CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013 Nissan Altima has multiple problem trends including the CVT transmission, and now that this model is out of warranty, it earns our "Avoid Like The Plague" badge.

Owners complain about vibration and transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a whining noise from the power steering pump, and constant windshield problems that appear to be the result of poor design.

Be warned: the 2014 & 2015 Nissan Altima appears to share these same problems.

6.8

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
36,050 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. re-paint (4 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. replace and repaint (2 reports)
  4. add the kit under the spoiler on trunk (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #10

Sep 022019

Altima SL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

premature body rust premature body rust

I love my car and want to keep it. It only has about 67,000 miles on it even though it's a 2013, BUT...

It was purchased new in 2013 and was repaired for similar rust spots at our local Nissan body shop while still under warranty in 2015. We had a loaner of the same vintage Altima that had bubbling/rusty areas in the same location as mine. I have gotten several estimates and was given a little break by the Nissan body shop since it was repaired before.

It was also recommended that we contact Nissan Corporate which we did. They said that they would open a case and made us feel hopeful. But we received a call a few days ago stating that there was nothing they could do. We let them know exactly how we feel and that it would certainly affect a future purchase decision. No response from them!! I've contacted Consumer Advocate, but have not heard back.

Even though the estimate in the lowest through the body shop it's still $619 out of pocket. I'M NOT HAPPY to say the least!! BEWARE OF NISSAN ALTIMAS!!

- Birgit M., Grand Rapids, US

problem #9

Oct 012017

Altima SL 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I can attest to the "Avoid like the Plague" rating for the 2013 Altima.

I've had numerous issues that should never happen. Rust, A/C System Total Failure, Interior door handle failure, sunroof rattle.

This particular issue is related to premature rust. 1. within the first year of ownership (bought new in 2013) rust began appearing on the shock tower bracing under the hood. Brought it to the dealers attention...They blew it off. 2. Within year 2 paint bubbling began on the roof in two places above the windshield. Brought it to the dealer's attention...they blew it off. 3. Discovered blistering and rust where everyone else sees it, under the chrome strip which crosses the rear of the trunk lid. Brought it to the dealers attention. They made me get an estimate, go through the process then they told me they couldn't help me. They gave me a number for Nissan Customer Support who I promptly called.

After explaining my situation the Agent told me that they "Certainly would provide support for this issue" and that I should expect to hear back from them in one business day. He made it sound like the dealer did not follow protocol and that the issue should have been resolved.

My estimate for repairs from the dealers body shop was over $2100.00USD.

We'll see what happens going forward....I know what's not going to happen when I'm ready to purchase another new car....

- Joe Z., Sussex, WI, US

problem #8

Sep 102014

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

The trunk has started rusting where the chrome trim piece above the license plate meets the steel. Called Nissan customer relations and they read off a script without hearing a work I was saying. They told me my car was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. This is obviously a horrible defect that Nissan is ignoring. I will NEVER purchase another Nissan again. One of many horrible problems with this vehicle.

- elimn8u, Milwaukee, US

problem #7

Apr 162017

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is rust above where the rear plate attaches on the trunk. If I had a normal car loan I would have almost two years left to pay he car off and it's freaking rusty? My old car was around 10years old before rust was noticeable. Not just over three years.

Should this be covered by the "wrap" extended warranty? I love my car but this isn't looking good.

- Arwen M., Rindge, NH, US

problem #6

Feb 012016

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 55,000 miles

The trunk has rust spots under the chrome parts. I took it to the Nissan Dealership, and they recommended I talk to their Body shop guys. Without even looking, the guy knew exactly what was wrong with the car. He said it was fairly common and they have these cars in all the time. I have over 60,000 miles on my car so it's out of warranty now. They promised to call me back after talking to Nissan to see if the company would offer a good gesture deal where I can pay half of it and they would cover half, but never heard back.

However, this is totally unnecessary for a car that's only 3 years old and is parked in a garage at home.

- mail4asim, Milford, OH, US

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problem #5

Apr 012014

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,699 miles

Had rust on the left side of trunk by the licence plate. Paint bubbled. It was repaired under warranty. In 2015 rust raised its head gain but this time on the trunk lip and under the backup camera opening. It was again repaired under warranty but I do not have faith in the sheet metal used for the trunk as another friend of mine who also has a 2013 Altima is also complaining about rust on the trunk and his is above the chrome trim. Nissan should acknowledge the problem and have the trunks lids replaced.

- polypep, Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #4

Jan 022014

Altima 3.5 SL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Opened my trunk one day and noticed the silver metal piece above license plate was rusting where it means the trunk frame. I had to bring it to a Nissan body shop and the replaced the metal piece and repainted the lid under it, they said it was not sealed properly at the factory. Three months later same problem same location, brought it back again and the replaced it again and repainted and this time had to leave a plastic coating on between the metal and the paint, so far so good, car was in the shop a total of 8 days for the two visits. never mind the body shop was an extra hr drive, thanks Nissan.

- shamrockpub, Mendon, MA, US

problem #3

Apr 142014

Altima S 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

The trim piece on the trunk above the license plate holder had a small amount of rust on it, noticed when I was drying it after washing it. Took it to the dealer, they ordered a new trim piece. When it came in and they went to put it on they said there was a small amount of rust under the trim due to a design flaw. They would call when the body shop had an appointment. We took the trim piece off ourselves and found more than a small amount of rust, plus, there is rust around the back up camera. Still haven't had repainted yet so will keep you up to date on the results.

- gruszy, Saint John, IN, US

problem #2

Jun 122014

Altima 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

Nissan offered us a Rental car under their Company Policy, yet it wouldn't cover an accident, if one occurred, it would go on my Policy. I would have had to pay extra at the rental place at a cost of $36.00 per day to avoid my Policy. I don't feel that I should have been inconvenience in anyway without my car and a cost out of my pocket for a new car not even quite 2 yrs old that is in the body shop being repaired for rust.

- Dan L., Hoffman Estates, IL, US

problem #1

Feb 112013

Altima FullSpec 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 466 miles

OMG!!!

Detected while a polishing the car. It's just a small rusty area. But hey, It's rust on a new car. Perhaps that area is not cover by paint.

Solution: Refer to Nissan's Service center. They already check and agreed that rusty area might not cover by paint. They promise to re-paint when the match paint color is ready in their stock. Need to resent the car for painting.

- mjohadii, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

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