CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013 Nissan Altima has multiple problem trends including the CVT transmission, and now that this model is out of warranty, it earns our "Avoid Like The Plague" badge.

Owners complain about vibration and transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a whining noise from the power steering pump, and constant windshield problems that appear to be the result of poor design.

Be warned: the 2014 & 2015 Nissan Altima appears to share these same problems.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
32,800 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. clean evaporator (1 reports)
  3. replace heater core, evaporator (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #5

Sep 012015

Altima SL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I took my 2013 Nissan Altima to the Nissan dealership in Union City GA for an oil change, I ask the associate to check my air condition because when I stop or slow down it blow hot air, they did put Freon in after going out of town my car still blowing hot air when I slow down or stop, I took my car back to the dealership they told me I need an AC Compressor, This will cost me over a $1,000.00 dollars, after looking at this website there's are lots of complaints about the Nissan Altima cooling system, this issue should be recalled and no one should have to pay a dime out of their pocket for this services.

- winter123$, Jonesboro, GA, US

problem #4

May 302015

Altima SL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,100 miles

So I own a 2013 Nissan Altima and every time I try to use the air conditioning, it has this disgusting mildew smell. I've tried to talk to my service adviser about it but nothing has been done yet. Still working to fix this issue.

- jmr1085, Brooklyn, US

problem #3

Mar 062015

Altima SV 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 18,786 miles

When the a/c is turn on the air stinks. It seems like taking the car to the dealer for a stinky a/c is silly. Losing time from work to have them look at it, to be told that they didn't find anything... that is how much I trust the Nissan Dealer.

It took them 2 years to find a rattle that started on mile number 2... I will make the time to take the car in soon as summers is rapidly approaching and we will use the a/c more... I can hardly wait for the excuses to begin.

- pfsagm2005, Wichita, KS, US

problem #2

Aug 172013

Altima S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,816 miles

mildew smell & clunking noise

The car is a lemon!!! Don't buy a Nissan Altima. Car is 5 months old & nothing but problems, have been lied to since day one when I bought the car. Someone was even fired for the lies & dishonesty.

- Cheryl F., Davie, FL, US

problem #1

Jul 092013

Altima S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,979 miles

Dealership filled a/c with air fresher to mask the smell.

- Cheryl F., Davie, FL, US

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