Nissan Altima Problems: 7 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2013-2023 model years · Based on 11,696+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 11,696+ owner reports, the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder ($300-$5,000 repair), CVT Transmission Failure ($3,000-$5,000 repair), Steering Column Lock Failure ($400-$1,200 repair) and Fuel Pump Failure (Recall) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $5,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 7 Known Issues
The CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread problems. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Jerky or hesitant response
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Whining noise from transmission
- Complete loss of power
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Change CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3. Check if vehicle is covered by Nissan extended CVT warranty. If shuddering, may need valve body or complete CVT replacement. Avoid aggressive driving to prolong CVT life.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 4,500+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipChange CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3.
- NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Nissan's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in this generation can experience premature failure. Symptoms include shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure. Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Hesitation when accelerating
- Whining noise from transmission
- Loss of power
- Check engine light with transmission codes
How to Fix
Check if your vehicle is covered under Nissan's extended CVT warranty (10 years/120,000 miles). Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid only. Avoid aggressive driving and heavy towing. If warranty expired, rebuilt CVT costs $2,500-3,500, new unit $4,000-5,000.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 3,876+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $2,500-3,500, but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
- NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
The electronic steering column lock can malfunction, preventing the car from starting. The system fails to release the steering lock even with the correct key. This is a safety feature that can strand drivers.
Common Symptoms
- Car won't start
- Steering Lock warning on dash
- Steering wheel won't turn
- Key recognized but won't start
- Random no-start conditions
How to Fix
Steering column lock actuator replacement required. Nissan issued service campaigns for some model years. Some owners have had the system disabled. Check for recalls or service campaigns for your VIN.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 920+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipThe electronic steering column lock can malfunction, preventing the car from starting.
- NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Nissan issued a recall for fuel pump issues that can cause engine stalling or failure to start. The fuel pump impeller may deform, causing fuel delivery problems. This affects multiple Nissan models.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls while driving
- Long crank time
- Engine won't start
- Rough idle before stall
- Loss of power
How to Fix
Check if your VIN is covered by recall campaign. Nissan dealers will replace fuel pump free of charge. Symptoms before complete failure include long crank times and rough running.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Nissan Altima forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
The A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates. When the compressor fails internally, it can contaminate the A/C system with debris. Clutch failure is also common.
Common Symptoms
- A/C blows warm air
- Clicking when A/C engages
- A/C clutch not engaging
- Loud noise from compressor
- Refrigerant leak
How to Fix
Replace A/C compressor assembly. If internal failure, flush system, replace condenser, receiver/drier, and expansion valve. Use quality replacement parts. Some owners opt for aftermarket compressors to save cost.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeUse quality replacement part
- TipConsider OEM parts for critical components like sensors and electrical parts - aftermarket can be unreliable
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Some Altima owners experience unexplained battery drain, resulting in a dead battery after sitting for a few days. Various electronic modules not going to sleep properly can cause excessive draw. The Intelligent Key system may also be a factor.
Common Symptoms
- Dead battery after sitting
- Battery won't hold charge
- Frequent jump starts needed
- New battery dies quickly
- Key fob battery drains fast
How to Fix
Have dealer perform parasitic draw test. Common causes include Intelligent Key system, radio, or BCM. Update software to latest version. Use battery maintainer if vehicle sits for extended periods.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Nissan Altima forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
The infotainment system can experience freezing, lag, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing problems and CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections are common. The touchscreen may become unresponsive.
Common Symptoms
- Screen freezes
- Bluetooth disconnects
- CarPlay/Android Auto issues
- Touchscreen lag
- Random reboots
How to Fix
Update infotainment software. Perform system reset by holding power button. Delete paired devices and re-pair. If persistent, head unit may need replacement. Check for Nissan service bulletins.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 420+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Nissan Altima forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 11,696+ owner reports, the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, CVT Transmission Failure, Steering Column Lock Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2013-2023 Nissan Altima has 7 known issues documented across 11,696+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder and CVT Transmission Failure and Steering Column Lock Failure and Fuel Pump Failure (Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, typically costs $300-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Nissan Altima is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Nissan Altima. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima with 7 documented issues from 11,696+ owner reports.
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