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.

5.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
25,450 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace unit (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #7

Apr 012016

Altima 2.5L I4 Smpi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

After I took to fix a recall for a replaced hook on hood, my Bluetooth stopped working. I called to complain but they wanted to charge me just to look at it for $135.00 which I didn't have even though they are the ones who broke it. It was working fine until that fix of the hook on hood. Some kind of recall. I'm not sure on the dates but I did call to complain but I wasn't going to pay. Very disappointing with Nissan every time I need something they want to charge me an arm and a leg. I bought a new filter they wanted to charge me $26 to put on. I'm handicap on a fixed income.

- patriciamartinez, Hanford, CA, US

problem #6

Mar 022016

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Again, Nissan SUCKS, Doesn't even work with my iPhone, I called Nissan Corporate and they said that the latest iPhone software ISN'T COMPATIBLE WITH MY NISSAN ALTIMA! Nissan SUCKS.

- Alex S., Eden, NY, US

problem #5

Sep 042015

Altima 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Last week I pressed the speak then end call button on my steering wheel, since then the Bluetooth regarding my phone won't come on. I can play music and the navigation will come through my my cell and play, but when I try to make calls it won't come up. When I get to the car it will pull my Bluetooth from my call but the name will not come up on the dash, I can't hear them and they can hear me. I have to put my cell back on speaker to stop it from pulling to my car. Now today I was playing music through the Bluetooth and the screen flickered and zapped out. I turned the car off and on and the screen came back up then it went off again. No display screen, no Bluetooth for music or my cell.

- Charmagne H., Atlanta, GA, US

problem #4

May 012013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,553 miles

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

While making calls over Bluetooth, the audio system shuts down and need a car restart to get it to work.

Dealer replaced the head unit under warranty.

- polypep, Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #3

Dec 132013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 14,000 miles

When I receive a phone call while on blue tooth, it comes in my car speakers "extremely loud". I have adjusted my phone volume down, the radio down, but have not found a way to actually adjust the incoming call volume down. If its quite in your car when the call comes it it is loud enough to startle you! I called Nissan and they are not aware of the issue. The dealer doesn't know anything about it. Any help would be appreciated.

- troyr, Bowling Green, KY, US

problem #2

May 272014

Altima 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,300 miles

Bluetooth dumped by cell phone contacts sync when I turned off the engine. I had to re-sync my contacts manually when I started the engine again, otherwise I would have to speak the phone number in order to use hands-free cell phone in the car.

- thebreaze, Spring, TX, US

problem #1

Jul 092012

Altima S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12 miles

There is a lag in the amount of time it takes for the blue tooth to connect when I get into the car. I had a Nissan Juke prior to this car and had no problem whatsoever. In the Juke, if I was on a phone call while I was walking to my car - I would get in and the bluetooth would pick up immediately. With this car, if I am on a business call as I am walking to the car, I need to inform the other party to wait for one minute while my car picks up. During that minute - I cannot hear the conversation on my iphone nor the car. It is definitely a pain as I'm usually on the go.

I can honestly say - I can't stand this car - its the biggest pile of junk I have ever purchased in my life - next to the Nissan Juke of course.

When I took this in to the dealership they said - Its working fine! As long as it connects and works while on a phone call there is nothing that can be done. Gotta love that Nissan customer service.

- jusiment, Dallas, TX, US

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