2013 Nissan Altima body & structure problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

53 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2013 Nissan Altima, 8% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 100,000 mi.

Body & Structure complaints
53
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
4
Median mileage
100,000 mi

Specific components reported

Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.

ComponentComplaints
Structure:body29
Latches/locks/linkages13
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch7
Structure2
Structure:body:door1
Structure:body:hood1

Body & Structure complaints across Nissan Altima years

22005132007206200975201114532013406520152928201714620198320212520241
Body & Structure complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k210k–30k130k–60k660k–100k10100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 20V315000May 28, 20201,831,818 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    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.

    Risk: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owner’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

  • Recall 16V029000Jan 22, 2016846,000 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    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.

    Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.

  • Recall 15V116000Feb 27, 2015625,400 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    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.

    Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-565.

  • Recall 14V565000Sep 15, 2014220,423 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013. In the affected vehicles, interference between the hood inner panel and the secondary latch lever, in combination with debris and corrosion, may cause the secondary hood latch to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

    Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed. If significant corrosion is observed, the latch assembly will be replaced. This repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 21, 2026PABody & Structure
    On XXX, at approximately 5:00 a.m., my son was driving my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL (VIN [XXX]) to work at approximately 55 mph when the hood unexpectedly flew open while the vehicle was moving. The vehicle had approximately 156,000 miles. The hood came up into his field of vision and significantly obstructed his view of the roadway, creating a serious safety hazard. Fortunately, he was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The incident caused substantial damage. The hood…
    NHTSA complaint #11765915 · source
  2. Filed Jan 17, 2026NYBody & Structure
    My 2013 Nissan Altima SV is subject to NHTSA safety recall 16V-244 for a defective hood latch that can corrode, bind, or fail. I brought my vehicle to a Nissan dealership to have the recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the recall repair and attempted to charge me, stating they could not access the hood because the hood release cable is broken. The hood release cable failed as a result of the defective hood latch binding, which is the subject of the recall.…
    NHTSA complaint #11711595 · source
  3. Filed Aug 5, 2025MNBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    The hood flew open upon entering the freeway. Could not see anymore going 60 mph. Had to pull over and bend the fenders back to close the hood. Afraid this will happen again. The latch was recalled before this happened and the dealer sprayed it and said it was safe to drive which it was not. They said nissan would not cover any repairs that are now needed to the hood and fenders.
    NHTSA complaint #11678592 · source
  4. Filed Mar 6, 202568,420 miMDBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood slightly opened and was flapping. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was taken back to NTB Tire & Service Center, where the hood was forcefully pushed closed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11646816 · source
  5. Filed Jul 29, 2024NYBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers
    While driving on a highway at 65 mph, the hood of the car completely opened. When attempting to close it, The latch that holds the hood wouldn't hold it at all. There were no warning lights, when I called the dealership they said that because there were no recalls on it currently, they couldn't do anything. The hood completely blinded us and dented the roof and sides of our car.
    NHTSA complaint #11605048 · source
  6. Filed Jun 10, 2024124,000 miNYBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the wheels were misaligned and had detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a detached passenger’s side rear lower control arm due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact was…
    NHTSA complaint #11593532 · source
  7. Filed May 28, 2024INBody & Structure
    I have contacted 2 dealerships about fixing the recall and nobody will call me back to schedule to fix. All they say is they will talk to the shop manager, and I never hear back. Now the hood is constantly stuck or not opening.
    NHTSA complaint #11590974 · source
  8. Filed Dec 18, 2023ILAirbagsBody & StructureAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Hello, I took my Nissan Altima into my local Nissan dealer for a hood latch recall on 11/13/2023. On 11/21/2023 at about 6:40 pm I was driving my car at a speed of maybe 45-50mph and my hood flew open hitting my windshield causing damage to my car, and scaring my son and I. I called the dealer the next morning and spoke to Anthony from the service department regarding this situation, and he stated a faulty latch could have been put on my car, causing this to happen. I sent…
    NHTSA complaint #11560640 · source
  9. Filed Oct 3, 2023125,000 miNYBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear control arm fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic confirmed that the control arm had fractured. The contact was informed that the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11548076 · source
  10. Filed Oct 2, 2023151,000 miILBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood opened independently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had received the notification and the manufacturer informed the contact that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11547677 · source
  11. Filed Jul 17, 2023CTBody & StructureEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the hood failed to open as needed. The vehicle was also leaking anti-freeze. The contact was unable to open the hood to check or add coolant. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the contact was as unaware of the repair performed on the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V315000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The…
    NHTSA complaint #11532725 · source
  12. Filed Apr 23, 2023MNBody & StructureSuspensionWheels & Tires
    While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph the car seemed to lose traction and the slip indicator light appeared. Once able to safely look at the vehicle it was noticed the rear wheels were not aligned and the lower rear control arm had snapped.
    NHTSA complaint #11518541 · source

Other 2013 Nissan Altima problem areas

Back to all 2013 Nissan Altima problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology