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
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
Structure, Engine, Oct 24, 2016
THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTED OUT, JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, GIVE IT A FEW MORE MONTHS. I CAN BECOME FRED FLINTSTONE AND START PUSHING MY CAR AROUND WHEN THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSOR GOES OUT AGAIN. BOTH SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL HAD NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TODAY AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR YOUR CAR. THAT'S INTERESTING WHEN YOU CAN'T GO ANYWHERE AND YOU ARE SITTING AT A LIGHT WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND YOU. THAT'S WERE MEET THE FLINTSTONES COMES IN, USING FOOT POWER TO MOVE THE CAR.
Engine, Oct 18, 2016
I HAVE HAD MY CAR SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING OTHER CARS TO REAR END ME. THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. EVERY YEAR I HAVE HAD TO BUY A NEW CAM SHAFT SENSOR SINCE THE INSTALL OF THE NEW ENGINE THAT WAS PUT IN BY NISSAN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAM SENSOR BUT MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THAT RECALL. *TR
Engine, Jun 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS THE STATE EMISSION INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 185,202.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 106,000. AS IS NO WARRANTY. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH IT BLEW THE HEAD AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WHICH I PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE ENIGINE WITH A NEW CRATE ENGINE ONCE AGAIN THE CAR LASTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS BEFORE IT WAS SMOKING SO BAD AND WILL ONLY DRIVE AT IDLE SPEED.. I DONT THINK THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT HAS A VERY GOOD MECHANIC AND I REALLY WOULD RATHER TAKE IT TO A NISSAN DEALER.. BUT I DONT WANT TO PAY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE I FEEL LIKE IVE ALREADY BOUGHT THE CAR TWICE.
Engine and engine cooling, May 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK POSITION TIMING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000. UPDATED 07/27/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FREQUENTLY STALLED AT INTERSECTIONS AND RED LIGHTS. SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED, IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE, UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RE-STARTED. UPDATED 08/01/16.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2016
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE, POWER STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES "NEVER RECEIVED DEFECTIVE SENSORS REPLACEMENT RECALL NOTICE". *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING. THE CONSUMER HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKING CAPABILITY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE SENSORS OUT-OF-POCKET.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 1, 2016
LOSS OF ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING
Steering, Engine, Feb 10, 2016
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NISSAN ALTIMA WITH OUR KID WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER AND THEN IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND HER DID NOT HIT HER. SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. AFTER SHE REACHED HOME, I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO A NEARBY AUTO SHOP WHEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND IT COULD NOT BE TURNED. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO START AND DRIVE THE CAR. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN DROVE THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP. THE MECHANIC MENTIONED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS BAD AND UPON SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND SIMILAR DRIVERS MENTIONED THE SAME ISSUE AND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE ALL THE PAPER WORK FROM THE MECHANIC AS PROOF THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THIS LINK. HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/NISSIAN-CRANKSHAFT-AND-CAMSHAFT-SENSOR-RECALL-492 I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS. THEY WEREN'T WILLING TO ADMIT THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WILL ACT ONLY WHEN THERE IS A SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.
Engine, Jan 22, 2016
LOOSE POWER VALVE SCREWS - WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ARBITRARILY RAN SUPER ROUGH TO THE POINT OF ALMOST COMPLETELY CUTTING OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LANES. ONE INSTANCE WAS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC LANES, AND THE ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF OPPOSING TRAFFIC LANES AND I WAS ALMOST T-BONED BY ONCOMING CARS. FINALLY THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START AT ALL ONE DAY, SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH INTAKE POWER VALVE SCREWS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A SIGNIFICANT PRICE. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED ONCE BEFORE, AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALLS, BUT OBVIOUSLY A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FOR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. AFTER DOING MY OWN RESEARCH, THERE SEEMS TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF OWNERS OF THIS SAME CAR EXPERIENCING THE SAME POWER VALVE SCREW PROBLEM ALSO. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 NISSAN ALTIMAS FOR THIS PROBLEM, WHICH HAVE THE SAME ENGINE AS MY CAR.
Engine, Dec 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine, Dec 20, 2015
MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5 SL HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOT OF VIBRATIONS AND POWER LOST WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, THE PROBLEM SEEMS GET WORSE ONCE YOUR EXIT THE HIGHWAY SITTING AT THE LIGHT THE CAR WANT IDLE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF. NOW MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON SO I TOOK THE CAR TO TIRE PLUS CAR CARE, THEY TOLD ME THE ECM PROGRAM IS OUT DATED AND THE CODE THEY READ INDICATE NEW PROGRAM UPDATE AND POSSIBLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM, I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED $400.00 DOLLARS THEY CLEARED THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND SAID THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE VIBRATION AND ENGINE IDLE PROBLEM, ONE WEEK LATER ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME BACK ON, PROBLEMS OF VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO COURTESY NISSAN DEALER HAD THEM TO PERFORM DIAGNOSES SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE ECM WAS OUT DATED SO I PAID $120.00 DOLLARS TO UPDATE ECM PROGRAM, THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE VIBRATION IS BECAUSE MAYBE THE THROTTLE BODY (POWER VALVE SCREW) MAY BE GOING BAD AND IF POWER LOSS HAPPEN AGAIN I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AT MY EXPENSE. NOTE: I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA (IN THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN PAPERS) REFERS TO IT AS THE POWER VALVE. THERE ARE SMALL SCREWS ON THE VALVE THAT COME LOOSE AND GET SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. EVEN THOUGH THE 2002 THROUGH THE 2005 ALTIMA 2.5S' ALL HAVE THE QR25DE 2.5S ENGINE (WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME ENGINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS), THE MANUFACTURER, IN THIS CASE NNA IS ABLE TO LOOPHOLE THE LAWS CONCERNING A RECALL. LIKE IN MY CASE AND OTHER PEOPLE'S CASES, WE HAVE THE 2002 AND 2003 ALTIMA THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, BUT NNA WON'T TAKE CARE OF IT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF IT AND CURRENTLY HAVE A VSC ON THE 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. *DT
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THEY CLEARED THE CODE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A BRIEF MOMENT AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 29, 2015
CAR SUDDENLY STOPS WHILE YOUR FMDRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. CHECK ENGINE COMES ON ANDTURNS VEHICLE OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FONT UNDERSTAND WHY IT HASNT BEEN RECALLED. MOST OF THE COMMENTS ARE SAID TO BE EITHER THE CAMSHAFT OR CRANKSHAFT. THEY REPLACED THE PART AND IT WAS FINE FOR 3 MONTHS AND IT CCONTINUES TO DO IT. IM GOING TO END UP CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND NISSAN DOESNT EVEN CARE....
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 19, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS - OXYGEN SENSOR - BRAKES AND ROUTER - SEATBELT
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SOME TIME. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT AND THE CRANK SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAM SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATE 1/13/16 LN INVALID VIN UPDATED 4/17/18*JB *TR
Engine, Sep 15, 2015
CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE DOWN AND PARTICALS CAUSED INTERNAL WEAR TO THE MOTOR. THAT CAUSES THE MOTOR TO BURN OIL.
Engine, Sep 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ACCELERATING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. THE OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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!
Steering, Engine, Jul 7, 2015
WHIE DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, STEERING WAS VERY HARD . TRIED TOO RESTART ENGINE,HARD TO RESTART. AT TIOMES THE CAR IS HARD TO START AFTER SITTING FOR AWHILE. ENGINE ALSO STUMBLES,OR SEEMS TO MISS FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THIS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT. HAD THE SENSORS REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST PROBLEM.
Engine, Jun 29, 2015
THIS NISSAN IS BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY. IT STARTED IN JAN, 2015, ENGINE WAS MAKING TERRIBLE NOISE, OIL LEVEL CHECKED, COMPLETELY EMPTY. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN WHO SAID IT WASN'T A PROBLEM AND DID OIL CHANGE. THEN, JUST THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH THE CAR WAS HARD TO START AND SOUNDED LIKE METAL SO I TURNED IT OFF AND CHECKED THE OIL- COMPLETELY EMPTY AGAIN. WE HAD TO POUR 4 QUARTS IN!!! IT DOES NOT HAVE A LEAK, NOTHING IS EVER SEEN WHERE IT HAS BEEN PARKED. IT IS JUST BURNING OIL LIKE CRAZY DUE TO SOME TYPE OF DEFECT FROM NISSAN THAT HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT ON LINE IF YOU GOOGLE NISSANS BURNING OIL... AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED . I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT, PLEASE, PLEASE, LISTEN TO ALL OF US AND GET NISSAN TO ADDRESS THIS FAILURE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 100,000 ON IT AND I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3500 MILES WITHOUT FAIL. I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THIS ALONG WITH THE OTHER HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS THAT HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN IN THE PAST ON MY OTHER ALTIMA ABOUT THEIR AC THAT FAILS DUE TO IT ALWAYS RUNNING WITH DEFROSTER AND IT DOESN'T TURN OFF THEN SO IT'S ALWAYS RUNNING. ALSO, I SEE MANY OTHER RUSTED OUT FLOORBOARDS, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO NOT BE BOLTED DOWN IN THIS SAME YEAR THAT I HAD HAPPEN TO ME 2 YEARS AGO AND HAD TO SPEND $2000.00 TO FIX THAT THEY SAID THE SAME, SORRY , THIS IS NOT OUR PROBLEM. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WOULD'VE NOT BEEN PROTECTED WHEN THEIR SEAT FLEW OFF. PLEASE, PLEASE GO AFTER THEM ....THEY ARE TERRIBLE.
Engine, Jun 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND RATTLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHIFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Engine, Jun 17, 2015
ENGINE OIL EXCESSIVELY BEING CONSUMED/BURNING. EXHAUST LEAKAGE. THERE IS A RECALL THAT ADDRESSES THIS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 ) AND IT COVERS MY MODEL YEAR, BUT IT WOULD NOT COME UP ON THE DEALER'S COMPUTER SO THEY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE.