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: electrical system
89 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2021
I NOTE SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS HAVR RECALLS ON CAMSENSOR AND SPEEDSENSONSOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE ROAD CAM SENSOR WAS CHANGED BUT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE YEARS DOES THE SAME MECHANIC SAYS FAULTY PLASTIC CLIP. ALSO VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED IVER RESTARTED TO GET IT TO RESET OTHERWISE CAR WILL RUN IN LOW GEAR AT HIGH RPMS.. I NOTICED RECALLS ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA FOR FOR THESE SENSORS. HOWEVER NOT THIS MODEL ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 29, 2020
ENGINE OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN HEATER IS ON CAR POWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. BATTERY DIES AND BATTERY DRAINS WHEN CAR IS OFF
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS (BEDFORD NISSAN, 18115 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146, (855) 981-4531) AND (GANLEY'S MAYFIELD NISSAN, 6060 MAYFIELD RD, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH 44124, (440) 449-9500). BOTH DEALERS STATED THAT THEY COMPLETED RECALL REPAIRS, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONDITION WAS THE SAME AS PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH A DIAGNOSIS TO REMEDY THE FAILURE FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A TUNE-UP BUT, MONTHS LATER, IT CONTINUED TO FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL DETAILS, VIN, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2016
EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE/REPAIR ON THIS CAR IS LINKED TO RECALLS, BUT NISSAN IS DENYING THIS & REFUSING TO HELP. THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS BUT EVERYTHING THAT'S FAILING IS RELATED. IT HAS DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC W/ MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE & NO ONE FROM NISSAN IS CONCERNED!!!! BUTTERFLY SCREW/VALVE ISSUES, CAM/CRANK SHAFT ISSUES--RELATED TO ENGINE COOLING, HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION; ALTERNATOR FAILING; OIL LEAKING
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 31, 2016
NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AN MY 03 NISSAN DIED AN WOULD NOT START BACK IT DOESN'T TURN OVER. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 1, 2016
LOSS OF ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OPERATIONAL AFTER MANUALLY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM, CRANK CAM POSITION SENSOR, AND CAM POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ; BREAK DOWN HAPPENING DAILY ANDSERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME UP UPDATED 04/24/18*JB *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2015
LIKE MANY OTHERS MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING. IT READS NO CODES. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN I COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR IN HAVING TRAFFIC. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY STATE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A PROBLEM TO THIS AFFECT AND IT WAS ALREADY FIXED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2007. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVEABLE! ALSO LIKE MANY OTHER MY FLOOR BOARD HAS RUSTED. I HAD A PATCH REPAIR TO PASS INSPECTION. THIS CAR IS A SAFTEY HAZORD. AFTER READING NUMEROUS REPORTS THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SITUATIONS OF CUTTING OFF IN TRAFFIC! I HAVE NOT READ ANY FATALITIES YET THANK GOODNESS! RECALL THIS CAR BEFOR SOMEONE IS KILLED!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 28, 2015
CAR BEGAN TO IDLE ROUGHLY AND WAS HARD TO START. REPLACED OXYGEN SENSORS WHICH DID NOT CURE SYMPTOMS. WAS TOLD THAT THE 2 PRE-CATS (CATALYTIC CONVERTERS) NEEDED REPLACED. MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO RECOMMENDED. REPLACED AND PROBLEM PERSISTED. HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH NOW SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. RAN CODES MYSELF WITH OBD-II TOOL AND FOUND CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS TO BE FAULTY. I HEARD OF A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE; EVEN DESCRIBED MY SYMPTOMS EXACTLY. EVEN THOUGH MY YEAR MODEL AND CAR WAS RECALLED THE NISSAN OF FORT WORTH SERVICE DESK TOLD ME MY VIN # WAS NOT COVERED. MY CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AS ALL OF THE OTHER NISSANS MADE IN THIS YEAR RANGE AND THE SAME FAULTY CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS BUT FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON MINE ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS. HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE. I HAVE REPLACED A LOT OF PRICEY PARTS ALL WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY REPLACING THE SENSORS. EVEN IF I HAD TO PAY FOR THE CRANK AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BAD IF I HAD NOT PAID OVER $3000 IN REPAIRS TO OTHER STUFF THAT MAY NOT HAVE NEEDED REPLACING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 20, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN MY CAR SHUTOFF ALL OF A SUDDEN. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND CARS WERE WHIZZING BY ME . FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THAT SEEMED LIKE FOREVER, THE CAR STARTED AND I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THEN ONCE I MADE IT OFF THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I MADE IT BACK HOME BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START PROPERLY. IT COMES ON AND THEN SHUTOFF OR STAYS ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN MAKES A SOUND LIKE ITS GOING TO CUTOFF IF YOU PUT IT IN GEAR. FINALLY HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSORS BASED ON THE CODES. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. THESE PARTS SEEM TO CONTINUOUSLY GO BAD AND ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE. I HAVE LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 13, 2015
CAR STALLED TWO TIMES WITHIN 20 MINUTES WHEN SLOWING CAR DOWN TO MAKE A TURN. MEINEKE AND PAUL MILLER NISSAN OF FAIRFIELD, CT IDENTIFIED THAT PARTS 23731-AL61A (CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT SENSOR) AND 23731-6J90B (CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) NEED TO BE REPLACED. THESE SENSORS WERE PART A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE, YEAR AND MODEL OF CAR THAT I OWN. NISSAN N.A. CLAIMS THAT MY VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. 630,000+ VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY. ON LINE COMPLAINTS SUGGESTS THAT THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT KEEPS RECURRING BUT NISSAN HAS NOT EXPANDED THERE VIN REGISTRY TO INCLUDE ALL CARS THAT ARE AFFECTED. SPOKE WITH NISSAN N.A. CASE EXPEDITER WHO STATED MY VEHICLE VIN WAS NOT ON THE AFFECTED LIST ALTHOUGH MY COMPLAINT WAS THE SAME AS THOSE VEHICLES ON THE LIST. NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT TELL ME WHERE MY PART WAS MADE AND WHERE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS WERE IN FACT MADE. CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS INTERNAL NISSAN INFORMATION THAT THEY HAD NO OBLIGATION TO GIVE ME. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 19, 2015
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LITE CAME ON , CAR RUNS SLUGGISH , STALLS WHILE RUNNING AT SLOW SPEED, PUT ON COMPUTER STATED CAM SHAFT IGNITORS/SENSORS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2015, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY HUSBAND AND 3 GRANDCHILDREN AFTER HAVING DINNER NOTICED SMOKE AND EXITED THE ROAD WAY TO FIND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER HOOD, THE INSIDE OF CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE BEFORE WE COULD EXIT, WE CALLED 911 AND THEY RESPONDED, THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED FROM AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WAS ALL WE WERE TOLD, THEY TOWED THE CAR AWAY WITH OUT ANY INVESTIGATION, WAS WONDERING IF ANY RECALLS HAVE CAUSED THIS? THE CAR IS AT LAUZONS TOWING IN MALONE NY, ALL WE COULD THINK OF AT THE TIME WAS TO GET THE CHILDREN OUT OF THE COLD AND OFF THE HIGHWAY THEN TO SEEK WHAT HAD CAUSED THIS. IM WRITING IN HOPES TO MAYBE GET SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. HOPING TO HEAR BACK FROM SOMEONE SOON ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Nov 15, 2013
I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO GO AND MY CAR STALLED OUT. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT'S DUE TO CAM AND CRANKSHAFT SENSORS. DROVE THE CAR TO WORK TODAY THE CAR STALLED OUT AGAIN COMPLETELY SHUT ITSELF OFF. ONCE AGAIN HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE RODE THE BEST I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF AND THANKFULLY IT TURNED BACK ON. CALLED NISSAN TODAY SPOKE WITH A CONSUMER AFFAIRS SUPERVISOR NAMED [XXX] AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT MY VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS CLAIM ON CRANKSHAFT SENSORS AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FORWARD MY INFORMATION TO A REGIONAL OFFICE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SEE IF THEY CAN GET THEM TO PAY FOR THE PARTS BUT IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE TO GET A DIAGNOSTICS REPORT DONE ON THE CAR AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS REPORT AND THEY WILL NOT WAIVE IT FOR ME AND IN ORDER TO GET APPROVAL FOR THE PARTS I HAVE TO GET THE DIAGNOSTICS REPORT. SO THEY TRANSFERRED ME TO A DEALERSHIP IN ALBANY NY A NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SPOKE WITH A GUY NAMED ED HE SAID THEY WOULD NEED MY CAR FOR 24-48 HOURS AND CAN NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A RENTAL, CAN NOT WAIVE THE DIAGNOSTICS FEE AND THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET MY CAR IN UNTIL AWEEK FROM NOW. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO END UP BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED IF NOT KILLED BY THIS MALFUNCTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2013
