Page 46 of 47 · complaints 2,251–2,300 of 2,314

2013 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2013 record →

Power Train
Filed Feb 27, 2013500 milesOK

PURCHASED A NEW 2013 ALTIMA SEDAN 3.5SL IN NOVEMBER 2012. AT APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE KICKING IN AND ACCELERATING (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND ATTEMPTED TO START IN 4TH GEAR). THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE. ADDITIONALLY, OFTEN WHILE ACCELERATING THE RPMS WILL DROP SIGNIFICANTLY AND THE CAR WILL SHUDDERS BEFORE KICKING BACK IN AND ACCELERATING. LASTLY, ON OCCASION, WHILE DECELERATING, THE CAR WILL JERK HARSHLY (AS IF DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND SHIFTING INTO TOO LOW A GEAR FOR THE SPEED). TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE 2/6/2013 AND THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME SHE HADN'T HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT SHE WOULD OPEN A TICKET. CALLED BACK TO NISSAN CORPORATE 2/27/2013 TO FOLLOW UP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY PREVIOUS TICKET HAD BEEN CLOSED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 2013400 milesOK

PURCHASED A NEW 2013 ALTIMA SEDAN 3.5SL IN NOVEMBER 2012. WITHIN DAYS NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ALWAYS ON, WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SENSOR HAD BEEN INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED AT 200 POUNDS INSTEAD OF 0 POUNDS. THEY RECALIBRATED THE SENSOR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WORKED FINE... FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS NOW ALWAYS ON. THIS ISSUE CONCERNS ME BECAUSE I MUST ASSUME THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NEVER DEPLOY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 27, 2013500 milesIL

CVT TRANSMISSION SHUTTER, WHILE DRIVING FROM STOP TO GO, CAR FELT IT WAS GOING TO STALL, LIKE WHEN TURNING LEFT IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 201320 milesMD

I PURCHASED MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 S CAR ON 17 OCTOBER 2012 WITH 12 MILES. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER AFTER BUYING THIS VEHICLE, I BEGAN HEARING A CONSTANT WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT A VERY LOW SPEED, A DRUMMING SLAPPING NOISE WHEN I ABRUPTLY BRAKE, A RATHER DISTURBING METAL CLUNKING SOUND THAT SEEMS TO GENERATE FROM THE FUEL TANK AND FINALLY INTERMITTENTLY CLICKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THESE SOUNDS AR EXTREMELY NERVE WRECKING FOR A BRAND NEW CAR. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THREE DIFFERENT NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOR INSPECTION AT LEAST SEVEN TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THESE CONCERNING SOUNDS ARE NORMAL CONDITIONS FOR THIS MODEL. THE CAR HAS ALSO HESITATED MULTIPLE TIMES ON START UP. FILED A COMPLAINT THAT LED TO NOWHERE BECAUSE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC INSISTS THAT THESE ARE "NORMAL" CONDITIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE . *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 19, 2013400 milesCA

THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT MAY COME ON WHEN AN ADULT OR LARGE TEENAGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. AT TIMES, THE WARNING LIGHT WILL GO OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. IT APPEARS THAT EITHER THE SEAT SENSOR(S) OR THE SOFTWARE THAT READS THE SENSOR(S) AND DETERMINES THE SIZE/WEIGHT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE FAULTY. I AM AMAZED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OF THE 2013 ALTIMA FOR THIS ISSUE, GIVEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 18, 201325 milesNY

ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BROUGHT IT IN AND DIAGNOSED AS THE OXYGEN SENSOR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 18, 2013292 milesNY

THE BSW AND LDW MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING ON BOARD FLASHED MALFUNTION AND SLIPP LIGHT WENT ON LESS THEN A WEEK HAVING THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 18, 20131,484 milesNY

MALFUNCTION AGAIN BSW/ LDW AND SLIPP INDICATOR. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 18, 20131,484 milesNY

BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON RIGHT AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF THE SERVICE CENTER OF NISSAN DEALER BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 20131,585 milesNY

TRANSMISSION SLIPPED I WAS AT A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN STARTED TO MOVE WHEN I FELT A PULL BACK ON THE CAR AND THEN CAR SHOT FORWARD. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 20131,600 milesNY

