Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Nissan Altima
The 2013 Nissan Altima has a high number of owner complaints and recall campaigns, particularly concerning the airbag system, power train, and exterior lighting. While some issues are systemic, others may be vehicle-specific. Prospective buyers should inspect carefully, focusing on common areas of concern indicated by recall and complaint data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Nissan Altima has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,315 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V315000 Unintentional Release of Primary Hood Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V911000 Air Bag May Not Deploy Due to Software Issue NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V244000 Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V029000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V681000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V486000 Fuel Sending Unit may Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V116000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V565000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V138000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V158000 Spare Tire may be Over- or Under-Inflated NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V069000 Occupant Detection System May Disable Pass Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V494000 Loose Steering and Suspension Bolts NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 514 complaints
- Power Train 506 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 442 complaints
- Suspension 290 complaints
- Unknown or Other 240 complaints
- Electrical System 159 complaints
Of the 2,315 complaints on file, 63 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 2,315 complaints, owners report 48 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Faulty airbag sensor
How to check: Ensure passenger airbag warning light illuminates correctly when unoccupied.
Power train failures
How to check: Listen for abnormal noises during idle and acceleration.
Faulty hood latch
How to check: Test hood latch for secure closure and second latch engagement.
Software malfunction
How to check: Check OCS software update history with dealership.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud noise or rough idle
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Airbag warning remains on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Pay attention to smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for power loss or hesitation.
Red flag: Delayed or no response
- 05
Braking
What to check: Ensure brakes respond promptly, without noise.
Red flag: Screeching or delayed response
- 06
Turning
What to check: Test steering smoothness and precision.
Red flag: Steering wheel vibration
- 07
Final idle
What to check: Observe engine idle smoothness again.
Red flag: Rough or uneven idle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag system been recalled?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- Has the power train required repairs?
- What maintenance has been done recently?
- Is there a history of electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Proof of emissions test
- Previous owner information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Nissan Altima at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Nissan Altima? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.