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.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$440
Average Mileage:
34,100 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. dealership exchanged radio parts??? (1 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. pulled out a master fuse and replaced it (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 052014

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 36,700 miles

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

The first dealership I took it to wanted over $1000 to replace the entire instrument cluster for something that seemed to me to be just a loose wire. So I took it to the dealership I bought it from and they pulled out the master fuse and replaced it and everything came back. There were still some warning lights about a ground fault but they couldn't find anything so they cleared the warnings and everything's been working fine for a couple of weeks now.

The guy at the second dealership did say they would get Nissan to cover it if I did need the instrument cluster replaced since it was only 700 miles outside of the warranty. But so far it's working fine so nothing needs to be done. Needless to say, I will not be taking my car to the first dealership ever again.

- Michael D., Durham, NC, US

problem #2

Jun 042014

Altima S 2.5L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

I have had my 2013 Nissan Altima a year and a half. Yes, I drive a lot and consequently my car is out of warranty. BUT a car this new should never have something like this fail so soon. Leaving work one day I started up my car only to find my entire dashboard instrument panel went dark. No screen with the car diagnostics, no odometer, no indicators. Not even the needles on my speedometer or gas gauge are working! While the radio, bluetooth and navigation screen seem to work fine, no longer do the controls on my steering wheel work to operate them. I was driving home at dusk and had to pull over to make sure my headlights and blinkers were working as I had no indication from inside the car. To top it off, without a working speedometer, I received a speeding ticket the very next day! My local dealer ran the diagnostics which came back saying that the Instrument Combination / Cluster needed to be replaced. It's part number NI24810 - 3TA0C. Originally I was told the part had to be ordered from Japan, however, one showed up within a day of the issue being diagnosed. The car is being repaired now and I pray that it's not a used or refurbished part! I contacted Nissan corporate to report the incident and request for some assistance with the repair. Because the car is out of warranty, I was denied. I am so disappointed in Nissan. This should never happen to such a new car. A very big inconvenience. In my frustration I found this site and read that my car model and year is known to be a clunker! I feel awful. I will definitely use this site BEFORE I go car shopping the next time. Thanks for allowing me to vent.

- Dawn S., Kennesaw, GA, US

problem #1

May 282014

Altima 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,500 miles

While driving on the freeway all of the dashboard lights went out, including dashboard system panel and radio panel. If this had occurred at night, it could have caused a wreck. The car was taken directly to the dealership when it opened this morning, about 14 hours after it happened. Streater-Smith Nissan in Conroe, Texas states they exchanged some parts in the radio that they believe caused the problem.

If this issue occurs again, I must take more serious action because it is unsafe if it occurs in the dark.

- thebreaze, Spring, TX, US

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