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 22, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR HAD BEEN IDLING VERY ROUGH AND ENGINE VIBRATION AS WELL AS INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ISSUE. AT TIME OF FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON BUSY HIGHWAY MOUNTAIN PASS. I WAS ALMOST KILLED AS CAR DRIFTED WITH NO CONTROL INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MOTOR STARTED SHAKING ON DRIVE BACK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SCREW LOOSE. THEY FOUND THE SCREW MISSING HAD COME FROM THE POWER VALVE INTAKE IN THE POWER VALVE. THEY HAD TO THE REMOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO GET THE SCREW OUT, THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD INTAKE/VALVE AND CYLINDER #4/ 02 SENSOR/ THE GASKET EXHAUST/GASKET ADAPTER, AND THE GASKET MANIFOLD AS THE SCREW HAD SHOT TROUGH THE ENGINE DESTROYING MOST OF IT. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT ONLY ON SOME 2004 AND 2005 MODELS, NOT MY 2003. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED IN OTHER 2002 AND 2003 MODELS ON THIS ODI WEBSITE AND ON INTERNET FORUMS AS PER MY RESEARCH. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS AS I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO WORK WITH THEM IN A REASONABLE MANNER. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AS NOTED IN DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH ENGINES CATCHING ON FIRE OR CAR STALLING AND LOCKING UP IN TRAFFIC. INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. ODI HAS DONE NOTHING TO MAKE CONTACT WITH ME OR OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. PROBLEM STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2005. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2005
CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAS CUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. NISSAN DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, BUT CAR CONTINUES TO CUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO RESTART AFTER THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. ONCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON AN ENGINE SENSOR FOR NISSANS MANUFACTURED 2000 TO JULY 2002. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 2002, AND THEY WILL NOT CONSIDER THAT THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. A CAM OR CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED TO CORRECT THE STALLING PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2005
CAR STALLED, STOPPED WORKING AND THEN HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. ROUGH STARTING UNTIL FIXED, WITH STALLING. TURNED OUT TO BE CRANKCASE SENSOR. THE CAR INVOLVED IS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, AND THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM ON THE 2002 ALTIMA.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 5, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS VEHICLE JUST DIES. CONSUMER HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS PROBLEM. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATES INTERMITTENTLY. THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS ACCELERATING FROM A RED LIGHT. *NM UPDATE: CALLED THE LISTED NUMBER BUT WAS TOLD NO ONE LIVE THERE BY THAT NAME.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2005
1) THE POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE INTAKE VALVE ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAVE STARTED TO COME LOOSE, CAUSING POWER LOSS IN THE ENGINE. ONE OF THE POWER VALVE SCREWS ACTUALLY CAME LOOSE AND WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, DAMAGING THE CYLINDERS, THUS RUINING THE ENGINE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, O2 SENSOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED ALSO. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE, ANYWHERE BETWEEN $1500 TO $7500+ WORTH OF DAMAGE. 2) THE FAILURE IS THAT THESE POWER VALVE SCREWS HAVE COME LOOSE AND STARTED BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING HIGH DOLLAR VALUE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT THE LOSS OF POWER AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE DURING DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED A FATAL CRASH THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY DEATH AND THE DEATH OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THE HIGHWAY. ADDITIONALLY, EXHAUST IS ESCAPING THE ENGINE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE POWER VALVE SCREW, AFTER BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSING DAMAGE, WENT INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CRACKED IT. EXHAUST FUMES WERE LEAKING FROM THE CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND CAUSING ME PERSONAL DAMAGE FROM THE FUMES AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IS ALREADY AWARE OF THIS EXACT ISSUE IN THEIR 2004 AND 2005 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME ENGINE AS MINE, WHICH IS THE 2.5S ENGINE. THEY ARE IN THE MIDST OF CONDUCTING A SERVICE RECALL RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. 3) NISSAN HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. MY DEALER, WOODMEN NISSAN OF COLORADO SPRINGS HAS WORKED TO COMMUNICATE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADD THE 2003 MODEL TO THE RECALL. HOWEVER, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS DECLINED BOTH MY AND THE DEALERSHIPS REQUEST TO ADDRESS THIS COSTLY AND SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS/FATAL FLAW IN THE AUTOMOBILE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - 2.5 LITER ENGINE: ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON.THE ENGINE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CAUSE WAS FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE ENGINE STALLED APPROXIMATELY 8 TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE DID NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER STALLING'.THE STARTER ENGAGED FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD START AGAIN. I DID HAVE SOME DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP SINCE THE POWER STEERING DOESN'T WORK WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS. MY WIFE HAD AN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TIME DUE TO STRENGTH DIFFERENCES.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2005
I BROUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 FROM LEN STOLER NISSAN. WE NOTICED A LIGHT MIST OF SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE IN THE SUMMER TIME. I CALLED TO THE DEALER THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS NORMAL. THE CAR STARTED BLOWING LIGHT WHITE SMOKE, THE DEALER STATED CHANGE MY GAS TO SUPREME OCTANE. AT JUST OVER 25,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED BLOWING HEAVY WHITE SMOKE, WE HEARD A WATER SOUND UNDER THE CAR, THE OIL LIGHT WOULD COME AND GO OFF, AND IT STARTED LOSING POWER. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD US WE HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. WE TURNED IN ALL SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING THAT THE MAINTENANCE WAS KEEP UP ON THE CAR. THE DEALER AND NISSAN MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SLUDGE ONLY COMES FROM LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND SLUDGE DO NOT COME FROM NOTHING ELSE AND REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID FOR $700. THEY'LL CALL THE NISSAN REP. BACK OUT; LOOK PAST THE OIL CRANK CASE OPENING AND LOOK IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN. I REFUSED TOOK IT TO NATIONWIDE NISSAN THEY OPENED MY OIL PAN TOOK MY MONEY, DID NOT LET ME SEE WHEN IT WAS OPEN JUST CLAIMED MY PAN WAS FULL OF SLUDGE. THEY DID TAKE A PICTURE, SHARED IT WITH THE OTHER DEALER, AND TOLD ME THE SAME THING BUT THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE NISSAN REP THIS TIME TOLD THEM OVER THE PHONE THAT NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE CAR. WHERE IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE? THAT SHOWS HOW NISSAN STICKS TOGETHER! SO WHAT NOW? I KNOW I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AND IS TELLING EVERYBODY ELSE ALSO! THESE DEALERS/NISSAN WILL SELL U A CAR BUT WILL NOT HONOR THERE WARRANTY! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN . ONCE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN THE DASH LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED ONCOMING TRAFFIC DID NOT KNOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED, AND THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. BUT THEY DID ADJUST THE IDLE AND SUGGESTED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2005
DT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILED, AND HAD TO REPLACE IT. CONTACTED NISSAN. THERE WAS A RECALL BUT FOR CRANK POSITION SENSORS A MONTH AGO. THIS HAPPENED ON 6-24-2005. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SL - MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME TO A STOP SIGN. WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP SIGN THE ENGINE CUT OFF, BUT ALL ELECTRICAL REMINED OPERATING. SHE COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. NO CLEAR ANSWER HAS BEEN DETERMINED FOR WHY THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING, EVEN WHEN DRIVEN BY DEALERSHIP MECHANICS. I JUST FOUND A RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS. THE CONSEQUENCES LISTED IN THIS RECALL ARE SIMILAR TO THE ONE I AM EXPERIENCING. I AM GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM CHECK MINE. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO WHETHER THIS CRICUIT BOARD PROBLEM IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA CAUSING THAT CAR'S ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHILE OPERATING.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA . THE ENGINE FAILED, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ON BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED. CONSUMER CITED A RECALL #03V455000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THIS VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDEDIN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. ALSO, TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. HE HAS BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA'S RADIATORS NEED TO BE RECALLED. I HAVE A 2003 V6 AND I DO EVERY MAINTENCE POSSIBLE. THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE ENGINE DAMAGED. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICE AND NOONE SEEMS TO BE CONCERNED EVEN THOUGH THIS HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY. I BROKE DOWN ON THE INNERSTATE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM THE BACK BY ANOTHER CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER JEFF EVANS AT HALL NISSAN IN NEWPORTNEWS, VA 757 369-6600 SAYS HE HAD TO REPLACE A RADIATOR IN ONE ALTIMA THREE TIMES. I DON'T KNOW WHY NO ONE HAS RECALLED THIS BUT I HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE NEW ALTIMA MAY LOOK NICE BUT THAT'S ABOUT ALL IT'S WORTH. IT'S JUST EYE CANDY AND THEY OBVIOUSLY SPENT MORE TIME ONE THE OUTSIDE INSTEAD OF WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT "THE INSIDE". WHO WANTS TO RIDE AROUND IN A CAR WITH THEIR KIDS THAT IS SUBJECT TO BREAK DOWN? MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP AND IT WILL COST MY OUT OF MY POCKET $2500. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND GET THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IT MAY AFFECT. ALSO I WANT TO ADD THAT NOONE FROM NISSAN WANTED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I THINK THEY DON'T WANT TO RECALL THE PART BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO BUSY TRYING TO SELL THE NEW 2005 MODEL. THANKS!
