10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 8 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 58,569 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
My warranty was good until 60,000 mi and at 74,000 miles, my transmission died. It wouldn't go into reverse or drive. According to your reports, NHTSA id #10109246 the 2013 Nissan Altima had cvt delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse. (there were also 19 other complaints on the powertrain.) I feel that I should be compensated by Nissan for this. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs and they did nothing for me. I spoke to a girl named summer who in a mechanical tone said to me "your warranty ran out. There's nothing we can do" nothing I said made any difference to her. She even contacted the Nissan dealer however she still did not budge after he told her about my case. This is a poor representation of Nissan. They don't stand by their product. I was very upset. I'm a single mother and I have to borrow $4000 against my retirement account just to pay for this repair. I feel that Nissan should take responsibility for their product and pay for their faulty transmission.
- Pen Argyl, PA, USA
Complaint: Misleading service interval letter promises cvt fluid inspection - but this isn't done and can't be done on Altima's sealed transmission. In October 2017, Nissan mailed a glossy letter reminding me that my ' 2013 Altima is due for its 48 months scheduled maintenance '. ' inspect the automatic transmission/cvt fluid ' is one of 23 items listed in the letter for the 48 month service interval. The Altima was taken to Nissan of richmond for its 48 months maintenance on Nov 9, 2017. The next day, the gas pedal stopped working, and the sheehy Nissan glen burnie dealership where it was towed determined that the transmission would need to be replaced based on diagnostic codes P2813, P0776, and P0965. The vehicle was bought new with only 39,848 miles at time of break down. In a follow up phone call to Nissan of richmond on Nov 20th ' I was educated on what ' inspect the automatic transmission/cvt fluid ' means: Per the service advisor ' cvt fluid isn't added or checked at 48 months. Because the transmission in the 2013 Altima is sealed, 'inspect' simply means looking under the car to make sure cvt fluid is not leaking. No service is done on the cvt fluid otherwise ' until 60,000 miles. Which coincidentally ' is when Nissan's powertrain warranty ends for 2013 Altima. Particularly frustrating is that per the service advisor ' any cvt fluid leak would be reported on the multipoint inspection report card -- but their computer failed to attach it to the repair order in Nissan of richmond's system -- so no record of a report card exists in their system. Circling back to the diagnostic codes ' online research shows causes for the P2813 code may include contaminated transmission fluid; causes for the P0776 code may include low transmission fluid level and/or dirty transmission fluid. Causes for the P0965 code may include low or subpar transmission fluid.
- Midlothian, VA, USA
Complaint: Transmission failure at 39,848 miles. On Nov 10, 2017, transmission failed on 2013 Nissan Altima bought new while stopped at intersection in downtown baltimore traffic. When approaching intersection, car bucked, then stalled and gas pedal failed to work. Turned car off and back on. Car limped another 3 or 4 blocks, then stopped completely and had to be towed to nearby sheehy Nissan glen burnie dealership where it was determined transmission would need to be replaced ' based on diagnostic codes P2813, P0776, and P0965. No warning lights came on before or during break down. The day before the break down, Nov 9th, Nissan of richmond had performed the 48 months scheduled maintenance ' during which they also did a PC490 recall, referring to it as an ' Altima cvt software diagnostic update ' and describing it as a software update for the transmission ' allowing their computer to interact better with the transmission computer. But the ' cvt diagnostic update ' did not prevent/predict a break down the very next day. Conditions: Night time, below freezing (mid 20's), had just taken off-ramp to downtown after 3 hours of interstate driving averaging 65-70 mph on interstate and 25-30 mph downtown. History: Altima bought new, all vehicle maintenance was performed at recommended times/intervals with Nissan service dept. Vehicle has been used almost exclusively for local driving. Nissan Altima experienced shuddering when taken on 'extended' trip two months ago (2 hour drive on interstate) ' then experienced transmission failure on next 'extended' trip (3 hours on interstate) ' described above. No findings as to cause were available through Nissan glen burnie: Service manager denied request to speak with technician who worked on vehicle; also denied request for copies of any notes/findings that service dept would be forwarding to Nissan corporate.
- Midlothian, VA, USA
Complaint: Altima cvt software diagnostic update did not prevent/predict next day transmission failure. Nissan of richmond performed a PC490 recall on my 2013 Nissan Altima, Nov 9, 2017 -- referring to it as an ' Altima cvt software diagnostic update ' and describing it as a software update for the transmission ' allowing their computer to interact better with the transmission computer. But the ' cvt diagnostic update ' did not prevent/predict a break down the very next day ' which was diagnosed as a transmission failure by the sheehy Nissan glen burnie dealership where it was towed. When approaching an intersection on Nov 10th, the Altima bucked, then stalled and the gas pedal failed to work. No dashboard warning lights came on before or during the breakdown. Sheehy Nissan glen burnie determined the transmission would need to be replaced ' based on diagnostic codes P2813, P0776, and P0965. The 2013 Altima was bought new with only 39,848 miles at time of break down.
