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.

4.0

definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
19,850 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace radio (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #5

Jan 012014

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

The satellite radio on my Altima SV constantly flakes out showing a "Loading" message. The only fix is to pull over, turn the car off and then restart it. It's pretty irritating!

- bobamick1954, Simpsonville, SC, US

problem #4

May 062014

Altima SL 3.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 13,456 miles

The problem of loosing the Sirus reception on my Bose radio system has occurred at least 6-7 times since I bought the car in Jan. 2013. I have not taken it to a dealer since I am single and have no other car. I don't want to sit at home all day while they try to correct the problem. Nor do I want to pay for a rental vehicle and my dealer does not provide a loaner car. When I suddenly loose the reception, the only way to restore it is to stop, turn off the engine and restart the engine. Then the satellite connection is reestablished. While continuing to drive, I have tried turning off the radio and turning it back on. Doesn't work. Still no reception. It has to be a software glitch and I read another complainant say they were given the run around by Nissan who basically said nothing could be done. That may be, but one thing for sure, this is my last Nissan and I've owned 5 of them. Good by Nissan! P.S. This is the worst one of the lot.

- morrieb5852, Knoxville, TN, US

problem #3

Feb 262014

Altima 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,500 miles

Radio would lose reception from SiriusXM while driving, and only stopping & starting the engine again to reboot would restore reception. Streater-Smith Nissan in Conroe, Texas was alerted of the problem in February and it took 2 full months for them to get a replacement radio to install.

- thebreaze, Spring, TX, US

problem #2

May 072014

Altima 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

After the dealership replaced the faulty factory-installed radio the end of April, 2014, the NEW radio also began losing SiriusXM reception while driving. My car was taken to Streater-Smith Nissan in Conroe, Texas this morning to have this and one other much more serious complaint fixed. If this event happens again after today, I will log another complaint on this website.

- thebreaze, Spring, TX, US

problem #1

Apr 012013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 4,200 miles

Well I pay for the Xm radio and have the weather and traffic added, And while driving and getting channels perfectly fine, in an unblocked area my weather or traffic will just either say loading and have nothing there or say that it is not working at that time. I think there is something wrong with the antenna, but I calle dmy service manager over a week ago and still nothing back from him.

- dynarider84, Reston, VA, US

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