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE.*MR WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE'S AIR FLOW METER WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 11, 2005
AT ABOUT 60,850 MILEAGE - 850 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, MY CAR STARTED TO STALL WHILE IN MOTION AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH AND AN ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT NISSAN HAD RECALLED 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS (ALOMST 75,000 OF THEM) BUT ONLY IN CANADA. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THESE PARTS IN AMERICA. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. THE CAR TENDS TO SHUT OFF AND LOSE ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION. MYSELF BEING A COMMUTER TO AND FROM WORK ON HIGHWAYS, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. AFTER SPEAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY STATED THAT NISSAN HAD PUT A BULLETAN OUT ON THIS PART STATING THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. AGAIN, PLEASE ADVISE ME WHY THIS SERIOUS SITUATION HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED IN AMERICA.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2005
ENGINE FAILURE ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. REFUSES TO PROVIDE SAFE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE UNTIL CAR IS REPAIRED, UNDER WARRANTY. SINGLE FEMALE HAS ALREADY BEEN LEFT STRANDED ON HIGHWAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2005
CRANK SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK ENGINE SHUT OFF AND SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. *BF *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2005
AFTER APPROXIMATELY 49,000 PLUS MILES ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, 3.5 SE, I NOTICED OOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME THAT THE NEW TYPE OF RADIATORS INSTALLED ON THESE CAR MODELS HAVE PLASTIC TOPS AND ONCE RUPTURED OR DAMAGED, CANNOT BE REPAIRED. I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN WITH MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 49,000 PLUS MILES IN IT. I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY FOR THE RADIATOR EXPIRED AFTER 36,000 MILES. I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED AS SUGGESTED BY THE NISSAN SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND HAD TO PAY A HEFTY PRICE FOR A NEW ONE PLUS LABOR. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Wheels, Feb 24, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, WITH SEVERAL FAILURES, LEAKING GASKET, ETC. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED, THE WINDSHIELD LEAKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED, THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK, THE RADIATOR CAP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED AND THE WHEELS RUSTED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2005
ON 01/13/05, THE ENGINE OF MY '03 NISSAN ALTIMA SE STALLED. THANKFULLY, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OVER THE ENGINE AND IT DID NOT START. I WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND THEN TRIED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE STARTED BUT STALLED AGAIN AFTER I DROVE APPROX. 100 FEET. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 9 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT BUT MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP. I WAITED IN THE CAR FOR APPROX. AN HOUR IN 9 DEGREE TEMPERATURE WITH MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER UNTIL I WAS PICKED UP BY A FAMILY MEMBER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE STALLING. WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION, I HAD THEM CONDUCT A 15,000K SERVICE (OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION, ETC.). ON 01/23/05, I HEARD AN "ENGINE KNOCK" AND DISCOVERED OIL SPOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY FROM THE CAR. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FIRST THING THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ARE TELLING ME I NEED AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE. THEY ARE ALSO CLAIMING THAT IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THEREFORE THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. AT THIS POINT IN THE PROCESS, I BELIEVE THE ENGINE STALLING WAS A SAFETY PROCEDURE THAT INDICATED AN ENGINE PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, I BELIEVE THE FAILURE OF THE DEALERSHIP TO IDENTIFY,AND REPAIR, THE PROBLEM MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE DAMAGE THEY ARE REPORTING. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2004
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS PROBLEM WITH WOODPECKER NOISE. DEALER CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *BF THE NOISE IS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. *TC
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2004
THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AS I A DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 40-45 MPH WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER. THE 1ST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS APRIL 29TH. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC CALED P0725 AND P1229 AND CALLED THE NISSAN TECH LINE BUT STILL HAD NO SUCH LUCK. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS I HAVE HAD MY 7 YEAR OLD CHILD WITH ME IN THE CAR BOTH TIMES. LUCKILY, I HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT SO FAR, BUT IT IS A VERY SCARY FEELING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH YOUR CHILD AT A SPEED OF 40-45 MPH AND YOUR CAR JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS INSIDE OF YOUR THE DASH OF YOUR VEHICLE START FLASHING (IE. SERVICE ENGINE, OIL, GAS, LIGHTS, ETC. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 4, 2004
ENGINE NOISE (KNOCK, CLACK OR CLATTER) AT IDLE. NISSAN AMERICA HAS PUBLISHED SEVERAL BULLETINS/RECALLS/ALERTS REGARDING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTO-TENSIONER, PRE-CATALYST AND/OR VALVES BUT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER NOW CLAIM THE "NOISE" IS NORMAL. ALSO, THE CAR STILL HAS A RATTLE IN DOME LIGHT THAT THE INSULATION KIT (TAPE) FAILED TO FIX. SERVICE MANAGER STATED RATTLE WAS NOT HEARD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR FOR 10 MILES BUT IF THE RATTLE COULD BE DUPLICATED AT 40,000 MILES HE WOULD REPAIR. OF COURSE, I HEARD THE KNOCK AND RATTLE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR ONLY HAS 12,500 MILES. THE RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED WHICH IS WHEN I BEGAN NOTICING THE KNOCK. THIS IS A SOUR DEAL! *VEB. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2004
ON DECEMBER 14, 2003 CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V084000, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED. DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2004
IN MY NEW NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, THE RADIATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE FOR DEVELOPING A CRACK. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, BUT THE DEALER REFUSES TO ADMIT THE RADIATOR IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THEY HAVE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK