Used 2013 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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Never a Nissan again!
jban, 02/22/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Nissan Altima back in September. I've been back to the dealership 5 times already. Break light coming on while driving on the highway, air bag light comes on while my wife is sitting in the seat, window squeaks as Im rolling it down, I can hear my AC fan is loud, and the biggest problem is every other day I use the push button to start the car and it cranks, cranks, and cranks before starting. Almost like the battery is dead. I've taken it back 5 times and every time they just replace the fuel pump. I just hope I can get the lemon law claimed on this car. Very disappointing Nissan...
2.5SL
milestoaspen, 01/17/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2011 Altima SL for the 2013. I fell in love with the comfort and the drive. Big difference from 2011. Now that I have had the car 5 weeks and 1800 miles there are a few things Ive noticed. The heated seats(which Im having looked at 1st oil change) dont work correctly. When on high only the butt heats(hot) and when you hit low switch only the back heats. They dont work in tandem, nor do they regulate heat high to low. Ive noticed the CVT rumble which was not present in my 2011. I also notice you hear the gas rolling around in the gas tank sounds like a thump when you stop and the tanks half to full. Not sure if the used any baffles.
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CVT Transmissions absolute junk.. Failed @60K
Chip C, 05/26/2018
updated 06/03/2024
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2013 Nissan Altima was a dream to drive for 4 years, then suddenly at 68,000 miles the transmission started shuddering and needed replacement. I take impeccable care of my vehicles and paid attention to all recall and TSB’s to follow manufacturer recommendations. The CVT software update succeeded in getting the transmission past Nissan’s 60,000 mile warranty period but did not fix the problem. Despite contacting consumer affairs and pointing out that nearly every model year of this transmision had been recalled except this particular model (simply becuase they haven't been sued enough, yet), they refused to acknowledge the problem or cover any portion of the repairs. Now a $4,500 repair is all on me. More than 10 years of producing these transmissions and they still don’t have it right. They know they are junk but refuse to do anything to address it. Absolutely unethical fraud. I will never buy another Nissan.
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2013 Altima after 5 years then after 7 years
david shank, 01/09/2018
updated 07/11/2022
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Newer models now come with back-up cameras, USB ports, and other amenities. Sound of CVT tends to bother some people but I have no problem with it, it runs great. Factory equipped with synthetic oil, keep using it. "Zero-gravity" seats are among the most comfortable seats I've found. Hands-free phone is via Bluetooth from your cellphone thru speaker system. I hear the connected party just fine, but occasionally find I am not as clear to them, the commands occasionally require repeating, there must be a placement issue with the microphone inside the car. I would buy this one again. Update: At almost exactly 6 years, I was driving on a long trip when I pulled up to a traffic light and stopped. When the light changed and I started, the engine died. It would restart easily, but every time I put it into gear, it would stall. Towed to a service facility, they could not find any error codes anywhere. They started it and shifted to reverse, it went "clunk", then ran normally. I drove it home (400 miles) without issue, put it in the shop, and couldn't find a problem. Over the next 9 months, it had 5 or 6 instances of running rough and coming close to stalling, but still ran. Each time, no codes, the dealer found no problem. Finally, just before turning 7, it was running rough again when I delivered it to the dealer, they decided it needed a transmission fix, which they did. A month later, it started acting up again, so I traded it in for a 2020 Altima. I'll find out over the next 7 years if that was a mistake. Update: It's 3 years later and there is nothing more to report on the 2013 Altima, that one's gone and will never be seen again. It's replacement, a 2020 Altima SL, has been performing flawlessly thus far, although it only has 40k miles on it. Any further reviews will be on the 2020.
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2013 Nissan Altima
Jesse, 07/04/2019
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very happy with my car, it has 155k miles with no engine or tranny issues, love the comfort and overall drive. The only issue was the breaks but it got fixed and the car has been 100% reliable. Looking at the 2019 to replace my daily commuter
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2013 Altima LEMON!
ally07, 08/07/2013
updated 08/07/2016
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I regret ever buying the 2013 Nissan Altima.
