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.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2013
PURCHASED A NISSAN 2013 IN JULY OF 2012 IN 8/2012 THE CAR HAD TO HAVE A TOTAL BRAKE JOB ON THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AT 1300 MILES. NISSAN HAS YET TO TELL ME WHY THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED WITH BAD BRAKES AND ROTORS AND IF THERE IS AN UNDERLYING ISSUE THAT CREATED THE ISSUE AT 1300MILES. FAULTY POWERSTEERING PUMP CAUSES THE CAR TO GROWL AND MAKE A WINDING NOISE. YOU CAN HEAR THE FUEL IN THE TANK SLOSHING AROUND IN THE TANK OF THE CAR. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 24, 2013
WITH A 140 LB ADULT SITTING UPRIGHT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. IT EVEN FAILS SOMETIMES WITH AN ADULT WEIGHING 155 LBS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO SYSTEM ERRORS ARE DETECTED. THE TRIED A 120LB ADULT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON ALSO. THEY SAID THAT TO REPAIR NISSAN HAS TO ADVISE THEM WHAT THE ISSUE IS. *TR
Power train, Jan 22, 2013
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FIVE TIMES FOR DIFFERENT THINGS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. MAIN PROBLEM REPORTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE IS MY TRANSMISSION. BETWEEN 20-50 MPH AND 1000-2500 RPM THE CAR WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND LOSE POWER. I HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL HARDER TO GET THE CAR TO STOP SHUDDERING AND PICK UP ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN TOW REAR END COLLISIONS B/C OF THE LOSE OF POWER AND SHUDDERING. NISSAN STATES THAT I MUST WAIT FOR A REPROGRAMMING FIX. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE TO SACRIFICE MY SAFETY? TOTALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE OWNED 3 PREVIOUS NISSAN PRODUCTS WITH NO PROBLEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 22, 2013
THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT PASSENGER AIRBAG DETECTION ISSUE WITH 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SV. THERE WERE IN MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN A FULL GROWN PERSON(WEIGHT > 150LBS) SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN, 'PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF' INDICATOR WOULD TURN ON, INDICATING THAT CAR IS NOT DETECTING ANYONE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND IN RESULT AIRBAGS WERE TURNED OFF. THIS WARNING INDICATION STAYED ON THROUGHOUT OUR DRIVE AND SOMETIMES TURNED OFF AFTER 10-15 MINUTES OF DRIVE AND IN OTHER OCCASIONS IT DIDN'T TURN OFF AT ALL UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF. IF THIS WAS JUST A FEATURE ISSUE THEN MUCH LOWER PRIORITY SHOULD BEEN ASSIGNED BUT IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE/CONCERN AND I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION. A BLATANT DISREGARD FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS ISSUE MAY RESULT IN DEATH, INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. I REQUEST THE HELP OF NHTSA FOR QUICK AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU! *TR
Air bags, Jan 22, 2013
WITH A FULL-SIZE ADULT SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED (WHICH INDICATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT ENGAGED). THIS HAPPENED EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE OPERATED MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON DECEMBER 28TH, NO MATTER THE SIZE OF THE ADULT SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT - ANYWHERE FROM 130 LB. INDIVIDUAL TO 220 LB. INDIVIDUAL. FOR REFERENCE, MY FRIEND HAS A ROGUE AND THE AIRBAG ENGAGES (I.E. LIGHT GOES OFF) WITH JUST HER HANDBAG IN THE SEAT. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SINCE THE CAR IS FULLY COVERED BY WARRANTY. THEY ORDERED A NEW SENSOR FROM NISSAN AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH THE NEW SENSOR. THEY HAVE HAD MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE (500 MILES) FOR 6 DAYS. I READ ON-LINE BOARDS THAT INDICATE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH 2013 NISSAN ALTIMAS (HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/2013-NISSAN-ALTIMA-DISCUSSION-2-5-3-5/331394-PASSENGER-AIRBAG-LIGHT.HTML) AND AM VERY CONCERNED I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. I MAY BE RETURNING IT UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Jan 21, 2013
