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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,669 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Nissan Altima engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 4 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #93

Apr 122018

Altima

  • 44,000 miles

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

I have a 2013 Nissan Altima with 45K miles on it. The car starts up and idles in park just fine. However, when I shift it into gear (drive or reverse), the car sputters and stalls. It doesn't sputter and stall until I take my foot off the brake. I am able to drive it just fine if I immediately press on the gas after shifting into drive. The check engine light turns on only when the car stalls. I took it to Nissan there was no code recorded - not sure why. It happened with me 5 times in a row in a day.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #92

Mar 152018

Altima

  • 35,000 miles
As I was driving my 2013 Nissan Altima with 35K miles on it, I came to a stoplight at a busy intersection and my car cut off completely without any indication that something was wrong. I was not able to put my foot on the brakes, I could not move my steering wheel, it just cut off. I was able to cut my car back on, however whenever I shifted my gear into drive it cut off again. I had my car towed to the Nissan dealership, and they stated they could not find the issue but reprogrammed my cvt since there was a recall issued for my car. They determined that after driving it for 25 minutes that day and 25 minutes the next that the cvt reprogramming could have been the solution to the problem but to return it to the dealer if it happened again. 3 days later my car began shaking and stalling very roughly while in motion and again cut off in the middle of the road while in drive. This time my young son was in the car with me, and him and I could have both been harmed or caused an accident and harmed someone else. This is unacceptable that Nissan has not recalled these vehicles or the car has been returned to customers without a solution to the problem.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #91

Jan 022018

Altima

  • 62,000 miles
I own a Nissan Altima 2013, and sadly I've more problems with this vehicle than any other I ever owned. The engine stalls when in notion and stationery. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to even get it started. The interior door handles on the both the driver and passenger side broke and had to be replaced. The air bag sensors had to be replaced. The hood latch had to be replaced. And the back brakes have been changed three times and it S still has a awful lengthy squeak which is very embarrassing. So say the least this is very disappointing considering I'm still paying over three hundred dollars a month for a car not and still have to come out of pocket for repairs that the extended warranty supposedly does not cover. Very disappointed with this purchase. All of these issues have happened over time and I'm still having issues to this day.

- Crowley, LA, USA

problem #90

Apr 012017

Altima

  • 177,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving 10-55 mph, the vehicle shuttered and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lee Nissan (235 miracle strip pkwy sw, fort walton beach, fl 32548) where it was diagnosed that the ctv needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 177,000.

- Franklin, GA, USA

problem #89

Feb 152018

Altima

  • 78,462 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to hall Nissan Virginia beach (3757 bonney rd, Virginia beach, va 23452, (877) 430-1752), but no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 78,462.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #88

Jan 172018

Altima

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle buckled and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (Nissan of garden city, 316 N franklin St, hampstead, NY 11550) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. While driving at unknown speeds. There was an abnormal grinding noise and fluid was leaking from the undercarriage. The vehicle stalled without warning. The contact called the same dealer and was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and authorization was needed from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 40,000.

- Baldwin, NY, USA

problem #87

Nov 222016

Altima

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving various speeds, the rpms increased and the vehicle jerked with slow acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised to have the transmission inspected. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or another independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Seminole, OK, USA

problem #86

Sep 112017

Altima

  • 80,000 miles
I was stopped at a red light and the car just turned itself off. I turn it back on and as soon as I put it in drive it turns itself off again. I finally get it going and get to my destination without anymore problems. The next day I go to start it and as soon as I put it in drive the car turns itself off, I continue to try to get it going but never did. I get it towed to the Nissan dealership and they said the entire transmission needs to be replaced. I get the transmission replaced. Now 3 months after I get a brand new transmission it's doing the same thing again. I start the car go to put it in drive and it turns off.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #85

Oct 302017

Altima

  • miles
My car doesn't pick up speed correctly I have had the car for 3 years the place closed down I couldn't take it back I'm stuck with it and also my compressor doesn't work as well it stopped working a couple months after I got the car I really want something else

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #84

Aug 292017

Altima

  • 990,123 miles
Transmission problem the car when I try to put in reverse he start to jump and them is shut off same when put in drive position somebody tell me is the cvt transmission.

- Davenport, FL, USA

problem #83

Jul 282017

Altima

  • 94,458 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle sputtered and stalled without warning. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated after the vehicle stalled and remained lit. The vehicle was taken to Nissan 422 of limerick (55 autopark blvd, limerick, pa 19468, (610) 495-1856), but it had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,458.

- Pottstown, PA, USA

problem #82

Jun 192017

Altima

  • 42,000 miles
I tried to start my car and the onboard computer screen say no key detected, I have the key in my hand and still it will not start, I can unlock the doors, trunk etc. Fine, I even went and bought the same exact new battery for the key fog and the problem persist, I went online and look up Nissan owners with similar problem with Nissan Altima key fog problem and it seem like a common issue, but surprise that there is no recall on the issue, everybody I know that owns a Nissan told me there is time they be driving and the onboard computer state no key detected, thank god I don't live I a remote location or else I would be stranded, online everyone that had the problem had to end up paying $500 or more to fix the issue, which I feel is a defect in Nissan engine control unit system, I contact the dealership that I bought my Nissan Altima from and they wanted to charge me over #500 total to fix the issue, I think it is a scam, I found a work around the issue but it is just not right that they know the engine control unit has a problem and the refuse to address the issue, except leave the customer with a new bill or stranded

- Moncks Corner, SC, USA

problem #81

Jul 012016

Altima

  • 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving 72 mph, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (demaagd GMC located at 333 w dickman rd battle creek, mi 49037), but the diagnostic testing produced no error codes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 99,000.

- Springfield, MI, USA

problem #80

Sep 122014

Altima

  • 75,000 miles
My 2013 Nissan Altima is the worst car I have ever owned. Since I have purchased it, there has been a constant engine noise until I reach about 40 mph. Just in the past 3 months, within weeks of each other both front inside door handles have broke (my kids and I have to roll down both windows just to get out of the car which would be a huge safety issue in the event of a fire, crash or being trapped in the car at all), the dome lights through the inside of the car have stopped working (which is a safety issue because there is no way to see inside my vehicle at night), the light in the driver's side door panel fell out, the ac has gone out (and the compressor part is $425!!!! are you serious"!?!"! I have a 10.5 month old and it is 100 degrees outside!!! another huge safety issue) and now there is another noise coming from the engine at all speeds, a grinding noise. I am a single mom of three kids who I support on my own. I cannot afford to fix these things. I bought this car because it was supposed to be "reliable". and it is not! there have been so many complaints regarding all of the same things that I am experiencing and a recall needs to be done on all of them. This car is barely 4 years old and these problems should not be happening!!!! do something Nissan! you are losing customers and reputation is on the line!

- Moore, OK, USA

problem #79

Jun 252017

Altima

  • 57,661 miles
Vehicle stops without any notification, sometimes stalls before shutting off.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #78

Jun 222017

Altima

  • 59,981 miles
During hill ascencion, going at around 15-25,30 mph, faint knocking noise coming from right side of engine, (or at power brake as well; car on stationary with D engaged and pushing brake pedal while gently accelarating ). took to dealer to diagnose; diagnose: Alternator replacement (done). Knocking noise still present. Taken to dealer for further assessment diagnose " normal noise""?" I'm not a mechanic but none of my other cars do this noise, this noise is done by cars in which the engine is dying out. Fyi car is 20 miles to be 60000 miles, which is when the powertrain warranty expires

- Wenatchee, WA, USA

problem #77

Mar 082017

Altima

  • 39,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving 5 mph or while in a lower gear, the vehicle shook and failed to accelerate. The contact stated that it felt like the vehicle was about to stall. The vehicle also made a revving noise while driving at low speeds. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #76

Nov 232016

Altima

  • 80,000 miles
While driving the car but specifically when at a red light and attempting to accelerate at a green light -smooth transition but I could hear/feel the transmission sputter as if it was having trouble getting into gear I didn't think much of it and thought it would not continue to be a problem but then it started happening more often and not only at a red light. It would happen on the freeway, the streets and at random times but mostly as my speed would gradually change usually when starting to go slower... I had a mechanic in my car notice this and ask if I had the transmission looked at and that possibly there was a recall on the transmission as he had come across this issue before with Altima. I am currently being told there is no recall or extended warranty for my issue but I believe this to be false and want my car fixed as it is only 4 years old and should not have such a major issue. Up until 2016 I had been happy with my Altima and considering my next one. Now I am not so sure.

- Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA

problem #75

Feb 282017

Altima 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
I drove my car on February 28 from my garage in my house in bolton, MA to lexington MA at 9 am. Upon starting, I noticed a slight strange smell. It was a bit like oil or maybe chemical smells but I am not sure as I had not smelled this before. I rolled down the windows as I drove to clear it and kept an eye on the temperature gauge, which was normal. After 5 mins, the smell cleared, the heat temp was normal and I drove for about 40 mins while talking on my bluetooth. I parked in front of grace chapel in lexington on the street and as I pulled to a stop to park on the street in front of the church, I noticed some smoke. I immediately shut off the car. Within moments there were flames and I called 911 as I got out. I had only time to get my purse, my bag and the food in the trunk I was bringing for the pantry and moved away. Within 3 minutes, it was engulfed about 30% up to the windshield as the first police arrived. He moved the car parked right in front of mine, thank god. Two minutes later firemen came and about two minutes later they had water on the car but it was fully engulfed. They were able to keep the damage to only affect two other cars parked in the parking lot next to the street across from my car, separated by a sidewalk. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained by us. No accidents. No mechanical problems. All recalls followed. I drive normally. Oil changes are done regularly. No mechanical work has been done on the car. There are recalls on the V6 2013 Altima for possible fire issues. Mine is a V4. Here's one website but if you google 2013 Altima fires, you will find others. www.automotive-fleet.com/news/story/2015/10/Nissan-expands-2016-maxima-recall.aspx had I been trapped, I may have died before they got me out. Please protect others from this scary tragedy. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bolton, MA, USA

problem #74

Jul 302013

Altima

  • 40,000 miles
Woke up yesterday to a weak battery no start steering wont lock.so it has to be towed cvt transmission went out already, it was replaced, air bag for [passenger} sometimes works its the 2nd new car I ever owned and im 54 years old im so disappointed at this car it must have been built on a Friday.

- Evarts, KY, USA

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