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severe 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Among the 18 model years of Nissan Altima in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Buyer takeaway: 2013 Altimas face chronic steering and suspension issues: high-pitched power steering pump noise that dealers call "normal," dangerous highway wander requiring constant steering correction, and rear control arm failures that can cause sudden loss of control—with Nissan's selective warranty extension leaving many owners unprotected. These are not minor complaints; they're widespread safety concerns Nissan has known about for years.
The 2013 Nissan Altima shows three distinct steering and suspension failure patterns. Most common is persistent high-pitch whining or "Morse code" noise from the electric power steering pump at low speeds (0-30 mph), reported by dozens of owners. Dealerships acknowledge the noise and cite a technical bulletin, but claim it's "normal" for the system. Second, steering wander and wandering at highway speeds (55+ mph) with extreme sensitivity to wind and passing vehicles, requiring constant corrective steering. Owners describe this as "driving on ice" or on three wheels. Alignment checks and tire replacements don't fix it; dealers tell owners to "get used to it." Third, catastrophic rear lower control arm failure—the arm fractures or corrodes severely, sometimes without warning at any speed (25–70 mph), causing loss of steering control, vehicle sway, or the rear end to drop. Extreme corrosion has been documented on cars under 10 years old with under 100,000 miles, kept in garages. Nissan has a "warranty extension" for this known issue but refuses to honor claims on VINs not flagged in their system, despite widespread failures. One owner found hundreds of identical complaints online about rear ends falling off. Tow truck operators report seeing this failure repeatedly on this model year.
Same Nissan Altima steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Constant high-pitch whining, whistling, or 'Morse code' noise from the electric power steering pump at low speeds (0–30 mph), especially when turning. Noise is audible in the cabin and becomes worse with slight steering wheel input. Appears after a few hundred miles of driving. Owners report it as unbearable and safety-concerning, yet dealers and Nissan classify it as 'normal' for the new electric system.
When: Typically appears after first few hundred miles; persistent at low speeds and during turning
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whining or whistling sound from engine compartment; Noise audible in cabin at low speeds (0–30 mph); Worse when steering wheel is turned; Described as Morse code, drumming, or slapping noise; Noise disappears briefly if bracket holding pump is removed, but returns when bracket reinstalled
Repairs/costs cited: Technical bulletin exists; however, Nissan refuses to apply it to many vehicles, stating they don't qualify. Some mechanics attempted bracket adjustment and isolation, temporarily reducing noise but not eliminating it. Pump replacement has been suggested by some owners but not confirmed as dealer-performed repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan and dealerships classify noise as 'normal characteristic' of the new electric power steering system. Technical bulletin available but selectively applied. Multiple owners report Nissan North America, corporate customer satisfaction, and regional managers refusing to remedy despite known complaints.
Vehicle wanders left and right unpredictably, especially above 55–65 mph. Requires constant corrective steering input. Extreme sensitivity to crosswinds and passing vehicles. Feels like driving on ice or three wheels. Occurs even on straight, flat roads with no obstacles. Alignment checks, tire replacements (including new Bridgestone tires), and front-end alignment adjustments do not resolve the issue. Dealers and Nissan service managers deny the problem or attribute it to driver behavior; some claim it is 'normal' for the vehicle.
When: Begins above 55–65 mph; occurs at all highway speeds; some owners report it at lower speeds too
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle wanders left and right across lanes; Constant need for corrective steering; Extreme sensitivity to wind and passing vehicles; Feeling of instability or 'driving on ice'; Oversteer and understeer occurring unpredictably; Most pronounced on concrete highways with light drainage grooves; Worse in wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignments performed without resolving issue. New tire installations (including Bridgestone Turanza) did not help. Some owners describe the handling as described in Popular Mechanics: 'light steering, body bobs and weaves, leaving driver without confidence.' No repair confirmed as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan and dealers claim wander is 'normal' and advise owners to 'get used to it.' Service managers state vehicle 'drives like all other Altimas' and refuse to reproduce or investigate. No recall issued despite widespread complaints across multiple model years.