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Nissan should accept their mistake
Andy, 10/14/2015
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2013 Altima SV 2.5L in May of 2013 considering all the features and low price. Within 2-3 months of driving started to hear constant high pitch noise and the other roaring noise from the engine. Overall driving experience sucks considering vibration coming out from the CVT and person on the passenger seat also feels it. Complained about noise, vibration and CVT feel twice during warranty period and tech said everything is NORMAL(as if I was stupid to complain). At 50000 miles went back as the engine noise became more lauder and frequent. Dealer found issue in the alternator and replaced it-cost to me was $700. It should have replaced while It was under warranty. Engine roaring noise has been fixed but driving experience is still same considering CVT vibrations and high pitch power steering noise. Tech at the dealer says the high pitch noise is normal... Every single car makes it and nothing can be done about it. I mean common guys.... its 22k dollars for [non-permissible content removed] noise..!! For the price of the car I got damm good features like... moonroof, navigation, bluetooth, backup camera, remote start, keyless entry and climate control but the real feel of driving car sucks big time. Real bad job on the CVT and other engine components. Probably they made so many people fool selling all these feature really cheap covering their huge defect on the engine noise and vibration. I have 1997 nissan altima and I prefer driving that car over 2013. I am a huge fan of nissan.... but considering recent experience I won't just blindly trust the brand anymore.... !!
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bought 1st week released
kcaples, 07/10/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
55 of 87 people found this review helpful
We just bought the new 2013 Nissan Altima, bot off the presses so to speak. The first week they hit the lots! It is very comfortable to drive. It is surprisingly not a sluggish car. The thing I am loving the most is that I have put 150 miles on it and have not even burned through 1/4 of a tank of gas!
Sold the car after three months!
barry5k, 04/26/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Initially, this car had it all. It drove well, comfortable, fun to drive. Since then it has been back and forth to the dealer with the power steering whine, cvt issues, and other odds and ends. I had to deal with Nissan corporate. They were not helpful and after repeated call on my part, they admitted the problems, fixed all, but after 800 miles, everything returned. The cvt was sluggish and made all kinds of noise. I finally decided to take the loss and get rid of this car. Don't buy this car!
Don't believe everything you read
Umar K, 10/15/2016
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Let me start off by saying this, I read tooo many reviews before I bought my 2013 Altima 2.5SV. A lot of the reviews were about how bad the CVT is and it is unreliable and blah blah blah. I realized that after I bought it it just takes some getting use to. It is not like normal transmissions, transmissions usually rev up to a certain RPM and then go back down and then back up. With a CVT you put your foot down like normal, but it revs to about 4,000RPM and holds there for a few seconds, it is nerve racking at first because you are so use to it going up and down, but then you get use to it. And boy does it go, you would think that a 4cyl does not really go, but I have had cars get up behind me when I am cruising and then just put my foot down and it just goes and they become smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror. I went from a 2001 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to a 2.5, not much of an upgrade, but you really notice the difference. Nissan did a good job with getting the most out of this engine. As far as MPG goes, when I went for my first fill up I got an average of 20 something MPG and I thought boy Nissan was really being optimistic here on this one. But my next MPG I got about 38 MPG which is about that same as I got in my corolla and I was happy about that, and I am continuously getting around that ball park figure every fill up. It takes regular gas, which is good. I have owned it since August of 2016, and when I bought it it has about 34,000 miles on it, now it just hit 39,051 as of today October 14th. My commute is 100 miles a day, I live in Winchester, VA and I drive to Sterling, VA 50 miles each way. On this drive I encounter a lot of hills, which are a concern for me because I am use to having 2 and L gears in my car, the Altima only has Overdrive which works perfectly. I have yet to encounter any snow, but when I do I am sure I will be fine. The Altima handles very well on the twisty roads, Thus far I have not had any issues with it thank goodness, I have just had to get my oil change which lasts about 3,000 miles or you can put synthetic in it which goes further. I have not tried synthetic as of yet, but the standard recommended oil works just fine. Overall this car is wonderful, just takes some getting use to.
