES NOT TURN OFF, EVEN WHILE DRIVING. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AT ALL, THIS CAR IS A LEMON. *TR

  7. Steering, Air bags, Jun 4, 2013

    PASSENGER'S AIR BAG TURNS ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHILE AN ADULT (150 LBS) IS SITTING WHILE CAR IS MOVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS (0 TO 80 MPH). I TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY AND REPORTED PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE STATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. I EXPLAINED TO THE MANAGER HOW THAT COULD NOT BE NORMAL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER CAN SUFFER SERIOUS INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH IF WE HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED HE CHECKED THE CAR'S COMPUTER AND THERE WE NO ERROR CODES. THE CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NISSAN ISSUED IN APRIL. NOW, I'M NERVOUS/WORRIED WHEN I HAVE A SOMEBODY IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS OFF RANDOMLY. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRICAL STEERING PUMP MAKES A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. SERVICE MANAGER STATED IT'S NOT NORMAL BUT NISSAN DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

  8. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 3, 2013

    I NOTICED A TAPPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY REAR SEAT OF THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS HAS SOMETHYING TO DO WITH MY FUEL PUMP, AS MY OLD CAR DID SIMILAR THINGS AND THAT WAS THE RESULT OF IT. *TR

  9. Visibility/wiper, Jun 3, 2013

    I HEAR A VIBRATION COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF MY DRIVERS DOOR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM(EVEN THOUGH I KNEW WHEN I DROPPED THIS CAR OFF THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM). I TOLD THEM THIS WHEN I PICKED IT UP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS YET. IT KEPT MAKING THE NOISE WHILE DRIVING SO I BROUGHT IT BACK THE SECOND TIME AND THEY SAID THEY COMPLETED THE SERVICE BULLETIN BY INSTALLING SOME DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. NOW JUST OVER A WEEK LATER I AM HEARING THE NOISE STILL. *TR

  10. Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2013

    TRANSMISSION IS LOCKING UP AT ANY SPEED WHILE COASTING OR DECELERATING,FEELS LIKE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO COME RIGHT OUT OF IT. ON WAY BACK TO DEALERSHIP, IT HAPPENED AT 55MPH GOING AROUND A BEND,AND FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP AND CHIRPED,THIS WAS THE WORSE ONE, IF THIS HAPPENED ON SNOW COVERED ROADS,THERE'S NO DOUBT THAT I WOULD HAVE WENT RIGHT INTO THE DITCH..WE'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR 3WEEKS AND PUT LESS THAN 1500 MILES ON IT.THE CAR STARTED DOING THIS 3 DAYS AGO,TODAY TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP,TOOK SERVICEMAN ON TEST DRIVE AND WITHIN A 1/4 MILE, HE HAD SEEN ENOUGH,WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE CVT TRANSMISSIONS,THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN A TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS!!! *TR

  11. Steering, Suspension, Jun 1, 2013

    THIS VEHICLE WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING IN BREEZY CONDITIONS, EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO WIND AT ALL. THE EFFECT IS AMPLIFIED ON CONCRETE HIGHWAYS WITH LIGHT DRAINAGE GROOVES. WHEN THE ROAD IS WET, IT FEELS VERY UNSTABLE. IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR GOING ON A STRAIGHT COURSE, WITH CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO VERY SENSITIVE TO SLIGHT CROSSWINDS OR PASSING VEHICLES WHICH SEND THE CAR OFF ITS COURSE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE TIRES BUT I KNOW THIS IS NOT TRUE BECAUSE I HAVE A 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY THAT HAS THE SAME CONTIPROCONTACT TIRES AND IT DRIVES LIKE A DREAM. *TR

  12. Air bags, Seats, Jun 1, 2013

    PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WITH A PERSON OVER 100 LBS. IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND THEY "RECALIBRATED" THE SENSOR, BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THE RECENT PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN, SO IT APPEARS THAT NISSAN HAS NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS. BY READING THESE COMPLAINTS ON SAFERCAR.GOV, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. HOW LONG WILL NISSAN'S CUSTOMERS BE FORCED TO DRIVE AROUND WITH COMPROMISED SAFETY SYSTEMS? *TR

  13. Steering, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, May 31, 2013

    I LOVE THE FACT THAT MY CAR HAS THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL AND FOR PAYING SO MUCH FOR THIS VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS WONDERFUL FEATURE YOU WOULD EXPECT IT TO WORK. WELL IT DID FOR THE FIRST MONTH, BUT I USED IT ALOT, USUALLY ON HIGHWAY TRIPS WHEN IT WOULD CUT OFF I WOULD TURN IT BACK ON, THEN ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THAT I NOTICED IT WAS ONLY GETTING WARM AT THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOT THE REST. THEN A LITTLE LATER IT DOESN'T EVEN GET WARM ANYMORE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SERVICE AT LEAST 2 DIFFERENT TIMES, AND THEY JUST TELL ME THAT IT IS NORMAL. BUT IN THE ARMADA, AND MAXIMA THEY LOANED ME WHILE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP THOSE SEEMED TO WORK FINE. THEIR ANSWER TO THAT IS THAT IN THE ALTIMA IT READS THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAR TO DETERMINE HOW HOT IT GETS. THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IN MARCH OF 2013 HERE IN NORTHERN VA WE HAD A BIG SNOWFALL. I WENT TO MY CAR AT 3:40 AM THE DAY OF THE SNOWFALL, AND STARTED IT. IT WAS ABOUT 28 DEGREES OUTSIDE, AND THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FELT THE SAME. I TURN ON THE HEATED STEERING IT I NEVER FELT IT THE ENTIRE 30 MILES I DROVE. TO ME IT FEELS LIKE THE ELECTRICITY IS NOT GETTING TO ANY OR ALL OF THE HEATING ELEMENT. NISSAN SAYS TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, BUT ALL THE DEALERS AROUND ME ARE OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE SAME. *TR

  14. Visibility/wiper, May 31, 2013

    WHILE USING MY WIPERS IF THERE IS SOMETHING LIKE A LEAF STEM, OR TREE POLLEN ON YOUR WINDSHIELD AND IT STARTS RAINING AND YOU TURN ON YOUR WIPERS IT DOES NOT PUSH THE ITEM OUT OF THE WAY, INSTEAD IT GETS PINCHED UNDER THE WIPER AND TRAVELS WITH IT LEAVING A WET STREAM THROUGH YOUR WINDSHIELD AND IT EFFECTS YOUR VISIBILITY. VERY DANGEROUS AND NISSAN NEEDS TO USE A DIFFERENT TYPE WIPER. *TR

  15. Steering, Engine, May 31, 2013

    SO I HAVE BEEN HEARING A WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY CAR AT LOW SPEEDS. I TOOK IT IN AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A NORMAL POWER STEERING NOISE. AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, I BROUGHT IT BACK A WEEK LATER AFTER I FOUND OUT THE NEXT DAY THAT THEIR IS A NISSAN TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THIS. AND THEY HAD IT FOR A FEW DAYS WITH MY OTHER CONCERNS AND RETURNED IT TO ME SAYING THAT MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REPAIR. WHY IS THIS? IT IS MAKING INTOLERABLE NOISES AND YET THEY DO NOT FIX IT? TO THIS DAY I AM STILL GETTING THESE NOISES AND HAVE READ THAT THE STEERING PUMP HAS FAILED ON OTHER 2013 NISSAN ALTIMAS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! *TR

