2013 Nissan Altima — Full Specifications
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The 2013 Nissan Altima is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Altima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2012 Nissan Altima: Fuel economy improves from 31 to 37 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2012 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 89 to 102 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 32 urban / 46 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 27 city / 38 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 180 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2013 Nissan Altima across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 31 mpg (US), or 30 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/38) | 180 | $2,150 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 220 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2013 Nissan Altima
Running Costs: 2013 Nissan Altima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2013 Nissan Altima at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2013 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Latches/locks/linkages (4), Air bags (4), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 20V315000, reported 28 May 2020. 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,…
- Air bags — campaign 16V911000, reported 19 December 2016. Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 16V244000, reported 26 April 2016. Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 16V029000, reported 22 January 2016. 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 12 campaigns.
Owners have filed 2312 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas are Air bags (514), Power train (505), Exterior lighting (442). Complaints include 63 reported crashes, 9 reported fires, 48 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well above the median of 232 complaints across the 17 Nissan Altima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2013 Nissan Altima
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (4 recall campaigns · 514 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Transmission & drivetrain (505 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Lighting (442 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Suspension (289 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2013 Nissan Altima's 37 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 180 g/km CO₂ figure is 60 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Altima model years we cover, the 2013 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Nissan Altima year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2013 Nissan Altima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Nissan Altima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2013 Nissan Altima: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Nissan Altima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2013 Nissan Altima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2013 Nissan Altima have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2013 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Latches/locks/linkages (4), Air bags (4), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2013 Nissan Altima?
Among the 2,312 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (514 complaints), Power train (505 complaints), Exterior lighting (442 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2013 Nissan Altima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.