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WARNING - BUY THIS CAR - Still Love the Car 2016
airbob55, 05/16/2013
updated 05/16/2016
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 26 people found this review helpful
We looked at the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Hyundai Sonata and all were very nice vehicles, but the 2013 Nissan Altima was a sleeper. We purchased a loaded pearl white SL 2.5 with tech package. This car is great, we're averaging 33 + MPG for the last 2 months, I love the CVT transmission. this car is fast, handles like a sports car, and the ride is smooth and very comfortable, by the way the seats are the most comfortable seat my rear has ever been in. We love all the standard features. plus the 5 star crash rating. I'm not sure why the negative reviewers, but it's the internet, they must be true... Take a test ride and see for yourself... PS. My wife loves this car :)
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Which problem would you like to hear first?
jesteruno, 04/30/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
2013 Altima Lemon. When the right blinker returns to the neutral position the left blinker turns on for about 5 flashes, confusing the car behind you. Leaves got into the AC evaporator box causing a foul odor and Nissan says this is a maintenance issue, and I should avoid parking under trees. Now letÂs talk about the passenger air bag light. Apparently itÂs on a sensor and depending on what the sensor reads determines whether you get to have an airbag or not. According to the Nissan Specialist, ÂitÂs a supplemental systemÂ. so IT determines whether you smash you face against the glass. All of these issues are "normal operation" according to them. I should have bought a Honda.
Transmission and Jerking and Cut off
sallyryser, 08/12/2014
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 1 year and 2 months ago and I have 86,000 miles on it as of today. I took it to the dealership and told them what was happening and they said oh your not under warranty and the mechanic said it did not engage for him. So, with that being said I spoke to management to make them aware of the issue and I recorded what the problem was doing. They offered me a rental and a trade in value which would make my payments higher. They should fix the problem and make the customers happy.
Bought it for the MPG, very disappointed
erichards, 04/13/2013
updated 04/17/2017
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I traded in a very nice, fully equipped 2007 Altima 3.5 SE for the 2013 2.5 SV because the poor fuel mileage of the 3.5 - I was averaging 21-22 in my daily commute (125 miles round trip) - and thought the new 2.5 and its 27/38 rating would save enough on gas to justify the new car payment. I was wrong; so far I have only been able to average 26-27 mpg in driving that is about 50/50 highway/city. Otherwise in its first 3k miles the car has been otherwise just ok; the seats are more comfortable than the old one, but the whole "zero-gravity" thing is a bit of over-hype. The ride is softer, which is nice for commuting, but it gives up some of the sportyness that the SE offered to get that ride. Update @ 3 years/90k miles: while the average mpg is still not too impressive (averaging 27-ish in mixed driving), the purely highway mpg has been quite good at times. On one trip that was 95% highway I was able to squeeze 625 miles out of one tank of gas, for an average of around 36 mpg (calculated, not from the on board computer). The car definitely likes highway cruising. Aside from that, it maintains a perfect reliability record, with only scheduled maintenance and wear items (oil & filter, tires, brakes, etc.) replaced so far (knock wood). I did have the CVT fluid changed at 89k miles, but that was my choice as there is nothing concrete in the owner's manual about change intervals for the CVT. Otherwise the car is about what you would expect from a Nissan sedan; a great commuting car, but nothing to get excited about. I will add I haven't grown any more fond of the CVT than I was at the start; it gets the job done, but adds nothing to the driving experience (assuming you're into that). I'm pretty sure my next car will have either a manual or traditional automatic transmission - sorry Nissan. Update @ 4 years/110k miles. Car has continued to be totally reliable, otherwise nothing different from my last update. I have had it in for 2 recall items (spare tire & ECU re-program), and have another I need to go in for (passenger seat belt sensor - mine seems to work fine though), but all are/were minor things. I still expect to be changing brands when this one is paid for though - I have a friend who owns a newer Accord with the V6 and real automatic; it gets better all-around gas mileage and is much more fun to drive. All in all though, if you don't care about spirited driving, and just want a nice, reliable, comfortable sedan at a reasonable price, this car is a good choice.
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WORST Transmission EVER!!!!