  16. Electrical system, Service brakes, May 31, 2013

    AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF OWNING THIS NEW CAR, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ONWHILE I WAS DRIVING. I STARTED HEARING SQUEALING AND THUNKING COMING FROM MY BRAKES. THESE ARE NEW AND ON A NEW CAR, THE CAR JUST NOW HAS 6000 MILES ON IT AND IT STILL SHOULD NOT MAKES THESE SOUNDS. I TOOK IT IN THEY DID SOMETHING TO CLEAR THE BRAKE LIGHT AND SAID THE NOISES ARE NORMAL. THIS SHOULD NOT BE MAKING ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT NOISES. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIND THE PROBLEMS OF THEIR CARS AND FIX THEM! I FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING STILL WRONG BUT THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO LOOK ANY FURTHER. *TR

  17. Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, May 31, 2013

    WELL I NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WAS ON WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, IT HAS DONE THIS MANY TIMES, AND I EVEN HAVE A VIDEO OF ME SITTING IN IT AND I WEIGHT 180LBS WITH THE LIGHT ON WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. EACH TIME THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE RESET THE SEAT. IT IS STILL DOING IT, THE VIDEO CAME AFTER THE THIRD TIME AND JUST 3 DAYS AGO. I CALLED NISSAN ABOUT THIS AND MY OTHER BIG PROBLEMS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS THROUGH NISSAN AND YET I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN 3 SEPARATE TIMES AND THEY STILL KEEP TELLING ME ITS OK. NO SIR. NISSAN SEEMS TO JUST NOT CARE I HAVE ASKED THEM MANY TIMES FOR A NISSAN REP TO COME OUT AND LOOK AT MY CAR AND THEY JUST KEEP TELLING ME TO TAKE IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE PROBLEM IS ALL THE NISSAN DEALERS AROUND ME ARE OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE SAME COMPANY. AND NISSAN WILL NOT HELP ME WITH A LOANER CAR IF I DRIVE IT 200 MILES AWAY TO THE NEXT DEALER. SO I AM JUST SCREWED. VERY UPSET WITH HOW NISSAN RUNS THEIR BUSINESS. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST NISSAN EVER! *TR

  18. Electrical system, May 31, 2013

    WELL MY BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM AND LANE DETECTION SYSTEM BOTH DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. MY BSM WILL LIGHT UP WHEN THERE IS NOT A CAR THERE AS WELL AS NOT LIGHT UP WHEN THERE IS A CAR THERE. THIS HAPPENS VERY OFTEN BUT NOT EVERYTIME. WHEN IT RAINS IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYTIME. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IF YOU READ THE OWNERS MANUAL IT SAYS THAT THIS MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY. REALLY? I BOUGHT KNOWING THE SALESMAN TOLD ME THIS FEATURE WORKS NOT THAT IT DOES NOT WORK! THEY DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO DIAGNOSE IT. VERY SAD. AND SAME WITH THE LDS WHERE IT WILL BEEP AND BLINK AND I AM NOT EVEN OUT OF MY LAN. AGAIN THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT IS DRY, WET, SUNNY, CLOUDY, SNOWING. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG AND NISSAN DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THE CUSTOMERS HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY ON THESE FEATURES! *TR

  19. Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 31, 2013

    WELL I HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAVE A BAD VIBRATION AND GRINDING NOISE BETWEEN 1,200 AND 1,800 RPM'S WORST AT 1,500. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL. I AM SORRY BUT WHEN A TRANSMISSION IS VIBRATING OR MAKING BAD NOISES LIKE THIS IT HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I BELIEVE THIS IS CONTRIBUTING TO MY VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. ALSO WHILE FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATING I HAVE HAD MY CAR SURGE AND HAVE NO POWER WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND 2 OF THE TIMES I HAD A CAR COME UP ON ME FAST BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAN BE A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

