CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Altima electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Nissan Altima have filed 127 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
127
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Altima | 208 |
| 2010 Altima | 61 |
| 2011 Altima | 26 |
| 2012 Altima | 38 |
| 2013 Altima (this page) | 127 |
| 2014 Altima | 59 |
| 2015 Altima | 42 |
| 2016 Altima | 32 |
| 2017 Altima | 18 |
6crashes
3fires
8injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 127 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Nissan Altima in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect âTest with DCAâ and âReplaceâ results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: ï· CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-500
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical gremlins plague the 2013 Altima in ways that go well beyond inconvenience. The keyless ignition system frequently fails to recognize the key fob, leaving drivers stranded with "NO KEY DETECTED" messages even when the key is present—one owner couldn't start the car after buying a new fob battery, while another had the car cut off in traffic. Dealers consistently cannot diagnose these events because the computer shows nothing wrong.
The passenger airbag off-indicator illuminates when adults are seated despite multiple dealer repairs and recalls. Owners report the light coming back on within weeks of being "fixed," and one dealer admits it's a safety risk but won't cover it.
Brake and acceleration issues are alarming: brakes stay electronically engaged so the car won't move, or suddenly release causing uncontrolled acceleration. When owners press the brake, nothing happens; when they don't, the car takes off at a red light. Transmission stalls or loses power without any warning light, and one vehicle's CVT failed the day after a software update meant to help it.
The 2013 Altima has caught fire while parked and while driving—one was absolutely new and meticulous, the other burned just after transmission and AC work. Headlights are dangerously dim from sealed projector lens failure, not bulbs. The instrument cluster blacks out completely while driving. Interior door handles jam shut simultaneously on all four doors. Battery terminals corrode and burn. Dealers have told owners their car is a lemon and suggested just replacing parts until something sticks, yet Nissan refuses warranty coverage after the first few years.
Same Nissan Altima electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Engine fire / thermal runaway
Vehicle caught fire while parked or driving, with flames consuming vehicle within minutes. One case involved odor and smoke before flames engulfed the car; another showed abnormal electrical odor from AC vents before vehicle caught fire. No mechanical defects were noted prior to fires in the first case.
When: During normal operation; one case at ~31,898 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strange chemical/oil smell; Smoke visible while parked; Flames appearing rapidly; Abnormal electrical odor from AC vents (post-repair case); Vehicle fully engulfed in fire
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles destroyed; first case was well-maintained with no prior mechanical issues; second case occurred after transmission and AC replacement at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist on V6 2013 Altimas for fire issues; complainant notes their V4 also caught fire
Keyless ignition / key detection failure
Push-button start system fails to detect key fob, showing 'NO KEY DETECTED' or 'KEY ID INCORRECT' on dashboard despite key being present. Problem intermittent and unpredictable; car will not start or cuts off while driving. Dealers unable to diagnose root cause and car computer reports no fault.
When: Intermittent; reported from early ownership through multiple years; one case at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays 'NO KEY DETECTED' or 'KEY ID INCORRECT'; Car will not start despite key present; Car cuts off while driving in traffic; Car will not lock doors when key not detected; Problem persists even after battery replacement; Occurs inconsistently; sometimes vehicle starts after multiple attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob battery replacements attempted without success; dealer unable to replicate or fix; owners report $500+ cost for repairs; one owner mentions finding 'work around' but issue remains unfixed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to help; Nissan headquarters reported to have said 'tough luck'; issue noted as ongoing defect owners report online
Sudden unintended acceleration / loss of braking
Vehicle accelerates rapidly without driver input, particularly when braking or turning. Brake pedal becomes ineffective; car enters limp mode or loses power. Computer shows no fault codes despite incidents. One case involved car taking off at red light with RPMs jumping to high speeds; another involved car jumping curb while attempting to park.
When: During normal driving, turning, parking, at red lights; one case at ~43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration despite brake input; RPMs jump to high speeds without pedal input; Brake pedal loses effectiveness; Car enters limp mode; Vehicle stalls or shuts off after high-speed acceleration; Delayed response when shifting to reverse (5-10 second delay); Computer shows no fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose; one case involved oil pan puncture and plastic shield damage from impact; dealer refused to cover repairs claiming computer failure as cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose cause; Nissan claims car is fine per computer readout; owner reported safety concerns to Nissan headquarters with no resolution
Brake system electrical malfunction / stuck brakes
Brakes remain engaged electronically, preventing vehicle movement or putting car in limp mode. Brake lights stay on continuously. Gear shift can be moved out of Park without depressing brake pedal. Car can be started without depressing brake. Issue unrelated to physical brake system failure.
