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.

6.6

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$110
Average Mileage:
12,400 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. fob reprogramed (1 reports)
  3. replace the key fob (1 reports)
  4. replaced i key/remote start unit (1 reports)
  5. replaced sensor (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #7

Apr 042016

Altima SV 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 9,100 miles

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

The image is "Key Less incorrect". The intelligent beeper have several problem. This is the third request; dealer not found the problem.

I change the baterry in 2 times, but the problem is the same. I need to wait several minutes when the problem to resolved the problem in any moment.

Its a gift from me to my wife and she have some fear to use this vehicle.

Ricardo Arribas

- Ricardo A., CAYEY, Puerto Rico

problem #6

Feb 202017

Altima 2.5s

  • CVT transmission
  • 11,790 miles

I will never buy another car that you cannot start with a key. It is stupid not to have a back up way to start car if when change battery in fob and then it does not recognise code thus car will not start. How are you supposed to get to dealer to have it reprogramed if you cannot start car???? And it is insane to be charged $105 to reprogram fob. Plus you are supposed to have been give the info on what the program is so you can give that to the dealer to use to fix fob. I bought this car brand new and I do not/was not given this information. So what does that mean? Probably more money out of my pocket!!!!!!

- BARBARA B., Marietta, GA, US

problem #5

Mar 022015

Altima SV 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 14,000 miles

click to see larger images

key fob not working properly

The @(#*% Nissan dealer are a bunch of morons...I showed them the picture, described the problem: the car intermittently does not detect the keyless car key.

I have two keyless remotes, it happens with both of them. The battery in the remotes is good. My guess is that it is the freaking sensor in the car.I got a call from someone from the dealership and whatever he promised he was going to do never happened. That was 2 month ago.

They want to keep my damn car all day and I guess is fine with then if a walk around all day...won't even offed a courtesy car… the car is still under warranty.

The point is that I have taken the car to them already twice. Left it her all day twice. Rented a car once and had no car all day the second time AND THE DUMB ASSES CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.

- pfsagm2005, Wichita, KS, US

problem #4

Jul 232014

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,000 miles

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

I kept getting a message "key not recognized". I would keep trying and it would finally start. I took it to the dealer and was told the battery is dead. I explained the car is less than a year old. I was out of town and it would not start at all, the dealer then agreed to replace the key fob.

This car has had multiple issues. Stay away.

- Dj S., Dublin, VA, US

problem #3

Mar 072014

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 17,000 miles

click to see larger images

key fob not working properly

key fob not recognized by car

stupid car wouldnt start because the vehicle would not accept the key ID. they had to replace a sensor in the door i believe. car would not start a few times before i had time to bring it in.

- Chaz B., East Bethel, MN, US

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problem #2

Oct 012013

Altima V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,580 miles

Took the car in because the remote start/I Keys were not working properly. They replaced the unit and is now working.

- Debra P., Gainesville, TX, US

problem #1

Apr 012013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 3,000 miles

On my new 2013 Nissan Altima I have the remote start, Even the day i purchased this it was having problems at the dealership. You have to hit the lock button first and then hit the remote start button for it to work on this Altima. There are times were I do this and it works fine, and then I will do it a different day at the same place and distance and it will not work, and i try again and still nothing and then the third time it will work, or sometimes it works on the second try. This happens at least 4 - 6 times a week. I took it in to the dealer and they told me that nothing is wrong, even after having it for 4 days. I do not believe they could not duplicate the problem, maybe the first time they tried but i know if they would have kept trying during those 4 days it would have done it. Nissan Mechanics are too Lazy and do not want to diagnose because they are not paid for it, they get flat rate so that means they only get paid for the time they flag so say to change a tire the mechanic can flag .3 hours even if it takes him an entire hour he can only get paid for .3 hours. So when warranty does not pay for dianosing and only pays for the work to repair it, then they do not want to spend time looking for something that they are not getting paid to do. very sad for the owners of the vehicles!

- dynarider84, Reston, VA, US

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