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
883 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2012
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE MAKING THIS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR IS TO KEEP THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW, REACH OUT AND OPEN THE DOOR, THEN CLOSE WINDOW, SHUT OFF CAR, AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. IN AN EMERGENCY IT WILL BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THIS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN FURTHER INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Nov 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE OIL THAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 01/02/2013 *LJ UPDATED 1/7/2013 *JS
Structure, Nov 14, 2012
UNDERBODY OF PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR WITH LARGE HOLE(20 BY 20) IN IT DISCOVERED WHEN 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS BEING DONE. THIS AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF PERSON SITTING IN THAT SEAT SINCE THE SEAT BASE IS DAMAGED AND THE SEAT WITH THE PASSENGER BUCKLED IN THAT SEAT WOULD PROPEL OUT THE WINDSHIELD IN AN ACCIDENT. HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF SAFETY CONCERNS ARE NOTED ONLINE DURING A SEARCH OF NISSAN ALTIMA UNDERBODY HOLES/RUST. I THINK THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND IT HAS BEEN NOTED OVER AND OVER IN COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THERE ARE NO SAFETY BULLETINS, NO RECALLS, ETC. MY SHOP SAID THIS IS THE SECOND ONE RECENTLY AND WHEN I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER HE SAID THEY HAVE ANOTHER CAR JUST TODAY THAT ALSO HAS THIS PROBLEM. IT'S OVER $1000 TO REPAIR AND NO PART IS AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THAT/ THE SEAT HAS TO BE REMOVED, THE CARPETING REMOVED, THE AREA WELDED WITH A PIECE OF METAL , ETC. ETC. *TR
Structure, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED REPAIR THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS RUST ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. ALSO, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FLOOR BOARD DUE TO THE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FLOOR BOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Engine, Oct 25, 2012
I BOUGHT NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 ON AUGUST 20 2012. I DROVE IT AROUND 800 MILES AND DID OIL CHANGE AT LUBE EXPRESS THEY CHANGED OIL AT 67290 MILES, AFTER DRIVING FOR AROUND 200 MILES CAR WAS MAKING WEIRD NOISE FROM ENGINE. I GOT HELP OF A LOCAL MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO ENGINE OIL IN THE CAR !!! HE PUT FULL 5 QUART ENGINE OIL. I AGAIN GOT IT INSPECTED AT LUBE EXPRESS, THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE. THE THIRD REFILL DOES NOT LAST FOR LONG. AFTER 3 DAYS AGAIN 5 QUART ENGINE OIL WAS DISAPPEARED FROM ENGINE. I AGAIN GOT IT INSPECTED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON 10/09/2012 THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAKS AND THEY DID BURNING OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, AGAIN THERE WAS NO ENGINE OIL IN THE CAR. THEY HAD SUGGESTED ME TO CHANGE ENTIRE ENGINE!!!. I CAN NOT DRIVE CAR AT ALL. THE ENGINE MAY CAUGHT FIRE !!! I SURFED LOT OF WEBSITES AND FOUND THAT IN NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND IT HAD OCCURRED AFTER 60,000 MILES I.E. AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES AND SAME HAPPENED WITH ME AS WELL. I COMPLAINED AT NISSAN BUT THEY REPLIED THAT THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE WARRANTY EXPIRES. PROBLEM IN ALTIMA OCCURS AFTER ORIGINAL WARRANTY EXPIRES!!!! NISSAN IS SELLING CARS WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND I WANT TO STOP THIS. PROBLEM IN ENGINE OCCURS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. PLEASE HELP SINCE THIS MAY CASE LOSS OF LIFE AND SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. NISSAN CAN NOT ESCAPE FROM ITS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SINCE THEY ARE SELLING JUNK CARS TO AMERICANS. I CAN PROVIDE LOT OF WEBSITE AND BLOGS TO PROVE THAT NISSAN SOLD 2003-ALTIMA WITH FAULTY ENGINES. THEY MUST RECALL ALTIMA 2.5L - 2003 AND THEY MUST FIND AMICABLE SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT I AM AT A BIG LOSS BUT MY EFFORT WILL HELP TO SAVE LOT OF LIVES WHO ARE DRIVING NISSAN CARS ON HIGHWAYS WITH HUGE RISK. I TRUST IN GOD AND LAW OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Engine, Oct 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER WAITING FIFTEEN MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRANK SENSOR. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Engine, Oct 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Engine, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING BRAKE REPAIRS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,796.
Engine, Oct 4, 2012
VEHICLE STALLED OUT IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION, AFTER STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Engine, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 13 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AFTER THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,240. ....UPDATED 12/20/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRANK SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS CRACKED AND THE A/C STOPPED WORKING.