When: Intermittent; occurs during driving and parked; one case resulted in 44 shop visits over 62 days
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes appear stuck on, car will not move; Vehicle in limp mode; Brake lights stay on continuously (sometimes); Gear shifter moves out of Park without brake pedal depression; Car starts without brake pedal depression; Brake system suddenly releases and car accelerates rapidly; Quick pump of brake pedal may release lock
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replaced; manually operating switch does not turn lights off; removing negative battery cable temporarily turns off lights but does not reset problem; Nissan TSBs mention shorted wiring but only Nissan technicians can access
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested replacing parts until problem disappears; Nissan America refused further warranty support citing excessive prior repair costs; private mechanic unable to determine cause
Passenger airbag occupant detection failure
Passenger airbag OFF indicator illuminates when adult passenger is seated in front passenger seat, disabling airbag protection. Problem is intermittent and recurring even after dealer repairs. Occupant detection system fails to register adults across various weight ranges.
When: Intermittent; recurring after repairs; one case at 1,000 miles with recall work previously performed
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag OFF light illuminates with adult passenger present; Light turns on and off intermittently during driving; Occurs with passengers weighing 100-180+ lbs; Problem persists even with passengers above 150 lbs (well above threshold); Light may turn off after 10-15 minutes or remain on throughout drive; Problem recurs within weeks of dealer repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer resets battery sensor multiple times without permanent fix; sensors replaced; occupant detection system reset; front driver and passenger side sensors replaced; seat connections re-secured; scales zeroed; video evidence recorded by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 14V138000 (Airbags, Electrical System) performed but failure recurs; Nissan recalls 16V-244 and PC214 referenced; dealers report unable to do further work; Nissan corporate refuses to repurchase as lemon
Engine stalling / no-start condition
Engine stalls during operation or fails to start reliably. Car shuts off when put into Drive or Reverse. Engine vibrates while slowing down or braking then cuts off. Starts and immediately stalls. Computer shows no fault codes despite repeated incidents.
When: Early ownership (one case February after purchase, repeated over month+); intermittent pattern; 5-6 occurrences in 2-week period reported
Symptoms owners cite: Car starts and immediately shuts off when transmission placed in Drive or Reverse; Engine vibrates while slowing or braking then stalls; Will start 7-8 times in a row but stalls on every gear engagement; Stalling occurs in middle of street; Engine cranking but not starting; No warning indicators illuminated; Problem occurs intermittently over months
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer kept car for a month unable to diagnose despite duplicating problem; third-party technician suspects sensor issue; car 'literally decides when it's going to work or not'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose cause; no codes showing on computer; ongoing issue noted online as defect Nissan refuses to address; owner called Nissan Headquarters expressing safety concerns
Transmission failure / CVT malfunction
CVT transmission fails without warning. Car stalls, loses power, and requires replacement. No warning lights illuminate despite serious transmission failure. One case involved transmission bucking and stalling after software update for transmission diagnostics.
When: One case at 39,848 miles; another case with 6+ months of ownership; third case around 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights prior to failure; Car bucks then stalls at intersection; Gas pedal fails to respond after stall; Car limps another 3-4 blocks then stops completely; Transmission failure without prior indicators; Delayed engagement and jerking on stop (at 46,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; one case had CVT software diagnostic update (PC490) performed day before failure; dealer determined transmission would need replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PC490 recall (Altima CVT Software Diagnostic Update) performed on one vehicle day before transmission failure; dealer unable to explain why no warning lights illuminated
Mass air flow sensor / throttle body issues
Check engine light comes on repeatedly due to mass air flow sensor or throttle body faults. Reprogramming and throttle chamber replacement required but problem recurs. Vehicle loses acceleration capability.
When: Recurring within 1-2 year ownership period; first incident within year of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of acceleration while merging on freeway; Vehicle barely moves after stalling; Check engine light returns shortly after repair
Codes mentioned: Mass air flow system code
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow system reprogramming performed (recurred within 2 weeks); throttle chamber replaced (light came back on within 2 days); alternator also replaced in same timeframe; vehicle kept at dealer 1-3 days per repair attempt
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed reprogramming and throttle chamber replacement; no lasting resolution achieved
Alternator / charging system failure
Alternator fails prematurely, causing vehicle to stall and lose electrical power. Roaring noise heard prior to complete failure. Vehicle shuts down at Christmas Eve drive.
