2013 Nissan Altima MPG
Across its 3 EPA-rated versions, the 2013 Nissan Altima returns 22–27 mpg city, 30–38 highway and 25–31 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive, at 31 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive and is rated 25 mpg combined. That is 5 mpg better than the best gasoline 2012 version (26 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 38 | 31 | Regular · 290 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular · 340 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular · 354 g CO₂/mi |
2013 Nissan Altima fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2013 Nissan Altima costs about $2,110 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (31 mpg combined), or roughly 14 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (25 mpg combined) comes to about $2,610 a year, $510 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2013 Nissan Altima specs
2013 Nissan Altima buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 2.5 L 4-cyl and 3.5 L 6-cyl. It came with a CVT, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a midsize car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.5 L | 6 | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2013 Nissan Altima problems
Owners have filed 2,313 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Altima with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Air bags are the most-reported area (17% of component mentions), followed by power train (17%) and exterior lighting (15%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 164 complaints a year: more than the 2012 (28 a year) and the 2014 (85 a year).
No other Nissan Altima model year from 2008 to 2024 has more complaints per year on sale.
Of the 2,313, 63 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 36 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 514 | 17% |
| Power train | 505 | 17% |
| Exterior lighting | 444 | 15% |
| Suspension | 292 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 240 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 159 | 5% |
| Engine | 158 | 5% |
| Structure | 138 | 5% |
| Steering | 96 | 3% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 61 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 54 | 2% |
| Visibility/wiper | 52 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 48 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 44 | 1% |
| Seats | 37 | 1% |
| Wheels | 36 | 1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 31 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 29 | <1% |
| Visibility | 13 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | <1% |
| Equipment | 6 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 5 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 4 | <1% |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 3 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | <1% |
| Tires | 3 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 2 | <1% |
| Traction control system | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
The contact's brother owned a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed from a stop sign, another vehicle in the left lane crashed into the contact's brother's front driver's side. …
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 15 MPH and then unexpectedly decelerated. …
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the headlights were very dim, making it difficult to see while driving at night. …
2013 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2013 Nissan Altima.
The most recent, campaign 20V315000 from May 2020, concerns latches/locks/linkages.
Air bags account for 5 of the 12 campaigns, more than any other area.
14V565000 · September 15, 2014 · Latches/locks/linkages
Problem: 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.
13V158000 · April 24, 2013 · Tires
Problem: The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.
Risk: Tires that are significantly over- or under-inflated may fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge.
13V069000 · March 1, 2013 · Air bags
Problem: Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Altima years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V315000 | May 28, 2020 | Latches/locks/linkages | 2013–2018 |
| 16V911000 | December 19, 2016 | Air bags | 2013–2015 |
| 16V244000 | April 26, 2016 | Air bags | 2013–2016 |
| 16V029000 | January 22, 2016 | Latches/locks/linkages | 2013–2015 |
| 15V681000 | October 20, 2015 | Air bags | 2013–2015 |
| 15V486000 | August 4, 2015 | Gasoline fuel system | 2013–2015 |
| 15V116000 | February 27, 2015 | Latches/locks/linkages | 2013–2015 |
| 14V138000 | March 25, 2014 | Electrical system, Air bags | 2013–2014 |
| 12V494000 | October 10, 2012 | Steering, Suspension | 2012–2013 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 2 versions of the 2013 Nissan Altima; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-door FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ |
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Nissan Altimas can be compared fairly. Among other 2013 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2013 Honda Accord (30 mpg), 2013 Hyundai Elantra (32 mpg) and 2013 Ford Fusion (29 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 34 | 393 | 23 | 3 |
| 2011 | 33 | 246 | 15 | 1 |
| 2012 | 26 | 426 | 28 | 4 |
| 2013 | 31 | 2,313 | 164 | 12 |
| 2014 | 31 | 1,114 | 85 | 8 |
| 2015 | 31 | 955 | 79 | 10 |
| 2016 | 31 | 554 | 50 | 4 |
Every Nissan Altima model year compared →
Similar 2013 models
FAQ
Is the 2013 Altima a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2013 Nissan Altima has 164 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (the most of its 17 model years), 12 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 31 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2013 Altima problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are air bags (514), power train (505) and exterior lighting (444). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2013 Altima have?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Altima get?
The EPA rates the versions at 25–31 mpg combined (22–27 city, 30–38 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Altima per year?
About $2,110 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,610 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).