2013 Nissan Altima steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 12V494000Oct 10, 201213,919 vehicles
  STEERING · SUSPENSION

  Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.

  Risk: The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 24, 2025211,000 miMOSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires

   Heard a loud pop noise from the rear of the car while backing up, steering was unstable while driving. Looked under the car and discover the right rear control arm is broken.

   NHTSA complaint #11682658 · source
2. Filed Aug 22, 2025VAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   Fuel System: Car hesitates and cut off after pumping fuel.\n' + 'Outer Tie rods torn rubber, vehicle never been realigned, but tires were worn on both front sides. \n' + 'Takata Air bag light has been on for over 2 years.\n' + 'Transmission over heats. Engine cuts back between 45 and 60 mph on the freeway. So we stop and allow it to cool off.

   NHTSA complaint #11682483 · source
3. Filed Apr 8, 202591,000 miOHSteeringSuspension

   The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under Voluntary Service Campaign: P9324 (Rear Lower Link); however, the failure recurred after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose. The contact experienced a loss of vehicle control, causing the vehicle to sway from left to right. Additionally, there was a knocking sound coming from the rear of…

   NHTSA complaint #11653366 · source
4. Filed Apr 19, 2023FLBody & StructureSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   My power steering somehow had a slow leak which caused steering wheel to lock on while driving. Also, when I turn it sounds like a clucking sound like something is wrong with my power train. When I drive my accelerator seems like it be taking its time to catch up to speed. I've done did so much mechanical work to this car and it seems like nothing is working.

   NHTSA complaint #11517956 · source
5. Filed Jun 1, 2022MNSteering

   My Nissan's right passenger side lower rearward control arm broke as I was driving and I lost control of the car and steered to the side of the road. I was lucky no car was near me or it would have been tragic. Nissan should be forced to recall all the cars with this faulty part before life is lost.

   NHTSA complaint #11467064 · source
6. Filed Apr 6, 2022123,000 miMNTowedSteeringSuspension

   The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked to the right with the traction control warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire was tilted in. Due to the failure, the contact called a tow truck and it was discovered that the rear control arm had corroded. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who linked the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V494000…

   NHTSA complaint #11459908 · source
7. Filed Feb 8, 2022MOSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires

   I took my car in for an alignment and the mechanic discovered excessive and sever corrosion on the lower suspension link in the rear, the corrosion is so bad that the entire subframe is holding on by a corroded approximately 1/2 inch section, one bump and the entire rear end of the vehicle will fall off. This car is less than 10 years old, has 80,000 miles on it and is for the most part kept in a garage. The corrosion is so bad that the car has been deemed unsafe to drive.…

   NHTSA complaint #11450992 · source
8. Filed Mar 16, 202176,680 miPRBrakesSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   On april 2018, i visit the nissan del oeste at aguadilla pr to report noise in the power steering noise, no action was taken, they just said that was normal with all nissan power steering pump. February 25, 2021 i contact nissan del oeste at aguadilla pr and notify about the issue of the power steering noise and transmission noise. Appointment for march 2 2021 was set and i notify them with problem. They told me there was not any recall for power steering pump and cvt…

   NHTSA complaint #11403331 · source
9. Filed Mar 8, 2021122,000 miGASteering

   When i get to 60 mph or above i get a terrible shaking in the steering wheel and feels like the wheel are shaking. Does not feel safe.

   NHTSA complaint #11399846 · source
10. Filed Mar 5, 2021105,000 miCTSteeringSuspension

    While driving my 2013 nissan altima on i95 at 60 mph in connecticut the right lower rear control arm broke and sent the car swerving to the right. There was a lot of corrosion on the control arm. The other control arm was cracked and damaged the frame. Overall cost to repair including new tire and alignment over $2,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11399240 · source
11. Filed Jul 4, 2020123,204 miCAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

    While driving on street, the gas pedal will no longer provide power to the car and begin to slow itself down. I will push on the breaks briefly and try the gas pedal to see if it works and it will take a few times before it does. While on the freeway the vehicle again, gas pedal would no longer provide power to the car and begin to slow itself down. This has now happened 8 separate times to the car. It will work for a few days and then do it again, with out notice. No check…

    NHTSA complaint #11337427 · source
12. Filed May 26, 20205 miNYSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires

    I was making a left turn and i heard a pop and pulled over and as i put it in park my traction control light came on so i went out to inspect what happened, checked the front normal, when to the rear noticed my driver side wheel is turned in, went under the car to look and noticed my rear lower control arm rusted and snapped off the bolt that connects it to the body.

    NHTSA complaint #11326078 · source

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