NHTSA vehicle safety data
2013 Nissan Altima Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2013 Nissan Altima has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,315 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Nissan dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Nissan Altima, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2013 Nissan Altima owner complaints
Owners have filed 2,315 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Altima, describing incidents dated January 2, 2012 to October 8, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Air Bags 514 complaints
- Power Train 506 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 442 complaints
- Suspension 290 complaints
- Unknown or Other 240 complaints
- Engine 166 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).
Newest complaints
ODI #11774905 · Filed
On the morning of XXX, while driving at approximately 15-20 mph, the traction control warning light illuminated on my 2013 Nissan Altima (approximately 80,000 miles). I drove the short distance home, and upon inspection found the right-rear wheel visibly tilted inward with noticeably lower ride…
ODI #11774057 · Filed
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while attempting to move the gear shifter, the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
ODI #11770273 · Filed
I own a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV with approximately 130,000 miles. My vehicle has a serious water leak affecting both sides of the interior. Rainwater enters around both sun visors, soaks the headliner, and runs down the windshield pillars even when the vehicle is parked. I believe the sunroof…
Owner-reported
2013 Nissan Altima mileage at failure
1,653 of the 2,315 complaints on file for the 2013 Nissan Altima give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | Median 19,000 miles | Middle half 2,000–65,000 miles | Based on 349 complaints |
| Power Train | Median 70,000 miles | Middle half 40,000–90,000 miles | Based on 428 complaints |
| Exterior Lighting | Median 85,000 miles | Middle half 60,000–110,000 miles | Based on 242 complaints |
| Suspension | Median 105,000 miles | Middle half 85,000–130,000 miles | Based on 226 complaints |
| Engine | Median 60,000 miles | Middle half 25,000–90,000 miles | Based on 133 complaints |
A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.
Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.
These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.
Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.
Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Nissan Altima in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021
- Engineering Analysis EA19-002: Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Closed June 16, 2025
- Preliminary Evaluation PE18-013: Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Closed August 21, 2019
- Engineering Analysis EA15-004: Occupant Classification System Failure
Closed May 2, 2017
- Recall Query RQ15-001: Occupant Classification System Failure
Closed September 1, 2015
Unintentional Release of Primary Hood Latch
NHTSA #20V315000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported May 28, 2020 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 1,831,818 vehicles
Repair completion: 49.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Nissan campaign R20A7 · Owners notified June 30, 2021
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Safety consequence
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Air Bag May Not Deploy Due to Software Issue
NHTSA #16V911000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice
Reported December 19, 2016 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 757 vehicles
Repair completion: 49.8% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified February 13, 2017 · Vehicles built January 3, 2013 – July 29, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
Safety consequence
If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error
NHTSA #16V244000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice
Reported April 26, 2016 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 3,296,947 vehicles
Repair completion: 77.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified June 10, 2016 · Vehicles built March 6, 2012 – April 1, 2016 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch
NHTSA #16V029000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported January 22, 2016 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 846,000 vehicles
Repair completion: 73.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified February 17, 2016 · Vehicles built March 6, 2012 – December 31, 2014 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Safety consequence
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat
NHTSA #15V681000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice
Reported October 20, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 919 vehicles
Repair completion: 68.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 30, 2015 · Vehicles built June 12, 2012 – August 26, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Safety consequence
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Fuel Sending Unit may Leak Fuel
NHTSA #15V486000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice
Reported August 4, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 46,846 vehicles
Repair completion: 84.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified September 28, 2015 · Vehicles built March 30, 2012 – August 18, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
Safety consequence
If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch
NHTSA #15V116000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported February 27, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 625,400 vehicles
Repair completion: 75.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified March 31, 2015 · Vehicles built March 1, 2013 – December 31, 2014 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Safety consequence
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch
NHTSA #14V565000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported September 15, 2014 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 220,423 vehicles
Repair completion: 74.81% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified October 20, 2014 · Vehicles built March 6, 2012 – January 28, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013. In the affected vehicles, interference between the hood inner panel and the secondary latch lever, in combination with debris and corrosion, may cause the secondary hood latch to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Safety consequence
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat
NHTSA #14V138000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice
Reported March 25, 2014 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 989,701 vehicles
Repair completion: 86.77% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified April 14, 2014 · Vehicles built March 6, 2012 – February 12, 2014 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Safety consequence
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Spare Tire may be Over- or Under-Inflated
NHTSA #13V158000 · Tires — Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · NHTSA notice
Reported April 24, 2013 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 123,308 vehicles
Owners notified April 29, 2013 · Vehicles built March 21, 2012 – March 26, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013. The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.
Safety consequence
Tires that are significantly over- or under-inflated may fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Occupant Detection System May Disable Pass Air Bag
NHTSA #13V069000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported March 1, 2013 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 82,038 vehicles
Nissan campaign PC216 · Owners notified May 6, 2013 · Vehicles built September 27, 2012 – January 28, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
Safety consequence
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Loose Steering and Suspension Bolts
NHTSA #12V494000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported October 10, 2012 · Nissan North America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 13,919 vehicles
Owners notified November 12, 2012 · Vehicles built June 4, 2012 – July 26, 2012 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Nissan Altima model years
Check your 2013 Nissan Altima VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Nissan Altima at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Nissan VIN