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Nissan Altima harsh shifting problems

70 of the 15,497 owner complaints about the Nissan Altima describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
70
worst model year
2013
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    3
  • 2014
    9
  • 2013
    16
  • 2012
    4
  • 2010
    2
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    2
  • 2007
    4
  • 2006
    7
  • 2005
    8
  • 2004
    2
  • 1993
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CT

am submitting a formal safety defect report regarding the steering system on my 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe. The vehicle exhibits a loose and unstable steering feel, accompanied by a distinct clunking impact whenever the wheel is turned, including during low‑speed maneuvering. This condition indicates a potential failure within the steering linkage, intermediate shaft, or associated structural components. Although my VIN does not currently appear in Nissan’s recall database, the symptoms are materially similar to steering‑related defects previously documented for this model year. Under federal motor vehicle safety standards, any defect that affects steering performance constitutes a safety hazard regardless of recall status. The looseness and clunking present an unreasonable risk of loss of steering control, which could result in a crash or injury. I am requesting immediate inspection, formal documentation of the defect, and corrective action consistent with Nissan’s obligations under safety defect reporting requirements.” than you for your kind and immediate attention to the safety of your driver's. Misc is s responsible and prominent company and I know that they take care of their customers. Thank you again for your attention to this hazardous matter. 8

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Suspension · IL

I made a left turn out of my work parking lot and felt a clunk. Shortly afterward, the car started shaking violently at about 10 mph. I relocated it to the Nissan dealer near my workplace and they discovered the rear lower link/control arm was fractured from rust deterioration. I was advised that they had previously had an extended warranty for that item. I told them i was never made aware of that warranty and reached out to Nissan. They told me that because I “failed” to keep track of my warranty i was out of the window on that repair being covered. I asked how i was to know about the issue if not for the part snapping? He insisted that they sent notices (to the address i lived at when i purchased the car in 2015). He then advised that since work was already started on the car there was likely nothing they could do to offer a goodwill adjustment since I’d agreed to the repair. He advised me that i should have called before bringing the car in (to check the status on a warranty i had no idea existed). I take the tollway home. 5 minutes later and i could have died.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Suspension · KY

Car is making loud clunking noise when going over speed bumps or turning wheel when backing up. Dealer recommended replacing struts. I see they have a service campaign but my car is out of warranty barely (40,000 miles) and they will not replace. This is a manufacturer problem and should have a recall.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Transmission · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics after purchasing the vehicle and the mass air flow, spark plugs, sensor coils, and other various engine parts and catalytic converters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 8, 2025 · Suspension · OH

Nissan needs to do a recall on their rear suspensions. My 2013 Nissan Altima suspension has had some issue AFTER Nissan service bulletin for rear suspension was checked. I believe that the service bulletin that Nissan “did” or “checked“ was replaced with the same faulty parts or not checked correctly. Giving the same issue with the suspension. Prior to the rear suspension bulletin services, l had a control arm snap in half while driving. There was no knocking/ clunking sounds. Just one day it snapped and broke. While my car was being serviced to be fixed, it was at this time I was informed about the rear suspension links. After leaving Nissan that day, my car has STILL not been right to drive. Loose sterling , pulling, drifting- making it impossible to control vehicle. The rear suspension- links/ control arm/ ball joints need to be recalled and replaced.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine, Steering · AZ

Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly

Filed Nov 11, 2024 · Transmission · VA

I opened Complaint Number 11539204 on 08/17/2023 concerning issues with the car stalling, delayed shifting and gear slippage. I had the transmission replaced with a new one on 08/18/2023 at Tri-State Nissan Winchester, VA, and now I'm experincing the same issue with this new transmission. I was told that the warrenty for the enw transmission was only 12 months/12K miles. I paid over $5K for this new transmission and in a little more than 14 months, the same issues are being experienced. I was told Nissan changed their warranty on 07/2024 for their new transmissions to 36 months/36K miles. I called 1-800-Nissan-1 and got a case created, but they are not able to help in covering the cost to replace this 2nd transmission. There needs to be a recall on these Nissan's CVT.

Filed Oct 12, 2024 · Suspension · IL

Was making right hand turn and heard clunk as if hitting pothole. There was no pothole. After examining vehicle I noticed left rear wheel was out of alignment. Control arm had rusted through and broken off. I’m fortunate that I was not driving at highway speed. This is really a serious problem considering how many of these vehicles are still on the road.

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Suspension · MI

Front lower control arm bushings appear worn out with progressive clunking and severe shaking leading to unstable steering and unevenly worn tires

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · WA

2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported September 2, 1994 · 1,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The shift lever lock plate, which prevents the shift lever from being inadvertently moved from park to drive or neutral position, can be broken by the transmission shift position pin.
Risk
Inadvertent movement of the transmission shift lever without operator action can cause vehicle movement which can result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will install a bracket to prevent the shift position pin from breaking the shift lever lock plate.

Recall number 94V165000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Altima harsh shifting

Which Nissan Altima years have harsh or hard shifting problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (16 complaints), 2014 (9 complaints) and 2005 (8 complaints).

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