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 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAILING ON HIS VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, JERKS VIOLENTLY, AND STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PAID TO HAVE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACED TWO YEARS AGO AFTER THE ECM WAS REPROGRAMMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY DUE TO THE MILEAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2009
FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IN NISSAN ALTIMAS.02 03 04 05. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, WHICH PRODUCED TWO CODES RELATED TO THE ENGINE. THE CODES WERE FOR THE ENGINE SPEED INPUT CIRCUIT AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SPEED CENTER. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,881.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $297.25. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE SHE WAS EXPERIENCING WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL; THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,533.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2009
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA'S HAVE A RECALL ON THE CRANK AND CAM SHAFT SENSORS. THEY ARE FAULTY AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD RECENTLY HAD THE CRANK SENOR REPLACED BY NISSAN AND PAID FOR IT, AND NOW THE CAM SENSOR IS BAD. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, & THEY SAID IT DOES NOT COVER MY PARTICULAR VIN# EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL THE OTHER 2003'S ??? THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS. ??? AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO DOES NOT GET THIS??? HELP! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2009
CRANK SHAFT SENSOR FAILURE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROX.69,300 MILES ON 7/9/09. ON 7/11/09 AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOCALLY DURING THE DAY, HAD PARKED IT FOR ABOUT 90 MINUTES. STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ALL OF THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS REMAIED ON. I SHUT OFF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO RESTRAT IT. THE CAR TRIED TO START, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RUN. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 TIMES OF TURNING THE KEY AND LETTING THE CAR TRY TO START FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS EACH TIME BEFORE THE ENGINE KICKED ON. THIS TIME THE DAHBOARD DISPLAY WAS NORMAL. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT HOME (1 MILE). I DID NOT TRY TO START THE CAR AGAIN UNTIL I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP ON 7/13/09. ON 7/15/09 I WAS ADVISED THAT THE SES CODE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND THE COST TO REPLACE IS $250. THE PART WAS TO COME FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP (NOT AFTERMARKET). THEY CHECKED THE VIN AND ALTHOUGH EARLY 2003 ALTIMA'S ARE COVERED BY A RECALL MINE IS NOT. FURTHER INTERNET SEARCHES HAVE SHOWN THAT THIS PROBLEM IS RAMPENT. NISSAN NEEDS TO COVER THIS! I AM FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT CONTINUE TO OPERATE MY VEHICLE AND HAVE IT STALL IN TRAFFIC AS MANY OTHERS HAVE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN MUST EXPAND THEIR COVERAGE OF THE REPAIR. MY CAR IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED, AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM PAYING FOR WEAR AND TEAR. KNOWN DEFECTS SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRANK HANDLE SENSOR ECM DOES NOT WORK WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS HOT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE TURNING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR ONE MONTH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE CRANK POSITION AND CAM POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED FIRST, AND THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT WILL BE CHARGED $500 FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE POOR DESIGN OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,024.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT THEY BELIEVE THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WILL NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,059.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2009
RECALL #06V242: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 6/21/09 TOOK TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN MY NISSAN 2003 ALTIMA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS BEING AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. CALLED DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. THEY SUGGESTED CALLING NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA. THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS BEFORE GETTING BACK TO ME SAYING THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPAIRS. DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING $150 TO GET CAR BACK FOR THE DIAGNOSES. ENGINE IS CUTTING OFF DURING LOW DRIVING CAUSING VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. IT HAS ALSO STALLED AFTER STARTING THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE RESTATED AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH WAS NOT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED ON FIFTY SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CRANK POSITION SENSOR WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL FOR THE 2002 MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, WHICH GENERATED A RECALL BY NISSAN. HE FEELS THAT THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION AND SHOULD BE REIMBURSED AND THAT ALL THE VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,638. UPDATED 07/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/08/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2009
I'VE BEEN DRIVING THIS 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SINCE MARCH 2009. SINCE APRIL THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE MOVING EVERY TIME I USE IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE THE ENGINE CODES READ, AND THEY SAID I HAVE A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND A BAD CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. AFTER HEARING OF THIS I RESEARCHED THE PARTS AND PROBLEMS I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING AND CAME ACROSS THE RECALL. I THEN CALLED A NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL ADDRESSED, AND DROPPED THE CAR OFF TO HAVE ON 6/24/09. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 6/25/09 SAYING THEY CAN NOT PERFORM THE RECALL (ECM REPROGRAM) UNLESS I PAY $300 + TAX TO HAVE THE SENSORS REPLACED AND THEN THEY CAN PERFORM THE RECALL FIX. I INSISTED HE PERFORM THE REPROGRAM BEFORE THE SENSORS AND HE REFUSED. SO I SAID THANK YOU AND I'LL PICK MY CAR UP LATER ON IN THE DAY. NOW MY REAL COMPLAINT IS THE SENSORS ARE GOING BAD BECAUSE NISSAN HAS A FAULTY ECM PROGRAM. NISSAN NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE ENTIRE PROBLEM NOT JUST A SIMPLE COMPUTER FIX. NISSAN IS MAKING MONEY OFF OF A BLATANT DEFECT CAUSED BY THEIR OWN MANUFACTURING AT THE COST OF SAFETY AND THEIR CUSTOMERS EXPENSE. THIS RECALL IS ONLY ADDRESSING THE INITIAL PROBLEM, NOT THE RESULTS OF THE INITIAL PROBLEM. NISSAN IS PERFORMING A SLAPSTICK RECALL CAMPAIGN AND THE CONSUMERS NEED TO HAVE RELIEF. FOR ME TO DRIVE A SAFE CAR I AND EVERYONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $300 FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S MISTAKE...NOT FAIR AND THIS SHOULD ADDRESSED ASAP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2009
MY WIFE WAS UNABLE TO START HER CAR (A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA) FOR SEVERAL TRIES (AND WITH VERY WEAK POWER WHEN IT FINALLY DID START), SO WE TOOK IT TO A NEARBY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. AFTER PAYING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, WE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO AGAIN INFORMED US OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. HE REPAIRED IT USING A DEALER-SPECIFIED PART AND INFORMED US THAT THE CAR MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. HE ALSO GAVE US INFORMATION ABOUT A 2003 RECALL REGARDING THE CRANK SENSOR THAT STATES: "NISSAN HAS DETERMINED THAT SOME 2000-2003 MODEL YEAR NISSAN VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY. THE ENGINE MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN IF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR FAILS. THIS MAY ALSO RESULT IN THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT COMING ON OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER. IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING." THIS PARTICULAR RECALL APPLIED TO THE 2003 SENTRA, MAXIMA, MURANO, AND 350Z, AS WELL AS THE 2002 ALTIMA, BUT NOT THE 2003 ALTIMA. UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE NOW ENCOUNTERING THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATE THAT THEIR 2003 ALTIMAS HAVE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, INCLUDING SOME WHICH HAVE INDEED RESULTED IN CRASHES. ALTHOUGH MY FAMILY HAS NOT YET ENCOUNTERED THIS TRAGEDY, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. TO ME THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY TO THE OWNER BUT TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL, YET NISSAN INSISTS THAT THEY ARE "NOT LIABLE" FOR ANY REPAIRS BEYOND THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR OTHER CARS FROM THE SAME MODEL YEAR THAT ARE NOW ENCOUNTERING THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY REFUSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT AN ISSUE THAT WAS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THAT TIME. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2009
WELL AS USUALLY I TOOK MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S INTO THE SHOP AND FOR REGULAR WORK. I HAVE PROOF THAT MY CAR IS UP TO DATE ON TUNEUP, COOLANT CHANGE, TRANSMISSION CHANGE, AND OIL CHANGE. TIRES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. I TOOK A TRIP TO TEXAS AND THE CAR WAS FINE FOR THE 2 1/2 WEEKS I WAS DOWN THERE. THREE DAYS BEFORE LEAVING THE SES LIGHT COME ON, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS A MINOR ISSUE BEING THE FACT THAT THEY LOOK AT MY CAR WEEKEND BEFORE GOING ON MY TRIP. WHEN I HIT LOUISIANA I EXPERIENCED A JERKING BACK AND FORTH MOTION WHEN I WAS USING THE GAS. ONLY THINGS KEPT GETTING WORSE WHEN I START SEEING THE LOST OF GAS, LOST POWER IN MY CAR, AND HEARING METALLIC NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. LUCKY, I MADE IT TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE IN AUGUSTA. I DIDN'T WANT TO CAUSE ANYMORE DAMAGE DRIVING IT BACK TO COLUMBIA, SC SO I HAD TOW TRUCK COME AND PICK IT UP 190.00. SO THEY LOOK AT THE CAR AND CALLED ME TELLING THAT ONE OF THE POWER VALVE SCREWS CAME LOOSE AND DAMAGE TWO SPARK PLUGS. NOW THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD AND MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CRACK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. THE COST OF IT WOULD BE AROUND 1350.00. I KNOW THIS IS DEFECT ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. I HOPE ALL THE INFORMATION HELPS FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE NISSAN BUYERS. I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, May 21, 2009
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS AT LIGHTS,GOING SLOW,DOES NOT RESTARTS SOMETIMES, SURGES FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDS IS FAULTY,COST 225 DOLLARS WITH LABOR. I SEE SOME 2003 ALTIMAS WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE HAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL FROM NISSAN, BUT NOT MINE. ON THE NISSAN HELP.COM WEBSITE THERE ARE 40= PAGES OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME THING ON MANY YEARS OF THESE VEHICLES WITH ALOT OF SAFETY CONCERNS. I THINK ALL THEIR SENSORS ARE BAD AND ALL THESE YEARS ALTIMA VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L CAR IN JULY OF 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 51,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD NO ISSUES. APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 13 YEAR OLD SON HOME FROM TAE KWON DO AND WAS CROSSING A FREEWAY TO A SIDE STREET WHEN MY CAR BUCKED AND STALLED. LUCKILY I HAD SOME SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO "BARELY" GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE 55+ MPH TRAFFIC SMASHED INTO ME. THE SES LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND MAKE IT HOME AND THEN TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE CODE READ "CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR". HE REPLACED IT WITH A NISSAN PART, I PICKED UP THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED JUST BEFORE A VERY HIGH, NARROW, TWO-LANE BRIDGE IN SOLOMONS MARYLAND. I LIMPED BACK TO THE AUTO SHOP AND MY MECHANIC READ THE CODE AND IT SAID "CRANKSHAFT SENSOR" AGAIN. I CALLED NISSAN WHO INFORMED ME I HAD 3 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SHEEHY NISSAN IN WALDORF MD AT 0730. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM AT 1330 AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DISINTEGRATING AND BEING INGESTED IN THE ENGINE. AFTER RESEARCHING MY VIN, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS A RECALL THAT WAS COMPLETED ON MY CAR IN 2004. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO LODGE A COMPLAINT IN THAT A "KNOWN" DEFECTIVE PART FAILED "AFTER" A RECALL AND DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO CAUSING A POSSIBLY SEVERE ACCIDENT. THEY DENIED MY CLAIM BECAUSE MY CAR WAS AT 82,000 MI. I WAS TOLD THAT IF IT HAPPENED BEFORE 80,000 MI., WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER WAS BECAUSE OF THE FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY ACT, THEY WOULD HAVE PROBABLY REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR FREE. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT THE FAILURE OF A PART THAT HAS "NO MAINTENANCE" REQUIREMENTS, THAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED BECAUSE OF "KNOWN" DEFICIENCIES SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER. I ALSO CONTEND THAT THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF POWER AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN DEATH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $35. TWO DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED AGAIN AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE COMPENSATION BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400.
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2009
SINCE MAY OF LAST YEAR, I HAVE BEEN A USED OWNER OF A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS FEELING SUDDEN PERIODS OF LOSS IN POWER WHILE DRIVING, LIKE THE CAR HESITATES AND ALMOST SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. UPON GETTING MY CAR INSPECTED THIS PAST WEEKEND, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW CRANK POSITION SENSOR, ORDERED FROM NISSAN. DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE WHO HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH CAR HESITATIONS AND CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I CALLED NISSAN, THEY SAID MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT WOULDN'T OR SHOULDN'T BE, GIVEN THAT I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I'M REQUESTING A FORMAL COMPLAINT BE MADE AGAINST NISSAN FOR NOT CARING IN THE SLIGHTEST ABOUT CONSUMER/CUSTOMER SAFETY DUE TO FAULTY CAR PARTS THAT COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY DEADLY RAMIFICATIONS INVOLVING THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE ON THE ROAD, AS WELL AS THE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXTREMELY UNETHICAL JUDGMENT CALL IN NOT TAKING FULL ACCOUNTABILITY WITH NOT REPLACING THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT THAT THEY HAD ORIGINALLY PLACED IN THE VEHICLE TO BEGIN WITH. I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THAT, WITH MY PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE, BOTH THE CAM AND CRANK POSITION SENSORS WERE REDESIGNED 3 TIMES SINCE 2003 - WHY WOULD THIS BE IF THERE WASN'T A LEGITIMATE ISSUE WITH THE PART/S? I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY SO FAR WHEN THE CAR DOES SHUT OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING IT THAT, WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING OR ANTICIPATION THAT SUCH A THING SHOULD HAPPEN AT ALL, I HAVEN'T GOTTEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. SO FAR. THE ENGINE HESITATIONS AND CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING OCCUR AT LEAST A FEW TIMES A WEEK. I WOULD LIKE THE FAULTY PARTS REPLACED AND INSTALLED, FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2009
NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 STALLED AT RED LIGHT, WITHOUT ANY WARNING OF ANY SORT. FAILED TO START UP AGAIN FOR MULTIPLE TRIES. TEAM NISSAN OF MARIETTA RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF A FAILED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. I HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THE SENSOR THOUGH. SURPRISING EVEN THOUGH NHTSA HAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN 03V455000 THAT DOCUMENTS THIS PROBLEM. AM I BEING FLEECED? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2009
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA USES 4 QUARTERS OF OIL IN LESS THAN 50 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE DEALER SERVICE REP. SAID THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGE BY THE CAT. FILTER MATERIAL. HOWEVER, THERE IS WATER ON THE OIL CAP OF THE ENGINE AS IF THE HEAD IS CRACKED OR HEAD IS WARPED. I FEEL THAT IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2009
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE CYLINDER 1 MISFIRED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEAD GASKET CONSUMING 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 4000 MILES AND RUNNING TERRIBLY ROUGH. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HER VEHICLE WAS AMONG THE HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHERE IT DETERIORATES AND BECOMES SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, SCORCHING THE CYLINDERS CAUSING MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION THEN FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE SERVICE ENGINE, BATTERY, AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.