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, Jun 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,023.
Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH LOCATED FAILURE CODES AT THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS AND CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS AND CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 28, 2015
CAR BEGAN TO IDLE ROUGHLY AND WAS HARD TO START. REPLACED OXYGEN SENSORS WHICH DID NOT CURE SYMPTOMS. WAS TOLD THAT THE 2 PRE-CATS (CATALYTIC CONVERTERS) NEEDED REPLACED. MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO RECOMMENDED. REPLACED AND PROBLEM PERSISTED. HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH NOW SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. RAN CODES MYSELF WITH OBD-II TOOL AND FOUND CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS TO BE FAULTY. I HEARD OF A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE; EVEN DESCRIBED MY SYMPTOMS EXACTLY. EVEN THOUGH MY YEAR MODEL AND CAR WAS RECALLED THE NISSAN OF FORT WORTH SERVICE DESK TOLD ME MY VIN # WAS NOT COVERED. MY CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AS ALL OF THE OTHER NISSANS MADE IN THIS YEAR RANGE AND THE SAME FAULTY CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS BUT FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON MINE ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS. HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE. I HAVE REPLACED A LOT OF PRICEY PARTS ALL WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY REPLACING THE SENSORS. EVEN IF I HAD TO PAY FOR THE CRANK AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BAD IF I HAD NOT PAID OVER $3000 IN REPAIRS TO OTHER STUFF THAT MAY NOT HAVE NEEDED REPLACING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 20, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN MY CAR SHUTOFF ALL OF A SUDDEN. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND CARS WERE WHIZZING BY ME . FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THAT SEEMED LIKE FOREVER, THE CAR STARTED AND I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THEN ONCE I MADE IT OFF THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I MADE IT BACK HOME BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START PROPERLY. IT COMES ON AND THEN SHUTOFF OR STAYS ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN MAKES A SOUND LIKE ITS GOING TO CUTOFF IF YOU PUT IT IN GEAR. FINALLY HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSORS BASED ON THE CODES. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. THESE PARTS SEEM TO CONTINUOUSLY GO BAD AND ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE. I HAVE LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. *TR
Engine, Apr 17, 2015
IN THE PAST 2.5 YEARS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE 2 COILS ON 2 DIFFERENT CYLINDERS, AND 2 DIFFERENT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AS WELL. EACH TIME IT'S COST ME UPWARDS OF $300 EACH INCIDENT. A REVIEW OF THE INTERNET WEBSITE FOR COMPLAINTS FROM NISSAN DRIVERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR INDICATES THAT OTHERS HAVE ALSO RUN INTO THESE ISSUES WITHOUT ANY RECOMPENSE. SOME EVEN HAD THEIR CARS STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY CONCERN. "LUCKILY" (AND NOTE THAT I USE THE TERM IN QUOTES), MY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN THAT THE ENGINE STARTS RUNNING ROUGH, FEELING LIKE ON JUST 3 OF ITS 4 CYLINDERS, THEN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COMES ON. IT WAS THEN ALWAYS OBVIOUS SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG. Q: WHY WASN'T THIS A RECALL ITEM FOR THE NISSAN ENGINE? P.S. I HAVE LESS THAN 60K MILES ON MY CAR AND IT'S IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND ALWAYS GARAGED. *TR
Engine, Apr 16, 2015
2.5L ENGINE S MODEL NISSAN ALTIMA. 2002-2003 HAS WELL DOCUMENTED BLOGS AND COMPLAINTS OF EXCESSIVE OIL USE. CAUSES ARE ANY THING TO POOR DESIGN VALVE SEALS TO DUST KICK BACK FROM OVERHEATED CATALYTIC CONVERTOR INTO PISTON/CYLINDER AREA CAUSEING RING FAILURES AS WELL. THIS CURRENT VEHICLE HAS TO BEEN DIAGNOISISED BY A NISSAN DEALER. IT BURNS 2 QUARTS OF OIL PER 160MILES. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS A NEW ENGINE AND NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. THE REGIONAL NISSAN MANAGER CHRIS STATES NISSAN WILL NOT ASSIST IN ANY WAY TO REPLACE/REPAIR THESE ITEMS BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT OWNED THE VEHICLE LONG ENOUGH. THE CAR IS WORTH $3800. THE ENGINE +CONVERTOR+ LABOR IS OVER THE VALUE OF THE CAR. SOME ONE HIGH UP SOMEWHERE DROPPED THE ROYAL BALL ON RECALLING THIS ENGINE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 13, 2015
