The 2013 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered as a coupe or sedan and has a price range of $10,047 to $13,495. Numerous mechanical and quality problems make the Altima a car buyers should avoid.
2013 Nissan Altima: Quick Overview
- 2013 is the first model year of the 5th generation of the Nissan Altima, with all-new powertrains, styling, and technology.
- Reliability ratings are average, according to J.D. Power, but based on the high number of owner complaints, 2013 is the worst model year.
- Two engine choices are available, including a powerful V6 for the price.
- Fuel economy is great and ranks 3rd out of 14 midsize cars with a combined rating of up to 31 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are better than other cars, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests, and earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award of Top Safety Pick+.
- The 2013 Nissan Altima ranks 9th out of 14 midsize cars based on owner reviews. Serious mechanical problems and a lack of advanced features make the Altima a car we don’t recommend.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Nissan Altima Have?
The 2013 Nissan Altima is worse than other midsize cars, with more serious complaints than the competition. There are fewer complaints on the newer 2014 version, but transmission problems are still common.
Transmission failures are extremely common, and happen about every 55,000 miles. Nissan extended the warranty on the transmission to 10 years or 120,000 miles to cover the high failure rate. If your car is out of warranty, replacements cost over $3,000.
Broken door handles are another frequent problem. Replacing the handle is the only way to fix the issue, and costs about $190 depending on local labor rates.
Dim headlights are another complaint owners have with the car. The components inside of the headlight wear down over time and reduce the light output from the bulb, leading to dangerous situations. Replacing the entire headlight assembly costs about $800. There is a class-action lawsuit where Nissan has agreed to replace headlights, and reimburse buyers.
There are 12 recalls affecting the car, which is worse than other vehicles the same age. The recalls include loose steering and suspension bolts, an occupant detection system, spare tires, air bags, a hood latch, and a fuel-sending unit. Most serious is the fuel-sending unit, since leaking gasoline increases the risk of a fire.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Nissan Altima offers two body styles across seven trims. The 2013 Altima is an average-priced midsize car, with a range of $10,047 to $13,495, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $21,760 to $30,560. Depreciation is worse than average, dropping about 45% in value over the first 5 years.
- 2.5 is the entry-level version with 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, keyless ignition, a 4-inch driver information display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system.
- 2.5 S is next in the lineup and adds cruise control, a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, and a 6-speaker stereo.
- 2.5 SV is a sportier version with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, remote start, 5-inch infotainment screen, a rearview camera, and USB connectivity.
- 2.5 SL is the flagship model with leather seating, a 7-inch infotainment screen, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and a 9-speaker Bose stereo system.
- The S, SV, and SL models are also offered with the 3.5L V6 engine.
How Long Will the 2013 Nissan Altima Last?
A properly cared for 2013 Nissan Altima will last about 200,000 miles, which is average for the class. The main issue is transmission failures, which happen every 50,000 to 75,000 miles and will need expensive replacements. Standard annual maintenance costs are also more costly than competitors, and Repair Pal estimates them to be $587 per year.
Yes very reliable car, never had a problem with it. Let you know when you need an oil change, when you are low on gas, hands-free, back camera.
It is reliable and haven't experienced any problems with it. Maintain routine checkups to keep it in top performance.
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a very reliable car. The best thing about it is it is great on gas and is quite quick.
The transmission had been a problem in the past and I do believe there may have been a recall but I am not for sure.
It is very reliable. I have not had any problems so far. It always gets me where I need to go. It is a very safe car too.
It is very reliable and I have not had any problems with it. It is a great car and very dependable. Glad to have bought this car for me and my family.
Yes it is reliable and has not had any problems. I keep it maintained as prescribed and I has been great.
It's the most reliable car I ever had so far with no problem..May need to change tires for the snow.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology is basic in the 2013 Nissan Altima, and is lacking things found on other midsize cars from the same era.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, and 4 speakers.
- Upgrades include 5 or 7-inch infotainment screens, navigation, 6-speaker stereo, flagship 9-speaker Bose stereo, and USB connectivity.
- Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning systems.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Nissan Altima offers two reliable engine options: a 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6. Performance is good in the 2013 Altima compared to other midsize cars. The upgraded 3.5L V6 engine takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds.
- The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower.
- An upgraded 3.5L V6 is available and has 270 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Altima?
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a midsize car, offered as either a coupe or sedan. Passenger space is very cramped in the back seats of the coupe, but spacious in the sedan. Cargo space is average for the class with 15.4 cubic feet of room in the sedan and 8.2 cubic feet in the coupe. There’s enough room to fit 3 suitcases in the sedan and 2 in the coupe.
How Does the 2013 Nissan Altima Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 9th out of 14 midsize cars, based on owner reviews, the 2013 Nissan Altima is in the lower part of the class.
In first place is the more expensive Honda Accord. Reliability ratings are much better in the Accord, and the car is more engaging to drive. Where the Altima comes out ahead is with a more user-friendly infotainment system, and higher quality interior materials. Overall, the Accord will spend less time in the shop, and is a better used car than the Altima.
A close competitor is the Hyundai Sonata, which is in the same price range. The Sonata has a higher quality interior, and more advanced technology available. Where Nissan stands out is with better passenger space. Both cars are bad choices for shoppers, though, since they suffer from expensive mechanical problems.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Nissan Altima a Good Car?
No, the 2013 Nissan Altima is not a good car, based on information from 1,099 owner reviews, and 19 government and automotive websites. Positives include some up-to-date technology, and a spacious interior. The downsides are transmission failures, and a rough suspension for the class. Overall, there are better options on the market than an Altima, and we recommend checking out a Honda or Toyota if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly midsize car.