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.

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
66,150 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. dealer painted problem area (2 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #9

May 152015

Altima SV

  • CVT transmission
  • 38,000 miles

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

My 2013 Altima has various places where the paint is down to the metal with some rusting. I researched this online and found there to be many complaints about a defect in the clear coat paint Nissan used (both sides of the trunk towards rear window, both rear door seams, front door seams).

I noted some people said Nissan took care of the problem, and fixed the defective areas. However, my claim was not denied! Nissan said it's due to wear and tear!? I don't believe that at all. The places the paint is peeling is not where normal wear and tear of paint would be! I don't believe this should happen at such an early time in the life of the car. Why Nissan doesn't want to take care of their customers with known documented defective paint problems is terrible customer service?!

I will not be buying another Nissan! I bought this car with the intent on keeping it a long time. The car was $20,000 at 1 year old when I bought it in December 2014. I don't want a car that's going to keep peeling, rusting paint looking like a much older car! I'm on disability, and cannot afford to have this paint fixed. And even if I could, it's not my fault it's got a defective clear coat used by Nissan!!! They need to fix their problematic cars when the fault lies on them! Any advice, comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

- Roxanne F., New Castle, PA, US

problem #8

Jan 152017

Altima LS 2.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

The paint has came off on my hood and on the side of my car.

- Stanford C., Jeanerette, US

problem #7

Dec 012018

Altima LS 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Paint peeling on hood in several large areas, size is about 4x6 inches. Dealer says rock strikes!

- mikeemike, St Augustine, US

problem #6

Feb 012018

Altima CV 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

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

I also have been dealing with the "Peeling Paint" issue on the hood of my 2013 Altima ( Black) for a very long time, I know my dealership did a touch up at one point, but they have no record, because it was a small job, and they have an independent that comes out to do small jobs. They are now trying to say it's caused from a rock. It is Not caused by a rock, it is a continuing problem, and now it is getting bigger, and bigger. My car is always kept in the garage. My car at the time was 3 years old, now going on 6 years, This should not be happening!

- Linda K., Ormond Beach, US

problem #5

Nov 132015

Altima LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 122,000 miles

Paint is peeling on my black Altima...it looks really bad. The hood is the worst and now it is starting to peel on the roof.

- Kimberly N., Shreveport, LA, Canada

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problem #4

Nov 052017

Altima 2.5 S V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 85,000 miles

I was just washing my car earlier and I noticed the paint on my hood has started peeling off. It's pretty significant, about the size of a quarter.

- Brian S., Bogalusa, US

problem #3

Nov 202015

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

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

There is some sort of factory defect in the clear that was used in painting the car. The hood began peeling and this was discussed with the Nissan Corporate Office. They in turn spoke with someone at the dealership who said it had something to do with flying rocks from pavement.

The car began to peel more on the front hood and at the top of the roof. The car is black so it looks horrible. I called my State Farm Insurance agent to see if I could file a claim and the adjuster came out and told me that this peeling issue is a factory defect and more than likely id due to factory defective clear that was used when the car was initially painted. The are cars that are 10 years old that do have peeling paint.

My husband and I are having to pay for a car that is peeling and by the time we finish paying for it, It may not even have a color. Plan to talk with Nissan Factory Representatives about this issue.

- Arlene L., Marksville, US

problem #2

Jan 012015

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

For a 2013 Nissan the paint shouldn't be peeling. The worst paint I ever encountered. I had a 2004 Ford F150 with better paint than this.

- aztekeagle, Wichita Falls, TX, US

problem #1

Jul 152013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 200 miles

Paint around the rear tail lights started peeling off. Dealer said it was defective paint. They repainted the area. Now to see if any other problem areas pop up.

- Lori P., Dallas, TX, US

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