Since its U.S. debut for the 1993 model year, the Altima midsize sedan has helped Nissan take on competitors, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Even in today’s SUV-focused world, the Altima remains one of Nissan’s best-selling cars. In 2024, the company sold almost 114,000 examples in the U.S. This popularity extends to the used car market, where the Nissan Altima ranked the 14th leading pre-owned vehicle last year, according to iSeeCars.

The Altima has many advantages, including a spacious interior, a stylish exterior, and affordable pricing. Yet lurking below these favorable characteristics lies a reputation for expensive repairs. In particular, the 2013 through 2018 model years have widespread reports of issues with the transmission, suspension, and other critical systems. An Altima Coupe was also offered for 2013.

Yet despite these well-known problems, these Altimas remain popular thanks to competitive pricing and widespread availability on used car lots. Buyers focused more on the immediate bottom line than on long-term costs are attracted to these problematic Altima years. To better understand this preference and why it’s not a wise approach, we’ll examine what makes the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima an unpredictable choice.

Why the Nissan Altima Is a Popular but Risky Choice

Even as a new car, Nissan positioned the Altima as an affordable alternative to the Camry and Accord. This pricing advantage continues with pre-owned Altimas. Using Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and the 2016 model year and base trims as examples, here’s a pricing breakdown comparing the Altima to its core rivals.

Used Altimas sell for about one-third of the original MSRP, while the Camry and Honda retain more than half of their original value. Again, looking at the 2016 model year, this Nissan has other advantages over the Toyota and Honda.

This base 2016 Altima has EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, which matches or beats the Camry (25 mpg city/35 mpg highway) and Accord (27 mpg city/37 mpg highway). The 2016 Altima also excels inside. In particular, with 45 inches of front legroom, this Nissan significantly outstretches the Camry (41.6 inches) and Accord (42.5).

On paper, the fifth-generation Altima (2013-2018) is appealing. Lower pricing, excellent fuel, and a spacious interior are precisely what shoppers want in a family-friendly sedan. However, this car’s reliability ratings dim its shine. Over its six-year lifespan, the fifth-generation Altima has an average Consumer Reports reliability rating of 45 out of 100, compared to 73 for the Camry and 62 for the Accord from the same model years. In fact, the Altima’s questionable reliability is one of the key reasons that Consumer Reports calls this generation of Altimas “a lackluster choice, ranking below virtually all of its competitors.”

Model Years to Avoid: 2013–2018 Nissan Altima Reliability Issues

Turning to data from CarComplaints.com, we see that troubles spike for Altima starting with the 2013 model year. In fact, the website calls the first year of the fifth-generation Altima one to “avoid like the plague.” This unfortunate designation continued through the 2015 model year. The 2016 Altima isn’t much better, earning “clunker” status.

To put this into perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received almost 2,300 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Altima, while the same-year Camry had fewer than 300 reports on file. That also reflects that Toyota sold 25% more Camrys than Nissan did with the Altima that year.

It’s not unusual for the first year of an all-new generation to have its share of problems. However, automakers usually work out these first-year gremlins soon after. For example, 2013 also marked the debut of the ninth-generation Honda Accord, which received over 1,300 complaints through NHTSA that year. Meanwhile, Altima owners continued to face problems, primarily through 2015. The trouble mainly concerns the car’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is covered in the next section.

Yet transmission issues weren’t the sole source of problems for the Altima. Data shows that the fifth generation had its share of suspension issues, excessive oil consumption in the engine, brake problems, and other issues.

CVT Transmission Failures Before 100K Miles

The heart of the fifth-generation Altima’s reliability issues stems from its continuously variable transmission. Although a CVT transmission was used in the previous Altima, this version was reworked to maximize fuel economy. Rather than traditional gears, CVTs use a belt and pulley system to transfer power to the wheels. This simpler setup translates into greater efficiency. While Nissan engineers appeared to upgrade the Altima’s fuel economy, these efforts came at the expense of reliability.

