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
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE DEALER CHARGED HER $190.13 TO REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. SHE THOUGHT THE COST WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL AND FELT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. NO FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 57,300 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS INAPPLICABLE.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2007
ON SEVERAL INSTANCES THE ENGINE CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. EVENTUALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INFORMED ME OF RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPROGRAM THE ECM. ALSO, THEY FOUND ERROR CODES P0725 AND P0335. THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO REPLACE MY CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR (AT MY COST -- THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL). AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED THE RECALL WORK, THE CAR STILL STALLED THAT VERY DAY ON THE WAY HOME. TOOK THE CAR TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS CLEARED BY MECHANIC AND HAS NOT LIT UP AGAIN, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING AGAIN. THIS SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SYMPTOMS WHICH LED TO THE RECALL OF THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER 2002, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE 2002 RECALL. THE 2003 RECALL ONLY CONSISTED OF REPROGRAMMING THE ECM -- WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS THE VEHICLE STILL CUTS OUT AT RANDOM TIMES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. PLEASE INVESTIGATE -- THIS IS SIMILAR TO HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS UNDER 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA'S THAT I FOUND READING THROUGH THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE -- PLEASE CONNECT THE DOTS AND MAKE NISSAN OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, May 24, 2007
TWO DAYS AGO, MY CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING LOT. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION SINCE I AM SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND UNABLE TO PUSH A CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO NISSAN OF ELK GROVE, WHERE THE NEXT DAY THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I WAS UPSET, BECAUSE I HAD THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR REPLACED LAST YEAR AFTER MY CAR STARTING CUTTING OUT ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE SAME DEALER DETERMINED THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR YESTERDAY AND ASSUMED THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. HOWEVER, AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT, MY CAR STALLED AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. I PROMPTLY INFORMED THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR NISSAN OF ELK GROVE, AND HE MANAGED TO START MY CAR AFTER WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. HE DROVE IT AROUND FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR ALMOST "CUT-OUT" ON HIM A FEW TIMES AND THAT THE RPM NEEDLE WAS "STIIF" AND "ACTING STRANGE". PRESENTLY, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALER WHILE I AWAIT AN UPDATE ON THE CAUSE.
Electrical system, May 22, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA DIES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROA COULD VERY WELL CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE REPLACED CAM SHAFT SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, AND IT STILL WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. WE LEFT THE DEALER AFTER GETTING IT FIXED AND IT DIED ON THE WAY HOME GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR! *AK
Electrical system, May 16, 2007
THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA RECENTLY STARTED STALLING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. INITIALLY IT HAPPENED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THEN PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION THERE WAS MINIMAL RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. THEN YESTERDAY AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR HESITATED BRIEFLY BEFORE ACCELERATING AND THEN WITHIN SECONDS ALL POWER WAS LOST. IT TOOK NEARLY 15 TRIES TO RESTART, AT WHICH POINT, I PARKED IT AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO WA STELLING ME THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN THAT THE CRANK SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS WHAT I WAS TOLD WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM), AND THEREWAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO IF THEY CAN'T GET IT TO REPEAT WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY. A MONTH AGO, I HAD II AT DEALER WHEN THIS PROBLEM ORIGINALLY OCCURRED AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM IN ABOUT 85% OF THE CASES. I' WAS AT A LOSS. I HAVE ONLY ONE CAR AND I NEED IT TO BE RELIABLE. I COULD NOT TAKE A CHANCE OF BEING ON THE INTERSTATE AT RUSH HOUR IN A CAR THAT MIGHT DECIDE TO STALL ON ME. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME NATURE ,AND WAS WONDERING WHY NO ONE SEEMED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ANY HELP YOU COULD PROVIDE WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2007
CUSTOMER TOOK HER CAR IN FOR SERVICE, WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AFTER THAT THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, THEN AFTER THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL CUSTOMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED**CC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 16, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T RESTART FOR AN HOUR. THE MECHANIC SERVICED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE ON 04/26/2006. THEN, ON MAY 1, 2006 NISSAN REPLACED THE CRANK AND CAM SENSORS. ON JANUARY 4, 2007 THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRANK AND CAM SENSORS. THE CONTACT HAS AN INVOICE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 69,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,013 *AK THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES. UPDATE 4/30/07 *TR
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2007
I HAD A RECALL ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. RECALL CASE # R0606. RECALL PROBLEM BEING CAR ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW. I WAS GLAD TO SEE THIS RECALL! BECAUSE I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP A COUPLE OF TIMES AND IT WAS NEVER FIXED. I TOOK MY NISSAN INTO ROBERT WOODALL NISSAN ON FRIDAY MARCH 2ND TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE. NO LESS THAN 24HRS LATER MY NISSAN WAS BACK DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, AND I'M HESITANT TO DRIVE MY CAR MUCH BECAUSE IN THE RECALL IT STATES THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE GIVE ME ANY HELP YOU CAN.*JB
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2007
MY WIFE'S 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. SHE HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY 8 YEAR SON TRYING TO STEER THE CAR. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WHEN I ARRIVED I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SINCE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT WAS ON. WHILE CROSSING THE INTERSECTION TO GET INTO THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT, THE CAR DIED ON ME. I HAD ENOUGH SPEED TO COAST THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND UP TO ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING LOT. THE NEXT DAY THE SERVICE ADVISOR FOR THE DEALERSHIP CALLS ME AND TELLS ME THE CAR NEED 2 RECALLS ( ONE OF WHICH I KNEW ABOUT -HEADLIGHTS, THE OTHER WAS TO REPROGRAM THE ECM. THEY WOULD HAVE TO ALSO REPLACE THE CAM & CRANK SENSORS FOR $213 WHICH OF COURSE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3.5 YEARS AND IT HAS 33,174 MILES ON IT. AFTER READING THAT THE RECALL INVOLVING THE ECM REPROGRAM WAS TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM - ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. IT STATED THAT THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COULD COME ON, THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING! I CALLED 1-800-NISSAN1 AND LOGGED MY COMPLAINT THAT MY WIFE (OR MYSELF) COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND THE VERY LEAST THAT NISSAN COULD DO WAS COVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM SOME KIND OF ENGINEER TYPE GUY WHO GAVE ME THE 20 MINUTE TECHNICAL VERSION OF WHY NISSAN WAS SORRY BUT TOUGH CRAP ON US COVERING THIS. I DEMANDED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ELSE AND WAS GIVEN YOUR WEB ADDRESS. I STILL SAY NISSAN KNEW THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD HAVE MADE A STRONGER ANNOUNCEMENT SOONER TO GET THIS CORRECTED. THEY SHOULD BE ON THE HOOK HERE NOT ME!! *NM
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
WELL I HAVEN'T NECESSARILY "CRASHED" YET. I TOOK MY CAR INTO TOWN NORTH NISSAN OFF 183 DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE THAT WAS SENT TO MY HOME. I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK, AS THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NEED IT FOR AT LEAST A DAY, 2 1/2 HOURS LATER. I NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I TOOK THE CAR BACK IMMEDIATELY THE FOLLOWING DAY. NOBODY WAS WILLING TO HELP ME. SO LATER THAT EVENING I TOOK MY CAR TO THE AUTO ZONE TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTICS SCAN DONE ON IT. SURE ENOUGH THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. IT STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING WHICH WAS THE KEY TO THE WHOLE PROBLEM AS THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY TURNED ITSELF OFF ON MY WHILE DRIVE (HOWEVER THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION). *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 24, 2007
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES UP ON MY DASHBOARD OF NISSAN ALTIMA 2003. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WILL FIX IT. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING FROM THEIR LOCATION, THE LIGHT CAME UP AGAIN. THE CAR RUNS LIKE ITS BRAKES ARE ON. IT ONCE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS A BIG CONCERN IF IT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND CAUSES ACCIDENT. HOW CAN I GET NISSAN TO ADDRESS IT? *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 8, 2007
TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE SERVICED ON DECEMBER 26, 2006 UNDER RECALL 06V242000 THAT SHE RECEIVED FROM NISSAN. THE CONTACTS STATED THAT SINCE THE WORK WAS COMPLETED FOR THE RECALL TO THE ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. SHE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YET THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN FOR FREE. THEY INSISTED THAT THE CURRENT FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN OIL LEAK.*AK UPDATED 1/26/2007 - *NM
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2007
WHILE DRIVING ON THE PA TURNPIKE MY ENGINE CUT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART IT. IT DID RESTART, I DROVE A FEW MORE MILES AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE ON THE TURNPIKE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 2, 2006
2003 ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. THE TECH INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CRANK SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THEY COULD NOT REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER WITHOUT REPLACING IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2006
2003 ALTIMA THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. CHAMBER ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHE RECEIVED FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2006
MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EVEN CRANK ITS ENGINE. AFTER 10 MINS THE ENGINE CRANKED AND STARTED, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP, AND EXPLAINED OF A RECALL THAT STATED, " THAT SOME 2003 ALTIMAS MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM". WHEN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED ME BACK, THEY STATED THAT I HAD TO HAVE THE POSITION SENSOR REPLACED AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET. WHEN I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT ON THE RECALL NOTICE I HAD RECEIVED IT CLEARLY STATED THAT "IF ANY ONE HAD TO PAY TOP HAVE THE ISSUE RESOLVED IN BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN THAT THEY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPEATED THAT REPLACING THE SENSOR WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, OUT OF POCKET. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S AND MY OIL IS JUST DISAPPEARING FROM THE ENGINE. I DO NOT SEE LEAKING, BUT IT IS BEING CONSUMED SOMEHOW. THERE IS A RECALL SPEAKING OF THIS ISSUE. BUT NISSAN SAYS THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL, AND YEAR SO I BELIEVE IF MY VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING, THEN SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR 2 MONTHS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BLOW UP THE ENGINE, BECAUSE IF I DRIVE ANYWHERE, ALL THE OIL IN THE ENGINE WILL BE GONE. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2006
RECALL ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L - ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP (CENTRAL CAROLINA NISSAN - SANFORD NC) AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE CRANK ANGLE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE W/ THIS RECALL AND STATED THESE PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF APPRX. $600 BEFORE THEY COULD PERFORM THE UPGRADE. I REFUSED TO PAY THIS FEE AND TOOK THE CAR HOME AND THE NEXT DAY IT CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO STEER IT OFF THE HIGHWAY W/OUT INCIDENT. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR HOME AND CALLED: NCA DEPT. NISSAN N.A. INC. AND WAS PROMISED A CALL BACK BY MON. 9/25/6 - REF. # 5477581. NO ONE CALLED AND I'VE SPENT A COUPLE OF HOURS TODAY 9/26/6 TRYING TO GET RESOLUTION AND HAVE NOW BEEN PROMISED A CALL BACK BY THE END OF THE DAY 9/27/6 FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICE. I'M HOLDING MY BREATHE AND I'M STILL NOT ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR. RICKEY COLLINS PHONE: (919)770-9670. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2006
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT READY TO TURN LEFT ONTO ANOTHER STREET WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STALLS OUT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. IT TOOK ME A FEW TIMES TO GET MY CAR STARTED AGAIN AND WHEN IT FIRED UP AGAIN I STARTED DRIVING AWAY BUT MY CAR WOULD BE HAVING A HARD TIME GOING AS IF IT WAS STARTING TO BOG OUT. I LATER DID A DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND GOT THE CODE P0335 WHICH ENDED UP BEING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS BUT IT WASN'T AS BAD. IT WOULD JUST BOG DOWN LIKE ONCE IN 2 WEEKS BUT THIS WAS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO!. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST BEFORE ALL POWER FAILED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAPPENED 25 TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED DURING THE POWER LOSS. AFTER 45 SECONDS THE ENGINE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR SERVICE. ON A PRIOR VISIT THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2006
1) EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED ARE THAT MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS TURNED ON AND MY CAR HAS TURNED OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING IT ON THE ROAD. IT HAS BEEN DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY. THE A/C HAS STOPPED WORKING ALSO. MY CAR IS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL. 2.) I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PRICE IS TO HAVE MY VEHICLE CHECKED AND ITS TOO HIGH. FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD AND THAT I AM STILL PAYING ON I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO ONE OF THE AUTO PARTS TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT ITS THE SPEED SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR BUT THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE ANYTHING. I WENT AHEAD AND ORDERED THE PARTS AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO FIND A MECHANIC THAT IS NOT TOO EXPENSIVE TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. *NM
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 22, 2006
FAULTY DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOWS. WHEN THE CAR IS LOCKED, APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER, THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK ONCE AND THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AUTOMATICALLY ROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2006
THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES. WILL NOT CRANK AFTER A FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE CRANKING. THE PROBLEM IS GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. *JB
Electrical system, May 15, 2006
THE VEHICLE WILL STALL DURING OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE DURING OPERATION. DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR IS FAULTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2006
1. CAR STALLED AND ONCE I HELD THE GAS PEDAL DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE KEY OVER AND CRANK THE ENGINE A HUGE PUFF OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE CAR AND IT SEEMED TO RUN FINE, ALTHOUGH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT EVENTUALLY WENT AWAY AFTER A WEEK OR SO. 2) A WEEK OR SO LATER I STARTED THE CAR, IT TURNED OVER FINE BUT HAD NO POWER, IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT GO. IT DID NOT EVEN REALIZE I WAS PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. 3) I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN FRUSTRATION AND THEN TRIED AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WORKED FINE. IT REVVED WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN TOOK OFF JUST FINE. 4) THIS BEGAN TO BE A MORE COMMON OCCURRENCE AND IF I TOOK THE KEY OUT OR WAITED A FEW MINUTES IT WOULD STRAIGHTEN UP. 5) NOT NOW! THE CAR WON'T MOVE FORWARD. AND NOW IT IS EVEN STARTING TO STALL OUT AND FLOOD. 6) NOW THE BATTERY EVEN SEEMS TO BE RUNNING DOWN. THIS HAS ALL TAKEN PLACE IN THE MATTER OF ABOUT THE PAST 5 WEEKS AND NOW IT WON'T MOVE FORWARD OR RUN AT ALL. *NM