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: engine
559 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5SL. MY CAR WOULD NOT START, HESITATED TO ACCELERATE, SEEMED TO LOSE POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEN "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. DEALER SERVICE DEPT IS CHARGING ME MORE THAN $200 DOLLARS FOR A CRANK SENSOR REPLACEMENT REPAIR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR WAS FAILING, BUT DID NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LOCKED AND PREVENTED HER FROM RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE UNIFIED METER CONTROL FAILED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,578 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,560.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. SINCE SEPTEMBER 7, 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF AT LEAST 50 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DECELERATING OR MAKING A TURN. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE, BUT THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT MADE AT LEAST 6-7 ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RELEASE THE LOCK ON THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES WITH THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE). THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A CODE APPEARED FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IF THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE LIGHT HAS NOT ILLUMINATED AGAIN, HOWEVER, AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED AND THE COMPUTER WAS RESET. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,731.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,746 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) ON AUGUST 18, 2007. PRESENTLY, THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER START. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2007
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 QUIT ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WOULD NOT CRANK. THE NEXT MORNING I TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR AND IT WOULD CRANK , I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF BREAKING DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY SO I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SPARKS NISSAN IN MONROE, LA. THE TECHNICIAN DID THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON AND THE MACHINE PUT OUT A CODE THAT THE CAR NEED A CRANK SENSOR , SO I HAD HIM TO PUT IT ON AND I GO TO THE GET CAR AND IT WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN AND THE SENSOR HAD BEEN PUT ON . THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING IT DID WHEN IT CUT OFF ON ME. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PUT A COMPUTER IN THE CAR AFTER THEY DAMAGED MY COMPUTER. I AM VERY UPSET AND THEY REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG AND ARE GIVING ME A HARD TIME. I AM SEEKING AN ATTORNEY , BECAUSE I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2007
CRANK SHAFT SENSOR-2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW FROM A DEARLERSHIP AND HAVE OWNED IT FOR 3.5 YEARS. IT CURRENTLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. MY CAR STARTED STALLING OUT APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO. IT CUTS OFF ON ME THE FIRST TIME AT A STOPLIGHT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER IT CUT OUT ON ME TWICE AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. IT THREATENED TO CUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. ON 8/18/07 IT CUT OFF ON ME IN A PARKING LOT AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. ON 8/20/07 WE DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INFORMED US OF TWO PENDING RECALLS. THE HEADLAMP PIECE WAS ORDERED AND WILL BE INSTALLED LATER AND THE ECM WAS CORRECTED. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CRANK SENSOR BECAUSE MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THIS BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE DEALERSHIP. ALTHOUGH THE ECM RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF, I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THIS STALLING PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT OFFER A RENTAL CAR OR SHUTTLE SERVICE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE NISSAN WILL STEP UP TO THE PLATE, ANALYZE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL! FRUSTRATED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SNAP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. HE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND REVERSE, BUT IT FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE 2006 ALTIMA'S HAVE A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE SPEED AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2007
I HAVE A 03 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT KEEPS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WILL AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT START. I REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TWICE WITHIN 6 MONTHS PERIOD AND NOW MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK WE NEED A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2007
BUTTERFLY VALVE SCREWS IN THE INTAKE/GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM WORK LOOSE AND MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING DAMAGE. THIS WAS RECALLED ON THE 2004 AND 2005 MODELS, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS ON THE 2002 AND 2003 MODEL QR25DE 4 CYLINDER ENGINES. THE FIX WAS TO REPLACE THE SCREWS, BUT ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRED, WHICH COMPROMISED THE RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCESSIVELY BURNING OIL. SHE REPLENISHES TWO QUARTS OF OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. WHEN SHE ADDS THE OIL, WHITE OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHE DISCOVERED RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2007
MY VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THEN LOST POWER SEVERAL TIMES. WOULD NOT START/HARD TO START. I CALLED NISSAN DEALER IN FREMONT CALIFORNIA AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO FIX IT MYSELF OR PAY THEM TO DO IT. I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM/FAULTY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND CAM SENSOR. I SPENT NUMEROUS HOURS OF DRIVING TO GET PARTS AND SPENT OVER 3 HUNDRED DOLLARS ON PARTS, OBD COMPUTER, SERVICE BOOK AND NOT TO MENTION THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. MY WIFE IS 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED NOT TO MENTION THE STRESS. PLUS DOWN TIME OF NOT HAVING THE CAR FIXED. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH NISSANS SERVICE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLS. THE CONTACT MUST PLACE THE GEAR IN PARK AND THEN ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THEY WOULD ATTEMPT TO REPROGRAM THE ECM. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION AND WARNED HER THAT THE VEHICLE MAY STILL STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). SHE BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,897.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2007