RChallenger, 11/27/2017
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my Nissan Altima and loved it AT FIRST. I hit 42,000 miles and the transmission went out on it. I didn't even have my car a solid year. I spent $4,500.00 to replace it. 11 months later, the transmission went out on it AGAIN!!! Costing me yet another $5,000. I have spent more in repairs than I have paying this car off. If I would have known that it was built with a CVT transmission, I would have NEVER bought this vehicle. The dealership informed me, that this is the WORST year model to have bought and that they have seen nothing but problems with the CVT transmissions, in the 2013's. The transmission has a "life span" of only 42,000 to 84,000 miles before going out and needing to be replaced. The transmission is built with belts and not gears. Nissan would not replace the transmission even though they know they have had nothing but problems and complaints with the CVT transmissions. This is by far the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. I can not wait to get out from underneath this vehicle.
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Got rid of it after 3months
billmoze, 07/01/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
As previously mentioned, CVT Drivetrain sucks!! This was my first Nissan Product and most certainly my last. I took my lumps and traded it on a very nice Hyundai Sonata ( while they had their rebate offers ). That helped with the loss I took on it. I previously had a Hyundai Azera, a great Car ( for 6 years ). I just found out this morning that Nissan issued a recall on the 3.5 Engine CVT, but not the 2.5. Technical Bulletin issued just last week. I would very strongly suggest this Vehicle with a poorly designed & engineered drivetrain be avoided !!!
Nissans nightmare
Chris, 12/14/2015
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
So I leased my altma right when they came out. I have had the car for almost 3 yeas and let's say I'm glad I leased. So most don't know is Nissan has had a horrible design flaw with their new CVT. The Altimas and pathfinders have this problem but yet Nissan doesn't know how to fix it. The car will shutter like the motor is just going to jump out and run away. This has happened to my car 5 times already and nissans only answer is to throw transmissions in it. This car has had 4 brand new transmissions that were supposed to fix the problem. I have also had to have the trunk repainted twice because they don't know how to put the chrome trim on and it runs through the paint and causes the trunk to rust. I've talked to Nissan corporate several times and their best answer for the car is that they would make a note that I was unhappy with the car. By the way this car just hit 31,000 miles
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Awful
julie glazer, 11/20/2015
updated 05/30/2017
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
worst car I have ever owned. Garbage! Extremely loud cabin and cvt. Handles poorly in the rain and is very uncomfortable to get in and out of especially for older people. Overall, garbage. The moonroof leaked the first time I drove thru the car wash and their solution was to hand wash. I would never buy another Nissan, total garbage! Too many recalls to list and to top it off the service dept at my local Nissan is a joke! All around bad Nissan experience!
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4th Nissan n never again
Mo, 08/20/2015
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
3 years 50000 miles, has had a new transmission, fuel system put in already. Gets 20 mpg and doesn't always start. Biggest mistake ever. So much for the great new Altima that gets 3mpg. I should have kept my 05 altima with 120,000 miles it was better than this pos
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Steering's tough
my3cents, 08/27/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
If you're prone to carpel tunnel or if you have any arthritis in your hands, you'll probably want to find a different car. I didn't know I was in either of these categories, but I'm finding that driving this car can be real work.
Great Car if it had a Real Transmission
Scott Anderson, 02/17/2016
updated 03/09/2018
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Update: I have to hand it to Nissan the car had transmission problems and they have resolved the problems at no cost to me. The transmission was replaced and then reprogrammed. The mileage fell be 3 mpg but the car runs much better. Original Review; I bought this car and have loved the car it is comfortable good gas mileage. It is a 2.5 so I don't expect a fast car. But at 25,000 miles it got more sluggish then at 39,000 miles the transmission totally went out it started jerking on take off and would stall then jump forward pulling out from a stop light or in traffic it was just dangerous. I don't let my kids drive this car for fear for their safety. The poor transmission makes it NOT WORTH BUYING After 10,000 miles on the new transmission the car is starting to have stalling problems when I accelerate from under 25 miles per hour it randomly stalls for over a complete second and then moves slowly making it hard to calculate when changing lanes in traffic or crossing an intersection. You can't depend on it going or not. This is the same problems I had with the first transmission only the new one gets lower gas mileage and does not accelerate as quick. I have owned 3 Nissan's and would advise against buying one with a CVT transmission
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In Love With My New Altima!