WHEN I WAS CAME HOME FROM SHOPPING I STOP CAR AND SWITCH OFF AND GO HOME AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN GOING TO SOME WHERE BUT CAR TAKE TIME TO START AFTER FEW SECOND CAR START. TRY 3 TIMES SAME. NEXT DAY GOING TO WORK AND SAME STARTING PROBLEM START CAR AND GOING ABOUT 1 MILE DRIVE POWER CUT OFF AND LUCKILY NO ONE BEHIND ME ABLE TO GO ON SIDE BECAUSE CAN NOT DO ANYTHING NO BRAKE NO GAS GOD HELP ME AFTER ONE MINT START CAR AND RICH WORK ABOUT 2 MILE . AT WORK WE HAVE MECHANIC HE HAS SOFTWARE FOR CAR DIAGNOSIS HE CHECK AND TOLD ME CODE P0340 FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WE CHANGE ONE BOUGHT FROM DEALER AFTER 2 HR GOING HOME SAME PROBLEM STARTING. MECHANIC RESET AND GO HOME NEXT DAY GOING TO WORK SAME THING HAPPENED POWER SHUTOFF ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 ABLE TO PARK ONSIDE AND START AGAIN AND DROP TO REPAIR SHOP. HE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME YOU HAVE TO CHANGE ANOTHER CAMSHAFT SENSOR AFTER WOK FINE FOR UP TO NOW. BUT THEY RECALL SOME CAR BEFORE FOR THIS PROBLEM IF I WAS IN HIGHWAY THEN WHAT HAPPENED DO YOU THINK I WILL ABLE TO WRITE NOW OR DIE. CAN YOU CHECK ON THIS AND DO SOMETHING OTHERWISE SOME ONE DIE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 28, 2012
MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND NOT PRODUCED FULL ENGINE POWER WHEN PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NISSAN SERVICE REPAIR (AUGUST 2011, ~94K MILES). NISSAN RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR CRANK/CAM SENSORS HAD FAILED. PAID $430 TO REPLACE CRANKSHAFT AND CAM/CRANK SENSORS. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2012 (~110K MILES) WHERE I EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT ISSUES ALONG WITH REDUCED ENGINE POWER WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. ANOTHER LOCAL MECHANIC DETECTED THAT THE CAM/CRANK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL #03V455000, WHICH DESCRIBES THE EXACT SYMPTOMS THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING. I CALLED THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT REPLACED THE SENSORS IN 2011 WHO SAID THAT MY VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO I DIDN'T QUALIFY. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE FOR THIS SPECIFIC YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, IT IS BEYOND ME HOW NOTHING HASN'T BEEN FLAGGED ABOUT THIS BEING AN ISSUE. ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS (MULTIPLE TIMES) YET THEY ARE TOLD THEIR VIN'S DON'T QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL?? SOMETHING IS FISHY THERE. OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: ODI ID NUMBERS: 10416743, 10384742,10370526,10342438,10332467, 10318898, 10318045, 10314479, 10283487, 10278805. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE OR LIGHT THAT CAN BE SHED ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2012
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE MAKING THIS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR IS TO KEEP THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW, REACH OUT AND OPEN THE DOOR, THEN CLOSE WINDOW, SHUT OFF CAR, AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. IN AN EMERGENCY IT WILL BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THIS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN FURTHER INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 25, 2012
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING, THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND SHE NEARLY RAN OFF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS COMING AND SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH NO INCIDENT. I PULLED THE CODES AND FOUND IT TO BE THE P0335 (CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) AND P0725 (ENGINE SPEED SENSOR). AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB, IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000, NISSAN RECALL NO. R3022 THAT STATES EXACTLY WHAT DID HAPPEN - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE REMEDY IS THAT A DEALER REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. SO, I CALLED NISSAN, FOUND THE OTHER RECALL THAT IS RELATED TO THE SENSOR, TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (BARELY - I DROVE AND THE CAR STOPPED TWICE - AGAIN, LUCKY THERE WAS NO CRASH). THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIX THIS RECALL BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS BAD. NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK AND PICKUP THE CAR AND PRAY AGAIN THAT I DON'T HAVE A CRASH COMING HOME. SEEMS TOTALLY UNREASONABLE THAT NISSAN WOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM - THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - FOR, AMONG MANY OTHERS, 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND YET THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THESE CARS THAT NISSAN WON'T FIX. I WAS LAID OFF AND CERTAINLY CANNOT AFFORD A $300 FIX FOR A $40 PART SO WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE THIS DEATH CAR UNTIL I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT FIXED. AND PRAY EVERY TIME I GET IN IT THAT WE DON'T END CRASHING THE CAR, HURTING MYSELF, MY YOUNG TWINS, MY OLDER DAUGHTER OR ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A SEVERELY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE ALL CARS - NOT JUST A SELECT FEW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 24, 2012
