Sedan · Gas
Nissan Altima 2013–2018 (L33)

- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $22,500–$32,000
- MPG
- 31
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
A fuel-sipping, top-crash-rated family sedan with comfy Zero Gravity seats, but persistent CVT and lighting complaints make reliability its glaring weak spot.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 4 of its 11 recalls were serious. About 5% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 67% of cars we track.
15.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 59% of other sedans we track.
Roomy midsize sedan with generous rear legroom for five and a competitive 15.4 cu ft trunk, at or slightly above segment norms.
Comfort-oriented family sedan with 182 hp four-cylinder and CVT. FWD only, numb steering, and CVT drone make it uninspiring to drive, below segment-average for engagement.
For its 2013-2018 era, basic infotainment and available NissanConnect were adequate but unremarkable; lacks the polish and driver-assist features of later rivals.
Nissan's Zero Gravity seats were a genuine strength, offering above-average long-haul comfort. Quiet, cushy ride typical of a comfort-focused midsize sedan.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls19 recalls
19 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2018
- Exterior lighting — 262 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (2018)
- Powertrain — 231 complaints (2016)
2018
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH20V315000
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.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other45 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In 2022, there was a recall on the hood latch system. At that time the dealership was able to spray a substance on the latch and close out the recall instead of replacing the latch. Now my car is having issues with the latch that should’ve been replaced from the start. Therefore, the solution during
- Complaint clusterElectrical36 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off an
- Complaint clusterAirbags31 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The passenger‑side airbag warning light first appeared within the first year of ownership. During that visit, the dealership did not repair the defect. They only reset the warning light and told me it was not a problem. No diagnostic documentation or repair explanation was provided, and the underlyi
- Complaint clusterPowertrain22 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043. I was advised that even though there was a class action suit in 2022 for CVT issues, my CVT Warranty Extension expired on 12/09/2024 for this class action suit. I purchased
- Complaint clusterBrakes16 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
I’ve had to replace the break sensor a few times and it’s unusual… My check engine light came on and it reads the code for the catalyst converter.., the auto part store saw a recall on this for my make and model but not seeing it here . The code was cleared and hasn’t came back on yet but I’m antici
2017
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH17V040000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH; structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit18V915000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regula
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH20V315000
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.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain130 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Shuddering and loss of acceleration/vehicle slowed on its own while driving on the highway. Managed to get to Firestone and diagnostic codes P0776 and P0841 came up. Advised to take vehicle to dealer shop as work could not be done on CVT there. Car was towed to Nissan Bonney Road Virginia Beach. Tra
- Complaint clusterAirbags69 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with a passenger inside the vehicle, the air big warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to two separate dealers to be inspected, and it was determined that the air b
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other43 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a dangerous design oversight and safety hazard regarding the trunk lid support mechanism on the Nissan Altima. On [Date of Incident], while the vehicle was parked, a gust of wind caused the trunk lid to slam shut unexpectedly. The metal door latch struck
- Complaint clusterCruise control20 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving on the freeway and car goes into limp mode very dangerous situation as spend was reduced and almost got rear ended by truck
- Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace, the vehicle was then sold to a third person. The contact was informed by the third owner that the mileage on the vehicle was incorrect. The
2016
- RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000
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
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH17V040000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH; structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit18V915000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regula
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH20V315000
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.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain231 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
To recap: •Nissan manufactured defective transmissions. •Nissan granted me a warranty extension with a fleeting expiration date (2023) to shift the cost away from them. •In 2020, Nissan performed work on my car. The work they performed masked the problem, didn’t fix it. And it deferred the problem,
- Complaint clusterAirbags62 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
There is an active recall for the generic 2016 Nissan Altima OCS sensor, but it does not apply to my specific VIN apparently. This sensor is a problem with other vehicles of the same year, make, and model, but I am apparently on the hook for almost $1000 repair cost because the recall did not extend
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other49 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The HVAC system in my 2016 Nissan Altima produces cold air, but the airflow is not properly directed through the dashboard vents toward the occupants. Instead, the airflow is primarily directed toward the floor and windshield. This problem has continued throughout the summer of 2026. I have two chi
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting38 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal headlight failure, and it was determined that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not
- Complaint clusterElectrical32 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water leak...from trunk and sunroof....electrical problems airbag light on and off.....sensor issues i paid out of pocket.
2015
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH15V116000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline15V486000
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 cert
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: sensor: occupant classification15V681000
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
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper15V733000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH16V029000
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.
- RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000
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
- RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V911000
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 incorr
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH17V040000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH; structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit18V915000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regula
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH20V315000
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.
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting262 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights are dangerously dim. There has been a class action lawsuit for these specific makes and models for the reflectors in the headlights being damaged over time, resulting in the entire headlight assemblies needing replaced.
- Complaint clusterAirbags157 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
A vehicle airbag light is staying on which indicates my airbags will not work this is a common problem in a 2015 Nissan Altima SL but it is not showing up as a recall on my certain vehicle. This recently started happening at 114,000 miles. When the light first came on it would go on and off at diffe
- Complaint clusterPowertrain157 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Subject: Dangerous Transmission Failure in 2015 Nissan Altima While my 2015 Nissan Altima has always exhibited questionable performance—including abnormal acceleration, hesitation during throttle response, and mismatched RPMs relative to acceleration—the transmission has now begun to severely slip.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other56 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hood latch disengaged while driving at a speed of around 35 MPH. There were no injuries reported and the vehicle was brought to Nissan for repair.
- Complaint clusterSuspension51 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
The passenger side rear spring mount/Lower Control Arm separated at the weld and failed at highway speed. Control of the vehicle was momentarily lost and I was able to safely pull to the side of the highway to await a tow truck. Vehicle is not drivable. Mechanic confirmed it was an "Insufficient Wel
Cost to own$18,500 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$22,500–$32,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,150/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
27
Highway MPG
37
Combined MPG
31
Horsepower
182 hp
Doors
4
Length
191.7 in
Width
72.0 in
Height
57.9 in
Wheelbase
109.4 in
Curb weight
3,203 lb
Cargo volume
15.4 cu ft
Check a listing
Sign in to check a specific listing against this car's data.