Djohnson21, 10/07/2015
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2005 Nissan Altima for years with 200,000+ miles on it when someone hit me and totaled it. My immediate choice was another Altima, and I have not been disappointed! I purchased a 2013 Altima 2.5 SV off lease with 40k and I'm in love! Rides great, awesome mpgs (which I need because I commute 500+ miles a week,) and ver comfortable! Very spacious and well laid out interior, and the exterior is definetly an eye catcher! Bluetooth, push to start, remote start, and LED lights under the car that light up when you open the door are new luxuries that I'm in love with! The only complaint I really have is the interior gets dirty quick! I'm a smoker so black interior probably shouldn't have been my choice, but overall I'm very happy with this Altima! I will definitely continue to buy Nissans in the future!
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Nice Car With Nagging Issue
barry5k, 01/30/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I liked everything about this car: the looks, the mpg, comfortable seats, price. There is an annoying loud whining noise at low speeds. Been to the dealer three times and opened a case with customer care at Nissan. The specialist's answer was rude at best. He said the sound is normal and I perhaps have sensitive hearing. If this is a normal sound, why does it irritate everyone in the car and why are some Altimas noise free? If I had heard this noise I wouldn't have bought the car. Nissan's response is totally unacceptable!
2013 Nissan Altima is a winner
mrtbone13, 08/17/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/12 (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 34 people found this review helpful
To start, I traded in a fully loaded Infiniti G35xS. I absolutely loved the car, but due to the rising gas prices and the cost of owning the car, I made a decision to trade it in. There were really 2 main reasons for doing so. 1- I wanted a car that got better then 19MPG, and 2- something that wasn't as expensive to own. The Infiniti needed Premium gas and the oil changes and general car maintenance was a climbing expense throughout owning the car. I ultimately chose the 2.5SL as the features in the car are hands down better then the other trims Nissan offers. So far I'm getting 32MPG+ depending on the type of driving. Best 4 door sedan out there when getting the SL trim.
pass it over
gski1, 10/08/2013
updated 10/11/2016
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/12 (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough bad things about this car. Bought it brand new. Notice you can select the production date for the reviews...horrible quality before November 2012. After November, I don't think they've fixed anything either, but addressed the crash tests. CVT problems requite transmission repairs and replacement in 7,000 miles and still didn't work, radio replaced, heated seats didn't work, moonroof rattles (numerous repair/replacement attempts), rear deck and dash rattle, alternator replaced. If it can go wrong, it did. Took about 2K miles to start falling apart on me. Worse than the car was dealing w/nissan consumer affairs. Left me no choice but to contact an attorney who got Nissan to buy the car back. They put it on the lot as certified pre owned! STAY AWAY from Nissan.
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Big Big Big Problem - CVT
ebch, 06/01/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Hello future buyer, If you are willing to go Nissan service center at least once a month, you can buy this car. Please go Nissan forum first and check what are problems of this car. [HTML removed.] My case is RPM suddenly down to 800 RPM at 20-30 mph range, it feel like loosening power. Not always. 800 RPM means car stopped at the road with engine running. Extremely nervous situation because car bounced with bang sound from power train. Nissan have to step up to recall for CVT problem.
Worst car I've ever purchased!
mnebags1, 09/02/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 30 people found this review helpful
Researched and found Consumer Reports rates Nissan well above Toyota Camry and as I've had two Camrys with absolutely NO problems I put my faith in Consumer Reports. Took a 2013 Altima for a short, 5 mile road test on a busy road and it seemed fine. Received keys, headed home on highway and discovered a severe vibration and the car wandering all over the road. Six visits to dealer, one wheel was replaced. At highway speed it's scary to drive, must keep two hands on steering wheel to keep car in lane, keeps wandering all over road. Took car to tire dealer who found three tire rims "out of round". Have filed under "lemon law" and hopefully will go back to Toyota.
