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 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL AND THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS EMITTING BLACK SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,223.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE HEAD LAMP HOUSING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,556.
Engine, Jun 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED. THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD INCLUDE REPROGRAMMING THE ECM. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL MENTIONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, 60 MPH, COMING BACK FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A LOT OF DANGER SO I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME HOME THROUGH THE STREETS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SHAKING A LOT. WHILE I WAS GOING HOME THE ENGINE FELT SO WEAK AND SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK. AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND OUT THAT MANY 02 AND 03 ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE BUTTERFLY VALVE IN THE THROTTLE BODY WENT INTO THE ENGINE, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE RECALLED THE 04 AND 05 MODELS WITH THE EXACT SAME ENGINE IN THE 02 AND 03 MODELS!!!! PLEASE HELP THE 02 AND 03 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS BECAUSE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IS REFUSING TO HELP EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THE ENGINE HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS! *TR
Engine, Jun 1, 2012
DUE TO FAULTY CAT CONVERTER WHICH NISSAN FAILED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY DUE TO DEBRIS FROM CAT CONVERTER GOING INSIDE THE ENGINE. ROUGHLY AT AROUND 100K MILES CAR NEEDS NEW CAT CONVERTERS AND NEW ENGINE BLOCK. THIS ISSUE IS VERY FAMOUS AMONG 2002-2006 ALTIMAS AND NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF THIS. THE OIL INDICATOR FAILS TO INFORM THE DRIVER OF PRETTY MUCH ZERO OIL IN ENGINE AND THIS CREATES A CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO ENGINE WHICH CAN RESULT IN FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 2, 2012
THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CAR DOESN'T START OR STRUGGLES TO START. THE HEATER ISN'T WORKING, AND NOW THE ANTIFREEZE IS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 139,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL HISSING NOISE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECENT RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2012
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENGINE EXPENSE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. ACCORDING THE INVOICE, THERE WAS POSSIBLE RING WEAR, AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PISTONS. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2012
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SO THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DISCOVERED METAL CHIPS IN THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BASED ON THE VIN, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER HAD THE WORK PERFORMED AT A REPAIR SHOP. UPDATED 06/18/12
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2012
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 4 FEBRUARY 2012. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE OBD-II CODE INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THAT NISSAN HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS ON SOME 2003 AND 2004 ALTIMAS WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THEM FIX THE ISSUE DUE TO THE RECALL NOTICES. ON 6 FEBRUARY 2012 I WENT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DID NOT FALL UNDER ANY OF THE RECALL NOTICES AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM ANY RECALL WORK. THEY DID ADVISE I COULD SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE AT THEIR LISTED RATES. I DECLINED. ON 6 FEBRUARY 2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE PERFORMED THE NECESSARY WORK. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME HE CALLED NISSAN TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF REPLACING THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE DEALER ADVISED HIM IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2003 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE AND BOTH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE CAM POSITION SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC FOLLOWED THE DEALERS ADVICE AND REPLACED BOTH SENSORS. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I HAVE FOUND AT LEAST TWO RECALL NOTICES ON THE WEBSITE WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV INDICATING CRANK POSITION SENSOR PROBLEMS WITH 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE. THESE ARE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS 03V455000 AND 06V242000. SINCE MY VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL NOTICES LISTED ABOVE; AND SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME ENGINE AS THOSE IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS LISTED ABOVE; I BELIEVE NISSAN SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE SENSORS ON MY VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V084000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2012
CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, HAD CHECKED, IT WAS A 335 CODE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE CHECKED FOR MY NISSAN MODEL RECALLS AND FOUND ONE ON THIS EXACT CODE. MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS VOLUNTARY AND THEY WILL CHARGE ME UP TO $300. THE CAR KEEPS CUTTING OFF ON ME WHEN DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2007 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE ECM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND CAM SHAFT SENSOR WERE NOT REPLACED AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2012
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. SHE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED, BUT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR NISSAN TO REPLACE THE PART(S) UNDER PREVIOUS RECALL 06V242000 AND ADMIT THE PRESENCE OF AN ONGOING SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2012