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE AN ADULT OVER 125 LBS IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH MULTIPLE ADULTS OF VARIOUS WEIGHTS. IF THE CAR IS STOPPED, TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON IT USUALLY CLEARS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER FOUR TIMES. EACH TIME THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING ELSE TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM AWAITING A CALL BACK FROM THE MANAGER OF THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED BY A WORKING FRONT AIR BAG. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND SEEN MANY POST OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS FOR THE 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. I HAVE ALSO SEEM MANY INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM WITH PREVIOUS ALTIMA MODELS AND OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2013
WHEN ACCELERATING GENTLY OR DECELERATING YOU CAN HEARD A RUMBLING AND VIBRATION NOISE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, WHO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOUR MILES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND LODGED A COMPLAINT FOR THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,600.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Jan 9, 2013
FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 0IN., WEIGHING 100LBS CAUSES FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO BE DISABLED (FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LIGHT ON). LIGHT WOULD GO AWAY AFTER A WHILE. FOR A FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 5IN., WEIGHING 120-125LBS CAUSES INTERMITTENT FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OPERATION. APPEARED TO OPERATE NORMALLY BEFORE. 12/24/2012: VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER AND WAS FOUND THAT THE SCALE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS OFF BY 25. SCALE WAS ZEROED OUT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ISSUE APPEARS TO BE RESOLVED FOR FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 5IN., WEIGHING 120-125LBS. 01/07/2013: FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED FOR MALE PASSENGER 5FT. 6IN., WEIGHING 160LBS. RESOLVED BY RESTARTING VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER 20 DAYS OF DRIVING, WHILE STOPPED, A STRANGE VIBRATION WAS EMITTED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,333. UPDATED 03/13/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIMED THE VIBRATION. ON THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER THE GENERAL MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED TO BUY A NEW MAXIMA OR ALTIMA. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. THE VIBRATION ONLY WORSENED CAUSING A THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/28/2013 *JS
Air bags, Jan 7, 2013
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN INDIVIDUALS SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIRBAG SENSOR SHOWS THE AIRBAG NON-OPERATIONAL EVEN WHEN INDIVIDUALS OF APPROPRIATE SIZE AND WEIGHT ARE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NISSAN HAS NO KNOWN FIXES FOR THE SITUATION AND STATE THAT ITS A "BREAK IN" PERIOD. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR PURCHASED ONE WEEK AGO. SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT FROM AN NON-OPERATIONAL AIRBAG AND I AM NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE BREAK IN PERIOD.
Power train, Jan 4, 2013
BROUGHT CAR IN TO DEALER FOR A RECALL THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LOUDER AND RATTLED ON ACCELERATION. PROCEEDED TO GET WORSE BY THE DAY. BROUGHT TO DEALER ON WEDNESDAY AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2013
I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY NEW 2013 ALTIMA SV 2.5L 4 CYLINDER ON 11/17/2012. A SHORT TIME LATER I STARTED HEARING A RUMBLING, "LUGGING", SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FEELING A VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL, ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP AT AROUND 1500 RPM. ON 12/13/2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY DEALER AND DROVE AROUND WITH MY SALESMAN AND A SENIOR TECHNICIAN, WHO BOTH STATED THEY HEARD THE RUMBLING NOISE. MY SALESMAN AND I WENT ON A DRIVE ON ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 L SIMILAR TO MY CAR AND NEITHER OF US HEARD THE RUMBLING SOUND MY CAR MAKES. NO WORK WAS PERFORMED DURING THIS VISIT. ON 12/19/2012, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE SERVICE DEPT. ORDERED A SERPENTINE BELT AND BELT TENSIONER FOR MY CAR AND INSTALLED A PIECE OF INSULATION ON THE A/C LOW PRESSURE LINE. THE WORK ON THE A/C LINE DID NOT HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE NOISE AND VIBRATION LEVEL. MEANWHILE, I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND A "REGIONAL SPECIALIST TO HANDLE MY CASE. ON 12/21/2012, I RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ON THIS VISIT THE SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER ON MY CAR WERE REPLACED BY NEW ONES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE BELT AND TENSIONER SWAP WAS JUST A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. I DID NOTICED A FRACTIONAL DECREASE IN NOISE AND VIBRATION LEVEL AFTER THE SWAP. AS OF TODAY,01/04/2013, THE NOISE AND VIBRATION ARE BACK. THIS ISSUE HAS BECOME VERY ANNOYING AND DISTRACTING, TO THE POINT WHERE THE ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE FULLY ON MY DRIVING IS BEING AFFECTED. I RARELY USE THE CAR RADIO WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE FOR EXACTLY THIS SAFETY REASON. I'M CONCERNED THE IMPACT OF THE NOISE AND VIBRATION ON MY ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE FULLY ON MY DRIVING COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE INJURY. I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM NISSAN. *TR
Air bags, Jan 2, 2013
PASSANGER AIR BACK INDICATOR(LIGHT) SOMETIME COME UP EVEN THOUGH ADULT SITTING ON PASSENGER SHEET. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2012
SINCE BUYING THE CAR NEW, THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION/SHUDDER COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN SLOWLY ACCELERATING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE PROBLEM TWICE AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH A TECH HAS HEARD THE VIBRATION WHILE RIDING WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE POWERTRAINS THAT ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY SHOULD NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. *TR
Steering, Dec 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TWO TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400.
Air bags, Dec 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FIVE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN RECALIBRATED THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND REPLACED THE SEAT CUSHION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5.
Power train, Dec 16, 2012
APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2013 ALTIMA 3.5 S THE CAR DEVELOPED A SHUDDER AND VIBRATION WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY. IT ALSO OCCURRED GOING UP SMALL HILLS, AND WHEN I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN PULL OFF (FOR INSTANCE AT A RED LIGHT). AFTER NOTICING THIS, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER, AND WE DID A TEST DRIVE IN HOPES OF MIMICKING THE ISSUE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A CVT ENGINE, AND THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I WASN'T QUITE CONVINCED, BUT I WANTED TO TRUST HIS OPINION, SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME DRIVING A CAR WITH A CVT ENGINE. HOWEVER, A FEW WEEKS PASSED AND THE SHUDDER AND VIBRATION GOT WORSE. THE CAR EVEN JERKED FORWARD ONCE WHEN I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. THIS PROMPTED ME TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER VISIT WITH THE DEALER. THIS TIME THE SAME MECHANIC FROM THE FIRST VISIT AND THE MANAGER RODE ALONG WITH ME. DURING THIS TEST DRIVE THE MANAGER FELT THE SUDDEN SHUDDER, ONCE WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SLIGHTLY ACCELERATED. THIS PROMPTED THEM TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION, NOT EVEN 30 DAYS AFTER MY PURCHASE. I PICKED MY CAR UP FROM THE DEALER ON 12/7/12 AFTER THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR DROVE PERFECTLY FINE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT NOW THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED THE SAME SHUDDER AND VIBRATION EVEN MORE NOW. I WILL BE CALLING FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TOMORROW, BECAUSE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU HAVE ANOTHER CAR RIDING DIRECTLY BEHIND YOU. *TR ## VIN FAILED
Power train, Dec 13, 2012
