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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-NISSAN-ALTIMANHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2013 · Nissan
Nissan Altima problems
2,303 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
5.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Altima?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 127 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 18,499–75,000 mi
Body: 99 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–85,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Altima· suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Nissan altima. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to shake without warning. The contact pulled over, exited the vehicle, looked under the vehicle, and noticed that the rear passenger lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to…
The low beams are at the point where it almost looks like they are not on. I have replaced the bulbs, didn't help at all. I adjusted the 2 different adjustment pieces, one is under the hood and the other is behind the inner fender. That didn't correct it.I called Nissan and they…
The lights are so dim it is like I don't have them on at night. Very hard to see driving at night. *dt the VIN provided has no displayable records. *jb
This car seems to have the same software issue as other altimas but the VIN does not record a recall. When someone is in the passenger seat, there is no dashboard confirmation and we are worried that the airbag might not deploy.
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File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
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Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013
Tires that are significantly over- or under-inflated may fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012
The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 2,303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Nissan Altima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Nissan Altima?
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 127 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 18,499–75,000 mi; Body: 99 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–85,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Nissan Altima?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 490 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 70,756 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 70,756 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Nissan Altima has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Nissan Altima?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,303 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Nissan/Altima.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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