2003 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 883 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 41 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 25 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 07E074000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 21, 2007
CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.
Campaign 07E063000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJul 25, 2007
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION OF LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM OPTICSAND CHANGE THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND ILLUMATED LOCATION WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 07E054000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 7, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V242000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 03V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJul 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.
Campaign 03V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeMar 11, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.
EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Campaign 03V084000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Wheels, Nov 28, 2017, crash
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON 412 IN BETWEEN SALEM AR AND VIOLA AR WHEN MY PASSAGES BACK WHEEL WELDS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. WHICH CAUSED ME TO DRIVE THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT A TREE. AND THAT'S WHEN MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 15, 2017, crash
TAKATA RECALL - I WAS TRAVELING ON THE LEFT INSIDE LANE OF A 4 LANE ROAD DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CAME OVER INTO MY LANE THUS PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE MEDIAN. I HIT A CEMENT CULVERT & CAR STILL PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL DOWN MEDIAN WITHOUT AT LEAST 1 BACK TIRE FINALLY HITTING A TREE WHICH STOPPED CAR FROM GOING INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED & THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH ME WITH MY FACE GOING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN FIREMEN ARRIVED ON SCENE & HELPED ME OUT THEY WOULD NOT ALLOW ME BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO RETRIEVE THE REGISTRATION CARD STATING THAT THEY SMELLED AIR BAG ODORS; FIREMEN & HIGHWAY PATROLMAN ALONG WITH WRECKER SERVICE MAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE INFLATED. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY LIFE THREATENING INJURIES -JUST A SORE NECK & BACK; BROKEN NOSE & 2 BLACK EYES. ALSO HURT ANKLE & HIP DURING WRECK. HAVE HAD ALL OVER BODY PAIN ALL THIS WEEK. IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN A PASSENGER SHE WOULD HAVE GONE THRU THE WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY GEICO INSURANCE. REPORTED AIR BAG FAILURE TO NISSAN; HAVE MADE SEVERAL CALLS TO THEM LEAVING NAME & PHONE NUMBER TO CALL ME; TODAY I RECEIVED A FEDX PACKAGE OF INFORMATION FROM NISSAN STATING THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTACT ME & FOR ME TO CALL THE ENCLOSED NUMBER. I DID SO & LEFT ANOTHER MESSAGE & PHONE NUMBER. AGAIN NO ONE HAS RETURNED ANY OF MY CALLS BUT THE INFO IN THE PACKAGE SHOWS THAT THEY KNOW WHAT CAR I WAS DRIVING BY THE VIN NUMBER. ...UPDATED 12/11/17 *BF *JS
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2017, crash
I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALLS FROM NISSAN AND MOSSY NISSAN EL CAJON REFUSED TO REPAIR: MOST RECENT TODAY FOR AIRBAGS
Air bags, Sep 26, 2017
NOBODY NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2017, crash
OWNER OF A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - ON 2/18/17 WHILE TAKING MY VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH IN LINDEN, NJ, I HAD MY VEHICLE ON NEUTRAL AND WHEN THE CAR WASH WAS COMPLETED, I PUT THE VEHICLE ON DRIVE AND PROCEEDED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE CAR WASH EMPLOYEES AS THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO STAY ON MY LEFT SIDE, AS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AS THE TWO EMPLOYEES PLACED THEIR TOWELS ON MY FRONT VEHICLE TO DRY OUT THE VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO JOLT TWICE WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND IMMEDIATELY MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE FRONT HOOD AND THE AIRBAG CAME OUT. I HAD TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL NOT TO HURT ANY ONE AS THERE WERE SEVERAL PARKED VEHICLES AND PEOPLE VACUUMING THEIR VEHICLES OR CLEANING OUT THEIR VEHICLES. NOT SURE HOW MANY PARKED VEHICLES WERE HIT AND MY VEHICLE HIT A PARKED SUV. AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND THE POLICE. I WAS IN SHOCKED, SURPRISED AND CRIED AND TOLD THE POLICE ABOUT MY VEHICLE TAKING OFF SO QUICKLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. ALL I KEPT SAYING IS OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? WERE THERE ANY RECALLS? I KEPT SAYING I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP JUST KEPT ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. I HAD INJURIES INCLUDING MY RIGHT ANKLE, KNEE, HEAD, NECK, SHOULDERS AND BACK. POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AND NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT AS IT TAKES A COUPLE OF DAYS. SEE ALSO ODI 10957901. *DSY
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 3, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEAD INJURIES, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER RESTRAINT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND EXTENSIVE INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED AWAY BY AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jan 27, 2016
AIR BAG SENSOR THE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN A PASSENGER SIT IN THE SEAT. THE SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED IN 4/2104 . THE OCS SENSOR CONTINUES TO COME ON AND OFF STILL DEFECTED. I HAD IT RECHECKED WHEN THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FRONT HOOD LATCH AT THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR ON THE AIRBAG WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST ME $700. I REFUSED TO PAY AND IT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF FROM NISSAN AS IT IS A DEFECTED PART NOT FROM A WEAR AND TEAR. DEALERSHIP CALLED NISSAN THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR PART BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOR. I CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD VERY CONTRADICTING ANSWERS FROM THEM AND THE REGIONAL SPECIALIST. I WILL SAY THE PEOPLE I TALKED WITH SOUNDED VERY UNEDUCATED ABOUT THE PRODUCTS AND ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS. IT SOUNDED AS THOUGH THEY WERE READING SCRIPTS AND NEVER HEARD MY SITUATION OF ALL THAT HAD OCCURRED WITH IS OCS SENSOR. I TALKED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO CALLED REGIONAL SPECIALIST AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OF WHICH REPRESENT NISSAN . I HAVE 4 DIFFERENT REFERENCE NUMBERS. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NISSAN HAS NOT BEEN COOPERATIVE OR HELPFUL AT ALL. I CONTINUE TO HEAR IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY CAN NOT HELP ME. THIS COULD BE A LAWSUIT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND THIS AIRBAG DOES NOT OPEN.
Air bags, Sep 2, 2015
THE SEATS HAD BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAN THE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY IN THE CAR WHEN THE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL AIR BAGS SUDDENLY WENT OFF. THE CAR WAS SITTING STATIONARY AND WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2015
THE SEATS WERE REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAN THE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY IN THE CAR WHEN THE SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE CAR WAS SITTING STATIONARY AND WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 5/29/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST FAILURE, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED OFF. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED. UPDATED 05/10/16.*JB
Air bags, Nov 9, 2014, crash
THERE WAS AN INITIAL RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR IMPACT, AND FRONT BUMPER IMPACT BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER. FOLLOWED BY A CEMENT BARRIER IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS DOOR AND FRONT LEFT BUMPER. THE FINAL IMPACT WAS VIA A PALM TREE PLACED AT 20 FEET BY CAL TRANS ON THE 101 FREEWAY SOUTH BOUND OXNARD, CA AT ROSE AVENUE EXIT. THE FINAL IMPACT OCCURRED ON THE FRONT LEFT BUMPER. FRONT LEFT QUARTER PANEL, AND LEFT FRONT DRIVERS DOOR. CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR [XXX]. WAS KILLED. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED WITH NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT, NO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE TIRES AND BRAKES WERE NEW WITH WELL KNOWN BRAND NAMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILURE TO DEPLOY CONTRIBUTED TO MY HUSBANDS DEATH AS HE DIED OF A HEAD INJURY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Oct 23, 2014, crash
MY HUSBAND WAS ON HIS WAY TO WORK WHEN ANOTHER CAR HIT HIM HEAD ON. BOTH AIR BAGS CAME OUT. HIS RIGHT HAND HAD A DEEP CUT ON IT. IT REQUIRED STITCHES. WE DON'T KNOW IF THE AIR BAG CUT HIS HAND OR THE CANISTER PUT THE CUT ON HIS HAND. *TR
Air bags, Feb 2, 2012
IN OCTOBER 2010 THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING, RESULT: RETRIEVED CODE B1129-RH SIDE AIR BAG MODULE OPEN CIRCUIT, NOT DETECTED AT THE TIME, CODE WAS IN PAST TENSE. MAY HAVE INTERMITTENT FAULT. CLEARED CODE AND LIGHT STAYED OFF AT THE TIME. IN JULY 2011 THE AIR BAG WAS FLASHING AGAIN RETRIEVED CODE B1129-RH AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY SAID SEAT BACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND/OR NEEDS A SENSOR UNIT . I FIND THIS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND RESPONSIBILITY, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT OR ABUSED. THE AIR BAG IS NOT A TIRE TO GO BAD, IF ONE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND REPLACED IT AT A PRIVATE PLACE THAT IS ANOTHER STORY! IT IS NOT FAIR FOR THE SAME CODE (B1129-RH) ONCE THEY JUST TURNED OFF AND ONCE THEY SAY YOU NEED TO REPLACE IT. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Feb 16, 2011
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER EXPRESSES CONCERN THAT OTHER 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES WERE NOT IDENTIFIED OR INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGNS RELATED TO THE AIRBAG/DRIVER CONTROL MODULE, AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER DUE TO THE CONTINUOUS FLASHING OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE AIR BAG RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2002. ON JANUARY 15, 2010 THE VEHICLE BEGAN DISPLAYING PROBLEMS SUCH AS DIFFICULTY CRANKING, SUDDEN JERKS WHILE ACCELERATING AND LOSS OF POWER. ON JANUARY 16, 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT LATER ILLUMINATED. TESTING REVEALED A DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. ALSO, THE O2 SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Oct 28, 2009, crash
MY CAR SHUT OF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH WAS HARD TO SEE BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS DIDN'T GIVE MUCH LIGHT AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK EITHER...I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA...THE CAR WOULD USUALLY TURN OF ON ME LIKE THAT BUT NOT A HIGHER SPEEDS...THE CAR'S ENGINE HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE IT HAD 3 RECALLS FOR IT( HEADLAMP RECALL, ENGINE EXHAUST RECALL, & ENGINE COOLING RECALL) BEFORE I HAD THIS DONE I HAD A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON WHICH CAME OUT AS P0420, P0240, AND HAD 3 P0335...AFTER I HAD THE "RECALL DONE"...A WEEK LATER MY CAR "BLEW A HEAD GASKET" AND I HAD A CODE P0300...I IMMEDIATELY GOT IT FIXED FOR LIKE $1300...AFTER THAT...2 WEEKS LATER I GOT A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON WHICH CAME OUT AS P0335, P0240, & P0420...I'VE ALSO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS...I'VE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH A REGIONAL SPECIALIST WHICH CAN'T REALLY HELP ME AT ALL...NISSAN DEALER LIKE TO TAKE MONEY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TELLS ME THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE...MY CAR STILL SHUTS OFF AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T EVEN START...WHEN THE CAR START UP IT MAKES A LOUD ENGINE NOISE...SO RIGHT NOW MY CAR SHUTS OFF AT ANY SPEED RATE NOW JUST LOW SPEEDS, I DON'T HAVE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR, ENGINE MAKES A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S SOMETHING LIKE A ROCK IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND MY CAR'S SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK. *TR
Air bags, Oct 13, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES SUSTAINED TO BOTH VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE FACILITY. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE MASSIVE LEVEL OF IMPACT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 136,000. UPDATED 10/29/09 *CN AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AT 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 10/29/09.*JB
Air bags, Apr 24, 2009, crash
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SERIOUS BODY DAMAGE SUSTAINED; TO MY NECK, A LARGE FIST SIZE LUMP ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY SKULL, SEVERE LEFT SHOULDER AND BACK PAIN, A BRUISED FOREHEAD AND ALTERED VISION IN MY RIGHT EYE; FREQUENTLY EPISODES OF DIZZINESS AND HEADACHES. MY SISTER; WHO WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS DOING THE ACCIDENT AND SUSTAINED SIMILAR INJURIES AS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY TO PREVENT PROTECTION NEEDED FROM THE DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD . I AM IN SHOCK THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. NOW SUFFERING FROM ACUTE TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, ALTERED SLEEP PATTERNS, INCREASED HYPERTENSION AND ANXIETY. REMAIN UNDER CARE OF PRIVATE DOCTOR. MY CAR WITH 20,054 MILES WAS TOTAL BY INSURANCE APPRAISER. *TR
Air bags, Aug 23, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH UPHILL, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. AS A RESULT, HE SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT INCIDENT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2006, crash
(1) CAR WAS BACKED INTO BY A HEAVY TRUCK, WEIGHING OVER 2 TONS. THE IMPACT WAS AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. CAR WAS AT REST, THE OFFENDING VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. (2) THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S WAS SEVERELY HIT. CAR WAS VIOLENTLY HIT AND HAS SUFFERED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FENDERS, GRILLE AND BACK INTO THE RADIATOR, ALTERNATOR AND OTHER BELTS. BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS HIT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAD THERE BEEN A PASSENGER, THEY TOO WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT. (3) CAR IS IN THE CARE OF THE TOWING COMPANY, WAITING THE INSPECTION OF THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER OF THE OFFENDING PARTY. *JB
Air bags, Jul 21, 2005