ALTIMA 3.5 TRANSMISSION HAS A SEVERE SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING NORMALLY AT ABOUT 15-25 MPH. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT SERIOUS AS IT RESULTS IS SEVERE SHOCK TO THE DRIVETRAIN. THIS WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN NEW AND HAS BEEN INCREASING IN SEVERITY OVER THE LAST 1000 MILES. THE DEALER SAYS THAT NISSAN ENGINEERS CLAIM THAT IT IS "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE 3.5. THIS IS NOT TRUE AS IT WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN NEW AND IS CONSTANTLY GETTING WORSE. IT WILL PROBABLY SOON RESULT IN TRANSMISSION DAMAGE OR COMPLETE FAILURE WHICH COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 13, 2012
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS INDICATED AS BEING OFF. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH FULL GROWN ADULTS ALL OF WHOM HAVE BEEN OVER 150 POUNDS. I BELIEVE THIS TO HE A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE CARS SEAT CUSHION. ONCE DRIVING FOR 10-15 MINUTES THE LIGHT GOES OFF INDICATING AIRBAG IS NOW ON. THIS USUALLY OCCURS IF THE CAR IS ALREADY RUNNING AND A PASSENGER ENTERS THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Dec 10, 2012
ON OCTOBER 4, 2012 I PURCHASED A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SL. IT WAS OBVIOUS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. UPON TAKING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE FIRST SHIFT OF THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY HARD, ESPECIALLY UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEH. WITH APPROX. 400 MILES ON THE ODOMETER I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP WHEN THE VEH. STARTED SHUDDERING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR WITH A HARD BUMP. THIS INCIDENT LASTED APPROX. 2 SECONDS. FOR THE NEXT 700 MILES OR SO THE SHUDDERING AND SHAKING OCCURRED SIX MORE TIMES. I TOOK THE VEH. INTO THE NISSAN DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND AFTER DRIVING IT THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OVER THE NEXT 500 MILES THE INCIDENTS BECAME MORE OFTEN AND AT TIMES MORE SEVERE, ONE INCIDENT LASTING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE FINALLY SHIFTING INTO GEAR. ON DECEMBER 5, 2012 THE VEH. WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM AND MY CONCERNS OF MAYBE THE VEH. STOPPING IN THE ROADWAY DURING ONE OF THESE INCIDENTS AND BEING REAR ENDED. THIS TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER RODE ALONG WITH ME AND DROVE THE VEH. DUPLICATING THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. THE ENGINEERS AT NISSAN WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE ON THE V6 ALTIMAS, HOWEVER THEY HAD NO FIX FOR IT AT THIS TIME. *TR
Air bags, Dec 4, 2012
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ON WHEN ADULT PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. *TR
Steering, Nov 28, 2012
ON OUR FIRST TRIP FOLLOWING PURCHASE OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT TRACKING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS CONDITION WAS NOT NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 65 MPH. ABOVE THAT SPEED, THE CAR WANDERS IN THE LANE REQUIRING CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STEERING. INATTENTION TO THE DRIFT WOULD ALLOW THE CAR TO CROSS INTO THE ADJACENT LANE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY THE NEW STEERING SYSTEM ON THE 2012 ALTIMA. IT USES A POWER-STEERING SYSTEM THAT CONSISTS OF A HYDRAULIC RACK DRIVEN BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEIR TEST DRIVE SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. AFTER HE TALKED WITH NISSAN USA, HOWEVER, HE DISAVOWED EVER SAYING THAT HE NOTICED ANY PROBLEM. NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH NISSAN USA HAVE RESULTED IN NO ACTION TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE INTERNET INCLUDES MANY 2013 ALTIMA BUYERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN MANAGEMENT SAYS THAT WE JUST "NEED TO GET USED TO IT." THIS PROBLEM WHILE IT MAY SOUND MINOR, CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE FOUND THAT WE OFTEN OVERCORRECTION TO THE LANE DRIFT, SENDING THE CAR TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Nov 26, 2012
INTERMITTENTLY, "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN THOUGH PASSENGER (130 LBS) IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER, IT OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES, HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE CAR TO CLEAR THE LIGHT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON I-5 HEADING NORTH FROM OCEANSIDE, CA WHEN THE MOON ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT WHATSOEVER. THERE WAS FIRST A LOUD BANG, LIKE THE SOUND OF A GUN BEING FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE AND THEN THE GLASS OF THE MOON ROOF FELL ON ME AND INTO THE AUOTMOBILE CABIN..