CAR STALLED TWO TIMES WITHIN 20 MINUTES WHEN SLOWING CAR DOWN TO MAKE A TURN. MEINEKE AND PAUL MILLER NISSAN OF FAIRFIELD, CT IDENTIFIED THAT PARTS 23731-AL61A (CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT SENSOR) AND 23731-6J90B (CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) NEED TO BE REPLACED. THESE SENSORS WERE PART A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE, YEAR AND MODEL OF CAR THAT I OWN. NISSAN N.A. CLAIMS THAT MY VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. 630,000+ VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY. ON LINE COMPLAINTS SUGGESTS THAT THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT KEEPS RECURRING BUT NISSAN HAS NOT EXPANDED THERE VIN REGISTRY TO INCLUDE ALL CARS THAT ARE AFFECTED. SPOKE WITH NISSAN N.A. CASE EXPEDITER WHO STATED MY VEHICLE VIN WAS NOT ON THE AFFECTED LIST ALTHOUGH MY COMPLAINT WAS THE SAME AS THOSE VEHICLES ON THE LIST. NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT TELL ME WHERE MY PART WAS MADE AND WHERE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS WERE IN FACT MADE. CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS INTERNAL NISSAN INFORMATION THAT THEY HAD NO OBLIGATION TO GIVE ME. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 19, 2015
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LITE CAME ON , CAR RUNS SLUGGISH , STALLS WHILE RUNNING AT SLOW SPEED, PUT ON COMPUTER STATED CAM SHAFT IGNITORS/SENSORS. *TR
Engine, Mar 13, 2015
WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL. IT HAD 105000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, IT IS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH A 2.5L (4 CYLINDER ENGINE) SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE.. WE NOTICED A VERY FOUL SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN. ALSO THE ENGINE CONSUMED 1 QUART OF OIL PER 50 TO 60 MILES. NO EXAGGERATION ! I DISCOVERED A RECALL ON THE ALTIMA CONCERNING IT'S PRECAT/CATALYTIC CONVERTER COULD OVER HEAT, BREAK INTO PIECES AND SOME OF THE PIECES COULD BE SUCKED BACK INTO THE ENGINE, SCORING THE CYCLINDER WALLS AND CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I EMAILED NISSAN WITH MY CONCERNS. THEY ASSIGNED A CASE # TO MY CONCERN. THEY ASKED FOR A NISSAN DEALER TO EVALUATE THE PROBLEMS AND GIVE THEM A FORMAL DIAGNOSTIC OF THE ISSUES. THE ALTIMA HAD A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSTALLED IN 2007. A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS DONE ON THE CAR AND THE OIL TOPPED OFF AND WE WERE TOLD TO COME BACK IN 250MILES SO THEY COULD CHECK THE OIL. IN 160MILES WE RETURNED AND THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE DIP STICK! ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND A CODE FOR "CATALYST" PROBLEMS WAS IN THE COMPUTER. THIS WAS ALL SENT TO NISSAN VIA EMAIL. NOW INSTEAD OF A REP. HANDLING THE ISSUES.. THEY HAVE SENT IT TO A REGIONAL REP. AND WE ARE AWAITING THEIR "GOODWILL" DECISION. THAT YEAR ALTIMA AND ENGINE HAS REPEAT ISSUES EVEN AFTER RECALL REPAIR. TPART OF THE RECALL STATES THAT IF THE OWNER DOES NOT CHECK THE OIL OFTEN AND IGNORES ENGINE NOISES THAT IT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE! SUPPOSEDLY A EXHAUST HANGER CATCHS DEBRIS AND CAUSES THE FIRE??? LOL WHO ARE THEY KIDDING? *TR
Engine, Feb 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V455000: (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 6/22/2015*JS
Engine, Jan 5, 2015
THE CODE IS FOR CRANKSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER DURING DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STARTED RIGHT AFTER. ONLY PUMPING GAS PEDAL WHILE TURNING THE KEY IN IGNITION WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Dec 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2014
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. DROVE TO A REPAIR SHOP TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS ON THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THE REASON FOR THE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS BECAUSE I HAD A BAD CRANK SENSOR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THAT SO, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN MY VIN NUMBER AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR AND I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO HIM THEY STILL WASN'T GOING TO FIX IT. THEN I CALLED THE NISSAN RECALL PLACE AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING. SO NOW WHAT DO I SUPPOSE TO DO NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2014
I HAD JUST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE IN MARCH 2010 FOR $4200. A FEW WEEKS AFTER I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING THROUGH OIL EVERY FEW DAYS. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED IT NEEDED A TUNE UP. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE TUNE UP I NOTICED IT STARTED TO RUN ROUGH ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD TO GLIDE TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE HOPING AND PRAYING I WOULD MAKE IT AND NOT GET HIT. SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHO THEN TOLD ME THAT THE MOTOR WAS BLOWN. I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT SEEING AS I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 6 MONTHS EARLIER. SO I THEN PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL I HAD THE MONEY TO REPLACE IT($2000). ONCE I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE 2 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. I TAKE IT BACK INTO THE MECHANIC AND HE TELLS ME ITS THE RADIATOR. I REPLACE THE RADIATOR ($200). A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. THE MECHANIC TELLS ME ITS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THAT HE'S DONE ATLEAST THREE NISSANS IN THE PAST MONTH WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL AND TO CONTACT NISSAN. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF I TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE LIKE THAT IT WOULD BLOW THE MOTOR AGAIN BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT CAUSED IT TO BLOW INITIALLY. AFTER TAKING IT TO A NISSAN DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOT "OPEN" RECALL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER JUST AN ECM RESET AND THE HALOGEN LIGHT RECALL. THEY DID TELL ME THE CATALYTIC GONE DUE TO A CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE BUT THAT WAS NOT COVERED BY THEM. I THEN CALLED NISSAN DIRECTLY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PREVIOUS FOR THE ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT IT WAS NOT AN OPEN RECALL AND THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SEND ME THAT INFORMATION. IF I WANTED THAT INFORMATION I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH CAR FAX. THIS WAS FROM THEIR UPPER MANAGEMENT. *TR
Engine, Oct 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, CRANK POSITION SENSOR, AND THE TIMING KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 1, 2014
DRIVING LEGAL SPEED ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 59 SOUTH FROM MERIDIAN MS TO SLIDELL LOUISIANA. CAR STARTED USING OIL EVERY 20 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO NISSAN DEALER ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. IT WS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS BAD. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO ASK FOR THEM TO REPAIR UNDER RECALL #03V084000. THIS RECALL STATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE. NISSAN DECLINED TO FIX MY CAR. I CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND THEY DID NOT HELP. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. *TR
Steering, Engine, Sep 30, 2014
WAS DRIVING 45MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF, AND I HAD TO MANEUVER TO SAFETY. TRIED REPEATEDLY TO TURN ON THE CAR, BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND THEN THE CAR TURNED ON NORMALLY. I HAVE A FAMILY OF NISSAN OWNERS AND THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS EVER HAPPENING. I JUST WANT NISSAN TO HELP FIX THIS, OR RISK LOOSING A VALUED CUSTOMER TO ANOTHER CAR BRAND. CONSIDERING INFINITY JUST LOST 2 CEO'S TO OTHER BRANDS MAKES ME (AS A CONSUMER) UNCERTAIN ABOUT THIS BRANDS FUTURE. *TR
Engine, Sep 14, 2014
ON JUN 29, 2014 OUR FAMILY OF FOUR (ALONG WITH MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS) WERE IN THIS 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT AROUND 55MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE STOPPED. PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR DID NOT DO ANYTHING. CARS WERE ALL OVER THE EXPRESSWAY, ZIPPING THROUGH AT A HIGH SPEEDS. A VERY SCARY SITUATION. SOMEHOW, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY FATAL TO MY ENTIRE FAMILY. ONCE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, I CALLED MY INSURANCE CO. TO SEND US A TOW TRUCK. WHILE I WAS PLACED ON HOLD, AFTER A FEW MINS WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND WERE ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. NEXT DAY, I CALLED NISSAN COMPANY AND TOLD THEM ABOUT MY INCIDENT AND THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND OUT THAT CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS BAD AND THEY REPLACED IT AT MY COST. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN AS TO HOW MY CAR IS NOT PART OF RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE JUST CUT OUT WITH OUT ANY WARNING PUTTING MY FAMILY AT GREAT DANGER (POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH) AND NISSAN DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF, BUT FAILED TO RESTART. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2014
I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR
Engine, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Engine, Jul 17, 2014
IN NOV 2013 THE CAR WOULD STALL (ENGINE DIES) WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WOULD NOT START SOMETIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE THE OEM WAS REPROGRAMMED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE CAM POSITION SENSOR HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE OEM REPROGRAMMING WAS COVERED BY A RECALL BUT NOT THE SENSOR WHICH WAS VIN SPECIFIC, AS TOLD BY NISSAN. I REPLACED THE SENSOR. THIS YEAR THE CAR HAS BEEN JERKING AND WOULD NOT START SEVERAL TIMES (SEEMS THE PROBLEM RE-APPEARS EVERY SUMMER). I AGAIN TOOK THE CAR FOR REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD IT IS THE CRANK AND CAM POSITION SENSOR. I HAVE AGAIN REPLACED THE SENSOR AND CALLED NISSAN. I WAS TOLD MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AS IT IS VIN SPECIFIC. *TR
Engine, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE BEFORE BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 188,000.