MY AIR CONDITIONER HAS ALWAYS BEEN RUNNING EVEN WHEN THE BUTTON HAS BEEN OFF. I'VE ASKED THE DEALER MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY SAID IT'S FINE. NOW ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO MY AIRCONDITIONER WON'T GO ON, IT'S INTERMITTENT BUT IF IT DOES GO ON IT ONLY WORKS FOR 5 MINUTES. I FINALLY PAID THE 129.00 TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE INTELLIGAN POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE HAS FAILED. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN MANY OTHER NISSANS BUT NOT THE ALTIMA. DURING A SEARCH I FOUND LOTS OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TRIED CONTACTING NISSAN BUT THEY DON'T CARE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 19, 2011
VEHICLE HAS STALLED - ENGINE STOPPED - IN TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS ARE THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THESE PARTS. IT IS ABSURD THAT THE SAME PARTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR OTHER ALTIMAS BUILT IN THE SAME YEAR, YET SEVERAL VINS, INCLUDING MINE, WERE EXCLUDED. THE RECALL FOR MY VIN WAS TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER TO PREVENT THE FAILED PARTS FROM TELLING THE COMPUTER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. THIS RECALL HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY BUT ALSO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE INTERNET BY OTHER DRIVERS. WHEN WILL THE NHTSA STAND UP FOR THE CITIZENS IT WAS CREATED TO PROTECT? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, May 18, 2011
THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES; I PARK MY CAR (TURN ENGINE OFF) DO GROCERIES, SHOPPING, ETC, COME BACK, I TURN THE CAR ON AND THE CAR IS LIKE STALLING, LIKE ITS IDLE BUT YOU CAN FEEL THE SHAKING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE ON THIS SITUATION. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, TURN IT BACK ON AND STILL THE SAME SITUATION. I HAVE TO WAIT 3-5 MINUTES WITH ENGINE OFF, THEN I TURN IT ON AND THE CAR STARTS WORKING NORMAL. THERE IS NO "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS IS HAPPENING TIME TO TIME. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT COULD BE SOMETING WITH THE GASOLINE IN THE TANK, THAT IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I LEFT MY TANK ALMOST TO EMPTY AND LOAD A NEW TANK, DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND STILL DOES THE SAME. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, ASKED FOR ANY RECALLS ON MY CAR'S MODEL/YEAR. THEY SAY NO RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL. I STARTED SEARCHING FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND I READ A FEW ARTICLES THAT THE '02 MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES, ALSO THAT THE SAME '03 MODEL IN CANADA HAS BEEN RECALLED AND SERVICED FOR SAME ISSUE. ALTHOUGH I CANNOT PROVE THAT WHAT I READ IS TRUE, I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CHECKED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP MAINTENANCE CENTERS SINCE THERE IS NO ALERT SIGNS ON THE DASHBOARDS.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I GO IN REVERSE AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR CONTINUES TO GO IN REVERSE. STALLS WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT SPEEDS UP WHEN I STEP ON THE BREAKS, I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BREAK TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, WHEN IT DOES THE CAR STALLS EVEN MORE. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY GAVE IT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED THAT THEY ENTERED A CODE FOR THE SENSORS, BUT WERE NOT SURE IF THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO NISSAN MECHANICS SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2007 AND IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING IN 2010. THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND IT CONTINUES TO STALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2010
CAR WAS SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL DAYS AGO. I HAVE RESEARCHED BRIEFLY ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER MODELS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COVERED ON A RECALL; HOWEVER, NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5S APPARENTLY IS NOT RECALLED IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Tires, Aug 16, 2010
I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES ON MY 2003 ALTIMA IT HAS ONLY 78,000 MILES ON IT . I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES THE TIRES SOUND LIKE THEY ARE COMING APART. THE HEADLIGHT LENS ARE TURNING FOGGY AND YELLOW CUTTING DOWN ON THE HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY. MOTOR BUSING WENT BAD CAR WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. ALTERNATOR WENT BAD AT 50,000 MILES. DRIVER DOOR HINGE IS BAD WANT STAY OPEN IF CAR IS A LITTLE UNEVEN. HAD TO REPLACE CRANK SENSOR CAUSE CAR WOULDN'T START AT AROUND 65,000 MILES THE DEALER SAID THERE WERE NO RECALL ON ANY THESE PROBLEMS. *TR