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, Feb 27, 2013
PURCHASED A NEW 2013 ALTIMA SEDAN 3.5SL IN NOVEMBER 2012. AT APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE KICKING IN AND ACCELERATING (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND ATTEMPTED TO START IN 4TH GEAR). THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE. ADDITIONALLY, OFTEN WHILE ACCELERATING THE RPMS WILL DROP SIGNIFICANTLY AND THE CAR WILL SHUDDERS BEFORE KICKING BACK IN AND ACCELERATING. LASTLY, ON OCCASION, WHILE DECELERATING, THE CAR WILL JERK HARSHLY (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND SHIFTING INTO TOO LOW A GEAR FOR THE SPEED). TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE 2/6/2013 AND THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME SHE HADN'T HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT SHE WOULD OPEN A TICKET. CALLED BACK TO NISSAN CORPORATE 2/27/2013 TO FOLLOW UP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY PREVIOUS TICKET HAD BEEN CLOSED. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2013
I PURCHASED MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 S CAR ON 17 OCTOBER 2012 WITH 12 MILES. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER AFTER BUYING THIS VEHICLE, I BEGAN HEARING A CONSTANT WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT A VERY LOW SPEED, A DRUMMING SLAPPING NOISE WHEN I ABRUPTLY BRAKE, A RATHER DISTURBING METAL CLUNKING SOUND THAT SEEMS TO GENERATE FROM THE FUEL TANK AND FINALLY INTERMITTENTLY CLICKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THESE SOUNDS AR EXTREMELY NERVE WRECKING FOR A BRAND NEW CAR. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THREE DIFFERENT NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOR INSPECTION AT LEAST SEVEN TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THESE CONCERNING SOUNDS ARE NORMAL CONDITIONS FOR THIS MODEL. THE CAR HAS ALSO HESITATED MULTIPLE TIMES ON START UP. FILED A COMPLAINT THAT LED TO NOWHERE BECAUSE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC INSISTS THAT THESE ARE "NORMAL" CONDITIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE . *TR
Air bags, Seats, Feb 19, 2013
THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT MAY COME ON WHEN AN ADULT OR LARGE TEENAGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. AT TIMES, THE WARNING LIGHT WILL GO OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. IT APPEARS THAT EITHER THE SEAT SENSOR(S) OR THE SOFTWARE THAT READS THE SENSOR(S) AND DETERMINES THE SIZE/WEIGHT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE FAULTY. I AM AMAZED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OF THE 2013 ALTIMA FOR THIS ISSUE, GIVEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 18, 2013
I SPOKE TO 5 TOWN NISSAN WHO DID A SO CALLED THOROUGH CHECK ON MY CAR STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT BUT THE BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON. HOW CAN EVERYTHING BE PERFECT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT GOING ON. ALL I SEE IS THAT THESE DEALERS SAY ITS GOOD AND CARS ARE IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION WHEN THEY ARE NOT. *TR
Equipment, Feb 18, 2013
2.5SL DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WENT OUT BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER CHECK IT OUT TELLS ME THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE RADIO I SAID FINE CAME IN FOR SOMETHING ELSE LESS THEN A WEEK AND THEY CHANGED THEY MIND IT NEEDS REPROGRAMMING HOW MANY THINGS MUST GO WRONG BEFORE NISSAN CORPORATION TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS DOES SOME ONE HAVE TO DIE DO TO THEIR IRRESPONSIBILITY I AM AN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR AND THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE IN WHAT THESE BIG CORPORATION DO TO THEIR CUSTOMERS THIS MUST END ONCE AND FOR ALL. LET THE US ATTORNEY GENERAL TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THESE COMPANIES NOW BEFORE PEOPLE DIE. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2013
STARTED TO DRIVE FROM A PARK POSITION I WAS GOING ALREADY AROUND 15-20 MPH BEFORE TRANSMISSION KICKED INTO GEAR. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2013
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED I WAS AT A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN STARTED TO MOVE WHEN I FELT A PULL BACK ON THE CAR AND THEN CAR SHOT FORWARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 18, 2013
BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON RIGHT AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF THE SERVICE CENTER OF NISSAN DEALER BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2013
MALFUNCTION AGAIN BSW/ LDW AND SLIPP INDICATOR. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2013
THE BSW AND LDW MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING ON BOARD FLASHED MALFUNTION AND SLIPP LIGHT WENT ON LESS THEN A WEEK HAVING THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2013
ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BROUGHT IT IN AND DIAGNOSED AS THE OXYGEN SENSOR. *TR
Air bags, Feb 17, 2013
THE FIRST SIX WEEKS WE HAD THE CAR IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THAN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT OCCASIONALLY WOULD COME ON WITH MY 120 LB WIFE IN THE SEAT. NOW IT WILL COME ON ALL OF THE TIME. IF YOU START THE CAR BEFORE SHE GETS IN THE LIGHT USUALLY STAYS OFF AFTER SHE GETS IN BUT NOT ALWAYS. WITH A 50 LB PERSON IN THE SEAT THE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, THAT IS WHEN I THINK IT SHOULD COME ON. *TR
Air bags, Feb 12, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS 2013 ALTIMA FOR 5 MONTHS AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS CONTINUOUSLY STAY ON "OFF MODE". I AM A FEMALE AND WEIGH 136 POUNDS AND MY HUSBAND RIDES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL AT TIMES AND HE IS 160 POUNDS, SO THERE IS DEFINITELY ENOUGH WEIGHT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT WITHIN THE SENSORS. IN MY VEHICLE IT WILL STAY OFF FOR HOURS OR SOMETIMES IT WILL TAKE 15-30 MINUTES AND IT WILL TURN ON, BUT IT NEVER STAYS ON.I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. AND IT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING TO A PASSENGER IN ONE OF THESE VEHICLES IF THE AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THERE LIFE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE QUICKLY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ITS A SERIOUS MATTER. THERE ARE LIVES AT STAKE HERE.. *TR
Air bags, Feb 10, 2013
FEW DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (09/23/12) THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ALSO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS DISENGAGED WITH A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. TONIGHT (2/10/13) THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ONCE AGAIN INDICATED NO PASSENGER WHEN MY 120 LB WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. I TRIED IT WITH MYSELF (155LB) AND AGAIN IT OCCURRED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Feb 9, 2013
THE DAY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (1/23/13) THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ALSO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS DISENGAGED WITH A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP (ROSENTHAL NISSAN OF TYSONS) TOOK THE CAR IN BACK AND MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS. THE PROBLEM APPARENTLY WENT AWAY. TONIGHT (2/9/13) THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ONCE AGAIN INDICATED NO PASSENGER WHEN MY 110 LB WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. I TRIED IT WITH MYSELF (175LB) AND AGAIN IT OCCURRED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 8, 2013
WAS DRIVING 45 MPH TO TAKE CHILD TO SCHOOL. WHILE AT LIGHT MADE SURE NO PARKING BRAKE ON. THEN PUT CAR IN PARK TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND ON TWICE AS BRAKING LIGHT STILL ON. KEPT VEHICLE OFF FOR APPROXIMALLY 1 MINUTE AND TURNED BACK ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE WHICH THEY STATED BREAK FLUID NOT TOPPED OFF. SO ON 2/8/2013 DRIVING WITH 8 YR.OLD DAUGHTER SITTING IN FRONT SET. AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON THE SHOWING AIRBAG OFF BUT THEN THE LIGHT WENT OFF. PULLED OVER HAD MY DAUGHTER STAND UP, REMOVE BOOSTER SEAT AND THEN PUT BACK DOWN. AIRBAG LIGHT STILL REMAINED OFF. TURNED VEHICLE OFF 3 TIMES BEFORE TURNING BACK ON. MY HUSBAND CALLED DEALERSHIP TO DISCUSS AND ADVISE TAKING IN FOR SERVICE AND PROBLEMS AFTER JUST PURCHASING VEHICLE ON 2/4/2013. ON THE WAY HOME BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULDN'T GO OFF. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2013
WELL I BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS NOW AND THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I GO THE CAR THE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME WHEN ITS LOW ON BRAKE FLUID THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. WELL ABOUT THREE WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. TWO WEEKS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I LOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ON AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. SO ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. I AM STARTING TO FEEL AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I THINK IT WONT STOP THIS IS A NEW CAR I SHOULD NOT HAVE BRAKE ISSUE THIS EARLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2013
