Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning smell coming through the A/C vents. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that unknown frontal air bag had deployed under the hood and burned; however, the mechanic could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. An unknown dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
The contact's friend owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated for an extended period. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanic shops, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer in 2016, for a recall repair for the mass airflow sensor however, the failure recurred. The contact had her nephew replace the mass airflow sensor on three separate occasions. The mass airflow sensor was also replaced once by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that recall repair was only performed one time free of charge. The failure mileage was 108,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle started hesitating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the street for approximately 10 minutes before continuing driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had an unknown component tied; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag module and ECU module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I feel like my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL sedan is/was Part of the Transmission Recall. I purchased my vehicle in 2017/2018... Since then I already replaced all the solenoids in 2020 for the transmission and it drove fine for 2 years. Then in October/November of 2023 the transmission code P0776 came on and it was taken to a Nissan dealership in Maine and was informed that the whole transmission was no good and needed to be replaced. I since bought a new Nissan Altima transmission that was never used before so, the transmission has 0 miles on it and had my personal mechanic place it in and now in early 2024 the transmission went from Driving 65mph on the highway and suddenly dropped to 30mph still on highway with no dashboard light notice at all... so now I have a vehicle that is broken and I don't know what to do next!!! Please advise. …
Steady Check Engine light came on April 25, 2023. Just had oil change/filter done day before. Had tune-up done May 25, 2023. Had mechanic who replaced my catalytic converter and (2) O2 sensors a year ago check my car. Found that the inside of the catalytic converter was melted. They checked for a fuel leak in engine, none found. Replaced catalytic converter and front O2 sensor. As of today, no Steady Check Engine light has come back on. I think a Flashing Check Engine light should have displayed for something as serious as a fuel leak. What if my car caught fire while driving? Also, I was told several years ago by a local Nissan dealer that my driver side airbag would need replacing - that indicator light never came back on the dash board either. Faulty sensors? I notified Nissan in TN by mail.
The original transmission on this car failed and I had it replaced at a Nissan Dealership. In less than two years, the new transmission also failed. I was driving on the highway and transmission gave up and the vehicle would not accelerate putting my Life and others' life in danger/unsafe. I contacted Nissan consumer/customer service and the case manager was not helpful and literally, stonewalled my concerns. Gross negligence by Nissan about the vehicle owners and their safety. The Nissan Altima cars that were manufactured between 2013-2015 are pure LEMONS.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the hood failed to open as needed. The vehicle was also leaking anti-freeze. The contact was unable to open the hood to check or add coolant. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the contact was as unaware of the repair performed on the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Car stalled on highway in 1st lane. Car jerking, stalling, not starting. Found recall on cvt transmissions on car. Nissan consumer affairs refuse to honor recall. States recall closed. Car not drivable. Being fixed at Firestone repair. Begged Nissan consumer affairs because of my safety to please fix. Spoke with 2 managers who would not honor closed past campaign!!! Told them I am a 60 yr old woman now to scarred to drive car. Had no choice but to have it fixed which I cannot afford.
Engine complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 166 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Nissan Altima, 7% of the model year's 2,313 complaints. The component named most often is engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Nissan Altima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Nissan Altima, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Altima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.