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, Jul 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, THE RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER IT STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. FORM RETURNED NO CHANGE
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT EXPIERENCED A NO START CONDITION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A LOUD TICKING NOISE BEGAN TO COME FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE ENGINE AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, BUT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. OIL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL RAPIDLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,358.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE AFTER IT WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,456.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE ALSO BEGAN TO PERFORM AS IF IT WERE GOING TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 06/14/11*JB UPDATED 07/08/11 *BF UPDATED 3/15/12 *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 WITH APPROX. 155K MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH APPROX. 20K MILES IN 2006. AT AROUND 60K I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS USING A LITTLE MORE OIL THAN NORMAL. I HAD IT SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING OLDER AND IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I CONTINUED TO DO THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND AT ABOUT 130K MILES IT STARTED TO USE EVEN MORE OIL. TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE IS GETTING OLDER AND THIS WAS NORMAL AGAIN. FAST FORWARD TO THIS YEAR. AT ABOUT 145K MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TAKE IT IN AND I AM TOLD IT IS A P0420, WHICH MEANS THAT THE CATALYST SYSTEM IS BELOW THRESHOLD, BUT NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS COMMON IN 02 - 03 NISSAN ALTIMAS. I STARTED HEARING RATTLING NOISES IN THE ENGINE AND OIL CONSUMPTION WENT THROUGH THE ROOF. I JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED LAST WEEK AND HAD TO PUT 3 QUARTS IN IT THIS MORNING AFTER ONLY 400 MILES. ENGINE COMPRESSION IS ALSO GONE. SO I START DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FIND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS AND THAT NISSAN IS WELL AWARE THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DISINTEGRATES IN THIS MODEL YEAR CAR, DESTROYING THE ENGINE AND LEADING TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. THEY ARE ALSO AWARE THAT IT HAPPENS OVERTIME AND I BELIEVE USE THIS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE IN AVOIDING WARRANTY REPAIRS. IT SEEMS THAT THEY HIDE BEHIND THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND REFUSE TO TAKE ACTION SINCE THIS PROBLEM ISN'T DISCOVERED UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE AND BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD. IT DEVELOPS IN MOST CARS SLOWLY OVER TIME. I AM ALSO VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT EVERY MECHANIC I WENT TO TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL. THEN I GET ONLINE AND DO A GOOGLE SEARCH LEADING ME TO HUNDREDS OF MESSAGE BOARDS WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND BEING BLOWN OFF BY NISSAN. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CARS. I AM NOW GOING TO HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR BECAUSE I AM REFUSING TO PAY $4,000 TO REPLACE AN ENGINE FOR A KNOW DEFECT. APPARENTLY THIS DEFECT HAS ALSO CAUSED FIRES IN CARS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2011
MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEB 2011 WITH AROUND 118000 FROM A BUY HERE PAY HERE AND TWO MONTHS LATER THE MOTOR WENT OUT ON IT. WE DROVE IT TO CHURCH AND TURNED IT OFF AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN ON AGAIN MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THEY HAD WATER IN IT. I HAVE READ THAT THIS CAR HAVE BAD MOTOR PROBLEMS, OUR MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND SAID WE NEED A NEW MOTOR
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SEEMED AS IF IT WOULD STALL AND SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED. THE FAILURE WAS FREQUENT AND OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER OF RECALL 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,686.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, May 18, 2011
THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES; I PARK MY CAR (TURN ENGINE OFF) DO GROCERIES, SHOPPING, ETC, COME BACK, I TURN THE CAR ON AND THE CAR IS LIKE STALLING, LIKE ITS IDLE BUT YOU CAN FEEL THE SHAKING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE ON THIS SITUATION. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, TURN IT BACK ON AND STILL THE SAME SITUATION. I HAVE TO WAIT 3-5 MINUTES WITH ENGINE OFF, THEN I TURN IT ON AND THE CAR STARTS WORKING NORMAL. THERE IS NO "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS IS HAPPENING TIME TO TIME. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT COULD BE SOMETING WITH THE GASOLINE IN THE TANK, THAT IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I LEFT MY TANK ALMOST TO EMPTY AND LOAD A NEW TANK, DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND STILL DOES THE SAME. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, ASKED FOR ANY RECALLS ON MY CAR'S MODEL/YEAR. THEY SAY NO RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL. I STARTED SEARCHING FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND I READ A FEW ARTICLES THAT THE '02 MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES, ALSO THAT THE SAME '03 MODEL IN CANADA HAS BEEN RECALLED AND SERVICED FOR SAME ISSUE. ALTHOUGH I CANNOT PROVE THAT WHAT I READ IS TRUE, I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CHECKED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP MAINTENANCE CENTERS SINCE THERE IS NO ALERT SIGNS ON THE DASHBOARDS.
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE OIL ESCAPED INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING THE ENGINE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 7135820 BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2011
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. BACK IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010, I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK. ABOUT 4 MILES FROM MY HOME. (MY CAR IS RIGHT UNDER 107K MILES AT THE TIME). I WAS DRIVING NORMAL, OR CORRECTLY. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR SHUTS OFF! I HAVE TO JERK MY WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND BREAK MY CAR BEFORE I CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I AM SO THANKFUL I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS WERE PUT AT RISK THAT DAY BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH YOUR CAR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR YOUR CAR, ACTUALLY QUITE A FEW, BUT THE ONE I'M MOST INTERESTED IN GETTING FIXED IS THE ONE THAT DETERMINES MY LIVELY HOOD. ALL I AM ASKING IS YOU PLEASE FIX THIS. I CAN GO WITHOUT THE AC OR HAVING WEAK HEADLIGHTS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH. I JUST CAN'T DEPEND ON THIS CAR TO NOT KILL ME ONE DAY. PLEASE, I AM BEGGING YOU. ONCE AGAIN FOR MY LIFE & THE LIVES OF MANY OTHERS THAT WILL BE INVOLVED. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM! I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE FOR THE ALTIMA OUT OF POCKET. RECALLED ON : 7/7/2006 INFLUENCED BY: OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION RECALLED FOR: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 28, 2011
HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2003/ENGINE/ENGINE_BURNS_OIL.SHTML. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED T FUNCTION NORMALLY AND WAS IMMEDIATELY DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ON GOING FOR THREE TO FOUR WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
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