  20. Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 31, 2013

    WELL THE MAIN SELLING POINT ON THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY WERE TOP IN MPG'S WITH 27 CITY AND 38 HIGHWAY. AFTER A WEEK OR SO I NOTICED THAT MY MPG AVERAGE IS NO MORE THAN 23.1. AND THAT WAS WITH MORE THAN 50% TRAVEL ON HIGHWAYS WITH NO TRAFFIC(NEVER WENT UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT). I FIGURED IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT BEING NEW AND IT WOULD AVERAGE OUT BETTER LATER. SO AFTER 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR I TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS JUST BECAUSE EVERY DRIVER AVERAGES DIFFERENT AND I KEPT SAYING BUT I AM NOT EVEN GETTING CLOSE TO THE 27 CITY AND I DRIVE MORE HIGHWAY. BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AND THEY RESET THE AVERAGE CALCULATOR. AFTER A WEEK IT WAS WORSE THAN IT WAS BEFORE AND I WAS BRINGING IT BACK FOR MY MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH THIS CAR. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS AND FINALLY TOLD ME THAT WHILE THEY HAD IT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THAT MY AIR FUEL RATIO SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THEY REPLACED IT AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE FIX. I HAVE PUT ABOUT A TANKS WORTH OF MILEAGE ON IT SINCE AND I AM GETTING UNDER 23 MPG STILL. EITHER SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH MY CAR OR NISSAN IS LYING ABOUT THE MPG'S AND YES I GET THAT THEY ARE PRESENTED BY THE EPA BUT NISSAN DOES THE TEST FIRST THEN SENDS IT TO THE EPA AND THEN THE EPA TESTS LATER ON. EITHER WAY THE MPG'S ARE WRONG AND I DRIVE TO TRY TO GET THE BEST MPG'S I DON'T EVEN GO OVER 2,000 RPM'S UNLESS GOING UP HILL. WHICH BRINGS ME TO THE VIBRATION FROM THE TRANS. BUT THAT'S IN ANOTHER COMPLAINT. NISSAN NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I CHOSE THIS OVER THE HONDA ACCORD JUST FOR THE MPG'S. *TR

  21. Power train, May 30, 2013

    RPM DROPS SUDDENLY FROM 1200RPM TO 800RPM IN 20-30MPH SPEED LEVEL AND VEHICLE BOUNCES WITH BANG SOUNDS AT TRANSMISSION AREA. WHEN I FEEL CAR LOOSENING THE POWER AT LOW SPEED DRIVING BY DROPPING RPM GAUGE, I HAVE TO PRESS BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR TO KEEP VEHICLE'S RPM SAFE LEVEL TO RUN THE CAR. THIS IS VERY NERVOUS THING. THIS PROBLEM HAVE HAPPENED SINCE MIDDLE OF MARCH AND WENT TO CAR DEALER TO CHECK THIS POINT. BUT THEY SAID NO PROBLEM IN MY CAR. I WILL VISIT AGAIN NEXT WEEK FOR THIS ISSUE. I FOUND MANY OF CASES THIS IN NISSAN ALTIMA FORUM AND OTHER SITES, ALL OWNER COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS BUT NISSAN DID NOT REPLY ANY YET FOR THIS. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM RELATED WITH SAFETY ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/VEHICLE-SHUDDER-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR

  22. Air bags, Service brakes, May 30, 2013

    I HAVE REPORTED TO NISSAN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT MY VEHICLE HAVING SQUEAKY BRAKES. THEY SUPPOSEDLY ADDED A STINT TO QUIET THE BRAKES BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK. ALSO THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *TR

  23. Power train, May 29, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *TR

  24. Seats, May 27, 2013

    HEADREST ON 2013 ALTIMA HURTS THE BACK OF MY HEAD WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR. IF IT HURTS IN NORMAL DRIVING I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT THE HEAD INJURY IS GOING TO BE LIKE IF I GET HIT WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR. THE HEAD RESTS SHOULD BE ADJUSTABLE SO THAT THEY CAN BE FITTED TO SHORTER PEOPLE. NO AMOUNT OF UP DOWN ADJUSTING ON THE HEAD REST HEIGHT WORKS TO RELIEVE THE ISSUE. *TR

  25. Air bags, May 24, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS OPERABLE AND WITHOUT FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE HIS WIFE, SAT IN THE SEAT. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000.