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:
$3,120
Average Mileage:
56,250 miles
Total Complaints:
179 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new transmission (59 reports)
  2. not sure (49 reports)
  3. nothing fixed (24 reports)
  4. replace transmission (22 reports)
  5. cvt transmission failed; need replacement (11 reports)
  6. complete cvt replacement (8 reports)
2013 Nissan Altima transmission problems

transmission problem

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2013 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 9 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #19

Dec 012013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

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

My cars has been vibrating now for several months, I feel this vibration at different speeds and it seems to be getting worse. I can feel this vibration in my feet and through the seat, now I also can hear the sound of these vibrations.

I took my car to my dealer and was told that there wasn't anything wrong and if something is broke it would be covered. I called Nissan and have been in contact with them, they told me to take the car to another dealer which I did but got the same opinion after a short test drive, when I left and on my way home the sound and vibration was still there. I feel that it has to be the transmission and will take it back for them to take another test drive. I am ready to trade in this car and get rid of this problem.

- chs58pj, Grayson, KY, US

problem #18

Jun 212013

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,000 miles

While driving on the highway I notice vibration at certain speeds. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the longer I had the car the more I noticed it. At my first oil change about 3500 miles I failed to notify the dealer of the issue. I am now due for my 2nd oil change so I will definitely report the problem. I checked a few chat sights on Nissan Altima issues and found numerous complaints that stated a rattle/vibration related to the cvt around 1500 rpm but I couldn't find a fix for the issue. It was reported that the dealership tried several fixes but the problem returned. When I get my oil changed I will find out if there is a fix. This the second Altima that I have leased and this new model has gone down hill, it just feels like a cheaper car... I don't plan on purchasing this car off lease as I did with the previous lease.

- Mike B., Meriden, CT, US

problem #17

Aug 012013

Altima ES V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 7,645 miles

Noticed loud vibrations that continue at all speeds and you could feel them with hands on steering wheel about four months after purchase . Dealership is working with me and replaced the transmission but the vibrations are even worse now . I think the CVT is just a bad transmission that needs to be shelved . We are hoping for a viable solution .

- Woody R., Villa Hills, KY, US

problem #16

Nov 272013

Altima SV 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 13,500 miles

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

FOURTH TRIP TO DEALERSHIP – December 7, 2013. We drop the car off with other tech and take a rental home.

Dealership – Called yesterday twice to check on the status of my car, first call I get other tech’s VM (4:23pm 12.10.13). I decide to call back before they close (12.10.13 5:19pm) leave a message on Original Tech’s VM.

Melloy - On 12/11/2013 8:52am - I call dealership to speak with tech, no answer. I left a message. I explained that my cell signal is weak here at work and to call my landline # at work, I provided the number.

11:31a.m. - I get a voicemail on my cell phone. Tech says they are still working on the car and “they don’t know what’s going on with the car.”

12.11.13 – Returned Tech's call to get a better explanation: VOICEMAIL 1:56pm

12.11.13 2:25pm – (Tech) NIssan wants us to record data with vehicle hooked up. We’ve been on it since Monday. They are pulling it back into the shop right now. Completed the entire test and will print out, and send it to Nissan. They want to see all this recorded data; they are getting it to screw up more than before, the data monitor is recording everything. They definitely will help us; Nissan is involved in the whole thing. Boss knows everything, we don’t know what the next step is and not sure how long they will have the car. No worries about the rental car. Have u called consumer affairs? Never has this happened, but everyone is on it and trying to figure out what’s going on. ASST MGR and another tech are taking the car on drives and have got it mess up a lot. We definitely won’t get it back this weekend. I will keep you posted as much as I can.

- jkingnm, Shiprock, NM, US

problem #15

Dec 072013

Altima SV 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 13,500 miles

don't get an altima, it is too much trouble, I've contacted the NM Attorney Generals Office and currently starting a buy back process. Which ever comes first..

- jkingnm, Shiprock, NM, US

problem #14

Sep 132013

Altima V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,493 miles

We purchased our new Altima on 30 Aug 2013. Around 500 miles my husband and I noticed a shutter around 2nd gear that continually got worse. Called about it and then finally at 1493 miles, on 13 Sept 2013 we had enough! Took the car in, they found an issue and replaced our transmission. While it was in for repair they also found other issues.

- Debra P., Gainesville, TX, US

problem #13

Apr 012013

Altima

  • CVT transmission
  • 100 miles

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

From the day I picked up the car the transmission was way loud at certain RPM. Under load such as going up hill or accelerating to enter the highway the CVT is very loud. Comes in at about 2500 RPM. Back to the dealer twice with the complain and both times told that it's "normal". I don't think so. Called 800-NISSAN1. Told that a rep would call me back yesterday. Still Waiting. I hate the car.