When: ~29,326 miles; approximately 2-3 years after purchase with roaring noise preceding failure
Symptoms owners cite: Roaring noise while driving at slow and high speeds; Vehicle dies out while driving; Internal problems suspected by owner
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator with internal problems replaced; system reprogrammed; dealer kept car 5 days for diagnosis and repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator replacement performed and system reprogrammed; vehicle then required transmission reprogramming 2 years later
Shift lock solenoid / gear shifter stuck in Park
Gear shifter locks in Park position and cannot be moved to Drive or Reverse even with brake pedal fully depressed. Physical shift-release button must be manually activated to escape Park. Problem recurs consistently after first occurrence.
When: First occurrence ~38,000 miles (beyond 36,000-mile warranty); second report at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move from Park position despite brake pedal depression; Shifter requires manual push of shift-release button under steering column; Problem recurs consistently after initial incident; Vehicle immobilized at gas station (first incident)
Repairs/costs cited: Shift lock solenoid identified as failed component; however, Nissan does not sell solenoid separately; full shift handle assembly replacement required at $451.90 + $250 labor; repair cost $700+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denies this is a safety or design issue, claiming it is wear and tear; no recall available
Headlight low beam dimness / projector lens failure
Low beam headlights are dangerously dim, illuminating only 2 car lengths ahead or unable to see 2 meters in front of car. Bulb replacement does not fix issue. Problem is sealed projector lens losing effectiveness over time, not bulb related.
When: Recurring problem reported across 2013-2015 Altima model years; noted as common safety problem
Symptoms owners cite: Low beam headlights extremely dim at night; Cannot see far enough ahead for safe highway driving; Objects in path and on roadside not visible in time; Street signs and turns nearly impossible to identify; Bulb replacement does not fix problem; Appears to be factory-sealed projector lens issue
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacements attempted without success; dealer quotes $1000 to replace both headlight assemblies; owners note projector lens appears sealed from factory and cannot be cleaned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim projector lens coating problem that cannot be cleaned; no recall issued despite reporting as common safety problem among 2013-2015 Altimas
Instrument cluster / dashboard failure
Instrument cluster and all gauges go completely dark while driving. Speedometer, odometer, and all other dashboard indicators cease functioning. Problem occurs early in vehicle ownership.
When: One case at 55,000 miles; another at 42,000 miles; one case at 940 miles (14 days after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard gauges go dark while driving; Speedometer and odometer stop working; Loss of all dashboard indicators; Lights and blinkers still function but no interior indication; Problem persists after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Entire instrument cluster replacement required; cost approximately $878-$1,000; repair occurs outside of warranty period
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan not willing to admit this is a safety issue; Nissan Consumer Affairs unwilling to accept responsibility or provide reimbursement; only offers reimbursement if recall is issued
Battery / electrical system corrosion and failure
Battery terminals corrode severely, preventing vehicle from starting. Battery has exploded or had posts completely burned off with wires burned. Multiple battery replacements do not resolve issue. Fusible link burned.
When: One case at 120,000 miles; intermittent issue on vehicle with 'no key detected' errors
Symptoms owners cite: Battery terminals severely corroded; Battery completely burned off; Wires burned and charred; Battery exploded; Fusible link for terminal breaker burned; Vehicle will not start with 'incorrect key' error despite electrical battery issue; 'No key detected' or 'wrong key ID' error when starting attempted
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced three times on one vehicle without resolving door handle failure; corrosion issue persists; mechanic noted vehicle 'almost caught on fire'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified battery terminal corrosion as cause but held owner responsible for repair costs; repair deemed 'could be a safety risk' but not covered under warranty
Interior door handle failure
Interior door handles on all four doors become unable to open doors. Problem occurs simultaneously across multiple doors. Loud pop sound may precede failure.
When: At 120,000 miles; occurred after loud pop sound heard
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound heard while exiting vehicle; Interior handles on all four doors unable to open doors; Vehicle becomes difficult to exit
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified as potential safety risk but offered no remedy; owner responsible for repair cost; three battery replacements attempted but door failure persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated door handle failure 'could be a safety risk' but refused to repair under warranty; battery corrosion was cited as unrelated cause
Keyless entry / key fob recognition failure
Keyless entry system fails to recognize key fob. Door sensor does not recognize fob even when in pocket or near vehicle. Vehicle displays 'NO KEY CODE FOUND' error. Problem appears proximity and environment dependent.
When: Intermittent; approximately 15 occurrences reported between January and April 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Door sensor does not recognize key fob when in pocket; Requires manual unlock/lock button press on fob; Vehicle displays 'NO KEY CODE FOUND' error; Problem occurs when parked near walls; Has not occurred in open parking lot; May be related to proximity of large objects
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attempted to identify EMI (electromagnetic interference) source; noted correlation with proximity to walls and large objects like F250 truck
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Radio freeze / infotainment system failure
Radio freezes requiring vehicle to be pulled over, shut off, and restarted. Problem recurs despite reprogramming. Backup camera intermittent or non-functional.
