2013 Nissan Altima Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 49 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Nissan Altima, about 2% of that year's 2,312 total complaints. Owners most often report gas sloshing noise in the tank, incorrect fuel mileage readouts, and one fire-related crash. Median mileage at failure was 59,000; a related recall exists but targets the 2016 Nissan Maxima fuel tank retainer ring, not this Altima.
- Fuel System complaints
- 49
- 2% of 2,312
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 59,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners describe hearing fuel sloshing or knocking inside the tank, especially when the tank is close to full, while slowing down or coming to a stop.
- Some owners report actual highway fuel economy far below the advertised rating, with one owner citing 27 mpg versus an advertised 38 mpg highway figure.
- One report describes the fuel display showing incorrect remaining mileage after a full fill-up, with the dealer unable to find a cause via computer diagnostics.
- One severe case involved a crash where the vehicle struck a tree and caught fire, with the fire also reaching inside the car.
When 2013 Nissan Altima fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 27, 2013, latest Aug 22, 2025.
Fuel System recalls for the 2013 Nissan Altima
- NHTSA 15V486000Aug 4, 2015Fuel System46,846 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
Risk: If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel System complaints by Altima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA lists 49 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Altima, which is about 2% of the 2,312 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2013 Nissan Altima?
- The only related recall in NHTSA data (campaign 15V486000) covers the 2016 Nissan Maxima fuel tank retainer ring, not the 2013 Altima.
- What fuel system problems do 2013 Altima owners report most?
- Owners most often describe fuel sloshing noise in the tank, lower-than-advertised highway mpg, and incorrect fuel range readouts on the display.
- At what mileage do 2013 Altima fuel system problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2013 Altima is 59,000 miles.
- Were there any fires or crashes linked to fuel system complaints?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 fire among the 49 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Altima.