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: structure
126 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jan 27, 2011
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SE WITH BOTH FLOORBOARDS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
Structure, Dec 8, 2010
UPON INSPECTION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A SOFTBALL HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE FLOORPAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND IS REGULARLY CLEANED AND WAXED. THE CORROSION PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH ALTIMAS BASED ON NHTSA COMPLAINTS AND INTERNET SEARCHES. NISSAN CHOOSES TO IGNORE THE ISSUE WHICH COULD PRESENT A SAFETY ISSUE IF EXHAUST FUMES GET INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
Structure, Dec 6, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA FAILED INSPECTION STICKER DUE TO RUSTED OUT FLOORBOARDS BOTH ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. HAD TO HAVE NEW FLOORBOARDS WELDED IN. I RESIDE IN MAINE. *TR
Structure, Nov 28, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS LARGE RUST, BUBBLING AREA UNDER PASSENGER SEAT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CAR IS GARAGED. WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION NEXT TIME. THIS IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT ONLINE. *TR
Structure, Nov 23, 2010
THE BODY UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED THROUGH (7"X3" HOLE) DUE TO AN OBVIOUS IMPROPERLY SEALED HOLE IN THE STRUCTURE. SAME HOLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WAS SEALED AND BODY APPEARS TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NO RUST. DEALER QUOTE TO REPAIR IS $1100, OR $3000 TO REPLACE ENTIRE FLOORBOARD. DEALER STATED THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF SAME ISSUE IN LAST MONTH ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF CAR. FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN, BUT THEY WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE MANUFACTURING ISSUE OR OFFER ANY COMPENSATION FOR REPAIR. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN NHTSA DATABASE ECHO SAME ISSUES. WEAKENED/RUSTED THROUGH FLOORBOARD CAN BE SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO COMPROMISED BODY STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL POINT OF ENTRY OF FUMES INTO PASSENGER AREA. UPDATED 01/18/11 *BF PICTURES RECEIVED 01/27/11
Structure, Nov 20, 2010
FLOOR BOARD PANELS ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE RUSTING THROUGH FROM INSIDE OUT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, CAR HAS 74,000 MILES ON IT CAR WAS IN FOR SERVICE WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. UPDATED 01/28/11 *BF PICTURES RECEIVED. UPDATED 02/03/11 *TR
Structure, Nov 8, 2010
PASSENGER SIDE DRAIN PLUG ON THE FLOOR WAS NOT SEALED FROM FACTORY ON 02-04 NISSAN ALTIMA MODELS, THE FLOOR RUSTS OUT VERY PREMATURELY LEAVING A LARGE HOLE FOR A FOOT TO GO THROUGH, OR WORSE EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CAR DOING A SEARCH ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WHICH NISSAN DOESN'T NOT WANT TO ADDRESS AND DOES NOT COVER. SEE HERE HTTP://WWW.NISSANFORUMS.COM/GENERAL-ALTIMA-STANZA-DISCUSSION/137783-ALTIMA-RUST-SHOCKER.HTML AND HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/2002-2006-NISSAN-ALTIMA-DISCUSSION-2-5-3-5/287928-FLOORBOARD-RUST-PROBLEM.HTML. *TR
Structure, Sep 27, 2010
LARGE HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. MY MECHANIC WAS TOLD BY NISSAN DEALER THAT ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT NISSAN WONT DO ANYTHING TO FIX/RECALL. *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, THE FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CARE ARE ROTTING THROUGH. *TR
Structure, Aug 24, 2010
RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. *TR
Structure, Aug 14, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 CYL. AUTOMATIC . FRONT END UNDER BODY ALL THE STEEL PARTS AR RUSTED . THE OIL PAN IS RUSTED SO BAD IT WAS LEAKING OIL ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD TO REMOVE THE OIL PAN NOT TO MENTION THE RUSTED BOLTS HOLDING THE PAN. UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER THE FLOOR IS STARTING TO RUST SO FAR IS ONLY A SIZE OF 1/2 A DOLLAR. WAY TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS . PLEASE DO SOMETHING THE DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS . NISSAN IS DENYING THERE IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Aug 2, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL RUSTING OUT. EVENTUALLY SOMEONE WILL PUT THEIR FOOT THROUGH THE FLOOR. NOT CORRECTED YET. *TR
Structure, Jul 29, 2010
I WAS ON THE INTERNET JUST LOOKING UP THINGS ABOUT MY CAR (NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 V6 3.5) AND FOUND ALTIMA OWNERS POSTING IN FORUMS ABOUT RUST OCCURRING UNDER THE FRONT FLOOR PANS (EITHER DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER) AND I PROCEEDED TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE AND FOUND A RUST HOLE ABOUT 7"X7" IN SIZE. THE CAR IS OUT OF ITS 5 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD AND NISSAN IS NOT ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Jun 28, 2010
RUSTED PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD IN 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SL. SAFETY ISSUE AS CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH A HOLE IN THE FLOOR. CAR HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES. IN READING FORUMS ON SIMILAR SITUATIONS IN THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR, NISSAN HAS NOT TAKEN ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS IT IS OCCURRING IN NUMEROUS MODELS OF THE SAME CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, May 14, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA-86,958 MI. PURCHASED NEW MARCH 2003 RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS I, TOO, AM A VICTIM OF RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS(FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER) THAT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS WAS FOUND DURING AN OIL CHANGE ON 4/21/10. ALL MY MAINTENANCE WORK IS DONE THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP ON A REGULAR BASIS. WHY WASN'T THIS NOTICED 3/30/10 WHEN I HAD A CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED OR ON 10/23/09 AT ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND MULTI-POINT INSPECTION OR AT ANY OF THE OTHER MANY GARAGE APPOINTMENTS? MY AUTO-BODY TECHNICIAN FOUND MANUFACTURER'S TAPE OVER THE DRAIN HOLES. THEY SENT PICTURES TO THE NISSAN REGIONAL SPECIALIST. I WAS TOLD BY THIS PERSON THEY HANDLE THINGS CASE-BY-CASE, AND THEY WERE NOT GOING TO HELP ME FINANCIALLY TO GET THIS REPAIRED! THE AUTO-BODY TECHNICIAN NEEDS A SECTION OF FLOOR. THE HOLE IS SO BAD PATCHING WITH A PIECE OF METAL WON'T DO THE JOB. I HAVE SINCE BEEN SEARCHING THE WEB AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM-NISSAN NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FLAW IN THEIR PRODUCT. I HAVE ALSO FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE RUSTED FLOOR BOARD PROBLEM AND/OR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. NEITHER ARE INEXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I'M READY TO COMPLETE ALL THE CONSUMER FORMS I NEED TO AND SPREAD THE WORD THAT NISSAN WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY NISSAN, FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING I NEED TO GET RID OF IT(IF I CAN). I HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR THE ROTTEN FLOOR BOARDS-$1756.73. I NEVER FILED A CLAIM WITH NISSAN FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECAUSE I WAS TOLD IT WAS A RARE PROBLEM. SO, I PAID THE $865.10. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ONE MUST FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSED THE CONVERTER TO GO BAD OR IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2010
MY '03 NISSAN ALTIMA CAR HAS A LARGE RUST HOLES IN THE FLOOR. I TOOK MY CAR TO NISSAN DEALER THE THEY WERE QUICK TO TELL ME THAT MY CAR NO LONGER HAD RUST PROTECTION. YESTERDAY, I TOOK MY CAR TO REPUTABLE BODY SHOP AND THEY PULLED CARPET BACK IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND SHOWED ME A HOLE THAT ALLOWED ME TO SEE THE GROUND. THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS A SAFETY HAZARD!!! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS RUST ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED AND THAT IF THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS REMOVED THE BOLTS MAY FALL OFF. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP AND THE REAR SUB FRAME WERE CORRODED. ALL OF THE ROTORS ON THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STATE AND OCEAN LOCATION MAY BE A FACTOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Structure, Aug 21, 2009
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED...WASHED AND WAXED REGULARLY. I WAS CHANGING THE OIL ON 7/28/09 AND NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE REMAINS OF SAID FLOOR. THERE IS A RUST HOLE APPROXIMATELY 2 FOOT LONG AND 6 INCHES WIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THIS 6 YEAR OLD CAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS GENERATION ALTIMA AND NISSAN WILL DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR SINCE THE PERFORATION WARRANTY IS OVER AS OF 10/08. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL WORK AND NOBODY FROM THE DEALERSHIP EVER MENTIONED THE HOLE IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH AT THAT TIME WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY. NISSAN FLAT OUT DENIES TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING TO A 6 YEAR OLD CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT'S AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH A GIANT HOLE IN THE FLOOR THAT EXHAUST FUMES CAN ENTER BUT NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DESIGN FLAW IN THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME TO FORCE NISSAN TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND GET IT FIXED AT THEIR COST. *TR
Structure, Aug 18, 2009
THE FLOOR PAN IS RUSTED OUT. 03 NISSAN ALTIMA I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I FEEL SOME ONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. I CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THEY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. THEY HAD A BODY SHIP GIVE THEM AN ESTIMATE OF $2800 AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP. I KNOW THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT IT IS THERE DEFECT IN DESIGN. I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO SOME ONE ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU *TR
Structure, May 26, 2009
FLOOR RUSTED THROUGH ON A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SE WITH ONLY 55000 MILES ON IT. IN SERVICE DATE OF THE VEHICLE WAS APRIL 30, 2003. THE HOLE IN THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOTICED IN MAY OF 2009. RUST PERFORATION WARRANTY FROM NISSAN IS FOR 5 YEARS ONLY. NISSAN UNWILLING TO HELP. EXHAUST AND OTHER FUMES CAN ENTER THE CAR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Sep 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE SENSORS TO MAKE THE LIGHT DIM. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE BRAKE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS HESITANT TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST AND FEARED THAT SOMETHING WOULD FAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 01/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
Structure, Feb 28, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 NISSAN ALTMA THE TRUNK LID RANDOMLY POPPED OPEN. THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR VEHICLE SPEED THAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE TRUNK LID ONCE IT POPPED OPEN UNLESS SHE USED THE TRUNK RELEASE SWITCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH NISSAN ,AND THEY ADVISED HER TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONTACT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE LOCK. THE LOCK WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND SINCE THE LOCK WAS REPLACED THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,700 MILES. *AK UPDATED 09/12/07 *TR
Fuel system, Other, Structure, Jul 4, 2006
I HAD MY CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS, WHEN I CONSISTENTLY NOTICED THAT MY FUEL GAUGE WAS INACCURATE. I TOOK MY CAR INTO GREENVILLE NISSAN TO BE WORKED ON TWICE AND THEY CLAIMED TO FIX WHATEVER WAS WRONG. THAT WAS THE DEPTH OF THE INFORMATION I RECEIVED. TO THIS DAY, MY FUEL GAUGE FLOATS AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. I ALSO WROTE A LETTER TO NISSAN STATING THIS PROBLEM. THEY THANKED ME FOR THE LETTER AND THAT WAS THE END OF THE CORRESPONDENCE. ALSO, IN THE BEGINNING OF MAY, MY ROOF WAS LEAKING. RIGHT UNDER THE VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, MY ROOF WAS SOAKED AFTER A HARD RAINSTORM. I WENT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON MIDLOTHIAN, IN RICHMOND,VA. THE TECH TOLD ME IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE RESULT OF A CLOGGED RAIN DRAIN, AND THAT IT WOULD COST $80 AN HOUR JUST TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *JB
Exterior lighting, Structure, Jun 28, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS TWO DESIGN FLAWS. ONE FLAW IS THAT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR IS TOO SHORT. THE SECOND DESIGN FLAW WAS WHEN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE FULLY ILLUMINATED,THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKED AS IF THEY WERE ON WHEN THEY WERE NOT. *MR *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Wheels, Feb 24, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, WITH SEVERAL FAILURES, LEAKING GASKET, ETC. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED, THE WINDSHIELD LEAKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED, THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK, THE RADIATOR CAP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED AND THE WHEELS RUSTED. *JB