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 and engine cooling
450 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2006
UPDATE TO ODI 10176518. POWER VALVE SCREWS WERE FOUND MISSING. SCREWS WERE INGESTED INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBER OF ENGINE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2006
SLOWED VEHICLE AND SEES LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. VEHICLE DIED. RESTARTED VEHICLE. SES LIGHT ON CONSTANT. VEHICLE 'PULSES' - LIKE NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA IN OCTOBER 2002. IT HAD 4 MILES ON IT FROM MY TEST DRIVE. MY FIRST OIL CHANGE WAS SIX WEEKS LATER BECAUSE I WAS WORKING 100 MILES ROUND-TRIP TO WORK. THE DEALERSHIP INITIALLY LEFT THE CAP OFF MY RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SMOKE AND SPUTTER WHEN I PICKED IT UP. IN FEBRUARY 2003, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY CAB FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE CAR RAN HOT. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS TO THE CAR. THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RADIATOR. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "HOSES" BECAUSE RODENTS HAD EATEN THROUGH THE HOSES THAT CAUSED THE FLUID TO LEAK. I ASKED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT THEY REFUSED. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED EVERY HOSE ON THE CAR. I HAD TO BUY A NEW RADIATOR, HEATER COIL (THE CAR WOULD BLOW COLD AIR WHEN SITTING STILL), AND RIGHT NOW I'M WAITING ON A COMPRESSOR. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PIECE OF JUNK SINCE I MADE THE PURCHASE. I HAVE OWNED 2 MAXIMAS, AND CURRENTLY HAVE AN OLDER MODEL PATHFINDER AS WELL. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WITH THE OTHER ONES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ALTIMA. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2006
HAD THE ECM REPROGRAM DONE A FEW WEEKS AGO. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER RESET THE ECM AGAIN. PAST WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. DEALER NOW SAYS THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR IS BAD. WE HAD THE "STALLING ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING" ISSUE IN NOV 2003. AT THAT TIME AND UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE FROM ME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK AND CAMSHAFT POSITION...STALLING PROBLEM SOLVED. HERE WE ARE 3 YEARS LATER BACK TO THE BAD CRANK POSITION SENSOR AGAIN AND DEALER IS SAYING MY VIN IS NOT IN THE RANGE OF THE SENSOR RECALL AND I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. IN MY OPINION, NISSAN IS TRYING TO PROGRAM THE ECM TO HIDE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE SENSORS AND IT'S MADE IT MORE PRONOUNCED. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO SOFTEN THE BLOW A BIT BY KNOCKING SOME OFF THE CHARGES, BUT I'M STILL HAVING TO COUGH UP $184 FOR A WELL KNOWN, WELL DOCUMENTED AND AGING DEFECT. COME ON NISSAN, FIX THE PROBLEM....IT'S A DANGEROUS ONE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE AIR FLOW FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. A NHTSA RECALL, #06V242000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE ENGINE HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2006
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR A CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE SPEED INPUT CIRCUIT CAUSING THIS STALLING. THERE'S A RECALL FOR 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT FOR 2003 AND THIS IS DANGEROUS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2006
COURTESY COPY RE DEFECTIVE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. SHE IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM NISSAN. *TS THE VEHICLE STALLED WEATHER THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE CRANK CASE REPLACED, THROTTLE SENSOR ADJUSTED, FUEL INJECTION FLUSHED, POWER STEERING FLUSHED, AND BRAKE FLUID FLUSHED. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND RECALL 06V242000 IN REFERENCE TO FAULTY ENGINE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR. THE CONSUMER VEHICLE FELL WITHIN THE RANGE OF THE RECALL BUT THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THEREFORE THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO CHECKED THE RECALLS. THE DEALER REPLACED A FAULTY CHAMBER. THE FAULTY CHAMBER RESULTED IN A THROTTLE CHAMBER REPLACEMENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2006
