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.

8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
35,000 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. clean pins, tighten receptors (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 062014

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,200 miles

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

Apparently there is a problem with the basic computer code. The brake light lights and stays on intermittently until the car is stopped and turned off. Also, the radio screen goes wacko but the radio dials/controls still work.

- Linda F., Asheboro, NC, US

problem #3

Sep 022015

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 49,000 miles

Working late shift, get in car at 11pm to find that my cars dashboard has gone completely out! No lights, speedometer, gas gauge, steering column functions (cruise control, sound system, blinkers etc) did not work either. I had no way to know how fast I was traveling or even if I had any fuel. The sound system worked fine just not able to use the steering wheel functions. Blinkers worked on the outside, but no indicators. Car had right at 49,000 miles/3 years so no warranty. Have a very good mechanic that actually wanted to know what the problem so he took the time to check all wiring. He ended up cleaning pins/receptors at both ends (at fire wall and at instrument cluster) and it now works...for how long we don't know. Could it be dissimilar metals corroding and causing film build up? (ie copper/aluminum?) All is functioning well, but just got it back yesterday.

- kaci13, Canyon, TX, US

problem #2

Mar 112015

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 45,707 miles

This problem almost cause me my life. I was driving and the instrument panel went dark. no gas gauge, no speedometer, the turn signals and hazard wouldn't show but worked outside. O/D isn't working, anti'skid is not working. Engine is working too hard now to keep up which might mess it up. Called the dealership and they say it might not be covered under warranty which is bullshit no instrument panel should break before even the 50000 mile. I don't think I will ever buy a nissan again. More recalls on this sh*tty Altima then any other car I ever owned.

- aztekeagle, Wichita Falls, TX, US

problem #1

Dec 162014

Altima SL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

I bought this car brand new and have had it less then 2 years and had nothing but problem after problem. I finally decided to get rid of it and took it in for a trade, not to mention the value of it has not held at all. Leaving the dealership my windows stopped working, Then it started saying my door was open when it was not, also that my emergency brake was on when it wasn't. I tried turning the car off and turning it back on. No controls on my steering wheel would work, no lights on my dash, computer wouldn't work, gauges would not work. I took it to a Nissan dealership who made me pay $105.00 up front just to tell me what was wrong. After stating the cluster needed to be replaced and that this is quite common on these vehicles and a very expensive part to replace. I have to open a case and wait days without a vehicle to see if Nissan will cover this since I am out of warranty. This is after 6 recalls, a faulty radiator, my passenger seat belt coming unlatched and the remote going back. Hands down the worst vehicle I have ever seen, if Nissan does not pay for this I am taking them to court.

- nmayhew, Frederick, MD, US

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