I HAVE AN 03 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 77,000 MILES THAT I KEPT WELL MAINTAINED. SIX MONTHS AGO MY ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT, AND THEN IT CUT OFF AGAIN A MONTH LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. THIS SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE ECM REPROGRAM RECALL. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, AND SO I PAID THE MONEY TO REPLACE IT, THOUGH NOW I WONDER IF THIS WAS A MIS-DIAGNOSIS. A MONTH AGO, MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, AND SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING THE CAR AND THE ENGINE MAKES A WEIRD PUTTERING SOUND LIKE IT?S ABOUT TO CUT OUT WHILE IN IDLE. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SAME RECALL ISSUE AND SAID THAT ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME, THE ECM PROGRAM IS SOMEHOW LOST AND HAS TO BE REPROGRAMMED A SECOND TIME. I TOLD HIM THAT DIDN'T MAKE MUCH SENSE, IT SHOULD BE FIXED THE FIRST TIME, AND HE SAID THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT KEEPS HAPPENING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THAT'S WHEN HE TOLD ME, NEVER MIND, THIS IS ACTUALLY AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, WHICH WILL COST $330 TO REPLACE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL BACK IN 2003 ON SEVERAL 02 AND 03 ALTIMAS FOR REPLACING THIS EXACT PART, AND WHEN I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SIMPLY SAID MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SO THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR WAS UNRELATED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. SEEMED LIKE TOO BIG OF A COINCIDENCE TO ME, SO I CALLED CORPORATE NISSAN TO FILE A COMPLAINT. AFTER SEVERAL PERSISTENT PHONE CALLS, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD MAKE A NOTE OF MY COMPLAINT FOR REVIEW, BUT THEY COULD NOT COVER THE EXPENSE FOR ME. I AM NOW TAKING MY CAR TO MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO QUOTED ME HALF THE PRICE TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED ON MY OWN DIME. I CAN SEE I?M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ENGINE STARTUP/STALLING PROBLEM AND IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. PLEASE MAKE NISSAN OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE UNDERLYING ISSUES, NOT JUST THE ECM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIME WHILE DRIVING AND HAS NEARLY RESULTED IN 2 ACCIDENTS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 12 OCCURRENCES THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON WITH A CODE INDICATING CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT IS FAULTY. THERE IS A SIMILAR RECALL FOR 2002 VEHICLES BUT NOT FOR 2003. WAS TOLD NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM THIS YET TO WARRANT A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY STALLS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER ALSO FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER REASONS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT CANNOT RECALL WHAT THEY WERE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 67,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2007
ENGINE STOPPED ON ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER 2 MINS. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. ENGINE STALLED DURING MULTIPLE TIMES. SCANNER CODE DETECTED ISSUE WITH CRANK/CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2007
I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM NISSAN INFORMING ME OF A RECALL (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: RQ06001). I TOOK MY NISSAN IN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO BE SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE RECALL NOTICE ON 08/28/2006. ON 10/05/2006, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE COMPUTER CODE FOR THE ERROR WAS P0507 AND IT WAS $91 TO REPAIR. I'VE HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS WHO TOOK THEIR VEHICLES IN TO BE SERVICED FOR THE RECALL AND THEN HAD TO GO BACK WITHIN A MONTH BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SUBSEQUENT P0507 FINDING. I THINK THEY ARE NOT ADEQUATELY SERVICING THIS RECALL BECAUSE ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF THE DEFECTIVE PART IS FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2007
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 55-60MPH ON 7/11/2007. MY BREAKS DID NOT WORK AFTER THE FAILURE BUT I WAS ABLE TO STEER. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CAM AND CRANK SENSOR FAILED AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW "CAM AND CRANK SENSOR KIT." THIS IS THE EXACT PART THAT WAS DEFECTIVE IN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V455000) AND RESULTED IN A RECALL. WHEN I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEY INVESTIGATED IT AND SAID THAT WHILE SOME 2003S WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. MY '03 ALTIMA'S PRODUCTION DATE IS 11/07/2002 AND THE DELIVERY AND IN-SERVICE DATE IS 12/12/02. I THINK THE PART SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IN 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS TO SEE IF THE RECALL OF THE CAM OR CRANK SENSORS IN THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS (REFERENCED ABOVE) SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE 2003 MODELS.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EMISSIONS OXYGEN SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR FOR FREE UNTIL THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. NHTSA RECALL # 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS FOUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 82,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,200.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF AT ANY TIME WITH NO REASON OR WARNING. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OR GREATER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 63,673 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,673.
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL CRANK SENSOR ISSUE CUSTOMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT OF THE FUNDS TO REPLACE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE REPROGRAMMING OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED ON 01/30/07 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING, THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK CAR INTO DEALER AND DEALER INFORMED HIM THE PROBLEM WAS THE ECM NEEDED REPROGRAMMING AND CONSUMER WAS NEVER INFORMED OF RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED ONCE AGAIN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS DUE TO RECALL AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED LEFT BRAKE LIGHT OUT, DEALER REPLACED LEFT BRAKE LIGHT BULB. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REIMBURSE HER FOR THE REPAIR WORK PERFORMED UNDER RECALL # 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). SHE WAS NOT DENIED REIMBURSEMENT, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED HER PAPERWORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SUBMITTED THE PAPERWORK SEVERAL TIMES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 67,458 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jun 15, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL ON THE ENGINE CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CAR IS NOT SAFE AND NISSAN HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM**NAR**CC THE DEALER STATED THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE, THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. *TR