How common are steering problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA lists 94 steering complaints for the 2013 Altima, which is about 4% of the 2,312 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Nissan Altima?

Yes. Recall campaign 12V494000, reported October 10, 2012, covers loose transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts on certain 2012-2013 Altima vehicles. The remedy is tightening the bolts to proper torque.

At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Altima is 23,000 miles.

Did steering problems on the 2013 Altima cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint area for the 2013 Altima shows 4 crashes and 5 injuries, with no reported fires.

2013 Nissan Altima Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 94 steering complaints for the 2013 Nissan Altima, about 4% of that year's 2,312 total complaints. There is one related recall (campaign 12V494000) covering loose transverse link and power steering rack bolts. Median mileage at failure is 23,000 miles.

Steering complaints: 94; 4% of 2,312
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 23,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the steering wheel seizing or the vehicle drifting to one side at low speed, sometimes leading to a crash into a parked vehicle.
Several owners describe a loud, high-pitched whining noise from the electric power steering system starting within a few hundred miles of purchase, which dealers called normal.
Owners report loss of steering control caused by rear control arms fracturing or snapping while driving, in some cases on both sides of the vehicle.
Some owners describe the vehicle veering in both directions and being hard to keep straight at highway speed, along with a traction control warning light.
One owner reported ordering replacement control arms on both sides after one failed, suggesting a pattern of parts wearing or corroding together.

When 2013 Nissan Altima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 30, 2012, latest Aug 24, 2025.

94 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2025 Q3; peak 2013 Q2 (11).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Nissan Altima

NHTSA 12V494000Oct 10, 2012Steering13,919 vehicles
Steering
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.

Steering complaints by Altima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201020 (5%)
201112 (5%)
201217 (4%)
201394 (4%)
201458 (5%)
201548 (5%)
201616 (3%)
201716 (4%)
201812 (5%)
20193 (1%)
202013 (8%)
20217 (10%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (3%)
20245 (12%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?: NHTSA lists 94 steering complaints for the 2013 Altima, which is about 4% of the 2,312 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Nissan Altima?: Yes. Recall campaign 12V494000, reported October 10, 2012, covers loose transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts on certain 2012-2013 Altima vehicles. The remedy is tightening the bolts to proper torque.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Altima is 23,000 miles.
Did steering problems on the 2013 Altima cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint area for the 2013 Altima shows 4 crashes and 5 injuries, with no reported fires.