pearl white paint discoloration
franklit, 04/04/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2013 pearl white Nissan Altima about a month ago. When driving the car home from the dealership my husband and I stopped by a restaurant to eat and it was just beginning to get dark outside when my husband noticed a some light and dark stripes on the drivers side door, didn't think much about it until the next when it was light outside and could get a better look and also asked our son to look at the car to make sure he could also see the stripping or like tiger stripes and it's definately visible. We also noticed at local dealerships there were also pearl white altima's with the same discoloration on the doors. So if you are deciding to buy a Pearl White Nissan Altima BE WARE
Piece of junk
rebert, 07/05/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
Took for a short test drive and bought it. Big mistake. Should've taken it for a much longer drive. This car is JUNK! Slight wind and the car is all over the road. Pulls to left or right constantly. Engine skips under slight load. CVT is awful. Two wheels were out of round. Terrible ride and very noisey slight bumps and car soulds like it's going to fall apart. Driver seat is comfortable, but upholstery is cheap and wrinkles easily. Can't take it much longer so will trade soon.
Love the car, BUT...
jpueblo, 10/22/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Overall a great car, drives and looks great. MPG on the HWY 39+ at 7- MPH. Nice handling and smooth ride. Only problem is a mysterious brake light that keeps coming on while the car is driving. Took it to the dealer once already and it's on its way back again. Wish we never had this issue as we really like the car. If it continue will have to label it a Lemon.
A PIECE OF CRAP!
rebert, 05/01/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
WARNING! Bought based on Consumer Reports rating which was much higher than Camry. Chief auto tester came from Nissan then went back to Nissan! This car is a piece of crap! First week had vibration at highway speeds. Found three rims were out of round. Any wind affects the car and you must hold onto the wheel as it will drift all over the road. Interior is cheap as hell and the seat covering wrinkles easily. Under a slight load engine skips as it runs extremely lean. Engine and entire car is very loud. Solved problems by trading it in! WARNING!
2013 Altima - Not Quite Ready!
rtinaglia, 04/07/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Among the many continuing problems -heated seats that don't heat unformally;power sterring wine, no fix after 6 months; very hard ride -they suggested I change tires! GPS is ridiculous, Center vents can never be closed- continually run air unless you turn off system. Sensor for cabin temp is on the top of the dashboard - when ever it's sunny, even in winter it blows cold a/c air to cool no matter if the cabin is 40 degrees. rearview camera washes out in sunlight. Blind spot system is usless in wet weather - it either sees nothing or falses all of time. Nothing can be adjusted! Interior drivers area is tight - & I'm only 5-7". No passenger power seat in a 32K car! The CVT trans slips.
Problems from the start
jjhood, 08/20/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/12 (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 33 people found this review helpful
No room to type --- drove it off the lot and heard a rattle right away. Three days later discovered it was the sunroof. Took it to the dealer, they said that had it fixed after an hour and I was pleased. Drove it back off the lot and immediately heard the rattling. Looked up and saw grease stains all over my headliner from the service men. Took it back and had to leave it for the day. They said it was fixed and of course it isn't. Now it is scheduled to go back in for a third time. Then I was washing the car and noticed I have spots all over the paintwork on back door. Looks like water droplets underneath the clearcoat. This car is already full of problems!!!
LOVE my Tech loaded 3.5
magal118, 08/28/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful
Traded my much loved loaded 2008 Maxima 3.5 for a fully loaded 2013 Altima 3.5. I am not disappointed. The first day we got it we took it on an out of state trip 32.2 mpg at 70 mph. The seats are very comfortable, the drive is great, do not have to buy premium gas any longer. The 3.5 has tons of power. We put 800 miles on it the first weekend and loved every mile of it! Can not wait for more trips in the Altima. The only problem I am having is getting texts to the car, but the Bill Rapp Nissan dealership is working very hard with me to solve this problem. (and this is not that important to me, I don't text and drive anyway.)
altima is crap
nissan_is_crap, 03/12/2014
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful
3-month new, two cracks at different location. No paint damage nor dent, body just got cracks from nowhere! cheap cheap plastic!
