Problems · by component

2013 Nissan Altima engine problems

158 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Altima cite engine, 7% of all 2,315 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
158
7% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact's friend owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated for an extended period. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanic shops, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026EngineODI 11749375
“Front end suspension need replacing confirmed by Nissan Dealership when rear suspension recall was done. Loud noise when in reverse or backing out with or without acceleration, transmission mount defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2025Suspension, EngineODI 11671046
“Sometimes when I'm driving the car starts idling as if I'm going fast that's how it sounds and I'm making a turn and it's sounds like it's accelerated but it won't go as much as I step on the gas it will not go so I got to pull over to the side wait for a little bit turn off the car and let it sit and then I'll go back tomorrow and it's every time this light turns on the dashboard with a car with the swively lines”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11605990
“Passenger airbag safety light does not light up as it should, shows passenger isn't wearing seat belt when they are. Airbag might not deploy under these conditions. There was a recall for this, took to dealership, was not corrected. Transmission stalls and studders, will not accelerate due to faulty CVT. Causes near miss accidents. Shift lock occasionally prevents car from changing from park, reverse, drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2024Unknown or other, EngineODI 11578855
“I feel like my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL sedan is/was Part of the Transmission Recall. I purchased my vehicle in 2017/2018… Since then I already replaced all the solenoids in 2020 for the transmission and it drove fine for 2 years. Then in October/November of 2023 the transmission code P0776 came on and it was taken to a Nissan dealership in Maine and was informed that the whole transmission was no good and needed to be replaced. I since bought a new Nissan Altima transmission that was never used before so, the transmission has 0 miles on it and had my personal mechanic place it in and now in early 2024 the transmission went from Driving 65mph on the highway and suddenly dropped to 30mph still on highway with no dashboard light notice at all… so now I have a vehicle that is broken and I don’t know what to do next!!! Please advise. I was wondering if my Vin# was one that had the original Recall and was taken care of anlready before I bought it? And if I can get any help with this new transmission that is now no good?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 18, 2024EngineODI 11566184
“Steady Check Engine light came on April 25, 2023. Just had oil change/filter done day before. Had tune-up done May 25, 2023. Had mechanic who replaced my catalytic converter and (2) O2 sensors a year ago check my car. Found that the inside of the catalytic converter was melted. They checked for a fuel leak in engine, none found. Replaced catalytic converter and front O2 sensor. As of today, no Steady Check Engine light has come back on. I think a Flashing Check Engine light should have displayed for something as serious as a fuel leak. What if my car caught fire while driving? Also, I was told several years ago by a local Nissan dealer that my driver side airbag would need replacing - that indicator light never came back on the dash board either. Faulty sensors? I notified Nissan in TN by mail.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2023Unknown or other, EngineODI 11533952

Showing 6 of 158 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.