Structure, Sep 14, 2012
DISCOVERED RUST UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED THE ENTIRE FLOOR PLAN HAD RUSTED OFF AND WAS FLAKING OFF IN PIECES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS HAZARDOUS GASES CAN ENTER THE CABIN AREA. MORE OVER IF I WERE TO STEP IN THE CORRECT PLACE I COULD PUSH THE CARPET OUT OF THE CAR. NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE. NISSAN SHOULD FIX THIS WITH A RECALL. *TR
Structure, Aug 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS THE MECHANIC NOTICED A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. THE MECHANIC STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAINS ARE UNDERNEATH THE SEAT AND MOISTURE WAS RETAINED THERE CAUSING THE CORROSION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE AND LARGE CRACK ON THE MOTOR MOUNT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT REPAIRS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,500. UPDATED 09/18/12*LJ UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS
Structure, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HOLES DEVELOPED IN BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT HIS FEET WOULD FALL THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO INFORM NHTSA OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,499.
Engine, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED MOMENTARILY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, WHICH NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 20, 2012
LIKE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CAR STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH SPEED AND STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS AND LOW SPEEDS OR WILL NOT START. I CAN'T BELIEVE NISSAN OR NHTSA HAS NOT GOT SERIOUS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I CHECKED YOUR DATABASE AND FOUND FOLLOWING COMPLIANT NUMBERS WITH SAME ISSUE OF ALTIMAS STALLING DUE TO CRANK OR CAM SENSOR FAILURE. (ODI ID NUMBERS: 10416743, 10384742,10370526,10342438,10332467, 10318898, 10318045, 10314479, 10283487, 10278805, ..... AND MANY MORE). I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I AM SURE THERE ARE MY ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS THAT DID NOT GET REPORTED DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO MANY DEATHS. I HOPE NHTSA LOOKS INTO THIS AND GET IT FIXED. *TR
Structure, Aug 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS WERE ROTTING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DUE TO BE REPAIRED ON SEPT 14, 2012. UPDATED 10/11/2012 *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2012
MY VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING ON A HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING A SEVERE DEADLY CRASH. WHEN I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND THE CAR IS NOW FINE. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA'S FOR THE SENSOR. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. OBVIOUSLY THEIR SELECTION CRITERIA IS INCORRECT SINCE MY CAR WAS IMPACTED BY THIS RECALL. I ASKED NISSAN TO INCLUDE MY VIN AND PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR AND WAS TOLD NOT SINCE MY CAR WAS OVER 7 YEARS OLD AND HAD MORE THEN 100,000 MILES. I AM SURE THEIR ARE OTHER 2003 ALTIMAS WITH THIS ISSUE AND IT CAN BE FATAL. NISSAN NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS IN ALL 2003 ALTIMA'S. FURTHERMORE I WANT NISSAN TO REIMBURSE ME THE 200.00 DOLLARS I INCURRED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AND ABOUT TO TURN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, ANOTHER DRIVER CAME TO HELP, HE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID "I DON'T KNOW". HE GOT INTO MY CAR, SHIFTED TO PARK AND STARTED IT. WEIRD I SAID, AND FORGOT ABOUT THE INCIDENT UNTIL MONTHS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN MONTHS LATER AGAIN, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT NEVER CAME ON SO EVEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE AND ASKED ABOUT THE ISSUES, IT WAS NEVER DETECTED, BUT I KEPT COMPLAINING TO MY MECHANIC EVERY MONTH, REPLACED BATTERIES EACH YEAR THINKING I HAD A POWER PROBLEM. I LEARNED ABOUT THE REAL PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS LAST TIME IT HAPPENED ON 07/03/12, THE HELP CAME FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS ABOUT CARS AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE CRANK & CAM SENSORS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST NISSAN AND, YES, THAT IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR!. BUT THEY SAID BECAUSE I DIDN'T SERVICE AND DIDN'T BUY THE CAR FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MY CAR ISN'T ON THE "LIST" THEY WON'T FIX IT. THE COST ISN'T THE PROBLEM I TOLD THEM, THE FACT THE CAR CAME OUT OF YOUR FACTORY DEFECTIVE SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT IT, NEVER THE LESS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RECALL ALL UNITS WITH THE PROBLEM NOT JUST A FEW. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I HAVE A 4 MONTHS OLD BABY AND I DON'T WANT TO BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHEN MY CAR STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BUT I DO WANT HELP AND HAVE THEM BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REIMBURSING ME ON THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND RECALL ALL AND EVERY SINGLE UNIT INVOLVED WITH THIS ISSUE. NISSAN CORPORATE (YES, I CALLED THEM TOO) WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY ON THE CASE EITHER. *TR
Engine, Jul 23, 2012
MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. I'VE BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP 3X NOW AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM SO MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE THE INCIDENT. MY OIL IS BURNING AT AN EXTREME RATE. I ONLY DRIVE MAX. MAYBE 20 MILES IN 2 DAYS AND KEEP HAVING TO PUT 2QTS. OF OIL IN MY CAR. IT'S SMOKING REALLY BAD TOO. I KEEP PAYING FOR LABOR WHEN THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN SOLVED. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING ON NISSANHELP.COM: NTB03-070C SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN -REVISED- 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, 2002-2004 SENTRA; VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN ENGINE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND PRE-CATALYST FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR ALTIMAS AND 2002-2004 MODEL YEAR SENTRAS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. MATERIAL FROM INSIDE A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST COULD ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT 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. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I KEEP PAYING MONEY, BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND I NEED A CAR. *TR
Structure, Jul 18, 2012
ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD SOMETHING SCRAPING ON THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR, I PULLED OVER TO SEE THAT THE BOTTOM OF MY FLOOR BOARD WAS DRAGGING ON THE FLOOR. IT JUST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE IS A HUGE HOLE. I HAVE NO RUST ON ANY PART OF MY VEHICLE, IT RUNS GREAT , THE BODY IS IN GOOD CONDITION IT IS GARAGE KEPT, AND I HAVE A WHOLE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE ONLY RUST SPOT ON THE WHOLE CAR! AND HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE BEFORE NISSAN HAS TO RECALL THIS? I HAVE READ OVER 50 COMPLAINTS ON THIS..... UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Visibility, Structure, Jul 17, 2012
1. THE FLOOR UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER HAS ROTTED OUT MAKING THIS CAR VERY UNSAFE. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. THE OTHER ONES I LIST BECAUSE I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LIFE OF THIS CAR AND BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD OF MULTIPLE STORIES OF THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. 2. THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE. 3. GAS CAP WILL NOT CLOSE/OPEN PROPERLY 4. TRUNK LATCH WILL NOT CLOSE. 5. MOON/SUN ROOF IS OFF ITS HINGE AND WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. 5. PLASTIC PART OF THE KEY BROKE NOT ALLOWING IT TO ATTACH TO A KEY CHAIN. *TR
Structure, Jul 15, 2012
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO MIDAS, BURLINGTON, MA FOR BRAKE ASSISTANCE, AND WHILE UP ON THE LIFT THE TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR PANEL WAS VERY RUSTED. WARNED NOT TO USE THAT SPOT WHEN JACKING UP THE CAR WHEN CHANGING A TIRE, ETC. (MENTALLY ADD THIS TO $$ TO SPEND THIS YEAR...) HAD MY CAR AT NTB IN CAMBRIDGE, MA TO CHECK A FRONT END RATTLE AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUST AGAIN. HE IS ALSO A STATE SAFETY INSPECTOR AND WANTED TO LET ME KNOW SINCE IT WAS RUSTED THOUGH IT WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION (DUE IN AUGUST). NEXT STOP WAS A LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THE ESTIMATE WAS $2K. THEN SAW SO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE ALTIMA. I FEEL THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY NISSAN. MY CAR IS WELL CARE FOR AND MAINTAINED AND IS ROTTING!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2012
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO NISSAN DEALER IN TEWKSBURY, MA FOR DIAGNOSTIC. (TAPPING NOISE WHEN I START THE CAR) THEY FOUND SOME REPAIRS NECESSARY BUT TOLD ME THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE TAPPING SOUND WAS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED THAT IT "SOUNDED" LIKE THE TIMING CHAIN. HE DID NOT WORK ON THE CAR AND TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHICH I DID. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY TOLD ME I COULD BRING THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER AND HAVE ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC DONE. AT A COST OF ANOTHER $110.00 TO BE PAID BY ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS LITTLE OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THIS IS WHY THE TIMING CHAIN "WENT". I HAVE PAID $2500.00 OUT OF POCKET TO GET MY CAR FIXED. I NEED THE CAR AND WAS TWO MONTHS WITHOUT IT. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE TIMING CHAIN WENT NISSAN DID AN OIL CHANGE FOR ME ALONG WITH SOME OTHER REPAIRS. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE THAT OIL WAS THE PROBLEM I HAVE ALL MY DOCUMENTS REGARDING REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO CHECK INTO THIS FOR ME.
Structure, Jul 2, 2012
PURSUANT TO A NON-RELATED INCIDENT, MY NISSAN CERTIFIED INSURANCE ADJUSTER WARNED ME OF THE UNUSUAL RUST FORMED HOLES ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. ACCORDING TO HIM, THIS IS A VERY UNUSUAL RUST ISSUE THAT HE HAS ONLY NOTICED ON OLDER (2002-2003) NISSAN ALTIMA'S. I HAVE INITIATED MY OWN RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALTIMA'S, IRRESPECTIVE OF MILEAGE, WHERE SOME HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM AT 50,000 AND OTHERS AT 160,000 MILES. DESPITE THE MANY COMPLAINTS, NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE RUST PROBLEM. MANY, WHO HAD THE PROBLEM, CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE THEREOF, UNTIL A MECHANIC OR AUTO DEALER INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE, AS WAS THE CASE WITH MY ALTIMA. AS SUCH, I CAN IMAGINE THAT EVEN MORE ALTIMA DRIVERS ARE AFFECTED, YET NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THERE MUST BE A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO REACH A RESOLUTION. *JS