WE HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALYIC CONVERTER, WE CHANGED IT, IN AUG 2011, WE LEARNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON-LINE. WHAT WE DID NOT READ ABOUT IS HOW THE CONVERTER GOES BAD AND THROWS PARTS OF IT INTO THE ENGINE AND HAS THE ENGINE BURN OIL AND EVENTUALLY THROW A ROD. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE IN NOV 2011, TRAVELED 500 MILES AND THE ENGINE GOES OUT WE TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, HE SAID THIS COULD BE DUE TO LOW OIL, IF THE NOISE CONTINUES AFTER OIL CHANGE WE WILL DIAGNOSE THE NOISE. WELL, THE NOISE STOPPED, AFTER THE ENGINE GAVE OUT, THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING US THAT WE ARE AT FAULT CAUSE WE DID NOT GET THE DIAGNOSIS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. I ASKED THEM IS THE TEST WOULD DETERMINE THAT A ROD WAS GOING TO BLOW, HE SAID NO, THEN WHY PAY FOR THE TEST. I HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE AND SEE THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND NISSAN CORP WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT FILING A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, BUT THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANYONE FILING ONE. I RECENTLY TALKED TO A FRIEND, WHO'S DAUGHTER HAS THE SAME VEHICLE, THEY JUST WENT THRU THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BLOWN ENGINE, WE GOT ESTIMATES TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, $3500-$5500 FOR ANOTHER ENGINE AND LABOR, THIS IS CRAZY, I CALLED SEVERAL USED OR REBUILT ENGINE PLACES AND THIS ENGINE IS HARD TO COME BY, GUESS LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE BLOWING THE ENGINES FOR THE SAME REASON, YET NISSAN CORP CAN NOT FILE A RECALL OR HELP OUT WITH THE COSTS, ESPECIALLY WHERE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE BAD CATALYIC CONVERTER AND BLOWING DEBRIS BACK INTO THE ENGINE. THAT IS A SHAME, NISSAN IS KNOWN FOR GOOD STRONG DEPENDABLE VEHICLES, AND FOR THEM NOT WANTING TO HELP THE CONSUMERS IS GOING TO HURT THEM IN THE LONG RUN. I HONESTLY CAN SAY I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2011
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. MY VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY ILLUMINATED WITH A "P420" CODE. WHEN I WENT TO SMOG MY VEHICLE, I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL SMOG DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE MECHANIC AT THE SMOG STATION SUGGESTED I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FOLLOWED HIS ADVICE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO ASKED THEM TO COMPLETE A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE ISSUE. AFTER ONE BUSINESS DAY, THE DEALER PROMPTLY CONTACTED ME, NOTING THAT "BITS OF MY PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD DEGRADED AND BEEN SUCKED INTO MY ENGINE". THIS HAS RESULTED IN A QUOTED COST AT $2,944 FOR A LONG BLOCK + $790 DOWN PIPE + EXHAUST MANIFOLD $681 = $4,415 + LABOR (ESTIMATED AT 20 HOURS AT A RATE OF $130/HOUR) FOR A TOTAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $7,015. APPARENTLY, AS A RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW IN THE POWER VALVE SCREWS, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS DEFECTIVE, BREAKS DOWN, AND IS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CODE SENSOR READS A CODE OF P420. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV, FORUMS, AND FROM VARIOUS OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. I CAN PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS AT THE INVESTIGATING AGENTS REQUEST, INCLUDING THOSE FILED WITH THE NHSTA AND CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM. SOME RELEVANT LINKS: 1)HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2003/ENGINE/ 2)HTTP://AUTOS.MSN.COM/RESEARCH/VIP/RELIABILITY.ASPX?YEAR=2003&MAKE=NISSAN&MODEL=ALTIMA 3)HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_ALTIMA.HTML 4)HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/COMPLAINTS/ (SEARCH UNDER 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE & ENGINE COOLING. THERE ARE 75 PAGES DOCUMENTING THIS ISSUE!). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2011
AT 9:30PM, ON NOVEMBER 16, 2011, A DARK RAINY NIGHT, I LEFT A HS PARKING LOT. AFTER A SHORT DISTANCE, THE ENGINE (3.5L) COMPLETELY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE POWERSTEERING TO ALSO STOP. THE SITUATION ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CARS BEHIND ME AND ON THE OTHERSIDE OF THE ROAD ALMOST HIT MY VEHICLE. IT WAS TERRIFYING AND CONFUSING. TWICE BEFORE, GOING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER MY INSISTANCE, A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FINALLY EXAMINED THE CAR AND FOUND THE CAM POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THEY REPLACED IT WITH 23731-6J90B. IT WAS PAID FOR BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE COMPANY SAID THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS. THAT WAS 08/04/09. FROM THAT DATE TO 11/16/11, I HAD NO PROBLEM. THEN ON 11/16/11 IT HAPPENED AGAIN (SEE ABOVE).THERE IS A BASIC DESIGN FLAW IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH NEEDS TO BE FIXED. NHTSA'S CAMPAIGN # 03V455000 DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM. ALSO NVS-215 06V242 ALSO DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM. NO ONE SHOULD DRIVE THIS CAR UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY FIX. IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. THE NISSAN SPECIALIST AT 800-343-6913 WAS VERY DISMISSIVE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REFUSE TO START AND EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY TIME. THE CONTACT HAD THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN DEFECT. THE DEALER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO COVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COSTS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,128.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2011
ENGINE DIES AND START BACK UP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2011
RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING MY SES LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER AND HAD THEM READ THE CODES WHICH WERE 0725 ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND 0335 CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. UPON LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY NISSAN OWNERS, PARTICULARLY THE ALTIMA MODELS. NISSAN HAS ISSUED A RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PART (THE PART HAS BEEN MODIFIED FROM PLASTIC TO METAL BECAUSE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT, RIDICULOUS!) THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING, WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON TWO OCCASIONS (LUCKILY NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OF ON THE HIGHWAY! BUT IT HAS HAPPENED IN MORE SERIOUS SITUATIONS TO OTHERS). *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AUTO REPAIR SHOP READ CODE AS A P0420. TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE FIXED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BOTH O2 SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IF NOT IT COULD LEAD TO PARTICLES GETTING INTO THE ENGINE AND RESULTING IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHERS WERE FACING, IT SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. NOT ALL 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS ARE COVERED UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY, NOT SURE WHY ONE TYPE OF 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WOULD BE COVER, BUT NOT ANOTHER. VERY FRUSTRATING AND SCARY, ESPECIALLY AS IT CAN LEAD TO A VERY DANGEROUS CRASH EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. NISSAN IS NOT HELPFUL OR CARING TO THIS ISSUE AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH WHEN YOU EVEN FIRST MENTION IT TO THEM. SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE HAD LOT OF COMPLAINTS, BUT WILL NOT AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THOSE LISTED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.