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VIN 1N4AL11D33C2XXXXX WAS DISPLAYING A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WITH A CODE OF P0 507- IDLE SYSTEM TOO HIGH.....THIS APPEARED APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS FOLLOWING THE R0606 RECALL FOR A ECM RE-PORGRAM FOR A CRANK ENGINE SENSOR. THE INTRESTING THING, MY SISTER HAS THE SAME CAR, DID THE SAME RECALL AROUND THE SAME TIME AND HAD THE SAME SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT APPEAR THE SAME DAY WITH THE SAME CODE. SEARCHING THE WEB, IT APPEARS MANY FOLKS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I PAID ABOUT $140 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED AND WANT NISSAN TO REFUND MY MONEY, HOWEVER 6 CALLS TO THEM HAS GOTTEN ME NO WHERE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CRANK SENSOR ON MY 03 NISSAN ALTIMA, THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF ON A HEAVY TRAVELED ROAD. I'M AFRAID THAT IT WILL RESULT IN A ACCIDENT POSSIBLY INJURING ME. I TRIED TO HAVE THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FIX THIS PROB UNDER THEIR RECALL AND THEY REFUSED STATING IT WAS ONLY FOR THE 02 MODELS. MANY OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING IF YOU SEARCHED ON WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM YOU WOULD SEE NUMEROUS ENTRIES OF THE SAME THING. I JUST WANT THIS FIXED FOR SAFETY REASONS. *NM
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Tires, Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR MOVING VERY SLOWLY,NOT STAYING IN THE ROAD, PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH 2 HANDS TO KEEP IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MAINTENANCE SHOP JUST TO MAKE SURE I WAS BEING TOLD THE TRUTH. AFTER 30 MIN OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD BY A GOODYEAR MANAGER THAT I HAVE 3X THE WRONG SIZE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE 205/65/16 TIRES ON MY CAR AND I HAVE 225/60/16 TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. I AM FURIOUS BECAUSE I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH THOSE TIRES ON MY CAR AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES TO BE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE AND THEY KNEW THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. MY CAR IS NOT A STEADY VEHICLE I FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY HOLD IT STILL IN THE ROAD. WHEN IT RAIN I FEEL LIKE I WRECK AT ANYTIME. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND IT HURTS ME TO KNOW THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND NOT ONE TIME HAVE THEY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MY TIRES. I HAVE HAD THOSE TIRES ALIGNED AND BALANCE BUT THE TECH TOLD ME IT WOULD DO ME NO GOOD BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE 3 TIMES TO BIG. PLEASE HELP I THINK THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY TIRES WITH THE RIGHT SIZE. ALSO MY SEAT BELTS ON THE CAR WILL NOT EXTRACT I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WILL PULL THEM OUT BUT WHEN I LEAVE AFTER ABOUT 4 TO 5 DAYS MY BELTS WILL GET STUCK AGAIN I ALSO HAD MY SEAT BELTS CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS AND NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME FLAT OUT IT IS NOT THERE PROBLEM I CAN NOT PULL A SEAT BELT. I HAVE TO LET MY DAUGHTER RIDE IN THE BACK AT TIMES WITHOUT A SEAT BELT UNTIL I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SEAT BELTS ARE GETTING HUNG FROM THE CORE OF THE ENTRANCE BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. **NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2006
2003 ALTIMA THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. CHAMBER ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHE RECEIVED FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2006
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT I'VE FILED WITHIN THE SPAN OF 30 DAYS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING STALLING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS. THE ENGINE WOULD COMPLETELY STOP DURING LOW SPEEDS AND AT STOP (4 TIMES AT A STOP AND ONCE DURING A TURN). I HAVE ALREADY HAD ISSUES WITH MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SERVICING MY RECALLS. FIRST I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR SO I DROVE IT HOME. THEN I WENT BACK AGAIN AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL FOR THE ECM. SO I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED THEM THE REPORTS. THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO REPROGRAM MY ECM (AS THE RECALL STATES) AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE THAT COULD BE CAUSING THE STALLS. HOWEVER, JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALLS, MY CAR ENGINE DIES AGAIN. I CALLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR ENGINE AND ONCE MORE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ONLINE REPORTS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS WHERE THEY COMPLAINED OF THE SAME SITUATION- EVEN AFTER THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE ECM, THE ENGINE STILL STALLS. SO NOW I HAVE MY CAR BACK BUT STILL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE ALSO TAKEN MY CAR TO AN NON-NISSAN MECHANIC AND HE TOO COULD LOCATE THE PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN VEHICLES, OR AT LEAST BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND FIX THE PROBLEMS WHEN IT OCCURS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE ENGINE STALLING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL REPAIR WORK #06V242000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN 10/06. THREE DAYS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN IDLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IDENTIFIED THAT THE IDLE WAS OFF AND NEEDED TO BE RELEARNED, WHICH WAS PERFORMED. 12 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING WORST THAN IT DID BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE COMPUTER WAS BAD BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE RELEARNING OF THE IDLE. THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. FOUR DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPED AND TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY AND STARTER. THEY ALL TESTED NORMAL TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PROBABLY NOT START DUE TO A DEFECTIVE COMPUTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. AS I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEEN POSTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CAR WOULDN'T START 2 MONTHS AGO AND BEFORE THEN FOR A FEW MONTHS IT WOULD CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP THINKING THAT IT WAS MY CRANK ANGULAR SENSOR (MOST RECENT RECALL). HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE NOTIFIED ME THAT IT IS MY "CRANK POSITION SENSOR" THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. LIKE OTHERS, I NOTICED THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT ON 2003. LIKE ANOTHER COMPLAINT STATED, 2003 AND 2002 MODELS ARE NOT THAT MUCH DIFFERENT (IF AT ALL) AND IF NISSAN WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, THEN THEY SHOULD MAKE THE RECALL ON THE 2003 MODELS AS WELL. NOW I AM BEING TOLD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WILL COST $243. NISSAN SHOULD REALLY DO SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON THEIR 2003 MODELS TO FIND OUT IF THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, IN MY OPINION WITH SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, IT SHOULD BE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2006
DEAR NHTSA, RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, MORE SPECIFICITY, THE ENGINE HAS STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ON ALL 2002 ALTIMAS, BUT NOTHING FOR 2003 ALTIMAS. HOWEVER, WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE WEB I FOUND SEVERAL REPORTS, INCLUDING THE NHTSA WEBSITE (CAMPAIGN # 06V-242), INDICATING THAT A FEW 200,000 2003 ALTIMAS/SENTRAS (2.5 LITER) WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME CRANK ANGLE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THIS ISSUE UP WITH THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT (CERRITOS) AND WAS THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICE FROM THE TECHNICIANS. FIRST, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. THEN, I WAS INFORMED THAT NOT ALL RECALLS ARE LISTED IN THE WEBSITE AND I WOULD HAVE TO GET MY CAR SERVICED FIRST AND ONLY AFTER COULD THEY DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT MY CAR IS UNDER THE WARRANTY. AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR WHATEVER REPAIRS THAT WAS NEEDED TO BE DONE. I DO NOT HAVE AN ISSUE WITH PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS IF IT IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE; HOWEVER, SHOULDN'T THE NISSAN'S TECHNICIANS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS UNDER RECALL BY LOOKING INTO THE VIN NUMBER OR THE PARTS NUMBER? ALSO, THE RECALL IS NOT LISTED OR ANNOUNCED ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE BUT IS REPORTED IN SEVERAL ARTICLES. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES. AND THE DEALERSHIPS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER INSTANCES WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY CORRECTION FOR THIS ISSUE AND AM HOPING YOU WILL BE OF SOME ASSISTANCE TO ME WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE HAD NO LUCK WITH THE DEALERSHIP. CINDY LIN. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S IN JULY 2003. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE CHECKS AND OIL CHANGES. AT 59K, DEALER ADVISED THAT RADIATOR HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACING. DEALER ATTRIBUTED PROBLEM TO BEING IN A "SALT" STATE. HOWEVER, NISSAN RECALLED OTHER PARTS BECAUSE I LIVE IN A SALT STATE, BUT NOT THIS ONE. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN BECAUSE I FELT THIS WAS A PART THAT SHOULD BE REPLACED DUE TO TECHNICAL BULLETINS PUBLISHED REGARDING RADIATOR CAP REPLACEMENT AND WHY WOULD A RADIATOR NEED REPLACING AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS? NISSAN ADVISED TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. SECOND DEALERSHIP PERFORMED PRESSURE TEST, FOUND A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. CLAMPS ALSO CORRODED. THIS DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT RADIATOR CAPS SHOULD BE REPLACED ON NISSANS EVERY 30K. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE AT THEIR COST. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO BAD AT RETURNING CALLS, NOT FORWARDING YOUR CALLS AND HAVE TO REPEAT EVERY THING YOU SAY MULTIPLE TIMES, AND CONDESCENDING TOWARDS CUSTOMER. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW OF THE PROBLEMS. REPLACED RADIATOR WITH AFTER MARKET PART, COST $600 OUT OF POCKET. SHOP THAT REPLACED PART ADVISED THAT NISSAN RADIATORS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND THAT HE GETS NUMEROUS CALLS TO REPLACE THIS PART ON NISSANS. EVERY SHOP THAT I CALL WAS SURPRISED THAT I WANTED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR SINCE THE CAR WAS SO NEW. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE WAITING FOR AN ESTIMATE THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER #06V242000 REGARDING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPROGRAM THE ECM SENSOR HOWEVER AFTER THE ECM SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE CRANK SENSOR BE REPLACED WHICH WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2006