JUNE 01, 2005 I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON APRIL 14,2005 FROM CROWN NISSAN IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA. ON MAY 22, 2005 THE VEHICLE STALLED/ STOPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ON MONDAY MORNING I AGAIN HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. MRS. DREW TOLD ME THE TECHNICIANS THAT CHECKED OUT MY CAR HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED THERE MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS, AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, AND IF THE COMPUTER CANNOT PICK UP ANYTHING, THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX. ON THAT DAY MAY 23, 2005 I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP FROM CROWN NISSAN, AND DROVE IT HOME. ON MAY 27, 2005 WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON ME AGAIN. MY CAR ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT MORNING AT APPROXIMATELY 9:00 AM. AFTER LEAVING THREE VOICE MESSAGES, AND SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, I FINALLY REACHED MR. DAN AT 2:16 PM WHO THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS BEING ON. DAN CONTACTED THE SALES DEPARTMENT WHO AGREED TO GIVE ME CAR TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND; HE STATED HE WOULD CHECK MY CAR AGAIN ON TUESDAY MAY 31, 2005 TO SEE IF HE FOUND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HE THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS SOMEONE OUT DRIVING MY CAR THEN AND THEY HAD REPLACED A ''CRANK SWITCH'' IN THE CAR HE EXPLAINED WAS SOMETHING THAT WOULD KEEPS THE CAR FROM STARTING OR MAKES THE CAR CUT OF WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF IT BEING ON, MR. DAN SAID HE WOULD TRY TO HAVE MY CAR READY FOR ME ON THAT DAY. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT EVENING TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE, AND TURNED IN THE VEHICLE I WAS GIVEN TO DRIVE. CAR STOPPED ON SUNDAY JULY 10, 2005 AND WAS RETURNED TO CROWN ON JULY 11, 2005, WAS DRIVEN 249 MILES BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT (NO PROBLEMS DETECTED). RETURNED BACK TO M.M.PETERSON ON THURSDAY JULY 14, 2005, STOPPED AGAIN ON MONDAY JULY 18,2005 (RETURNED TO CROWN)
Air bags, May 31, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON 5/13/2005. AFTER THE PURCHASE IT WAS SENT FOR DETAILING WHILE I FINISHED THE FINANCE PAPERWORK. WHEN I RETURNED HOME (ABOUT 11PM) I SHOWED MY WIFE THE CAR. SHE NOTICED A DENT ON THE DASHBOARD COVERING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THIS DENT WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I IMMEDIATELY INFORMED THE PERSON WHO SOLD ME THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT WHEN WE BROUGHT IT IN ON MONDAY IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. HOWEVER IT IS NOW 18 DAYS SINCE PURCHASE AND WE ARE STILL ARGUING WITH THEM TO TAKE CARE OF IT, THEIR REASON BEING THAT BECAUSE IT WAS A USED VEHICLE IT WAS SOLD AS IS AND I DID NOT INFORM THEM OF THE DENT UNTIL AFTER I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. THAT IS NOT MY MAIN CONCERN. I WISH TO KNOW IF THIS "DENT" CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. I WAS TOLD BY A NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT TECHNICIAN THAT THIS DENTED PANEL IS AN ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY AND NOT A SEPARATE PART. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD INVESTIGATE WHETHER THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN (MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT) OR IF IT IS SIMPLY A DENT. IF YOU FIND THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE AIRBAG "COULD" FAIL AS A RESULT OF THIS DENT, DOES THE DEALER HAVE TO REPLACE THE PART? THE CAR STILL HAS SOME OF THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY AND I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. SINCE WE ARE WITHOUT THIS CAR AT THE MOMENT (FOR ANOTHER REASON ENTIRELY) AND ARGUING WITH THE DEALER TIME IS AN ISSUE. IF YOU COULD GET BACK TO ME ASAP, I (AND MY WIFE) WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.
Air bags, May 29, 2004, crash
TRAFFIC CRASH WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. POINT OF IMPACT WAS TO FRONT END, TOWARDS DRIVER'S SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT. FORTUNATELY, MY SON'S BELT RESTRAINTS PREVENTED INJURY. CONCERNED AS TO THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED. AS INDICATED ABOVE, IMPACT POINT WAS GENERALLY TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *LA
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2004, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AND HIT TWO VEHICLES HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJUROES. *AK
Air bags, Apr 21, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN I COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE HIT WAS FULL FRONT AND ONLY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND PASSENGER PRETENSIONER DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE PRETENSIONER DID NOT DEPLY. NISSAN IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING BUT FROM THE LOOKS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT INJURED BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IF I WAS GOING FASTER OR IF THE ACCIDENT WAS MORE SERIOUS, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD PROTECTION FROM A THE STANDARD DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG... E.G. *AK