STARTED TO DRIVE FROM A PARK POSITION I WAS GOING ALREADY AROUND 15-20 MPH BEFORE TRANSMISSION KICKED INTO GEAR. *TR

Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(global Positioning System)
Filed Feb 18, 20131,200 milesNY

2.5SL DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WENT OUT BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER CHECK IT OUT TELLS ME THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE RADIO I SAID FINE CAME IN FOR SOMETHING ELSE LESS THEN A WEEK AND THEY CHANGED THEY MIND IT NEEDS REPROGRAMMING HOW MANY THINGS MUST GO WRONG BEFORE NISSAN CORPORATION TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS DOES SOME ONE HAVE TO DIE DO TO THEIR IRRESPONSIBILITY I AM AN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR AND THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE IN WHAT THESE BIG CORPORATION DO TO THEIR CUSTOMERS THIS MUST END ONCE AND FOR ALL. LET THE US ATTORNEY GENERAL TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THESE COMPANIES NOW BEFORE PEOPLE DIE. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 18, 20131,600 milesNY

I SPOKE TO 5 TOWN NISSAN WHO DID A SO CALLED THOROUGH CHECK ON MY CAR STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT BUT THE BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON. HOW CAN EVERYTHING BE PERFECT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT GOING ON. ALL I SEE IS THAT THESE DEALERS SAY ITS GOOD AND CARS ARE IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION WHEN THEY ARE NOT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 20131,500 milesOH

THE FIRST SIX WEEKS WE HAD THE CAR IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THAN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT OCCASIONALLY WOULD COME ON WITH MY 120 LB WIFE IN THE SEAT. NOW IT WILL COME ON ALL OF THE TIME. IF YOU START THE CAR BEFORE SHE GETS IN THE LIGHT USUALLY STAYS OFF AFTER SHE GETS IN BUT NOT ALWAYS. WITH A 50 LB PERSON IN THE SEAT THE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, THAT IS WHEN I THINK IT SHOULD COME ON. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 12, 2013500 milesAL

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2013 ALTIMA FOR 5 MONTHS AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS CONTINUOUSLY STAY ON "OFF MODE". I AM A FEMALE AND WEIGH 136 POUNDS AND MY HUSBAND RIDES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL AT TIMES AND HE IS 160 POUNDS, SO THERE IS DEFINITELY ENOUGH WEIGHT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT WITHIN THE SENSORS. IN MY VEHICLE IT WILL STAY OFF FOR HOURS OR SOMETIMES IT WILL TAKE 15-30 MINUTES AND IT WILL TURN ON, BUT IT NEVER STAYS ON.I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. AND IT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING TO A PASSENGER IN ONE OF THESE VEHICLES IF THE AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THERE LIFE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE QUICKLY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ITS A SERIOUS MATTER. THERE ARE LIVES AT STAKE HERE.. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 10, 20132,100 milesTX

FEW DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (09/23/12) THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ALSO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS DISENGAGED WITH A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. TONIGHT (2/10/13) THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ONCE AGAIN INDICATED NO PASSENGER WHEN MY 120 LB WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. I TRIED IT WITH MYSELF (155LB) AND AGAIN IT OCCURRED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 9, 2013200 milesVA

THE DAY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (1/23/13) THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ALSO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS DISENGAGED WITH A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP (ROSENTHAL NISSAN OF TYSONS) TOOK THE CAR IN BACK AND MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS. THE PROBLEM APPARENTLY WENT AWAY. TONIGHT (2/9/13) THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ONCE AGAIN INDICATED NO PASSENGER WHEN MY 110 LB WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. I TRIED IT WITH MYSELF (175LB) AND AGAIN IT OCCURRED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 2013120 milesTX

WAS DRIVING 45 MPH TO TAKE CHILD TO SCHOOL. WHILE AT LIGHT MADE SURE NO PARKING BRAKE ON. THEN PUT CAR IN PARK TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND ON TWICE AS BRAKING LIGHT STILL ON. KEPT VEHICLE OFF FOR APPROXIMALLY 1 MINUTE AND TURNED BACK ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE WHICH THEY STATED BREAK FLUID NOT TOPPED OFF. SO ON 2/8/2013 DRIVING WITH 8 YR.OLD DAUGHTER SITTING IN FRONT SET. AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON THE SHOWING AIRBAG OFF BUT THEN THE LIGHT WENT OFF. PULLED OVER HAD MY DAUGHTER STAND UP, REMOVE BOOSTER SEAT AND THEN PUT BACK DOWN. AIRBAG LIGHT STILL REMAINED OFF. TURNED VEHICLE OFF 3 TIMES BEFORE TURNING BACK ON. MY HUSBAND CALLED DEALERSHIP TO DISCUSS AND ADVISE TAKING IN FOR SERVICE AND PROBLEMS AFTER JUST PURCHASING VEHICLE ON 2/4/2013. ON THE WAY HOME BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULDN'T GO OFF. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 7, 2013200 milesMD

WELL I BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS NOW AND THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I GO THE CAR THE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME WHEN ITS LOW ON BRAKE FLUID THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. WELL ABOUT THREE WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. TWO WEEKS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I LOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ON AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. SO ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. I AM STARTING TO FEEL AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I THINK IT WONT STOP THIS IS A NEW CAR I SHOULD NOT HAVE BRAKE ISSUE THIS EARLY. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 5, 2013NV

I AM WRITING TO YOU IN THE HOPE THAT SOMEONE WILL LOOK INTO MY COMPLAINT AND SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP OF THE NEW 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT TO DATE. THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE NEWLY DESIGNED 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT WHEN DRIVEN HAS A CONSTANT, ANNOYING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE MORSE CODE. THIS NOISE PROBLEM HAS APPARENTLY BEEN IDENTIFIED BY NISSAN AS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO OTHER OWNER?S COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NOISE. NISSAN CLAIMS THIS IS A ?NORMAL NOISE? AND BOTH THE DEALER AND THE NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER ARE AWARE OF THE MULTIPLE OWNER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS NOISE, YET WILL OFFER NO CORRECTIVE SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THIS DISTURBING NOISE EMANATING FROM AN APPARENT DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING PUMP. 2013 ALTIMA DRIVERS NEED TO BE WARNED OF THE POSSIBLE DEFECT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND TO BE ALERT AND REPORT ANY PROBLEMS IN STEERING WHILE DRIVING. AS AN OWNER OF A 2013 ALTIMA, I AM EXTREMELY DISTURBED ABOUT THE DEALER?S AND NISSAN?S RESPONSE TO MY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP THAT IT IS JUST NORMAL NOISE. I HAVE OWNED 7 NEW CARS OVER MY LIFETIME, THE LAST 2 BEING 2009 ALTIMAS, AND HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. MY CAR AND WORK EXPERIENCE IS THAT UNUSUAL NOISE FROM A PUMP MEANS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE PUMP; AND USUALLY THE PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED BEFORE ITS TRAGIC FAILURE. NISSAN'S NON-RESPONSE TO FIX OR REPLACE THIS POWER STEERING PUMP IN THE 2013 ALTIMA IS UNCONSCIONABL

Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2013100 milesVT

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OVER 65MPH VEHICLE WANDERS. WANDERING CREATES THE NEED FOR CONSTANT CORRECTIVE STEERING ACTION. STEERING IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE. ANY WIND OR PASSING VEHICLE EXACERBATES PROBLEM. VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAD ME TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. I DID SO TODAY(FREEDOM NISSAN IN BURLINGTON, VT). VEHICLE HAS 5225 MILES TO DATE. SERVICE DIRECTOR [XXX] CONFIRMED THAT HE FELT THE SAME PROBLEM AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED OK. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, MINOR ADJUSTMENTS MADE. ON DEPARTURE, SERVICE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY CORRECT. THAT THE WANDERING IS NORMAL. ON THE DRIVE HOME, THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE FROM PRIOR TO MY VISIT TO THE DEALER. NO NOTABLE DIFFERENCE FROM ALIGNMENT. I JOKED THAT I SHOULD BUY A FEW HUNDRED POUNDS OF SAND. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNPLEASANT TO DRIVE, AND THE WANDERING AND STEERING SENSITIVITY ARE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE LEFT A MESSAGE FOR MY CASE MANAGER AT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 2, 20133,500 milesAL

I PURCHASED A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S IN JULY OF 2012 WITH 349 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR REPAIR AND HAVE YET TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. IN THE MEAN TIME THEY ARE ONLY GETTING WORSE. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. I GOT IN MY CAR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO START THE CAR AND THE CAR HESITATED, IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE STARTER HAD HUNG UP. I WASN'T TOO WORRIED AT FIRST AND FIGURE IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME FLUKE, BUT IT WASN'T. NEARLY FIVE DAYS LATER IT OCCURRED AGAIN AND ATLEAST ONE OR TWICE A WEEK THERE AFTER. AFTER 4 WEEKS AND IT HAVING DONE IT ABOUT 4 TIMES BY THEN I MADE AND APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT SERVICE AND A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED 2 NEW NOISE PROBLEMS. I WAS DRIVING WITH WINDOW DOWN ONE DAY AND HEARD A LOUD CHIMING OR JINGLING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE.IT PRETTY MUCH SOUNDED TO BE A LOOSE NUT OR SCREW JINGLING AROUND SOMEWHERE. THEN A FEW DAYS AFTER THAT'S WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING. AND IT WAS TERRIBLE AND VERY LOUD, LIKE NAILS ON CHALKBOARD AND VERY EMBARRASSING. SO WHEN I BRING IT TO BE SERVICED THEY TELL ME THAT THE ISSUE I HAD WHEN STARTED COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND THAT THE BRAKES WHERE CLEANED AND THE ROTORS WHERE SHAVED DOWN AND ALSO THAT THEY PUT NO SQUEAL ON. AND FOR THE ISSUE WITH THE JINGLING NOISE WAS THAT A SCREW WAS LOOSE AND RATTLING AROUND ON THE ENGINE COVER. BUT WHEN I DROVE THE NEXT DAY THE B

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 2, 201313,500 milesAL

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AND BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS THAT NISSAN CANNOT RESOLVE. ON TOP OF ALL OF THE RECALLS, BRAKE AND STARTING ISSUES IT NOW STARTING TO FALL APART. RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM DRIVING 60-75MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE NOISE I HAVE BEEN HEARING SOUNDS LIKE SMALL ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND AT OTHER TIMES I HEAR A CRACKING NOISE. SO HERE RECENTLY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH AND HEAR SOMETHING FLAPPING ON THE WINDSHIELD AND NOTICE THAT IT IS THE RUBBER SEAL THAT GOES AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. SO I PULL OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND REATTACH THE SEAL. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND NOTHING SHOULD BE COMING OFF LIKE THAT. ALSO MY CAR HAS BLACK INTERIOR AND IT TENDS I BE MUCH HOTTER ON INSIDE ESPECIALLY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. ONE DAY I LEFT MY CAR PARKED IN THE DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND GOT IT AND THE INTERIOR WAS PRETTY WARM AND I WAS GOING TO PLUG MY PHONE IN AND THE A/C OUTLET INSIDE THE CUBBY UNDER THE RADIO AND AS SOON AS I TRIED TO LIFT THE OUTLET COVER IT CRACKED AND BROKE OFF. I TRADED IN MY 2010 ALTIMA FOR THE 2013 BECAUSE I LOVED MY PREVIOUS ALTIMA AND I HAD 60K ON IT AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING QUALITY AND RELIABILITY WHEN I PURCHASED A NISSAN, BUT THAT HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR ONLY FIVE MONTHS AND HAVING MECHANICAL, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ISSUES. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NISSAN I OWN, I

Air Bags
Filed Jan 31, 2013300 milesFL

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATING NO MATTER WHO IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONE WEEK AFTER WE PURCHASED IT AND THEY "SUPPOSEDLY" RESET THE SENSOR. WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED IMMEDIATELY. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER A WEEK LATER AND A NISSAN ENGINEER WAS THERE THAT DAY AND HE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. A PERSON'S LIFE COULD BE LOST BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NISSAN SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS AND RECALL THE CARS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS TO ANY OF US WHO PURCHASED THIS CAR. WE CAN'T BELIEVE THAT KNOWING THAT THERE IS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM, THEY WILL NOT EVEN TRY TO FIX IT. IT SHOWS LACK OF CONCERN AND RESPONSIBILITY ON THEIR PART FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE GOING TO USE THE "LEMON LAW" AND RETURN THE CAR SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. SAFECAR.GOV AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. BACK IN 2009 NISSAN RECALLED SEVERAL OF THEIR CARS (INCLUDING THE ALTIMA) FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT RIGHT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 2013600 milesIL

I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ALL OF A WEEK. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE FIRST IS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS "OFF" WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEATS. SHE IS AN ADULT, HEIGHT ABOUT 5' 2" AND WEIGHS APPROX. 120 LBS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. CALLS TO NISSAN ARE A WASTE OF TIME AT THIS POINT AS I'M TOLD NOTHING ABOUT HOW THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION, AT ABOUT 1200-1500 RPM THERE IS A VIBRATION AND ITS VERY NOISY. IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO DIE OUT. THE OTHER ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR OF WHICH THERE ARE A FEW ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFETY RELATED SO I WONT POST THEM HERE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE ARE BETTER AND SAFER CHOICES OUT THERE. CHOOSE WISELY. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 20134,500 milesTX

PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 2 MILES. AT 4500 MILES, HEAT GAUGE INDICATED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE TEMPERATURE. DROVE 2 MILES TO A SERVICE STATION, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD, ANTI-FREEZE WAS SPRAYED EVERYWHERE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER INSPECTED, AND SAID THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER PERFORMED PRESSURE TESTS, AND SAID THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 20132,300 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. INFORMED BY SERVICE PERSON THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, HOWEVER AN UPDATE IS BEING MADE FOR ALL VEHICLES AND I WILL RECEIVE A NOTICE IN THE MAIL TO BRING IN. AS OF TODAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUE TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY RENDERING THE VEHICLE USELESS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 27, 20131,300 milesMD

PURCHASED A NISSAN 2013 IN JULY OF 2012 IN 8/2012 THE CAR HAD TO HAVE A TOTAL BRAKE JOB ON THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AT 1300 MILES. NISSAN HAS YET TO TELL ME WHY THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED WITH BAD BRAKES AND ROTORS AND IF THERE IS AN UNDERLYING ISSUE THAT CREATED THE ISSUE AT 1300MILES. FAULTY POWERSTEERING PUMP CAUSES THE CAR TO GROWL AND MAKE A WINDING NOISE. YOU CAN HEAR THE FUEL IN THE TANK SLOSHING AROUND IN THE TANK OF THE CAR. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 201350 milesNC

WITH A 140 LB ADULT SITTING UPRIGHT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. IT EVEN FAILS SOMETIMES WITH AN ADULT WEIGHING 155 LBS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO SYSTEM ERRORS ARE DETECTED. THE TRIED A 120LB ADULT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON ALSO. THEY SAID THAT TO REPAIR NISSAN HAS TO ADVISE THEM WHAT THE ISSUE IS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 201339 milesMN

WITH A FULL-SIZE ADULT SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED (WHICH INDICATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT ENGAGED). THIS HAPPENED EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE OPERATED MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON DECEMBER 28TH, NO MATTER THE SIZE OF THE ADULT SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT - ANYWHERE FROM 130 LB. INDIVIDUAL TO 220 LB. INDIVIDUAL. FOR REFERENCE, MY FRIEND HAS A ROGUE AND THE AIRBAG ENGAGES (I.E. LIGHT GOES OFF) WITH JUST HER HANDBAG IN THE SEAT. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SINCE THE CAR IS FULLY COVERED BY WARRANTY. THEY ORDERED A NEW SENSOR FROM NISSAN AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH THE NEW SENSOR. THEY HAVE HAD MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE (500 MILES) FOR 6 DAYS. I READ ON-LINE BOARDS THAT INDICATE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH 2013 NISSAN ALTIMAS (HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/2013-NISSAN-ALTIMA-DISCUSSION-2-5-3-5/331394-PASSENGER-AIRBAG-LIGHT.HTML) AND AM VERY CONCERNED I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. I MAY BE RETURNING IT UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 201385 milesPA

THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT PASSENGER AIRBAG DETECTION ISSUE WITH 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SV. THERE WERE IN MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN A FULL GROWN PERSON(WEIGHT > 150LBS) SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN, 'PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF' INDICATOR WOULD TURN ON, INDICATING THAT CAR IS NOT DETECTING ANYONE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND IN RESULT AIRBAGS WERE TURNED OFF. THIS WARNING INDICATION STAYED ON THROUGHOUT OUR DRIVE AND SOMETIMES TURNED OFF AFTER 10-15 MINUTES OF DRIVE AND IN OTHER OCCASIONS IT DIDN'T TURN OFF AT ALL UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF. IF THIS WAS JUST A FEATURE ISSUE THEN MUCH LOWER PRIORITY SHOULD BEEN ASSIGNED BUT IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE/CONCERN AND I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION. A BLATANT DISREGARD FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS ISSUE MAY RESULT IN DEATH, INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. I REQUEST THE HELP OF NHTSA FOR QUICK AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU! *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 22, 20132,000 milesSC

VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FIVE TIMES FOR DIFFERENT THINGS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. MAIN PROBLEM REPORTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE IS MY TRANSMISSION. BETWEEN 20-50 MPH AND 1000-2500 RPM THE CAR WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND LOSE POWER. I HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL HARDER TO GET THE CAR TO STOP SHUDDERING AND PICK UP ACCELERATION. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN TOW REAR END COLLISIONS B/C OF THE LOSE OF POWER AND SHUDDERING. NISSAN STATES THAT I MUST WAIT FOR A REPROGRAMMING FIX. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE TO SACRIFICE MY SAFETY? TOTALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE OWNED 3 PREVIOUS NISSAN PRODUCTS WITH NO PROBLEMS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 21, 2013150 milesNY

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE AN ADULT OVER 125 LBS IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH MULTIPLE ADULTS OF VARIOUS WEIGHTS. IF THE CAR IS STOPPED, TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON IT USUALLY CLEARS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER FOUR TIMES. EACH TIME THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING ELSE TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM AWAITING A CALL BACK FROM THE MANAGER OF THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED BY A WORKING FRONT AIR BAG. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND SEEN MANY POST OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS FOR THE 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. I HAVE ALSO SEEM MANY INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM WITH PREVIOUS ALTIMA MODELS AND OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 14, 2013400 milesNY

WHEN ACCELERATING GENTLY OR DECELERATING YOU CAN HEARD A RUMBLING AND VIBRATION NOISE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 20134,600 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, WHO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOUR MILES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND LODGED A COMPLAINT FOR THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,600.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 20132,000 milesDC

FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 0IN., WEIGHING 100LBS CAUSES FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO BE DISABLED (FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LIGHT ON). LIGHT WOULD GO AWAY AFTER A WHILE. FOR A FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 5IN., WEIGHING 120-125LBS CAUSES INTERMITTENT FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OPERATION. APPEARED TO OPERATE NORMALLY BEFORE. 12/24/2012: VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER AND WAS FOUND THAT THE SCALE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS OFF BY 25. SCALE WAS ZEROED OUT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ISSUE APPEARS TO BE RESOLVED FOR FEMALE PASSENGER, 5FT. 5IN., WEIGHING 120-125LBS. 01/07/2013: FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED FOR MALE PASSENGER 5FT. 6IN., WEIGHING 160LBS. RESOLVED BY RESTARTING VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 8, 2013600 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER 20 DAYS OF DRIVING, WHILE STOPPED, A STRANGE VIBRATION WAS EMITTED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,333. UPDATED 03/13/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIMED THE VIBRATION. ON THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER THE GENERAL MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED TO BUY A NEW MAXIMA OR ALTIMA. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. THE VIBRATION ONLY WORSENED CAUSING A THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/28/2013 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Jan 7, 201397 milesMO

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN INDIVIDUALS SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIRBAG SENSOR SHOWS THE AIRBAG NON-OPERATIONAL EVEN WHEN INDIVIDUALS OF APPROPRIATE SIZE AND WEIGHT ARE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NISSAN HAS NO KNOWN FIXES FOR THE SITUATION AND STATE THAT ITS A "BREAK IN" PERIOD. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR PURCHASED ONE WEEK AGO. SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT FROM AN NON-OPERATIONAL AIRBAG AND I AM NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE BREAK IN PERIOD.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 4, 2013700 milesNC

