Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under Voluntary Service Campaign: P9324 (Rear Lower Link); however, the failure recurred after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose. The contact experienced a loss of vehicle control, causing the vehicle to sway from left to right. Additionally, there was a knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but no cause of failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to several independent mechanics who replaced the U-joint, steering column, calipers, shocks, and rear brakes, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked to the right with the traction control warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger's side tire was tilted in. Due to the failure, the contact called a tow truck and it was discovered that the rear control arm had corroded. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who linked the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V494000 (Steering, Suspension) and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Fuel System: Car hesitates and cut off after pumping fuel.\n' + 'Outer Tie rods torn rubber, vehicle never been realigned, but tires were worn on both front sides. \n' + 'Takata Air bag light has been on for over 2 years.\n' + 'Transmission over heats. Engine cuts back between 45 and 60 mph on the freeway. So we stop and allow it to cool off.
My power steering somehow had a slow leak which caused steering wheel to lock on while driving. Also, when I turn it sounds like a clucking sound like something is wrong with my power train. When I drive my accelerator seems like it be taking its time to catch up to speed. I've done did so much mechanical work to this car and it seems like nothing is working.
My Nissan's right passenger side lower rearward control arm broke as I was driving and I lost control of the car and steered to the side of the road. I was lucky no car was near me or it would have been tragic. Nissan should be forced to recall all the cars with this faulty part before life is lost.
I took my car in for an alignment and the mechanic discovered excessive and sever corrosion on the lower suspension link in the rear, the corrosion is so bad that the entire subframe is holding on by a corroded approximately 1/2 inch section, one bump and the entire rear end of the vehicle will fall off. This car is less than 10 years old, has 80,000 miles on it and is for the most part kept in a garage. The corrosion is so bad that the car has been deemed unsafe to drive. Individuals who are experts in automotive parts have indicated that the corrosion that has occurred would be expected for a car that is over 50 years old and has been sitting in water or subjected to extreme use of salt/water/road chemicals to corrode to the degree that this entire unit is showing. …
I was driving to work at approximately 5:30 am and took exit 10b off of i85 north. Went to reach down to get my coffee and hit the grass which in turn slung me into the guard rail. This is not the first time this has happened. This wreck done 10,000 dollars of damage to my car. The steering is very touchy. This has happened several times. My air bag light on the passenger side does not work either. I have taken this car in because it does act right when you accelerate but I was told there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I have also took it in for a leak and they told my it wasn't leaking it was a 2013 and it was to new. But there is a spot in my driveway and I am the only one that parks there.
Shacking and unable to control and no one till this day??? Why ? I'm sorry but Dodge Chrysler nor any dealer ship has my air bag and 98% of parts in stock... So now what??? I spent a lot of much $$$$...
Heard a loud pop noise from the rear of the car while backing up, steering was unstable while driving. Looked under the car and discover the right rear control arm is broken.
After leasing the car for about 4 months, the car developed an issue at 83,000 mile mark. When attempting to turn left or right from standstill the car stalls. I would press down the gas pedal all the way down and the car would not move or accelerate until 6 seconds or so later. Sometimes the car doesn't move at all until I move the steering wheel back and forth. From this I can infer it has to do with the power steering or something electrical. It only happens when the steering wheel is turned halfway or more at a stop. Kinda like a power outage at that since all the lights dim and sometimes even the HVAC fan speed goes down while while the car is unable to move. …
Steering complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Nissan Altima, 4% of the model year's 2,313 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Nissan Altima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 52% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to steering 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.