When: Multiple occurrences reported; vehicle taken to dealership multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Radio freezes during driving or idle; Requires vehicle shutdown and restart to clear; Problem recurs after dealership reprogramming; Backup camera works intermittently or not at all; Dealer has laughed at owner and called concern ridiculous
Repairs/costs cited: Unit reprogrammed without permanent resolution; no repairs completed; dealer told owner to 'deal with it'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissive of problem; stated nothing could be done
Blind spot monitoring and lane detection system malfunction
Blind spot monitoring (BSM) system illuminates when no vehicle present and fails to illuminate when vehicle is present. Lane detection system beeps and blinks when vehicle is not out of lane. Problems worsen during rain.
When: Multiple occurrences; occurs frequently but not always; nearly every time when raining
Symptoms owners cite: BSM light activates with no car present; BSM fails to activate when car is present; Lane detection system beeps and blinks when vehicle is in lane; Problems occur in dry, wet, sunny, cloudy, snowing conditions; Problem worsens dramatically during rain
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted; dealer stated per owner's manual these features 'may not work properly'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer did not attempt diagnosis; pointed to owner's manual disclaimer; customer paid for features expecting them to work
Battery control module (BCM) internal short
Battery control module develops internal short, preventing vehicle from being put into gear. Vehicle becomes immobile requiring towing.
When: Brand new vehicle with under 52,000 miles; less than 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio and other systems operational; Cannot put car in gear; Vehicle requires towing
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement required; owner reports multiple coworkers with same or similar issue on 2013 and 2016 vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action noted; owner found numerous online complaints about similar issues
Dimming headlights and battery drain
Headlights low and high beams are dangerously dim. Battery continues to drain leaving owner without transportation. Electrical problem persists despite bulb replacements.
When: Ongoing issue; owner seeking $2,000 in estimates
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight low and high beams dangerously dim; Bulb replacements do not fix dimness; Battery continues to drain; Vehicle unavailable due to lack of power; Owner notes litigation online with numerous people involved
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacements attempted without success; owner getting repair estimates around $2,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes NTSB should have acted by now; owner hoping for agency action
Engine still running after ignition off (push-start)
Engine continues running after driver presses ignition button to off. Horn does not honk when door locked. Trunk does not automatically open with key fob. Engine uses significant fuel overnight.
When: Rental car; occurred after returning to hotel and exiting vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after push-button start pressed to off; Horn does not honk when vehicle locked with key fob; Trunk does not automatically open with key fob; Steam and water from exhaust next morning; Approximately 3/8 tank of gas consumed overnight
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manually opened trunk by pressing button under lid
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warning system or chime to alert driver engine is still running; owner concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning risk if driven into garage
Air conditioning inoperative or producing heat only
AC fails to cool vehicle or only produces heat when vehicle is stationary. AC only works when vehicle is in motion. System produces abnormal electrical odor (one case involved fire after repair).
When: Multiple cases reported; one case at 31,898 miles after transmission and AC replacement
Symptoms owners cite: AC does not produce cool air when vehicle is stationary; AC only produces heat when parked; AC functions normally only when vehicle in motion; Abnormal electrical odor from AC vents (pre-fire case)
Repairs/costs cited: AC unit replacement required; one case resulted in vehicle catching fire after AC was replaced and transmission replaced; abnormal electrical odor preceded fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: AC replacement performed but one case resulted in vehicle fire
Airbag wiring short / occupant detection circuit failure
Wire beneath passenger seat becomes shorted out and disconnected. Passenger side airbag fault codes generated. Multiple electrical components affected by wiring issue including mass air flow sensor.
When: Unknown exact timing; issue discovered with diagnostic scan
Symptoms owners cite: Shorted/disconnected wire beneath passenger seat; Multiple airbag fault codes; Mass air flow sensor low voltage code; Car stalls at random times while driving; Car slows down while fully accelerating; Multiple electrical component failures follow
Codes mentioned: Airbag fault codes, Mass air flow sensor low voltage
Repairs/costs cited: Owner concerned about safety with family in car on freeway
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Synthesized from 127 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
As many others have previously reported, this 2013 altima will not detect an adult passenger (140+ lbs) and will turn off the passenger airbag. The initial safety recall work was performed on the car (prior to our purchase of the vehicle), but the problem continues to happen. We have talked to several dealers who have not been able to do anything to fix the problem because it appears that…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 127 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 81 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,499 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,499; a quarter make it past 75,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.