Makes›Nissan›Altima›2013

2013 Nissan Altima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Nissan Altima
Pictured: 2024 Nissan Altima SR, front left, 05-05-2025. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan, 2dr Coupe 2.5s, 3.5sv/3.5sl 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
31 combined · 27 city / 38 hwy
Length
181.1–191.7 in
Curb weight
3,131–3,360 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,912 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 232 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 5). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,131 lb (2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 38 highway), 23% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1912 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2013

  • New body dimensions: 10.6 in longer, wheelbase +3.9 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Best combined MPG up from 26 to 31

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Altima →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.5L 4-cyl

Built in: Canton, Mississippi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2013 Altima configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.5/2.5s/2.5sv/2.5sl 4dr Sedan191.7 in72 in57.9 in109.4 in62.6 / 62.2 in3,131 lb60/40
2dr Coupe 2.5s181.1 in70.9 in55.5 in105.5 in60.6 / 61 in3,139 lb61/39
3.5sv/3.5sl 4dr Sedan191.7 in72 in58.3 in109.4 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,360 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Altima2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 38 / 31+23%$2,150290
Altima Coupe2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+18%$2,600340
Altima3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25-1%$2,700354
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Nissan Altima.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Nissan Altima (this car)31 MPGNot rated12
2013 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated6
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2013 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3
2013 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · May 28, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · 1,831,818 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Risk
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owner’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 19, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V911000 · 757 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jan 22, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V029000 · 846,000 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V681000 · 919 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 4, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V486000 · 46,846 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
Risk
If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Feb 27, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V116000 · 625,400 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Sep 15, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V565000 · 220,423 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013. In the affected vehicles, interference between the hood inner panel and the secondary latch lever, in combination with debris and corrosion, may cause the secondary hood latch to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V138000 · 989,701 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Apr 24, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V158000 · 123,308 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013. The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.
Risk
Tires that are significantly over- or under-inflated may fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags · Mar 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V069000 · 82,038 vehicles

Problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
Risk
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Suspension · Oct 10, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V494000 · 13,919 vehicles

Problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.
Risk
The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,912Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
52Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
38Injuries reported
47,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train430
Exterior Lighting410
Air Bags325
Suspension268
Unknown Or Other234
Engine124
Electrical System107
Structure › Body90
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 224/10: 224/11: 324/12: 325/01: 225/02: 425/03: 225/04: 425/05: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 525/09: 125/10: 225/11: 126/01: 226/02: 126/03: 326/04: 126/06: 126/07: 226/08: 426/09: 326/10: 124/0924/1225/0325/0625/0926/0126/0426/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 430 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 410 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Air Bags — 325 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Altima years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Altima30192.9 inNot rated01
2025 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★27
2024 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★141
2023 Altima31192.9 in★★★★★030
2022 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★031
2021 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★270
2020 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★6161
2019 Altima32192.9 in★★★★★7234
2018 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★2226
2017 Altima31191.7 in★★★★★3393
2016 Altima31191.7 inNot rated4555
2015 Altima31191.7 inNot rated10952

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →