2013 Nissan Altima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The single most-complained-about Altima: the redesigned CVT failed in large numbers, often before 100,000 miles, with costly out-of-warranty repairs. Avoid unless the transmission is documented or replaced. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Nissan Altima ranged from $21,760 to $30,560 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The single most-complained-about Altima: the redesigned CVT failed in large numbers, often before 100,000 miles, with costly out-of-warranty repairs. Avoid unless the transmission is documented or replaced.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- jalopnik.comhttps://www.jalopnik.com/2036273/nissan-altima-reliability-consumer-reports/
Known issues
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CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima.
widespread · typically 40k–120k miles · transmission
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Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action.
commonly reported · electrical
-
Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years.
occasional · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- endurancewarranty.comhttps://www.endurancewarranty.com/vehicle-guides/nissan/unreliable-vehicles-t…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | $21,760 | discontinued | — | — |
| S | $22,280 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $24,080 | $27,580 | — | — |
| S V6 | $25,760 | discontinued | — | — |
| SL | $27,660 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV V6 | $28,260 | discontinued | — | — |
| SL V6 | $30,560 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-nissan-altima-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,760). Higher trims started higher (up to $30,560), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-altima-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2013 Nissan Altima have?
Documented issue patterns include: CVT shudder/judder, delayed acceleration, overheating and premature failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Repairs run several thousand dollars; the defect drew class actions and a 7-year/84,000-mile warranty extension. The 2013 model year is the single most-complained-about Altima; Halogen headlights dim and delaminate, hurting night visibility; the subject of a class action; Takata airbag inflator and occupant-classification airbag faults affect these years. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2013 Nissan Altima reliable?
The single most-complained-about Altima: the redesigned CVT failed in large numbers, often before 100,000 miles, with costly out-of-warranty repairs. Avoid unless the transmission is documented or replaced.
How much did the 2013 Nissan Altima cost new?
Between $21,760 and $30,560 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Nissan Altima expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.