2013 Nissan Altima Latches/locks/linkages Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 10, 2026 · 60 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about latches/locks/linkages problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima, 3% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 57,293 miles. The words owners use most often: “hood latch” (22% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Hood latch: mentioned in 13 of 60 complaints (22%)
  • Included latches: mentioned in 6 of 60 complaints (10%)
  • Struck windshield: mentioned in 5 of 60 complaints (8%)
  • Flew open: mentioned in 5 of 60 complaints (8%)

At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems happen?

Based on 39 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles0 · 0%
10k–25k miles4 · 10%
25k–50k miles13 · 33%
50k–75k miles8 · 21%
75k–100k miles4 · 10%
100k–150k miles7 · 18%
150k+ miles3 · 8%

How serious are the reports?

Of 60 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.

Nissan Altima latches/locks/linkages complaints by model year

Peak: 2013, with 60 complaints
1995: 419951996: 11997: 119971998: 32002: 520022003: 42004: 120042005: 72006: 320062007: 12008: 720082009: 32010: 420102012: 22013: 602013602014: 312015: 4420152016: 222017: 1420172018: 122019: 220192020: 22021: 32021

n = 236 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearLatches/locks/linkages complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2021 Altima34%2,000
2020 Altima21%23,310
2019 Altima21%30,574
2018 Altima125%59,000
2017 Altima144%75,233
2016 Altima224%65,000
2015 Altima445%76,000
2014 Altima313%65,000
2013 Altima603%57,293
2012 Altima20%22,000
2010 Altima41%48,380
2009 Altima30%41,250
2008 Altima71%58,500
2007 Altima10%50,000
2006 Altima30%53,250
2005 Altima71%21,500
2004 Altima10%—
2003 Altima40%64,950
2002 Altima50%85,500
1998 Altima32%43,000
1997 Altima11%—
1996 Altima11%—
1995 Altima42%105,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2016, with 13 complaints
2014: 6201462015: 122015122016: 132016132017: 3201732018: 3201832019: 3201932020: 102020102021: 5202152022: 1202212023: 3202332025: 120251

n = 60 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (4)

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchMay 28, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · 1,831,818 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchJan 22, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V029000 · 846,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchFeb 27, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V116000 · 625,400 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchSep 15, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V565000 · 220,423 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Received Mar 6, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11646816

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…

Received Oct 2, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11547677

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…

Received Jul 17, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11532725
Nissan Altima
A 2023 Nissan Altima SR I photographed in Lompoc, California. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2013 Nissan Altimas have latches/locks/linkages problems?

No. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints about latches/locks/linkages for the 2013 Nissan Altima (3% of the 2,313 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Nissan Altima latches/locks/linkages?

Yes: 4 safety recalls list latches/locks/linkages. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems start?

The median reported mileage is 57,293 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about latches/locks/linkages problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?

The most frequent phrase is “hood latch”, in 13 of 60 complaints, followed by “included latches” (6).

Other 2013 Nissan Altima problems

See all 2013 Nissan Altima problems or latches/locks/linkages problems across all Altima years.