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 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING ONCE THE CONTACT STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAMSHAFT AND CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000. *TR
Engine, Apr 6, 2013
MY CAR STALLED AT A STOPLIGHT TWICE, BOTH WHILE STOPPED AT THE LIGHT. THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF AT THE STOPLIGHT SO I PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT. IT STARTED BACK FINE. THEN IT TURNED OFF AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. TURNED BACK ON AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED AGAIN FOR ONE WEEK. THEN THE CAR STALLED OUT WHILE IN MOTION! IT STALLED OUT AS I ACCELERATED AFTER TURNING ONTO A ROAD TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH. ALSO STALLED OUT THREE DAYS AGO WHILE IDLING IN A DRIVE-THRU. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 25, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE RATTLING NOISE AND LOST A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF POWER DURING ACCELERATION. DUE TO LOCATION AND TIME OF NIGHT, I COASTED (BARELY USING ANY ACCELERATION) TO A SAFE LOCATION. TURNED ENGINE OFF TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD- COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. TRIED STARTING CAR AGAIN AND WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO MECHANIC- HE FOUND SHARDS OF METAL IN THE ENGINE OIL AND STATED THAT THE VALVES SCREWS HAD CAME OFF AND RUINED THE ENGINE. I HAD ALWAYS PUT IN SYNTHETIC OIL EVERY 5K MILES, AND DID A COMPLETE ENGINE FLUSH EVERY YEAR/25,000 MILES EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 6 YEARS AGO. THIS OCCURRED AT 133500 MILES AND THE ENGINE CANNOT BE SALVAGED. TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, THE ESTIMATES I AM RECEIVING ARE BETWEEN 2,000 AND 3,000 USD. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 15, 2013
ON JANUARY 15, 2013, MY CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROADWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHILE TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE CAR AND MAKE IT BACK HOME SAFELY. THANKFULLY, THE PERSON BEHIND ME WHEN THE CAR STOPPED DID NOT HIT ME FROM BEHIND. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. I WAS INFORMED TODAY BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT A FAILED CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS THE REASON THAT MY CAR WAS SHUTTING DOWN. THEY ARE REPLACING THE SENSOR FOR APPROX. $400.00. HOWEVER, THIS EXACT ISSUE IS ON THE NHTSA.DOT WEBSITE AS PART OF A RECALL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT MY CAR COULD HAVE SHUT DOWN ON 95, A MAJOR CITY HIGHWAY, WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. I SPOKE TO NISSAN USA TODAY, AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. PLEASE ASSIST ME WITH THIS SERIOUS CONCERN. *TR
Engine, Dec 31, 2012
RECENTLY THE ENGINE BLEW ON MY ALTIMA. IT HAD BEEN FUNCTION PROPERLY AND RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE SINCE ITS PURCHASE DATE ROUGHLY 6 MONTHS AGO WITH ABOUT 74,000 MILES. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND OVERHEATED AT AROUND 78,000 MILES. CURRENTLY IT IS BURNING THROUGH ABOUT 3 LITERS OF OIL A WEEK. BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THE ENGINE IS NO LONGER SERVICEABLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 28, 2012
MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND NOT PRODUCED FULL ENGINE POWER WHEN PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NISSAN SERVICE REPAIR (AUGUST 2011, ~94K MILES). NISSAN RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR CRANK/CAM SENSORS HAD FAILED. PAID $430 TO REPLACE CRANKSHAFT AND CAM/CRANK SENSORS. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2012 (~110K MILES) WHERE I EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT ISSUES ALONG WITH REDUCED ENGINE POWER WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. ANOTHER LOCAL MECHANIC DETECTED THAT THE CAM/CRANK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL #03V455000, WHICH DESCRIBES THE EXACT SYMPTOMS THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING. I CALLED THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT REPLACED THE SENSORS IN 2011 WHO SAID THAT MY VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO I DIDN'T QUALIFY. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE FOR THIS SPECIFIC YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, IT IS BEYOND ME HOW NOTHING HASN'T BEEN FLAGGED ABOUT THIS BEING AN ISSUE. ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS (MULTIPLE TIMES) YET THEY ARE TOLD THEIR VIN'S DON'T QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL?? SOMETHING IS FISHY THERE. OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: ODI ID NUMBERS: 10416743, 10384742,10370526,10342438,10332467, 10318898, 10318045, 10314479, 10283487, 10278805. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE OR LIGHT THAT CAN BE SHED ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Dec 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER WAS THEN NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2012
SUDDENLY STARTING USING 1 QT. OIL EVERY 600 MILES. NO LEAKS, NO SMOKE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID OIL CONSUMPTION WAS FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING DOWN AND GETTING SUCKED INTO ENGINE ABSORBING THE OIL AND SCORING LOWER ENGINE (CYLINDER BLOCK WALLS), THUS CAUSING OIL BLOW BY. THEY RECOMMEND CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT $5,000 DOLLARS. THERE IS A HISTORY OF THESE CONVERTER FAILURES FROM 2002 IN NISSAN PRODUCTS. MY LOCAL DEALER SAID MY VEHICLE WASN'T ON RECALL. THE BIGGEST CONCERN IN THIS MATTER WAS THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND HAD I'D GONE ANOTHER 1000 MILES THIS CAR COULD HAVE SEIZED UP ON THE INTERSTATE.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Nov 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE OIL THAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 01/02/2013 *LJ UPDATED 1/7/2013 *JS
Engine, Oct 25, 2012
I BOUGHT NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 ON AUGUST 20 2012. I DROVE IT AROUND 800 MILES AND DID OIL CHANGE AT LUBE EXPRESS THEY CHANGED OIL AT 67290 MILES, AFTER DRIVING FOR AROUND 200 MILES CAR WAS MAKING WEIRD NOISE FROM ENGINE. I GOT HELP OF A LOCAL MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO ENGINE OIL IN THE CAR !!! HE PUT FULL 5 QUART ENGINE OIL. I AGAIN GOT IT INSPECTED AT LUBE EXPRESS, THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE. THE THIRD REFILL DOES NOT LAST FOR LONG. AFTER 3 DAYS AGAIN 5 QUART ENGINE OIL WAS DISAPPEARED FROM ENGINE. I AGAIN GOT IT INSPECTED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON 10/09/2012 THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAKS AND THEY DID BURNING OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, AGAIN THERE WAS NO ENGINE OIL IN THE CAR. THEY HAD SUGGESTED ME TO CHANGE ENTIRE ENGINE!!!. I CAN NOT DRIVE CAR AT ALL. THE ENGINE MAY CAUGHT FIRE !!! I SURFED LOT OF WEBSITES AND FOUND THAT IN NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND IT HAD OCCURRED AFTER 60,000 MILES I.E. AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES AND SAME HAPPENED WITH ME AS WELL. I COMPLAINED AT NISSAN BUT THEY REPLIED THAT THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE WARRANTY EXPIRES. PROBLEM IN ALTIMA OCCURS AFTER ORIGINAL WARRANTY EXPIRES!!!! NISSAN IS SELLING CARS WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND I WANT TO STOP THIS. PROBLEM IN ENGINE OCCURS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. PLEASE HELP SINCE THIS MAY CASE LOSS OF LIFE AND SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. NISSAN CAN NOT ESCAPE FROM ITS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SINCE THEY ARE SELLING JUNK CARS TO AMERICANS. I CAN PROVIDE LOT OF WEBSITE AND BLOGS TO PROVE THAT NISSAN SOLD 2003-ALTIMA WITH FAULTY ENGINES. THEY MUST RECALL ALTIMA 2.5L - 2003 AND THEY MUST FIND AMICABLE SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT I AM AT A BIG LOSS BUT MY EFFORT WILL HELP TO SAVE LOT OF LIVES WHO ARE DRIVING NISSAN CARS ON HIGHWAYS WITH HUGE RISK. I TRUST IN GOD AND LAW OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Engine, Oct 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER WAITING FIFTEEN MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRANK SENSOR. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Engine, Oct 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Engine, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING BRAKE REPAIRS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,796.
Engine, Oct 4, 2012
VEHICLE STALLED OUT IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION, AFTER STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Engine, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 13 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AFTER THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,240. ....UPDATED 12/20/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRANK SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS CRACKED AND THE A/C STOPPED WORKING.
Engine, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED MOMENTARILY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, WHICH NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 20, 2012
LIKE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CAR STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH SPEED AND STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS AND LOW SPEEDS OR WILL NOT START. I CAN'T BELIEVE NISSAN OR NHTSA HAS NOT GOT SERIOUS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I CHECKED YOUR DATABASE AND FOUND FOLLOWING COMPLIANT NUMBERS WITH SAME ISSUE OF ALTIMAS STALLING DUE TO CRANK OR CAM SENSOR FAILURE. (ODI ID NUMBERS: 10416743, 10384742,10370526,10342438,10332467, 10318898, 10318045, 10314479, 10283487, 10278805, ..... AND MANY MORE). I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I AM SURE THERE ARE MY ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS THAT DID NOT GET REPORTED DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO MANY DEATHS. I HOPE NHTSA LOOKS INTO THIS AND GET IT FIXED. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AND ABOUT TO TURN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, ANOTHER DRIVER CAME TO HELP, HE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID "I DON'T KNOW". HE GOT INTO MY CAR, SHIFTED TO PARK AND STARTED IT. WEIRD I SAID, AND FORGOT ABOUT THE INCIDENT UNTIL MONTHS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN MONTHS LATER AGAIN, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT NEVER CAME ON SO EVEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE AND ASKED ABOUT THE ISSUES, IT WAS NEVER DETECTED, BUT I KEPT COMPLAINING TO MY MECHANIC EVERY MONTH, REPLACED BATTERIES EACH YEAR THINKING I HAD A POWER PROBLEM. I LEARNED ABOUT THE REAL PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS LAST TIME IT HAPPENED ON 07/03/12, THE HELP CAME FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS ABOUT CARS AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE CRANK & CAM SENSORS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST NISSAN AND, YES, THAT IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR!. BUT THEY SAID BECAUSE I DIDN'T SERVICE AND DIDN'T BUY THE CAR FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MY CAR ISN'T ON THE "LIST" THEY WON'T FIX IT. THE COST ISN'T THE PROBLEM I TOLD THEM, THE FACT THE CAR CAME OUT OF YOUR FACTORY DEFECTIVE SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT IT, NEVER THE LESS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RECALL ALL UNITS WITH THE PROBLEM NOT JUST A FEW. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I HAVE A 4 MONTHS OLD BABY AND I DON'T WANT TO BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHEN MY CAR STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BUT I DO WANT HELP AND HAVE THEM BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REIMBURSING ME ON THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND RECALL ALL AND EVERY SINGLE UNIT INVOLVED WITH THIS ISSUE. NISSAN CORPORATE (YES, I CALLED THEM TOO) WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY ON THE CASE EITHER. *TR
Engine, Jul 23, 2012
MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. I'VE BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP 3X NOW AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM SO MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE THE INCIDENT. MY OIL IS BURNING AT AN EXTREME RATE. I ONLY DRIVE MAX. MAYBE 20 MILES IN 2 DAYS AND KEEP HAVING TO PUT 2QTS. OF OIL IN MY CAR. IT'S SMOKING REALLY BAD TOO. I KEEP PAYING FOR LABOR WHEN THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN SOLVED. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING ON NISSANHELP.COM: NTB03-070C SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN -REVISED- 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, 2002-2004 SENTRA; VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN ENGINE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND PRE-CATALYST FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR ALTIMAS AND 2002-2004 MODEL YEAR SENTRAS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. MATERIAL FROM INSIDE A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST COULD ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT 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. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I KEEP PAYING MONEY, BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND I NEED A CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2012
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO NISSAN DEALER IN TEWKSBURY, MA FOR DIAGNOSTIC. (TAPPING NOISE WHEN I START THE CAR) THEY FOUND SOME REPAIRS NECESSARY BUT TOLD ME THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE TAPPING SOUND WAS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED THAT IT "SOUNDED" LIKE THE TIMING CHAIN. HE DID NOT WORK ON THE CAR AND TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHICH I DID. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY TOLD ME I COULD BRING THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER AND HAVE ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC DONE. AT A COST OF ANOTHER $110.00 TO BE PAID BY ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS LITTLE OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THIS IS WHY THE TIMING CHAIN "WENT". I HAVE PAID $2500.00 OUT OF POCKET TO GET MY CAR FIXED. I NEED THE CAR AND WAS TWO MONTHS WITHOUT IT. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE TIMING CHAIN WENT NISSAN DID AN OIL CHANGE FOR ME ALONG WITH SOME OTHER REPAIRS. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE THAT OIL WAS THE PROBLEM I HAVE ALL MY DOCUMENTS REGARDING REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO CHECK INTO THIS FOR ME.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 25, 2012
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING, THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND SHE NEARLY RAN OFF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS COMING AND SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH NO INCIDENT. I PULLED THE CODES AND FOUND IT TO BE THE P0335 (CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) AND P0725 (ENGINE SPEED SENSOR). AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB, IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000, NISSAN RECALL NO. R3022 THAT STATES EXACTLY WHAT DID HAPPEN - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE REMEDY IS THAT A DEALER REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. SO, I CALLED NISSAN, FOUND THE OTHER RECALL THAT IS RELATED TO THE SENSOR, TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (BARELY - I DROVE AND THE CAR STOPPED TWICE - AGAIN, LUCKY THERE WAS NO CRASH). THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIX THIS RECALL BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS BAD. NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK AND PICKUP THE CAR AND PRAY AGAIN THAT I DON'T HAVE A CRASH COMING HOME. SEEMS TOTALLY UNREASONABLE THAT NISSAN WOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM - THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - FOR, AMONG MANY OTHERS, 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND YET THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THESE CARS THAT NISSAN WON'T FIX. I WAS LAID OFF AND CERTAINLY CANNOT AFFORD A $300 FIX FOR A $40 PART SO WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE THIS DEATH CAR UNTIL I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT FIXED. AND PRAY EVERY TIME I GET IN IT THAT WE DON'T END CRASHING THE CAR, HURTING MYSELF, MY YOUNG TWINS, MY OLDER DAUGHTER OR ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A SEVERELY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE ALL CARS - NOT JUST A SELECT FEW. *TR
Engine, Jun 25, 2012
MY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, BANK 1, WAS DIAGNOSED BY SEARS AS NEEDING BE REPLACED. MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF IS WHAT FIRST MADE ME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I READ ONLINE THAT IT'S A FAULTY PART, WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR CERTAIN YEARS/VIN NUMBERS BY NISSAN. I CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IT IS A CHEAP PLASTIC PART, AND THE NEW/REPLACEMENT ONES ARE MADE OF METAL IS WHAT I'M READING IN THE NUMEROUS CASES DISCUSSED ONLINE FROM FELLOW ALTIMA OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THESE YEARS OF PRODUCTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 24, 2012
MY AIR CONDITIONER HAS ALWAYS BEEN RUNNING EVEN WHEN THE BUTTON HAS BEEN OFF. I'VE ASKED THE DEALER MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY SAID IT'S FINE. NOW ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO MY AIRCONDITIONER WON'T GO ON, IT'S INTERMITTENT BUT IF IT DOES GO ON IT ONLY WORKS FOR 5 MINUTES. I FINALLY PAID THE 129.00 TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE INTELLIGAN POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE HAS FAILED. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN MANY OTHER NISSANS BUT NOT THE ALTIMA. DURING A SEARCH I FOUND LOTS OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TRIED CONTACTING NISSAN BUT THEY DON'T CARE. *TR