- Midlothian, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving various speeds, the rpms increased and the vehicle jerked with slow acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised to have the transmission inspected. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or another independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Seminole, OK, USA
My 2013 Nissan Altima is stalling when being shifted into reverse or drive. The first instance that this happened, I was driving and slowing down at an intersection. The RPM's dropped, the car shook a little and it died. I had to put it into park and restart. I was able to make it about 2 miles away when it did it again, this time on a residential street thankfully. I tried about 5 times and was not able to move the vehicle, every time I shifted it into drive, it stalled. I had it towed to a local shop and they were not able to reproduce the issue. They did however tell me that this is a very common issue and gave me a print out from a mechanics forum showing many other vehicles like mine experiencing the same issue. I tried to drive it from the original shop to the Nissan dealer, it stalled in the middle of an intersection as I was trying to turn left. I had to restart, put it in neutral, give it gas and throw it into drive to make it through the intersection. Right after that, as I was driving through the neighborhood, I came to a stop and it stalled again, it continued to do this multiple times when putting it into drive. I had to have it towed again, this time to the dealer. The Nissan dealer is now telling me that they are unable to reproduce the problem and want me to pay for a software update. They 'think' it's the transmission but it is not giving any error codes, so they don't know for sure.
- Peoria, AZ, USA
I was stopped at a red light and the car just turned itself off. I turn it back on and as soon as I put it in drive it turns itself off again. I finally get it going and get to my destination without anymore problems. The next day I go to start it and as soon as I put it in drive the car turns itself off, I continue to try to get it going but never did. I get it towed to the Nissan dealership and they said the entire transmission needs to be replaced. I get the transmission replaced. Now 3 months after I get a brand new transmission it's doing the same thing again. I start the car go to put it in drive and it turns off.
- Round Rock, TX, USA
While accelerating on a highway around 40mph up to 60mph, the vehicle would remain above 4000 RPM for many seconds after the accelerator was released. It remained at this high RPM while the car slowed down without any help from the brakes. Drive selector was on the normal drive ("D") and not on sport ("ds"). vehicle has been driven 45,000 miles and the issue has been occurring since 20,000 miles...updated 12/11/17
- Edison, NJ, USA
My car doesn't pick up speed correctly I have had the car for 3 years the place closed down I couldn't take it back I'm stuck with it and also my compressor doesn't work as well it stopped working a couple months after I got the car I really want something else
- Memphis, TN, USA
Car started to spudder like it wasnt getting gas after driving for 15 mins on the highway I was at a light waiting to turn my car stalled out I needed to put it back in park to restart it. Once the car was restarted I drove home once home I wanted to check my car to see what was wrong so from park I put my car in reverse and it again stalled out this happened multiple times. The next day while leaving I went to accelerate the car would move very slow trying to get up to speed you would need to press hard on gas to move then rpms acting all weird. When turning at a city light and you accelerated the cars tires would squeal and the car would jerk. This car stalls alot im worried about this happening in moving traffic. This car only has 70,000 miles on it and im being told this is the cause of a faulty transmissions. This car is still in a nissian shop.
- West Richland, WA, USA
Transmission has failed abruptly in Nissan Altima 2013 at 79K miles almost ending in a collision in mid intersection. Nissan says it's past warranty and will not replace. I'm on the hook for $3800 for a faulty transmission that could've caused a deadly accident. My kids were in the car at the time. Even though other years have had warranties extended bc of the faulty cvt transmission, mine is not included. They said I could not appeal the decision. After talking to their Consumer Affairs division, I was told that bc I didn't have my car serviced at Nissan, I am basically not a loyal customer. This is my 4th Nissan. Obviously, I've been loyal. I chose to have regular oil changes, tire rotations, etc done somewhere closer as the dealership was difficult to get to all these years. I find their nonchalance in dealing w/their horrible transmission to be infuriating and I would like some answers. Thank you. Updated 12/8/2017
- Roswell, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While the vehicle was stationary or while driving various low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning on numerous occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and would not accelerate forward in any gear when prompted. Bondy's Nissan in dothan, Alabama was made aware of the failure and replaced the valve body on the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the warranty expired on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall or tsb for the failure. The contact was provided item number: 10109248 and ntb15-0878 as possible causes related to transmission failure of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
- Tallahassee, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 2 mph, the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard without warning. The gear was shifted to "ds", and the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
- Manchester, KY, USA
I was driving my vehicle when it sputtered and stopped in the middle of a busy city street, . luckily a policeman was right behind me and was able to divert traffic away from my car. I towed the car to a nearby mechanic shop who replaced the battery (because it was dead) and advised me that the problem could be with the transmission. I drove the car but the rpms were going up and down and pressing the gas pedal did not cause the car to move any faster, and the transmission does not engage in a timely manner when I put the car on "drive". I scheduled a time with the dealer to inspect the car in two days. That day it took me a long time to get the car started and moving and it broke down as I entered the dealer's service lot. They diagnosed the problem as a failed cvt transmission which had to be replaced for $3700, since it cannot be repaired. I told them that I searched the Nissan website the night before and there was a recall by Nissan of this car in December 2016 because the cvt controller had to be re-programmed, otherwise it will cause excessive wear and damage to the cvt. They claimed the recall was only for the reprogramming and because the vehicle was over the warranty, nothing will be done for free. I told them that this was a safety issue since I almost got hit by traffic when the car stalled, that their recall mentioned the possible damage, and that I became aware of it after the incident, but that did not help and advised me to call Nissan, but he wouldt. I believe this defect with the cvt program is a serious safety issue from my personal experience. The car gave no warning signs or alarms of the problem and it happened suddenly. The cvt failure being indirectly cause by the defective programing should have been covered by a federally mandated recall. This issue is all over the internet. Also Nissan never made owners aware of this recall.
- Upper Arington, OH, USA
Transmission goes into neutral without warning check engine light on vehicle will go moving middle of driving on freeway the reprogrammed the tcm still same problem with vehicle. It can cause accidents since no warning when vehicle goes to neutral without any warning
- Elk Grove, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. Whether the vehicle was shifted into park or drive, it would experience a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally while in neutral. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
- Mounds, IL, USA
My 2013 Nissan Altima, which was purchased new has had issues with the cvt transmission since it was purchased. In 9/2014 at 42K miles the transmission failed and was replaced. Now in 9/2017 I am being told by Nissan that the transmission that was replaced by them in 2014 is also bad and needs to be replaced at a cost to me of $4,100. Who can afford a $4,100 repair on a vehicle that is still being paid for monthly, and why is it the consumer's fault that Nissan na is making and selling faulty, unsafe products? Nissan na knows of the ongoing issues with these cvt transmissions, but choses to nothing to rectify the issues. My vehicle will not pull and makes a whining noise while I am driving. This it the same issue that occurred in 2014. While I was in motion on a major interstate the vehicle began to lose power, spudder and jerk, and dropped down to about 10-15 mph. It was a horrifying experience to be in the middle of the interstate traveling at 60 mph, and all of a sudden start to lose speed. I was finally able to get the vehicle to the shoulder safely. These vehicles are unsafe to be driven. I am in total disbelief that none of the agencies charged with the protection of consumers safety and ethical treatment, will or has gotten involved to force Nissan to stop endangering the well being of those of us who drive these vehicles. I am a loyal Nissan owner, who has owned 2 other Nissan vehicles. In fact, I currently own a 1995 Nissan maxima that has never had a transmission issue. How can a 22 year old car still drive perfectly and a 2013 need 2 transmission replacements. Someone needs to hold Nissan accountable for their actions and treatment of consumers, as well as their blatant disregard for the safety of those of us who drive and Transport passengers in their vehicles everyday.
- Marietta, GA, USA
This vehicle was recalled for the cvt about a year ago. It was jerking forward and we thought this repair would solve the problem. On September 7, 2017, while driving in traffic, it would not go forward. Kept giving it gas until it moved and we were able to turn off the street. Had it checked today and told it has a problem with the transmission.
- Memphis, TN, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission and the gear shifter failed to shift out of position. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the road shoulder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the linkage that traveled to the the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the right lane. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a major transmission failure. The vehicle was taken to fenton Nissan West (8800 N w expressway, Oklahoma city, ok, 73162) where it was diagnosed that there was a recall on the transmission computer software. The software was updated and the transmission fluid was changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to fenton Nissan West where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under a recall and there was nothing done to extend the warranty. The manufacturer also stated that there was a lawsuit that was still in litigation and they would call the contact when it settled. The failure mileage was 69,500.
- Brooksville, OK, USA
- David, KY, USA