Update from Mar 21, 2014: Nissan finally got back to me, but gave me no satisfaction. They just contacted the service department of the dealer I took it to and reported back to me that same thing that the dealer told me. Then I told them that I wanted them to buy it back. Took a couple weeks to get back to me and they refused that too. I'm done with NIssan. Hello Honda.

- James Y., Wayne, NJ, US

problem #12

Sep 262013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 16,000 miles

Two months ago, car started the jerking/shuddering upon deceleration. Would be coasting toward a stop light & car would suddenly jerk - reminded me of how an old manual transmission would sound when you down-shifted wrong. I'd catch myself looking in the rear-view mirror to see if I'd left any part of the car in the road. My 3 year old would even comment, "Mom, don't do that!" --- Took car to dealership...they couldn't re-create the issue so they couldn't do anything. (?)

Fast-forward a month, now in addition to the jerking upon deceleration, the car began to shudder upon acceleration. Felt like I was driving over a washboard or cobblestones. It would settle down at about 35-40 mph. Again, both kiddos in the back noticed it too. --- Called dealership again, made appointment to bring in car.

Two days before appointment, car decided not to accelerate when the light turned green. I left off brake, car rolled a bit, RPM shot up as I pushed gas -- took a few seconds but then it got going. At that moment was on my dealership...slowed to turn left & yield to oncoming traffic, and car would not go at all. Luckily was able to roll through intersection & pull to shoulder. Car would rev up just fine, but transmission would not 'engage'. Ended up being towed :-(

Have been in loaner for 8 days now. The recall wasn't the fix, something to do with steel belts or something - I'm getting a brand new transmission. Probably will be another week before I get my car.

On the up side, my dealership is taking care of me. Got the tow & loaner with no hassle. Service advisor keeping in touch with me. Just sucks that a transmission goes out on a car that's 1 year old. :-(

- stephtx, McKinney, TX, US

problem #11

Oct 012012

Altima 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,055 miles

Stuttering intermittently, sometimes really aggravating! Dealership cannot duplicate the problem. Going today to pickup my vehicle - again, with no fix. Dealer anxious to get their 'rental' vehicle back! Will take car in, and leave it again, next week. Very frustrated - Regional consumer affairs was to return my call and they HAVE NOT. Loved my 2005 Altima but really am disappointed in the 2013!

- jackiepa, Scottdale, PA, US

problem #10

Jul 052013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,100 miles

I am aggrevated that this happened but thankful it's covered under warranty. I was planning on taking it on a road trip to SC so glad this issue arose before then. It's coming up on 2 weeks without my car. I definitely do miss my car but the rental, that the dealership is paying for, isn't bad.

- April T., Manassas, VA, US

problem #9

Jun 192013

Altima SV 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 12,000 miles

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

cvt transmission has low rpm growl/shutter and was getting worse. I brought car to dealership and mechanic took test drive with me. I pointed out sound and he conferred. He said he was glad I went on test drive cause he may not have experienced sound without me pointing it out. Mechanic received info from area rep that sound is coming from bad tensioner on belt. He replaced belt and shutter went away. I was extremely happy until two months latter sound has returned ! I will bring it back. I am wondering if root of problem is transmission which wears out belt tensioner so quickly causing shutter of belt vibrating at low rpm acceleration.

- dan maine9, New Gloucester, ME, US

problem #8

Oct 122012

Altima SV 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 102 miles

From day one this car had transmission problems. And, the reason I bought the car was because my older car also had tranny problems but it is 13 yrs old. This Altima won't even make it that long. The car's been back 4 times and they have already replaced the transmission, torque converter, did some recalls, and reset the computer. I don't think they did anything as there's been absolutely no improvement. The car bucks, chugs, surges exactly at 25 mph and vibrates when stopped. Nissan doesn't even return your call and the dealership keeps saying they cannot replicate the issue. Really? Then why everyone else who's driven or ridden in the car feels it? I will pursue the Lemon law just because of the audacity they have shown. I have filed complaints with every agency I can think of. Come on Nissan, do the right thing before some one gets killed.

- ammaiol, New City, NY, US

problem #7

Jul 082013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 15,988 miles

click to see larger images

CVT shuttering, vibration, hesitation, running roughly

Took it in for terrible vibrating, miss shifting, it would almost stop the whole car at 55mph... kinda felt like I was going to go through the windshield!! First check, they said there was a recall on the CVT and they had to reset a module.... took it home, car was worse! Back in the next day, only to be told it needed a brand new transmission!! It has been 2 weeks today, thank god they have been great and gave me a rental...but Nissan states the new trans is on back order till the 26th!!! After shipping time, if it goes out on time...and install time, I will be with out my new car for about a month! NOT COOL! My 2003 Altima is still running with no probs!! Afraid there may be underlying problems...but Fuccillo Nissan of Clay, NY has been more than wonderful!! Scared to see what the value of these model are in 4 years....