I AM WRITING TO YOU IN THE HOPE THAT SOMEONE WILL LOOK INTO MY COMPLAINT AND SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP OF THE NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT TO DATE. THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE NEWLY DESIGNED 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT WHEN DRIVEN HAS A CONSTANT, ANNOYING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE MORSE CODE. THIS NOISE PROBLEM HAS APPARENTLY BEEN IDENTIFIED BY NISSAN AS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO OTHER OWNER?S COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NOISE. NISSAN CLAIMS THIS IS A ?NORMAL NOISE? AND BOTH THE DEALER AND THE NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER ARE AWARE OF THE MULTIPLE OWNER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS NOISE, YET WILL OFFER NO CORRECTIVE SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THIS DISTURBING NOISE EMANATING FROM AN APPARENT DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING PUMP. 2013 ALTIMA DRIVERS NEED TO BE WARNED OF THE POSSIBLE DEFECT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND TO BE ALERT AND REPORT ANY PROBLEMS IN STEERING WHILE DRIVING. AS AN OWNER OF A 2013 ALTIMA, I AM EXTREMELY DISTURBED ABOUT THE DEALER?S AND NISSAN?S RESPONSE TO MY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP THAT IT IS JUST NORMAL NOISE. I HAVE OWNED 7 NEW CARS OVER MY LIFETIME, THE LAST 2 BEING 2009 ALTIMAS, AND HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. MY CAR AND WORK EXPERIENCE IS THAT UNUSUAL NOISE FROM A PUMP MEANS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE PUMP; AND USUALLY THE PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED BEFORE ITS TRAGIC FAILURE. NISSAN'S NON-RESPONSE TO FIX OR REPLACE THIS POWER STEERING PUMP IN THE 2013 ALTIMA IS UNCONSCIONABLE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONDONED AS AN ACCEPTABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THIS ISSUE BE INVESTIGATED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS DEFECTIVE OR NOT - BEFORE THERE ARE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2013
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OVER 65MPH VEHICLE WANDERS. WANDERING CREATES THE NEED FOR CONSTANT CORRECTIVE STEERING ACTION. STEERING IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE. ANY WIND OR PASSING VEHICLE EXACERBATES PROBLEM. VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAD ME TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. I DID SO TODAY(FREEDOM NISSAN IN BURLINGTON, VT). VEHICLE HAS 5225 MILES TO DATE. SERVICE DIRECTOR [XXX] CONFIRMED THAT HE FELT THE SAME PROBLEM AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED OK. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, MINOR ADJUSTMENTS MADE. ON DEPARTURE, SERVICE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY CORRECT. THAT THE WANDERING IS NORMAL. ON THE DRIVE HOME, THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE FROM PRIOR TO MY VISIT TO THE DEALER. NO NOTABLE DIFFERENCE FROM ALIGNMENT. I JOKED THAT I SHOULD BUY A FEW HUNDRED POUNDS OF SAND. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNPLEASANT TO DRIVE, AND THE WANDERING AND STEERING SENSITIVITY ARE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE LEFT A MESSAGE FOR MY CASE MANAGER AT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Feb 2, 2013
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AND BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS THAT NISSAN CANNOT RESOLVE. ON TOP OF ALL OF THE RECALLS, BRAKE AND STARTING ISSUES IT NOW STARTING TO FALL APART. RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM DRIVING 60-75MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE NOISE I HAVE BEEN HEARING SOUNDS LIKE SMALL ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND AT OTHER TIMES I HEAR A CRACKING NOISE. SO HERE RECENTLY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH AND HEAR SOMETHING FLAPPING ON THE WINDSHIELD AND NOTICE THAT IT IS THE RUBBER SEAL THAT GOES AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. SO I PULL OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND REATTACH THE SEAL. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND NOTHING SHOULD BE COMING OFF LIKE THAT. ALSO MY CAR HAS BLACK INTERIOR AND IT TENDS I BE MUCH HOTTER ON INSIDE ESPECIALLY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. ONE DAY I LEFT MY CAR PARKED IN THE DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND GOT IT AND THE INTERIOR WAS PRETTY WARM AND I WAS GOING TO PLUG MY PHONE IN AND THE A/C OUTLET INSIDE THE CUBBY UNDER THE RADIO AND AS SOON AS I TRIED TO LIFT THE OUTLET COVER IT CRACKED AND BROKE OFF. I TRADED IN MY 2010 ALTIMA FOR THE 2013 BECAUSE I LOVED MY PREVIOUS ALTIMA AND I HAD 60K ON IT AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING QUALITY AND RELIABILITY WHEN I PURCHASED A NISSAN, BUT THAT HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR ONLY FIVE MONTHS AND HAVING MECHANICAL, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ISSUES. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NISSAN I OWN, I WILL BE GETTING A CAMRY NEXT TIME I PURCHASE A CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 2, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S IN JULY OF 2012 WITH 349 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR REPAIR AND HAVE YET TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. IN THE MEAN TIME THEY ARE ONLY GETTING WORSE. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. I GOT IN MY CAR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO START THE CAR AND THE CAR HESITATED, IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE STARTER HAD HUNG UP. I WASN'T TOO WORRIED AT FIRST AND FIGURE IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME FLUKE, BUT IT WASN'T. NEARLY FIVE DAYS LATER IT OCCURRED AGAIN AND ATLEAST ONE OR TWICE A WEEK THERE AFTER. AFTER 4 WEEKS AND IT HAVING DONE IT ABOUT 4 TIMES BY THEN I MADE AND APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT SERVICE AND A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED 2 NEW NOISE PROBLEMS. I WAS DRIVING WITH WINDOW DOWN ONE DAY AND HEARD A LOUD CHIMING OR JINGLING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE.IT PRETTY MUCH SOUNDED TO BE A LOOSE NUT OR SCREW JINGLING AROUND SOMEWHERE. THEN A FEW DAYS AFTER THAT'S WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING. AND IT WAS TERRIBLE AND VERY LOUD, LIKE NAILS ON CHALKBOARD AND VERY EMBARRASSING. SO WHEN I BRING IT TO BE SERVICED THEY TELL ME THAT THE ISSUE I HAD WHEN STARTED COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND THAT THE BRAKES WHERE CLEANED AND THE ROTORS WHERE SHAVED DOWN AND ALSO THAT THEY PUT NO SQUEAL ON. AND FOR THE ISSUE WITH THE JINGLING NOISE WAS THAT A SCREW WAS LOOSE AND RATTLING AROUND ON THE ENGINE COVER. BUT WHEN I DROVE THE NEXT DAY THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING AGAIN SO ONCE MORE 2 WEEKS LATER I RETURN IT AGAIN.AND THEY TELL ME THEY HAVE TO SHAVE THE REAR ROTORS THIS TIME. WHEN I LEAVE THIS TIME THE SQUEALING DOES NOT RETURN FOR 2 WEEKS. SO ONCE MORE I RETURN IT THIS TIME THEY TELL ME THAT DIRT IS CAKED UNDER MY BRAKE PADS AND ALL I CAN DO IS PRETTY MUCH PRESSURE WASH THEM EVERY DAY. THAT'S NOT QUALITY! *TR
Air bags, Jan 31, 2013
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATING NO MATTER WHO IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONE WEEK AFTER WE PURCHASED IT AND THEY "SUPPOSEDLY" RESET THE SENSOR. WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED IMMEDIATELY. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER A WEEK LATER AND A NISSAN ENGINEER WAS THERE THAT DAY AND HE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. A PERSON'S LIFE COULD BE LOST BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NISSAN SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS AND RECALL THE CARS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS TO ANY OF US WHO PURCHASED THIS CAR. WE CAN'T BELIEVE THAT KNOWING THAT THERE IS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM, THEY WILL NOT EVEN TRY TO FIX IT. IT SHOWS LACK OF CONCERN AND RESPONSIBILITY ON THEIR PART FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE GOING TO USE THE "LEMON LAW" AND RETURN THE CAR SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. SAFECAR.GOV AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. BACK IN 2009 NISSAN RECALLED SEVERAL OF THEIR CARS (INCLUDING THE ALTIMA) FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT RIGHT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2013
PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 2 MILES. AT 4500 MILES, HEAT GAUGE INDICATED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE TEMPERATURE. DROVE 2 MILES TO A SERVICE STATION, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD, ANTI-FREEZE WAS SPRAYED EVERYWHERE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER INSPECTED, AND SAID THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER PERFORMED PRESSURE TESTS, AND SAID THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jan 29, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ALL OF A WEEK. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE FIRST IS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS "OFF" WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEATS. SHE IS AN ADULT, HEIGHT ABOUT 5' 2" AND WEIGHS APPROX. 120 LBS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. CALLS TO NISSAN ARE A WASTE OF TIME AT THIS POINT AS I'M TOLD NOTHING ABOUT HOW THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION, AT ABOUT 1200-1500 RPM THERE IS A VIBRATION AND ITS VERY NOISY. IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO DIE OUT. THE OTHER ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR OF WHICH THERE ARE A FEW ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFETY RELATED SO I WONT POST THEM HERE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE ARE BETTER AND SAFER CHOICES OUT THERE. CHOOSE WISELY. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. INFORMED BY SERVICE PERSON THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, HOWEVER AN UPDATE IS BEING MADE FOR ALL VEHICLES AND I WILL RECEIVE A NOTICE IN THE MAIL TO BRING IN. AS OF TODAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUE TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY RENDERING THE VEHICLE USELESS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *TR