Rear lower control arm fractures without warning or corrodes severely, sometimes to the point where the subframe is held by only a corroded half-inch section. Fractures occur at low mileage (under 100,000 miles) and low speeds (as low as 25 mph), even on well-maintained vehicles kept in garages. Extreme corrosion documented on vehicles less than 10 years old. Failure causes immediate loss of steering control, vehicle veering or swaying, knocking sounds from rear, and the rear end dropping or tilting inward. One expert noted corrosion levels would be expected on 50+ year old vehicles in saltwater environments. Nissan has a voluntary warranty extension for this exact part on this model year but refuses to honor claims if the VIN is not flagged in their system, despite identical failures occurring widely.
When: Documented from 1,732 miles to 140,000 miles; many failures under 100,000 miles; some occurring within first weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'pop' or 'clunk' sound from rear during turns or straight driving; Loss of steering control; vehicle veers or sways left and right; Rear end drops or tilts inward; Traction control warning light illuminates; Excessive corrosion visible on control arm or subframe; Steering wheel becomes loose or uncontrollable; Shimmy or shaking in steering wheel
Codes mentioned: Traction control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of rear lower link, connecting rods, and absorber kit documented. Cost: $700 observed in one case using used part. Some owners report rear control arms have been replaced on both sides for safety. One owner's mechanic noted he 'had never seen a break like this.' Tow truck operator reported seeing this failure 'multiple times before on same model car.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued voluntary campaign (P9324) for rear lower link replacement due to excessive corrosion. However, warranty extension is limited to specific VINs. Nissan refuses coverage for VINs not flagged despite identical failure mode. NHTSA Campaign Number 12V494000 (Steering, Suspension) exists but does not cover all affected vehicles. Some owners report dealers refused repair citing VIN not in recall system, even after referral to NHTSA.
Steering wheel becomes extremely loose or unresponsive, particularly at higher speeds (over 70 mph). In some cases, the steering wheel stiffens or becomes difficult to maneuver. Loose steering detected during normal driving and while turning. One owner reported steering wheel tilted 30 degrees to the left while driving straight. Looseness creates dangerous conditions where slight steering input does not move the vehicle proportionally. Associated with electrical or mechanical issues in the steering system.
When: Can occur at any mileage; noted at 1,400 miles and higher; worsens or appears intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels extremely loose or unresponsive; Steering wheel difficult to maneuver at highway speeds; Steering wheel tilted to one side while driving straight; Loss of steering feedback; Steering becomes sluggish or erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Front-end alignment performed in some cases without resolving looseness. Steering column inspection and U-joint replacement attempted on at least one vehicle without success. No confirmed permanent repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge problem but offer no solution. One dealer advised replacing steering column but issue persisted. No recall or technical bulletin confirmed for this specific failure.
Vehicle stalls or loses power when turning at low speeds from a stop, especially when steering wheel is turned halfway or more. When attempting to turn left or right from standstill, engine cuts off or throttle response freezes for 5–6 seconds. Lights dim and HVAC fan speed drops, suggesting electrical load surge. No check engine light illuminates. Problem occurs randomly but consistently when turning from a stop. One owner reported near-accident when attempting a left turn as vehicle would not accelerate.
When: Occurs when turning steering wheel at stops or low speeds; random but repeatable
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when turning steering wheel from standstill; Loss of throttle response for 5–6 seconds when turning; Lights dim during event; HVAC fan speed reduces; No check engine light appears; Vehicle rolls into oncoming traffic when turning
Repairs/costs cited: No confirmed repair documented. Dealership diagnostics found no codes or problems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan unable to diagnose or repair. No technical bulletin or recall mentioned.
Loud roaring and rumbling noise originating from the front of the vehicle and proceeding to the center cabin. One dealership initially attributed noise to a loose windshield washer compartment, but noise persists after repair. Another service manager stated whining is from power steering and roaring is from driver's driving style. Owners describe it as unacceptable and associated with brake and steering issues.
When: Early in ownership; one case documented at one month after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud roaring and rumbling from front of vehicle; Noise travels to center cabin; Vehicle locking up and driving sluggish, then releasing as rumbling briefly stops; Associated with brake squealing
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield washer compartment tightened; issue returned. No confirmed permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager acknowledged familiarity with sound but did not offer repair. Nissan staff attributed to normal operation or driver error.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 94 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 7,996 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 60,380. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,996; a quarter make it past 105,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.