Update from Sep 9, 2013: mpg went down to 29 from 39mpg!! Car stilllll shutters...very doggy unless you hammer on the gas... Did I see Feds are looking into this car?!!

- kinne1, Hastings, NY, US

problem #6

Jul 142013

Altima SV 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 15,888 miles

1st trip in...was told it was under recall for a trans module...low and behold, it didn't work! See complaint numba two!!

- kinne1, Hastings, NY, US

problem #5

Jan 182013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 200 miles

Noisy Tranny!! VERY LOUD AND VERY DISAPPOINTING!!! Techs at the dealer say its normal!!!!

- Joanna A., Aurora, CO, US

problem #4

Mar 152013

Altima 4 cyl 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 7,000 miles

Just came back from second trip to dealership to address problem with transmission and was sent home again without a fix. When car is slowing, without aid of brakes, from 40's to 30's or from 30's to 20's, it bucks/lurches occasionally such that it is frightening. I have several friends who do not believe my car is safe after experiencing this and refuse to be a passenger in it. I purchased the car in Oct 30 2013 and it handled beautifully until this began happening intermittently in March 2013. I cannot get it to happen when bringing it in for check-ups and am dissatisfied that I am sent home from service appointments being told in essence that 'its just the way it is and to accept it. This is not OK. It needs a fix, and ASAP, to ensure safety and piece of mind when driving this car.

- diananc, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, US

problem #3

Jan 022013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,000 miles

My 2013 nissan altima has several problems since day one, a hissing noise when acc, a whining, and whistling noise near the radio. engine vibrates at 1500 to 2000 rpm, the navigation,bluetooth and radio froze up on me 5 times, and the screen would turn off all the time. had to turn car off and start it again to make it work. the dealer put a new software in it, and so far it's working. next my drivers door was making noises opening and closing it. they put grease on it, and that seems to work. the backup camera is not that clear, my 2010 had a better camera. also I'm bringing it in for major wind noise on the drivers door. this car has nothing but problems. my concern is the vibration when I step on the gas slowly.,nissan said its normal. yea right. all these noises, nissan said its the cvt transmission. that's impossible for 4 different noises to be just the cvt. they need to get off their asses and get their engineers to fix these problems soon. ive owned 4 other altimas with no major problems. if they don't listen to their customers, they're going to lose us to another car company. all this better be fix this year.

P.S. I've had passengers hear these noises ,and read other forums where people are having these same problems ,so it's not just me ,I'm not losing my mind.

Update from Apr 23, 2013: Getting wind noise , on drivers side, they tried to fix it twice, now it's worse, also a rattling noise near the instrument panel, also the arm rest doesn't work ,went in twice to fix it and it still doesn't work.

Update from Nov 19, 2013: Heated seats ,didn't work ,rattling noise in vents ,and when on highway drivers side wind noise,when filling the ties the car doesn't beep like they said ,when wipers are on lights don't go on like they said,at times can't add street address on the nav,screen is dark.sometimes the remote start doesn't work ,just one thing after another ,had 5 nissans without this many problems ,I think this is my last nissan ,unless they fix all the issues.

- nissanaltima, Stamford, CT, US

problem #2

May 242013

Altima SL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 800 miles

This is extremely frustrating! And can be very dangerous if it happens when you are in traffic. Happens at low miles per hour and driving at high speeds. It shutters if you reach 1100 RPM's at any time. Only way to get it to stop is accelerate more or reduce the RPM's. If you go to pass and this happens it can be very dangerous. The dealer stated they could not duplicate but it continues to happen daily. I told the dealer it's like driving a stick shift when it needs to be shifted. When you buy a brand new car you expect it to work properly. This transmission is a problem and a fix needs to be found! There needs to be a recall. I know I am not the only one having problems

- Steven B., Blue Springs, MO, US

problem #1

Feb 032013

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 50 miles

vibration between 1200-1800 rpm. Well I am having problems getting good MPG's SO i have been driving by keeping my rpms under 2,000, and everytime and i mean EVERYTIME i am between 1,200 and 1,800 rpms it vibrates and the worse is at 1,500 rpm's. This should not happen. I do not care if they say it is because its a CVT trans. But the Honda Accord does not vibrate so there is a design problem and they do not want to fix it because it will cost them they will only end production of it and put a different trans in the newer models. I am tired of Nissan having as many problems as they do and then saying well this is normal and how it Operates. Stand behind your name and give us cusomers quality products! I have lost ALL faith in Nissan and will never purchase one EVER again!

- dynarider84, Reston, VA, US

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