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, Apr 12, 2011
VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, BURNING OIL QUICKLY DOING OIL CHANGES EVERY MONTH, NISSAN SERVICE STATION SAID CATALYTIC COVERTER. CAR STILL MAKING NOISE OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A NORMAL PROBLEM THEN ENGINE BLOWS DUE TO DEBRIS FROM CONVERTER GETTING INTO ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2011
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 LITRE ENGINE. BLOWING OIL OUT TAILPIPE WITH 101,000. MANY BLOGS REPORT SAME PROBLEM WITH SAME MAKE AND MODEL. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, SHE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL IN A SHORT TIME. THE CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL REGARDING THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE RECALL HAS SINCE CLOSED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ENGINE AND THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS DOCUMENTATION THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED UNDER THE RECALL IN 2003. HOWEVER, SHE DID NOT PURCHASE THE VEHICLE UNTIL 2010, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE RESURFACED. UPDATED IVOQ 08/07/12
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2011
THE CAR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL AND SOMETIMES WOULD LURCH WHEN DRIVING. WE REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND A COILS, BUT PERIODICALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD STILL COME ON. I WAS DRIVING AROUND TOWN AND WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. AS I TOOK OFF FROM THE LIGHT, THE CAR STALLED AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND A STRONG BURNING OIL/GAS SMELL. I THEN HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE PERSON BEHIND ME NEARLY RAN INTO ME SINCE THE CAR STOPPED SO SUDDENLY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE PRE CATALYST AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. IT WAS DISCOVERED AT THAT TIME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD USED ABOUT 2.5 QTS OF OIL AND NO OIL LIGHT CAME ON. TODAY, I DROVE THE CAR FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE THE REPAIR AND IT IS LOSING POWER AND LURCHING WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE IS A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, AND THE CAR SHUDDERS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. IT IS BEING BROUGHT BACK TO THE MECHANIC TODAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THEN TURNED SOLID. CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I'M AFRAID THAT THE CAR WILL TURN OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 2 YEARS (BEGIN AROUND 65,000 MILES) AND OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM STOPPED TO 65MPH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE LIABLE FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 100,253. UPDATED 04/06/11*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT MATERIALS FROM THE PRE-CATALYST WERE FRACTURING AND ENTERING THE ENGINE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH 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 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2011
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OUR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WILL JUST STOP RUNNING WHILE AT A LIGHT OR JUST SLOWED DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE SAME SENSOR REPLACEMENT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR ANY MORE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWENTY-SEVEN ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED; THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE ENGINE THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL WHICH OVERHEATED THE CATALYTIC SUBSTRATE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TAKING HER VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). ONCE THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THEY NOTIFIED THE CONTACT AND ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO METAL BEING JAMMED IN THE ENGINE. SINCE THE METAL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE MECHANIC ADVISING HER OF THE PROBLEM, SHE HAD NEVER BEEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE ENGINE COMPONENTS BUT NOT FOR THE METAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 115,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/02/11
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,147. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO BURN OIL THROUGH THE TAIL PIPE EXCESSIVELY. UPDATED 04/22/11*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Feb 16, 2011
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER EXPRESSES CONCERN THAT OTHER 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES WERE NOT IDENTIFIED OR INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGNS RELATED TO THE AIRBAG/DRIVER CONTROL MODULE, AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER DUE TO THE CONTINUOUS FLASHING OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE AIR BAG RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2002. ON JANUARY 15, 2010 THE VEHICLE BEGAN DISPLAYING PROBLEMS SUCH AS DIFFICULTY CRANKING, SUDDEN JERKS WHILE ACCELERATING AND LOSS OF POWER. ON JANUARY 16, 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT LATER ILLUMINATED. TESTING REVEALED A DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. ALSO, THE O2 SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2011
1. ENGINE STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPPED. AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2. FOUR TIMES, FIRST TO SECOND ABOUT 3 WEEKS. SECOND TO THIRD 2 WEEKS. FOURTH ONE SAME DAY. 3. RESET THE CODE, TO CLEAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. NO ONE KNOWS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2011
THIS 2003 2.5S ALTIMA FAILED TO START ON FEBRUARY 6, 2011. UPON TAKING THE CAR TO MOSSY NISSAN IN SAN DIEGO, WHERE THE CAR WAS SOLD, THE MECHANIC WORKING ON THE CAR DIAGNOSED THE CAR AS HAVING A SCREW FROM THE POWER VALVE OVER THE 4 CYLINDER THAT CAME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY MUST BE REPLACED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED EXTENSIVELY ON THE INTERNET, INCLUDING HERE: HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/2002-2006-NISSAN-ALTIMA-DISCUSSION-2-5-3-5/267734-BUTTERFLY-VALVE-POWER-VALVE-INTAKE-MANIFOLD-ISSUE.HTML. I BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMA FOR THIS ISSUE. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE 2003 2.5S ALTIMA HAS THE SAME ENGINE, YET NO RECALL WAS MADE. AFTER CONTACTING NISSAN CUSTOMER RELATIONS, THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH FIXING THE PROBLEM, DESPITE THE BLATANT DESIGN FLAW. OTHER DRIVERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR ALTIMAS HAVE BEEN PUT AT RISK OF DEATH, AS THE CARS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO STOP RUNNING ENTIRELY WHILE MOVING, BECAUSE OF DAMAGE DONE BY THE LOOSE POWER VALVE SCREWS TO THE ENGINE. I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA WILL TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CONTAINED NO OIL. THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ABNORMALLY AND THEN STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AS IT OPERATED AS NORMAL.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE OXYGEN, CRANK SHAFT AND CAM SHAFT SENSORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,602.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO REPROGRAM THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE CRANK SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE PRE-OWNED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2010. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND SOMEONE WOULD CALL HER BACK. SHE REFERENCED RECALL 06V242000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND WAS TOLD BY THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT THE SAME COMPONENT AS THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH ENGINE TURNS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO WARNING. I HAD MY CAR CHECKED OUT AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. I SPOKE WITH A FRIEND WHO WORKS ON CARS AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ORIGINAL CRANKSHAFT SENSOR HAD TO BE UPDATED TO STOP OIL FROM GETTING ON IT. WHEN I CALLED NISSAN THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME AND I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF. THIS CAR STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING AND NISSAN DOESN'T WANT TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE PRODUCE A FAULTY CAR THAT CAN CAUSE A PERSON TO HAVE A DEADLY CRASH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (03V084000- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS; HOWEVER, SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,300. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED 2,000 MILES PRIOR TO THE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GET ANOTHER OIL CHANGE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED; THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MOST LIKELY OIL CONSUMPTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2010
I SUSPECTED THAT MY CAR DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS CONFIRMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CRACKED. I FOUND OUT THAT PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN 2002-2003 ALTIMAS WERE ADDRESSED IN NISSAN VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN #R3007 (NHTSA #03V-084). THE WORK PERTAINING TO THAT RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON MY CAR ON 07/31/2006 BUT THE DEFECTIVE CATALYST HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED AS INSTRUCTED ON PAGE 5 OF NISSAN RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN #NTB03-070C. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE CATALYST AS PART OF THE RECALL #R3007 (NHTSA #03V-084), BUT THEY REFUSED SINCE THE RECALL HAS BEEN RECORDED AS PERFORMED. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, BUT MY REQUEST TO COMPLETE THE RECALL WORK WAS DENIED. I CONTACTED CEO OF NISSAN, CARLOS GHOSN, AND EXECUTIVE VP OF NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, CARLOS TAVARES. THEY ALSO REJECTED MY REQUEST TO PROPERLY SERVICE MY CAR AS NISSAN PROMISED IN ITS RECALL #R3007 (NHTSA #03V-084). THE CATALYST DEFECTS DESCRIBED IN NISSAN RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN #NTB03-070C ARE VERY SERIOUS. THE DEBRIS FROM CATALYST MAY DAMAGE THE ENGINE WHICH CAN RESULT IN FIRE. I KINDLY REQUEST THAT YOU INVESTIGATE WHETHER NISSAN'S REMEDY (RECALL #R3007, NHTSA #03V-084) IN THIS CASE OF DEFECTIVE CATALYST WAS ADEQUATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I GO IN REVERSE AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR CONTINUES TO GO IN REVERSE. STALLS WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT SPEEDS UP WHEN I STEP ON THE BREAKS, I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BREAK TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, WHEN IT DOES THE CAR STALLS EVEN MORE. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY GAVE IT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED THAT THEY ENTERED A CODE FOR THE SENSORS, BUT WERE NOT SURE IF THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO NISSAN MECHANICS SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2007 AND IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING IN 2010. THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND IT CONTINUES TO STALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 26, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES; HOWEVER, WHEN HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IT STALLED AGAIN. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED SINCE THE OTHER DRIVER PAID FOR THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. HE REFERENCED RECALL 06V242000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE THE ECM REPROGRAMMED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2010
SCREW CAME OFF OF MANIFOLD INTAKE AND WENT INTO PISTON CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL IN THE MIDDLE OF FOUR RAILROAD TRACKS. SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND NISSAN HEADQUARTER THEY SAID THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THAT BUT 2002 2004 2005 CERTAIN MODELS DID BUT BUY OUR VIN # THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. I MYSELF TOOK THE MANIFOLD OFF AND FOUND THE SCREW HAD FELL OFF THE BUTTERFLY AND WENT IN TO THE ENGINE PISTON I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO TAKE A MAGNET AND FISH OUT THE SCREW. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR A FEW MILES THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON I HAVE NOT A CLUE WHAT THAT IS ABOUT. WE DONE FELL SAFE DRIVING THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ANYMORE,THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SIX OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE CONSISTED OF AN ENGINE TUNE UP AND REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC IN WHICH THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO INTERNAL DEFECTS WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2010, crash
MY CAR HAS TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING. YESTERDAY THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A SCHOOL BUS. THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHEN I AM GOING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. THE RPM NEEDLE GOES BACK AND FORTH THEN THE CAR JUST RUNS OUT OF POWER. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHERE HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE ECM RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FILED A CLAIM WITH NISSAN. NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE CRANK & CAM SHAFT BEFORE THEY CAN REPROGRAM IT FOR THE RECALL. AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $317.00+TAX. I DON'T SEE WHY NISSAN WOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR