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, Aug 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. THE VEHICLE STALLED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS BUT USUALLY WHILE STOPPED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V242000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2006
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS THE ENGINE INSTALL ISSUE.... I HAVE CALLED THE HEADQUARTERS AND THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD I MUST WAIT UNTIL THE RECALL NOTICES ARE MAILED TO OUT ON 8/21.... I HOPE I DON'T HAVE A WRECK BETWEEN NOW AND THEN! *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2006
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE STOP WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES, FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. I KNOW THIS IS A PART OF THE RECALL ON ALL 2002 VEHICLES, RECALL DAY WAS NOV 04 2003. MY CAR IS 2003 BUT I BOUGHT IT ON NOV 15TH 2003. NISSAN SHOULD DO THE RECALL ON ALL 2003 ALSO. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO NISSAN DEALER, ON THE FIRST SERVICE, THEY CHARGED ME FOR $872.73, I TALK TO THE SERVICE DIRECTOR AND SHOWED HIM ALL THE DOCUMENTS ABOUT THE SAFETY RECALL, HE SAID MY CAR IS 2003, AND ALSO SAID THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. I SAID OK AND PAID THE SERVICE BY CREDIT CARD. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR HOME, THE CAR WON'T LAST LONGER THAN 24 HRS, THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY, I AM VERY LUCKY I AM STILL ALIVE. THE SAME PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED BEFORE I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER: SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS TIME THE SERVICE DIRECTOR TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM BY FIXING THE PROBLEM THAT I SHOWED HIM ONE DAY EARLIER: THAT IS REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS, CAMSHAFT POSITION, WHICH ALL INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ON 2002, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER. THE WORST THING WAS THE DEALER TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR 2ND SERVICE THAT IS ALMOST $300.00, I'M SO UPSET AND BRING UP TO THE SERVICE DIRECTOR, HE VOIDED THE CHARGE BUT STILL CHARGED ME FOR THE PART = $37.84 INCLUDES TAX. I'M IN THE PROCESS TO WORK WITH MY CREDIT CARD TO DISPUTE ABOUT ALL THE CHARGE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2006
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON, ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2006
THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES. WILL NOT CRANK AFTER A FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE CRANKING. THE PROBLEM IS GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2006
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I'LL COME TO A STOP, AND IT WILL DIE. I'LL GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, TRY TO GO AND IT WILL STALL. I BLOCKED TRAFFIC MOMENTARILY, AND MADE SOME OTHER DRIVERS FAIRLY IRRITATED. THE CAR IS GOING INTO THE SHOP NEXT WEEK TO HOPEFULLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2006
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S IS PART OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN SURROUNDING THE CATALYTIC PIN. MY ALTIMA STOPPED FUNCTIONING ON LAST YEAR AFTER TWO WEEKS OF STOPPING, STALLING, SMOKING, ENGINE KNOCKING, ETC. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SUPPOSEDLY) AT THE EXPENSE OF NISSAN. THE EXACT SAME SCENARIO OCCURRED TWO WEEKS AGO THIS YEAR AND THE CAR AGAIN WAS TOWED TO OUR LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THIS TIME, THEY'RE REFUSING TO MAKE THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THEY'RE CLAIMING THE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE THIS TIME IS NOT RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC PIN. THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS "SLUDGE" IN THE ENGINE, ALTHOUGH THE OIL WAS CHANGED JUST 500 MILES PRIOR TO THE ENGINE LOCKING. AFTER READING OTHER PEOPLE'S COMPLAINTS, I'VE LEARNED THAT THESE ALTIMA'S REQUIRE OIL ON A WEEKLY BASIS OR THIS IS THE RESULT. WHAT KIND OF CAR REQUIRES OIL WEEKLY? AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHERE IT WILL STAY BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY I CAN AFFORD TO BUY A NEW ENGINE AND PAY THE LENDER AT THE SAME TIME. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2006
COMPLAINT #10163230. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2006
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SEPTEMBER 2004. ON 7/12 I EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE OF RECALL #06V242000. MY VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING W/O WARNING AT A STOP AT 2:00A.M. THE NISSAN DEALER INDICATED THE COMPUTER FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I TOOK THE CAR HOME ONLY FOR IT TO ONCE AGAIN STOP AS I DEPARTED MY JOB AT 2:00 A.M. I AGAIN TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHO KEPT MY CAR FOR THREE DAYS. ONE OF WHICH I WAS CALLED AND ASKED IF MY CAR COULD BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 60 MILES AWAY (THE DEALER HAD TO PICKUP AN ITEM IN ANOTHER STATE) IN ORDER TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY THE TECHNICIAN AGAIN INDICATED HE COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. UPON HEARING THIS I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS (7/19) OF MY SITUATION AND WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND TELL THEM OF RECALL #06V242000. AFTER HAVING DONE THIS, THE NISSAN DEALER INDICATED THEY KNEW NOTHING OF THE RECALL, BUT WOULD CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS AS I REQUESTED. AFTER SPEAKING WITH CONSUMER AFFAIRS THE DEALER THEN INDICATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER RECALL #06V242000 WAS IN FACT MY ISSUE AS THE ECM INDICATED NO SUCH THING. FINALLY, I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER WHO INDICATED THAT NISSAN HAD NOT YET TOLD THE DEALERSHIPS HOW TO HANDLE THE ISSUE OF RECALL #06V24200, AND THEREFORE THE ONLY THING THEY COULD DO IS REPROGRAM THE ECM WITH THE SAME PROGRAM IT CURRENTLY HAS. WITH THAT PORTER NISSAN RELEASED MY VEHICLE BACK TO ME INDICATING I MUST WAIT UNTIL AUGUST 21, 2006 (4 WEEKS) BEFORE I COULD EXPECT CORRECTION TO THE PROBLEM. SINCE HAVING THE CAR IN AGAIN IN MY POSSESSION, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM TWO OF THE THREE DAYS. THIS ISSUE IS FURTHER EXACERBATED AS I HAVE A FAMILY OF FOUR THAT DEPENDS ON THE USE OF THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS MY JOB REQUIREMENT IF A RELIABLE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE MY JOB IS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES FROM MY HOME AND I AM REQUIRED TO STAY THERE UNTIL APPROX. 2:00 A.M. THE HANDLING OF THIS RECALL IS UNACCEPTABLE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 19, 2006
THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT BEGAN TO APPEAR IN MID TO LATE JUNE. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND THEY HAVE RAN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THEIR SCANNERS AND CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE RESISTER ON THE TRANSMISSION HOWEVER THE CAR CONTINUES TO SHIFT HARD. NISSAN HAS A BULLETIN ABOUT PROBLEMS ON THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED AS A RECALL. MY CAR HAS REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND HAS STOPPED ON ME ONCE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED THOROUGHLY AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS STILL ON. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2006
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L 4 DOOR. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON STATING "SERVICE ENGINE SOON". BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO GET TO THE DEALER MY CAR STALLED ON THE FREEWAY DURING LOW SPEED RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT CAUSING AND ACCIDENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR PROBLEM. WAS THIS PROBLEM PART OF THE RECALL #06V242000? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DURING A RETURN TRIP OF ABOUT 100 MILES DISTANCE. THE FOLLOWING DAY I REPORTED TO NISSAN IN GREENSBORO, NC. THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD FAILED ALLOWING PARTICLES FROM THE CONVERTER TO ENTER THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. DIAGNOSIS, ENGINE/CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD 108000 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING YEAR FOR INSPECTION OF SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR A NISSAN RECALL THAT WAS FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. NISSAN KNEW THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, BUT ALLOWED IT TO STAY ON THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE 3500 WORTH OF DAMAGE ONE YEAR LATER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2006
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA LAST SUMMER, AND IT'S GIVEN ME NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH TOWN (25 MPH) AND THE STEERING RANDOMLY LOCKED UP, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. I DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM. IT DID THIS TO ME AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC ON IT. THE TEST SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE, AND I FOUND OUT THAT NISSAN RECALLED 2002 ALTIMA CRANK POS SENSORS: HTTP://WWW.LEMONAUTO.COM/COMPLAINTS/NISSAN/ALTIMA.HTM THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED FOR THE 2002 ALTIMA CRANK POS SENSORS IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING WITH MY 2003 ALTIMA. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I FOUND ANOTHER COMPLAIN ON THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_ALTIMA.HTML I THINK THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO LOOK VERY CLOSELY INTO THIS, AS IT IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS! *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2006
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE CAR DIED ALMOST HAD WRECKS,CAR SHUT DOWN. THOUGHT MAYBE BAD GAS. HUSBAND ON THE CROSSTOWN CAR DIED,IT IS AT THE DEALERS NOW. THE SERVICE PERSONAL AT THE DEALER SHIP SAID A LOT OF THE ALTIMA'S WERE HAVING THAT TROUBLE AND HE WOULD SEE IF THE MIGHT BE A RECALL. HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING YET. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING PERIODICALLY. THE STALL OCCURS ANYTIME AT ANY SPEED. WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS I LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALL POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS, WHILE TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. JUST YESTERDAY THE CAR STALLED 5 TIMES AND FINALLY THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE CODE INDICATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS FAULTY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2006
THREE TIMES MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAS CHOKED DOWN AND TRIED TO DIE WHILE DRIVING. I NEVER GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANY CODES SHOWING, BUT AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I FEEL ASSURED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON THIS ISSUE, BUT ONLY FOR 2002 MODELS. A LOT OF PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THEIR 2003'S. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2006
ON MY WAY TO WORK ON 5/3/06 I WAS DRIVING MY '03 NISSAN ALTIMA ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65-70 MPH AND MY CAR JERKED. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR COULDN'T DECIDED WHAT GEAR TO BE IN. IT DID THE SAME THING FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS. THE NEXT DAY WAS SATURDAY AND I TOOK THE CAR TO "CONRADS" TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS PERFORMED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAD 43K MILES ON IT AND I KNEW IT WAS OVER WARRANTY. THE PART IS A NISSAN ONLY PART SO "CONRADS" ORDERED IT AND IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY. FOUR DAYS LATER ON 5/10/06, MY CAR STALLED ON THE WAY TO WORK. IT WOULDN'T START OR ANYTHING. IT STALLED IN A PRETTY BAD NEIGHBORHOOD SO I CALLED THE POLICE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A DIFFERENT PLACE. ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED. AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT CRANK SENSOR AND THE CAM SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SINCE I COULDN'T EVEN DRIVE THE CAR ANYWHERE AND I DIDN'T WANT TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK AGAIN, I TOLD THEM TO ORDER THE PART AND REPLACE THE SENSORS. AFTERWARDS I DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM-AS NOTED ON THIS WEBSITE AND OTHERS. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS IN AN EFFORT TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THE COST. I READ THE WARRANTY AND I ASSUMED IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE IT FELL UNDER THE FEDERAL EMISSIONS LIMITED WARRANTY AND WAS NOT COVERED. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ABSURD BECAUSE THE 2002 ALTIMAS HAD A RECALL ON THIS SENSOR. SINCE THE 2002 BODY STYLE WAS THE SAME IN 2003, IT IS WELL-KNOWN THAT THE MECHANICS OF THE VEHICLES STAY THE SAME. ALL I WANT IS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT OTHER 2003 ALTIMA OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. NISSAN NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL OR REIMBURSE EVERYONE WHO HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE SENSORS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2006
RADIATOR LEAK WAS DISCOVERED BY TECHNICIAN WHILE PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION ON MY ALTIMA FOR SOME ENGINE PROBLEMS I WAS EXPERIENCING. AT THAT TIME MY CAR HAD 43K MILES. I WAS INFORMED THAT I HAD A RADIATOR LEAK AND THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THEY FILLED IT WITH COOLANT, BUT I DID NOT REPLACE THE RADIATOR. FOUR DAYS LATER, MY CAR STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO GET IT TOWED. I TOWED IT TO A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN WHERE I HAD BEEN 4 DAYS AGO. I WAS INFORMED A SECOND TIME THAT MY RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AND THAT IT WAS ABOUT 1/2 EMPTY. HE FILLED UP THE RESERVOIR. JUST TO NOTE, MY VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE OF 2 SENSORS THAT HAD GONE BAD. DURING SECOND DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED OF THE RADIATOR AGAIN. ON MAY 17TH I TOOK MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN AN EFFORT TO GET MY RADIATOR REPLACED BY GOODWILL THAT DEALERSHIPS EXTEND. NISSAN CHECKED THE RADIATOR AND CONFIRMED IT WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED VERY SOON, BUT WOULD NOT USE THE GOODWILL TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE RADIATOR TO DATE. I'VE BEEN FILLING IT WITH COOLANT AS THE RESERVOIR GETS LOW. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO WORK WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO HAVE THIS REPLACED AT NO COST. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS PART OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT I ABSOLUTELY DON'T AGREE. FOUR OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW THAT HAVE THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR HAD TO GET THEIR RADIATORS REPLACED WHILE UNDER THE 36K MILE WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT IS ENOUGH PROOF TO SHOW THAT THE RADIATORS NISSAN IS INSTALLING IN ITS NEW ALTIMAS ARE LOW QUALITY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL WAS FOUND ON THE WEBSITE, ALTHOUGH NO PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE, THERE IS A CONCERN IT MIGHT HAPPEN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL # 03V455000, CONCERNING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. UPDATED 7/11/2006 - THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED AUG 2002. THE RECALL IS FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2006
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THE 3.5 V6, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WHEN ON THE 03 ALTIMAS THE ENGINE WOULD LEAK OIL PAST THE RINGS AND DAMAGE THE CAT THAT WOULD DESTROY THE CAT AND THEN LET THE MATERIAL GO BACK INTO THE MOTOR AND CAUSE OIL CONSUMPTION. MY CAR AFTER TELLING THE DEALER LAST YEAR, STILL USES A QUART EVERY WEEK (ROUGHLY EVERY 600 MILES). THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT NISSAN CONSIDER THIS NORMAL USAGE. I HAVE TRIED OVER SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. ALL DEALERS AND NISSAN WOULD SAY, YOU ARE PASS YOUR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. NOW I SEE NISSAN HAS A CAMPAIGN OUT ABOUT THE 06 ALIMTAS. WHY NOT EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON ALL ALTIMA. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A QUART OF OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE ENGINE EVERY WEEK. ONCE THE OIL RUNS LOW THERE IS A SHAKING NOISE UNTIL MORE IS ADDED. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO LEAK, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE OVER-HAULED BECAUSE IT BURNS EXCESSIVE OIL. UPDATED 7/3/2006 - ALTHOUGH IT WAS CLEAR THAT EH VEHICLE USED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL THE DEALER REFUSED TO OVERHAUL THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 26, 2006, fire
ONE YEAR INTO THE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WOULD SIMPLE SHUT OFF. IF YOU WERE MOVING AT THE TIME IT WOULD EVENTUALLY COME BACK ON TO THE RUNNING POSITION. IF YOU HAPPENED TO BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT AND THE "STUTTER" WOULD HAPPEN IT WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO TRY AND START THE CAR AGAIN. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL TRIES TO START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2003 AS A NEW CAR. BECAUSE OF THESE INSTANCES OF THE CAR SHUTTING OFF THERE HAVE BEEN TWO DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS. THANK THE LORD NONE WITH ANY PERSONAL INJURIES. THESE OCCASIONS OF THE CAR SHUTTING OFF BECAME MORE AND MORE PREVALENT, HAPPENING EVERYDAY ALMOST ALL THE TIME TOWARDS THE END OF THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE IT LITERALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING IT. IT WAS TOWED HOME AND THERE IT SITS. WE ARE STILL PAYING ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE TO HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2006
I HAVE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5SE . IT STALLS AT IDLE AND LOSES POWER DURING DRIVING. IT ALSO DOES NOT WANT TO START AT TIMES JUST DOING SOUND AND AFTER TRYING ABOUT 5 MIN IT'S STARTING( THIS PROBLEM WAS FROM TIME WHEN I BOUGHT THIS BRAND NEW CAR IN 2003). DEALER COULD NOT FIND AND FIX THIS PROBLEM IN 2003 WHEN I HAD WARRANTY. THEY TOLD ME IF CAR STARTS THEY CAN'T READ A CODE , BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A "CHECK ENGINE" MESSAGE. DEALER CHARGED ME $300 FOR TUNE UP. NOW WHEN MY CAR START TO STALLS I WENT AGAIN AND STILL DOES NOT HAVE "CHECK ENGINE" MESSAGE, BUT THEY REPLACED "CRANKSHAFT SENSOR" AND LOOKS LIKE IT WORKS. ANOTHER $300. I CHECK AT NISSANCLUB.COM FORUM AND REALIZE THAT IT'S COMMON PROBLEM FOR NISSAN ALTIMA. BUT MY MODEL 2003 DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECALL. NISSAN SUPPOSED FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CAN HURT SOME ONE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2006
1) NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. I ENJOYED NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. 2) ON 5-18-2006 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 PM MY CAR STALLED. THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 75 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. AFTER THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY TRAFFIC. I WAS AGAIN ABLE TO GET IT STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE NEXT DAY TO BE INSPECTED. THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOW ON" THE LIGHT HAD NOT BEEN ON PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT OCCURRING. 3) THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD BROKEN APART INSIDE THE ENGINE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE CONVERTER BEING DESTROYED ALSO DAMAGED THE O2 SENSOR. THE ENGINE STALLING AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING ALMOST LOCKING UP CAUSED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDST OF HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH SEVERELY LIMITED ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE CAR HAS CAUSED THIS ISSUE. THE PREVIOUS ISSUE WAS WHEN THE CAR'S POWER VALVE SCREWS (ALSO CALLED BUTTERFLY VALVE SCREWS) CAME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THAT INCIDENT TOO ALMOST RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT) THE SERVICING NISSAN SERVICE CENTER FOR MY AUTOMOBILE CAN ATTEST TO BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS AND THERE ARE PICTURES AND CAR PARTS TO PROVE BOTH INCIDENTS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2006
1. CAR STALLED AND ONCE I HELD THE GAS PEDAL DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE KEY OVER AND CRANK THE ENGINE A HUGE PUFF OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE CAR AND IT SEEMED TO RUN FINE, ALTHOUGH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT EVENTUALLY WENT AWAY AFTER A WEEK OR SO. 2) A WEEK OR SO LATER I STARTED THE CAR, IT TURNED OVER FINE BUT HAD NO POWER, IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT GO. IT DID NOT EVEN REALIZE I WAS PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. 3) I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN FRUSTRATION AND THEN TRIED AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WORKED FINE. IT REVVED WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN TOOK OFF JUST FINE. 4) THIS BEGAN TO BE A MORE COMMON OCCURRENCE AND IF I TOOK THE KEY OUT OR WAITED A FEW MINUTES IT WOULD STRAIGHTEN UP. 5) NOT NOW! THE CAR WON'T MOVE FORWARD. AND NOW IT IS EVEN STARTING TO STALL OUT AND FLOOD. 6) NOW THE BATTERY EVEN SEEMS TO BE RUNNING DOWN. THIS HAS ALL TAKEN PLACE IN THE MATTER OF ABOUT THE PAST 5 WEEKS AND NOW IT WON'T MOVE FORWARD OR RUN AT ALL. *NM