Common CVT-related issues reported to CarComplaints.com include transmission shuddering, delayed acceleration, and outright failure of the unit. Of course, no vehicle system will last forever, but what’s particularly worrisome about this CVT is the early onset of problems. Numerous Altima owners reported transmission problems before their cars reached the 100,000-mile mark. Although these troubles occurred primarily in the 2013 through 2016 model years, the 2017 and 2018 Altimas weren’t immune to CVT troubles. What makes matters worse is that CVT repairs aren’t usually cheap. Owners indicated that the fixes typically cost $3,500 or more to get back on the road.

Common Suspension Problems and Premature Wear

While the CVT transmission receives much attention regarding the Nissan Altima’s reliability, suspension issues also play a role. Numerous 2013 Altimas were involved in a recall for loose suspension bolts, which affected safe driving. Beyond this trouble, the fifth-generation Altima is also known for premature wear of various suspension components, including the control arms and bushings. NHTSA data shows numerous owner reports indicating that suspension components have failed while these vehicles were being driven.

Replacing suspension components isn’t cheap, either. RepairPal indicates that replacing both front lower control arms on a Nissan Altima can cost as much as $1,600. These components should usually last at least 80,000 miles, but reports indicate these problems can arise as early as 20,000 miles.

Warning signs of control arm failure include a clicking or clunking sound when turning, a vibrating steering wheel, and uneven tire wear patterns. The car may also pull to one side when in motion. Driving with a defective control arm is a safety hazard.

Repair Costs vs. Resale Value: When Savings Disappear

It’s easy to be tempted by the Altima’s lower price when shopping for a second-hand sedan. As mentioned, an Altima can be considerably cheaper than a Camry or Accord. Depreciation can undoubtedly be a friend to the used car shopper, but ignoring other factors when considering a 2013-2018 Altima can become a financial trap.

Let’s refer back to the previous example of a 2016 Nissan Altima. You’ve decided to purchase one for $8,500, saving $4,000 or $5,000 over an equivalent Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Not long after, the Altima’s transmission needs replacing, which, at best, might run $3,500. The savings from not buying a Camry or Accord are quickly dashed. Then, there’s the possibility of having to have the suspension repaired. Add another $1,500, for example, to the total, and you’re even worse off. If both scenarios occur, you’ve sunk over half the car’s value into repairs.

How an Auto Protection Plan Can Help Nissan Altima Owners

Whether you already own a 2013-2018 Nissan Altima or are considering buying a used Nissan Altima, despite the risks, there is a way to safeguard yourself against costly repairs. This comes as a Nissan extended car warranty, also known as an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract. This coverage takes over when the original factory warranty has expired.

For instance, Endurance offers auto protection plans that start at affordable monthly rates, depending on your vehicle’s condition and your financing. Get essential powertrain protection that covers the engine, transmission, and drive axles. You can also upgrade coverage for the suspension, braking, air conditioning, electrical, steering, and other systems. Meanwhile, Endurance Supreme is an exclusionary plan that provides protection most similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that accompanies a new car. Keep in mind that Nissan’s original bumper-to-bumper warranty only lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. Any factory protection for a 2013-2018 Altima has long since expired.

Endurance Warranty plans offer numerous benefits:

• 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing,
• Choice of any licensed facility for covered repairs, including dealership service departments
• Rental car reimbursement
• Trip interruption protection
• Flexible payment plans
• Guaranteed rate-lock for the plan term
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Options for commercial-use, high-mileage, or modified vehicles.

All Endurance plan holders are also eligible for a year of Elite Benefits. Just pay a small activation fee for access to perks worth up to $2,000. These extras include tire repairs or replacement, key fob replacement, collision repair discounts, and windshield repair coverage.*

Endurance Can Protect Your Nissan Altima and Most Other Cars

Learn how to drive a Nissan Altima with peace of mind thanks to a vehicle protection plan from Endurance. Request a FREE quote or see your price now through our online store.

Customized coverage options are also available through an Endurance plan advisor. For personalized help, please call (800) 253-8203.

Stay on top of critical automotive news, repair advice, extended warranty insights, and other topics by reading the Endurance blog.