I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY NEW 2013 ALTIMA SV 2.5L 4 CYLINDER ON 11/17/2012. A SHORT TIME LATER I STARTED HEARING A RUMBLING, "LUGGING", SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FEELING A VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL, ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP AT AROUND 1500 RPM. ON 12/13/2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY DEALER AND DROVE AROUND WITH MY SALESMAN AND A SENIOR TECHNICIAN, WHO BOTH STATED THEY HEARD THE RUMBLING NOISE. MY SALESMAN AND I WENT ON A DRIVE ON ANOTHER NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 L SIMILAR TO MY CAR AND NEITHER OF US HEARD THE RUMBLING SOUND MY CAR MAKES. NO WORK WAS PERFORMED DURING THIS VISIT. ON 12/19/2012, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE SERVICE DEPT. ORDERED A SERPENTINE BELT AND BELT TENSIONER FOR MY CAR AND INSTALLED A PIECE OF INSULATION ON THE A/C LOW PRESSURE LINE. THE WORK ON THE A/C LINE DID NOT HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE NOISE AND VIBRATION LEVEL. MEANWHILE, I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND A "REGIONAL SPECIALIST TO HANDLE MY CASE. ON 12/21/2012, I RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ON THIS VISIT THE SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER ON MY CAR WERE REPLACED BY NEW ONES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE BELT AND TENSIONER SWAP WAS JUST A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. I DID NOTICED A FRACTIONAL DECREASE IN NOISE AND VIBRATION LEVEL AFTER THE SWAP. AS OF TODAY,01/04/2013, THE NOISE AND VIBRATION ARE BACK. THIS ISSUE

Power Train
Filed Jan 4, 20132,430 milesCT

BROUGHT CAR IN TO DEALER FOR A RECALL THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LOUDER AND RATTLED ON ACCELERATION. PROCEEDED TO GET WORSE BY THE DAY. BROUGHT TO DEALER ON WEDNESDAY AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 2, 20135,000 milesMI

PASSANGER AIR BACK INDICATOR(LIGHT) SOMETIME COME UP EVEN THOUGH ADULT SITTING ON PASSENGER SHEET. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 22, 201230 milesMN

SINCE BUYING THE CAR NEW, THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION/SHUDDER COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN SLOWLY ACCELERATING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE PROBLEM TWICE AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH A TECH HAS HEARD THE VIBRATION WHILE RIDING WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE POWERTRAINS THAT ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY SHOULD NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 18, 20121,400 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TWO TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 20125 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FIVE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN RECALIBRATED THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND REPLACED THE SEAT CUSHION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5.

Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 2012560 milesGA

APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2013 ALTIMA 3.5 S THE CAR DEVELOPED A SHUDDER AND VIBRATION WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY. IT ALSO OCCURRED GOING UP SMALL HILLS, AND WHEN I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN PULL OFF (FOR INSTANCE AT A RED LIGHT). AFTER NOTICING THIS, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER, AND WE DID A TEST DRIVE IN HOPES OF MIMICKING THE ISSUE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A CVT ENGINE, AND THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I WASN'T QUITE CONVINCED, BUT I WANTED TO TRUST HIS OPINION, SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME DRIVING A CAR WITH A CVT ENGINE. HOWEVER, A FEW WEEKS PASSED AND THE SHUDDER AND VIBRATION GOT WORSE. THE CAR EVEN JERKED FORWARD ONCE WHEN I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. THIS PROMPTED ME TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER VISIT WITH THE DEALER. THIS TIME THE SAME MECHANIC FROM THE FIRST VISIT AND THE MANAGER RODE ALONG WITH ME. DURING THIS TEST DRIVE THE MANAGER FELT THE SUDDEN SHUDDER, ONCE WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SLIGHTLY ACCELERATED. THIS PROMPTED THEM TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION, NOT EVEN 30 DAYS AFTER MY PURCHASE. I PICKED MY CAR UP FROM THE DEALER ON 12/7/12 AFTER THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR DROVE PERFECTLY FINE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT NOW THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED THE SAME SHUDDER AND VIBRATION EVEN MORE NOW. I WILL BE CALLING FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TOMORROW, BECAUSE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU HAVE ANOTHER CAR RIDING DIRECTLY BEHIND YO

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2012957 milesNY

2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS INDICATED AS BEING OFF. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH FULL GROWN ADULTS ALL OF WHOM HAVE BEEN OVER 150 POUNDS. I BELIEVE THIS TO HE A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE CARS SEAT CUSHION. ONCE DRIVING FOR 10-15 MINUTES THE LIGHT GOES OFF INDICATING AIRBAG IS NOW ON. THIS USUALLY OCCURS IF THE CAR IS ALREADY RUNNING AND A PASSENGER ENTERS THE VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 13, 20121,890 milesFL

ALTIMA 3.5 TRANSMISSION HAS A SEVERE SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING NORMALLY AT ABOUT 15-25 MPH. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT SERIOUS AS IT RESULTS IS SEVERE SHOCK TO THE DRIVETRAIN. THIS WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN NEW AND HAS BEEN INCREASING IN SEVERITY OVER THE LAST 1000 MILES. THE DEALER SAYS THAT NISSAN ENGINEERS CLAIM THAT IT IS "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE 3.5. THIS IS NOT TRUE AS IT WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN NEW AND IS CONSTANTLY GETTING WORSE. IT WILL PROBABLY SOON RESULT IN TRANSMISSION DAMAGE OR COMPLETE FAILURE WHICH COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 2012400 milesGA

ON OCTOBER 4, 2012 I PURCHASED A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SL. IT WAS OBVIOUS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. UPON TAKING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE FIRST SHIFT OF THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY HARD, ESPECIALLY UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEH. WITH APPROX. 400 MILES ON THE ODOMETER I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP WHEN THE VEH. STARTED SHUDDERING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR WITH A HARD BUMP. THIS INCIDENT LASTED APPROX. 2 SECONDS. FOR THE NEXT 700 MILES OR SO THE SHUDDERING AND SHAKING OCCURRED SIX MORE TIMES. I TOOK THE VEH. INTO THE NISSAN DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND AFTER DRIVING IT THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OVER THE NEXT 500 MILES THE INCIDENTS BECAME MORE OFTEN AND AT TIMES MORE SEVERE, ONE INCIDENT LASTING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE FINALLY SHIFTING INTO GEAR. ON DECEMBER 5, 2012 THE VEH. WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM AND MY CONCERNS OF MAYBE THE VEH. STOPPING IN THE ROADWAY DURING ONE OF THESE INCIDENTS AND BEING REAR ENDED. THIS TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER RODE ALONG WITH ME AND DROVE THE VEH. DUPLICATING THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. THE ENGINEERS AT NISSAN WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE ON THE V6 ALTIMAS, HOWEVER THEY HAD NO FIX FOR IT AT THIS TIME. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 4, 201276 milesNJ

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ON WHEN ADULT PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 28, 2012155 milesTX

ON OUR FIRST TRIP FOLLOWING PURCHASE OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT TRACKING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS CONDITION WAS NOT NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 65 MPH. ABOVE THAT SPEED, THE CAR WANDERS IN THE LANE REQUIRING CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STEERING. INATTENTION TO THE DRIFT WOULD ALLOW THE CAR TO CROSS INTO THE ADJACENT LANE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY THE NEW STEERING SYSTEM ON THE 2012 ALTIMA. IT USES A POWER-STEERING SYSTEM THAT CONSISTS OF A HYDRAULIC RACK DRIVEN BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEIR TEST DRIVE SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. AFTER HE TALKED WITH NISSAN USA, HOWEVER, HE DISAVOWED EVER SAYING THAT HE NOTICED ANY PROBLEM. NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH NISSAN USA HAVE RESULTED IN NO ACTION TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE INTERNET INCLUDES MANY 2013 ALTIMA BUYERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN MANAGEMENT SAYS THAT WE JUST "NEED TO GET USED TO IT." THIS PROBLEM WHILE IT MAY SOUND MINOR, CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE FOUND THAT WE OFTEN OVERCORRECTION TO THE LANE DRIFT, SENDING THE CAR TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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