Some Hits and Some Misses
tengineer, 01/26/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Altima is a nice car that boasts excellent interior styling and comfort. The 2.5L engine has great acceleration but the drivetrain is also quite noisy, even at moderate throttle. The drivetrain also exhibits a pronounced rumble/growl at low throttle from a standing start as the CVT seeks to keep the engine RPMs very low for maximum MPG. The cabin is quiet while crusing, but a high-pitched whine can be heard at idle and low speed driving. The AC compressor stays on even while heating; the manual gives a procedure to turn it off, but it doesn't work, so the compressor is working all the time. Highway MPG is very good, but EPA city MPG can only be achieved with very careful driving.
I love this car
Yuriy, 07/22/2015
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Altima (3.5SL with technology package) in November of 2012. Now have about 20000 miles on it. During first 1.5 years used it mostly on express ways, then mostly on the streets. Current average fuel economy is about 27.3 miles per gallon. Since the day I bought it, did not have any problems (there were some manufacturer recalls, but they were kind of preventive actions). So, I love this car and are happy with it so far...
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Amazing Car for this price range
allen729, 02/08/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My parents got the 2.5 SL fully loaded and it is an amazing car. I have an Infiniti G37 and i dont have few features that this Altima has. Like heated steering wheel, blind spot monitor, and lane departure warning. None of those options are available on my car nor the nissan maxima . And for a car that cost a little more than $10,000 less than an Infiniti thats amazing! The seats are so comfortable, honestly the only seats that i have sat on that were more comfortable was a Mercedes S550 which is more than $100,000. This cars little details really show what an amzing car it really. The lights underneath the car that light up at night, the remote start that is standard on the SV and SL.
2013 Altima 3.5 SV
fridaypm2002, 09/19/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I test drove a 3 series BMW, 4 series Audi, and the Sonata. Decided on the Altima 3.5SV. Came with all the bells and whistles, but at reasonable price when compared with BMW and Audi. The fit and trim is excellent. The car feels more expensive than it costs. The Sonata, although also very nice looking did not handle as well as the Altima 3.5 SV. Chose cloth over leather for comfort. Gets hot where I live. Test drove the 2.5 Altima. No comparison to the 3.5 for pep and go. The Altima 3.5 is very compariable to the pep of BMW and Audi. Highly recommend the Altima 3.5.
Not That Bad, All in All...
terry35022, 12/20/2014
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I read some of the comments that were posted and for the life of me, I don't experience many of the same problems that some folks are complaining about. Yes, there are some quirks with any new re-design, but any real problems have been minimal, in my case. I purchased mine used with about 32,000 miles on it and it runs nearly flawless. The first thing I did was to install a K&N Filtercharger and throw away that nasty air filter that it came with. The results were instantaneous, to say the least. The pep was back and the car greeted the extra airflow like a cat on a hot tin roof. Like some have said, there is a shudder at low speeds in the transmission, but that is somewhat normal in a CVT.
Biggest lemon don't buy!!!
Nathan Michael, 11/30/2017
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just know you're buying a car with over 70% of buyers not satisfied, ripped off or in the process of getting slammed with a hefty bill for a new CVT . And even after changing mine I still have the same problem cat currently just sitting there because I can't afford to change the transmission again. Nissan is very much aware of the situation yet does everything possible to get out of making a recall that'll make consumers happy . I'll not buy another Nissan ever
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CVT Transmission Failure
JaimeW., 10/23/2017
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima 3 years ago. It has approximately 75000 miles. Was just informed that there is some kind of recall on cvt programming for this transmission. CVT Transmission failed and needs to be replaced. The majority of consumers who purchased the 2013 Nissan Altima around the same mileage are having the same problem with the cvt transmission failing. [non-permissible content removed]
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No issues!
Jose P, 01/28/2017
updated 01/30/2020
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in June 2013. I haven't had any issues so far. It's going strong! I plan to keep it for a while. No issues with the transmission. UPDATED 01/30/19: Shifter went out at year 5 good thing I had extended warranty on the car. Dealer fix it no other issues. UPDATED 1/30/20: No other issues aside from replacing the assembly shifter last year. I had the car for 6.5 year and planning to keep it for another 8 more years.
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Altima smoothness
Anthony Matthews, 08/21/2016
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very satisfied with this car have had this car since August 2012. Still rides great no major repairs just general maintenance. Nissan fan always. Great cars for the average hard working person.
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One classy car!
drbill2, 05/15/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The previous generation of Altimas must have been put through finishing school by Nissan, as it has emerged as smoother, quieter, and much more refined than my 2010 S. The engineers have succeeded in masking much of the drone of the 4 cylinder engine. They've also succeeded in creating a car that appears and drives like a car priced in the 30s rather than the 20s. LOve the sat radio and the dual climate control also. Well done, Nissan!
LOVE THIS CAR!!
trek2, 08/05/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Altima for 5 months now and it is by far the best I have ever owned. The mpg I'm getting is better than advertised. When I stay at 60 mph or under I get near 42 mpg on the highway I thought I would be disappointed in its performance considering its a 4 cylinder, but I have been pleasantly surprised. The 4 cylinder is a bit noisy, but easily tolerable.
2013 AltimaS
art3, 10/02/2012
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned the Altima for 6 weeks and it is the smoothest running vehicle I have owned in 40 years of driving. I have driven 1200 miles so far with it and I applaud the economy and it is spot on as far as mpg advertised. If I had a few more bucks to spend I would have gotten the leather as the cloth i8nterior is ok, but not exceptional. I had rented a 2011 and 2012 Altima before and was impressed with their perfomance. The 2013 is a step above them. I bought it from a highly rated dealership(Priority) and do not expect problems, but my previous experience with them says they will get to the bottom of any problem should one develop. I believe for the money the Altima was the best choice.
Great comuter car
jasonpaul, 08/17/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car seems to be a great car for traveling, I drive 120 miles a day for work and am averaging 35.4 mpg. Im a big guy 6'0" 370 lbs and the seat are comfortable, I drove the camry and the accord and the legacy and all of them seat seemed to short in the leg area and aint comfortable. The navigation works flawlessly I would recommend this car to anyone, I love the long range it has im averaging 600 miles between fillups
WARNING - DO NOT BUY!!!
dwlund, 04/09/2013
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased 2013 Altima August 2012 - my first (and last!) Nissan. Nothing but problems. Vibration/rumbling at 1500 rpm's a nightmare. In for service on 4 different occasions - dealership would never admit to problem - stated it was characteristic of CVT. Went to Nissan HQ - they finally admitted there was a problem. Referred me back to dealership to replace belt and tensioner. Worked ok for several hundred miles, then vibration returned. Could not take any more. Traded it in for a 2013 Toyota Avalon - took a loss, but hated the car. Also had problem with heated seats, wind noise protruding from side-view mirror, noise from power steering. In other words - a real lemon!!! Nissan the worst!!!
Update to original review
erichards, 04/06/2015
updated 10/09/2018
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just wanted to update my original review & revise some of the ratings (which you can't do to the original review for some reason). In the original review (@29k miles) I said the only issues were the lower-than-expected mileage, and the brake rotors that were starting to glaze. Now with 64k miles on the car (in 25 months) I can report that aside from those things the car has been perfect. I just replaced the brake pads at 63k miles, and am about to put a new set of tires on at 64k. The mileage continues to average 27-28 mpg, although I have experienced outstanding (36-37 mpg) mileage on a few long highway trips (I got 625 miles out of one tank of gas in one instance). Overall very satisfied. Update 4/1/18, 124k miles; 5 years old now, still going strong. Did a proactive transmission fluid change at 85k miles, otherwise have only changed oil regularly, and another set of brake pads. The car has one minor issue - the shift interlock (prevents you from shifting out of park unless your foot is on the brake) starting going bad about a year ago; now I have to use the override switch (under the little square cap next to the shift lever) to take the car out of park. It is a minor PITA, but until I can get around to fixing it I can live with it, and I'm not going to pay the dealer a couple hundred dollars to fix such a minor issue. I will also add, although I have had no trouble with it, after owning two I have decided I won't buy another car with a CVT transmission. They are fine for daily driver type cars, and for people who don't really care about performance or "spirited" driving, but that's not me and there are still sedans out there with more of a performance feel to them, even if they aren't true "performance sedans" in the BMW mold. There are even a few with manual transmissions if you look hard enough.
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