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT READY TO TURN LEFT ONTO ANOTHER STREET WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STALLS OUT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. IT TOOK ME A FEW TIMES TO GET MY CAR STARTED AGAIN AND WHEN IT FIRED UP AGAIN I STARTED DRIVING AWAY BUT MY CAR WOULD BE HAVING A HARD TIME GOING AS IF IT WAS STARTING TO BOG OUT. I LATER DID A DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND GOT THE CODE P0335 WHICH ENDED UP BEING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS BUT IT WASN'T AS BAD. IT WOULD JUST BOG DOWN LIKE ONCE IN 2 WEEKS BUT THIS WAS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO!. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AS WELL AS WHEN IDLING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION CENSOR DUE TO FUEL LEAKING ON THE CENSOR. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/14/08 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2006
I WAS MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT ON A SUNDAY AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEARLY TO THE FLOOR AND AS THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED, THE CAR LURCHED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED CRIPPLED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV OVER 2300 RPM AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD A DIFFICULT TIME SHIFTING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER AND WERE TOLD THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD FAILED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, WE FOUND THAT THE FAILURE OF THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR ON NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND MAXIMA'S IS NOT UNCOMMON. THE REPAIR BILL WAS OVER $1300 FOR DIAGNOSTICS OF THE PROBLEM, LABOR AND PARTS. I AM EXTREMELY DISPLEASED THAT THIS ISSUE IS MUCH TOO COMMON TO BE OVERLOOKED AS BEING A RECALL ITEM. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, OTHERWISE, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A CAR ACCIDENT AS THAT INTERSECTION IS A HIGH-VOLUME INTERSECTION.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED THE ECM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING NHTSA RECALL # 06V242000; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; CRANK SENSOR AND ECM; HOWEVER THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND LURCHED FORWARD AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ILLUMINATED SOON AFTER THE ABOVE REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONTACT WAS CHARGED FOR THE ABOVE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL NOTICE INDICATES THE VIN AS BEING INCLUDED. THE DEALERSHIP TREATED THE CRANK SENSOR AND ECM REPAIRS AS TWO SEPARATE REPAIRS, BUT THE RECALL NOTICE INDICATED THE TWO WERE CORRELATED TOGETHER AS ONE.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2006
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING AND CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. I PUT IT BACK INTO GEAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN - IT DID THIS 4 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MILE RANGE. MY BROTHER PUT SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID IN IT WHICH SEEMED TO HELP A LITTLE BIT. LUCKILY AN AUTO PARTS STORE WAS NEAR BY AND I MADE IT OVER THERE FOR THEM TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON IT. CAME BACK WITH BAD CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I FINALLY MADE IT HOME AND MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET IT SERVICED THE NEXT DAY. MADE IT TO DEALERSHIP WITH A LOT OF PRAYER BECAUSE IT WAS 15 MILES AWAY. I GUESS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HELPED A BIT TOO. THEY REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AT $170 AND A WHOLE DAY OUT OF WORK. TODAY I GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON IT - 5 MONTHS LATER. YEAH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE FAILURE THERE WAS A COUPLE MINUTE DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE RESTARTED. THIS ONLY OCCURRED DURING WARM WEATHER. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #06V242000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER NO CODES DISPLAYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2006
CAR STALLS AND DIES WITHOUT NOTICE. *JB