Gear Shift Sticks

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

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.

7.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$640
Average Mileage:
84,200 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace shifter (2 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #7

Jan 022019

Altima SV 3.2L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 138,000 miles

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

I’m stuck in park! I have to use a screwdriver to release shifter. Looking for places to fix it now. I called Missanandas, usual its not our fault and it’s out of warranty. I will never buy another Nissan again. This car has been a nightmare of problems.

- BOX IT P., North Hills, CA, US

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problem #6

Jun 012017

Altima SRS 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

When my Nissan Altima (2013) had about 60,000 miles on it the safety switch went bad and could not get my car in gear. I know have to use a screw driver to get it into reverse or drive. They want over $800.00 to fix this. I have had so many problems with this Altima. I WILL NOT ever buy a Nissan again.

- Jane L., Zachary, US

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problem #5

Jan 042018

Altima ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I BOUGHT IT NEW. IN 2014. AC WENT OUT, WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR FELL OFF. STILL UNDER WARRANTY. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER WARRANTY.

PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW QUIT WORKING AND WOULDN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN AFTER WARRANTY. NOW MY GEAR SHIFT IS STUCK AND HAVE TO PUSH DOWN ON A BUTTON TO SHIFT. TODAY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $745 TO REPAIR IT. I'M A 74 YEAR OLD WOMAN SO I DON'T MISUSE MY AUTO. I FEEL LIKE THIS HAS BEEN A LEMON FROM THE BEGINNING.

- donnasasser4, Chouteau, US

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problem #4

Feb 122018

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

Over the last couple of months have had issues with my gear shift getting stuck in park. With much frustration it would eventually work itself out. The last time it got stuck, I did research on the internet to find that this is an ongoing problem with the Nissan Altima. We had to hit the gear shift release button using a screwdriver.

Took it to the dealership and it ran me over 600 dollars to get fixed. Contacted Nissan to tell them that with all my research and seeing that this is on ongoing HAZARDOUS problem that this should be a recall and I should get reimbursed for this expense. Nissan did their job though. They contacted the dealership and the dealership stuck by their product (NOT) they blamed me. Said there were "signs of liquid" in the shift. That is total bull. I have never spilt anything in my car at the gear shift or anyone else.

They just don't want to cover this MANUFACTURE DEFECT.... it is a defect and Nissan needs to stand behind their product. Was planning on purchasing a new car in the next year but looks like I will have to go to Toyota or something else. Nissan is loosing a lifelong customer.

- Tracy M., Birmingham, US

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problem #3

Nov 162016

Altima Factory 4 Clinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,470 miles

It has a notice on the dash about the I-key not working, also bought car second hand with 38,000 miles on it.

- Glenn T., Mobile, AL, US

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problem #2

Sep 022016

Altima SL 3.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 47,651 miles

Do you have any idea how ghetto it is to have to push down my air freshener into the shift-lock hole to release the lock and be able to shift out of Park every time I have to drive my Altima??? I've been reading about this online a lot and it appears I am not the only one... not surprised at this point. I've read in a few blogs that it may just be a simple fuse- IDK, I need to have it looked into. I tried to reach the fuse box under the steering wheel to the left & I'm a big man, my fingers don't fit in there. I can't pull those fuses out even tried using a fuse tweezer thingy I got from autozone, they're like super glued in there? SO annoying!!!

- mandy_alexx, Beverly Hills, CA, US

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problem #1

Jan 052016

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

The button that you push on the gear shift "sticks"... it won't go all the way in so I am not able to put the car in gear. This morning was the worst! It took 10 min, a prayer, me getting out of the vehicle and taking a walk around my driveway, then it finally worked! I could have been late! It happens randomly and at inconvenient times. I don't think I should have to pay out my wazoo to have something like this fixed as it's just a 2013!!!

- seaangel573, Meridian, ID, US

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