The most common 2013 Nissan Altima problems
The reliability of Nissan vehicles can be hit or miss, and some models are only as good as the year they were made.
Unfortunately, the Altima is one of them. According to Consumer Reports, the 2013 model year had low owner satisfaction and a high rate of major problems. Many owners report issues with the airbags, powertrain, exterior lighting, suspension, and electrical system.
In the case of the front-passenger airbags, which were found to erroneously deactivate, five recalls were issued. Solutions ranged from software updates to sensor replacements at the dealership. The other seven recalls dealt with faulty fuel-sending units, faulty car hood latches, loose bolts, and improperly-inflated spare tires.
Here’s a summary of all the problems found on the 2013 Nissan Altima’s NHTSA page:
And finally, the owners affected by suspension problems are still waiting on the results of an open investigation.
Initially, it was thought that since most broken rear suspension complaints came from “salt belt” states, the salt used on icy roads could be to blame for any corrosion. Further complaints prompted a second, ongoing investigation in 2019.
Nissan has since acknowledged that a manufacturing defect could cause a break in an estimated 0.003% of rear lower control arms and implemented design changes in 2018 It remains to be seen whether a recall will be issued.
Is the 2013 Nissan Altima reliable?
Despite its problems, Consumer Reports gave the 2013 Nissan Altima an average (3/5) reliability rating. Quality & Reliability were also rated 76/100 by J.D. Power. In contrast, RepairPal gave the Altima an above-average reliability rating (4/5), but this applies to all model years.
Unless you encounter any major issues like those described above, maintaining a 2013 Altima is estimated to cost $587 annually.
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