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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SIX OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE CONSISTED OF AN ENGINE TUNE UP AND REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC IN WHICH THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO INTERNAL DEFECTS WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Oct 16, 2010
BRAKES, PADS, ROTORS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES, CAR STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES HORRIBLY WHEN BRAKING ,BRAKES SQUEAL HORRIBLY WITH BRAKING (METALLIC) . ROTORS VERY CHEAP, HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 20,000 MILES FOR $400.00. HAD COMPLETE REAR BRAKES, ROTORS DONE LAST AT 90000,THEN AT 121,000, METALLIC NOISE AGAIN AT 125,000-SERVICED, 130,000 SQUEAK AGAIN, 200 MILES LATER BRAKES BAD AGAIN, ROTOR TURNED, NOW AT 130,000 BRAKES SQUEAKING AGAIN, CAR VIBRATES WITH BRAKING AGAIN AND CARS BRAKES DON'T RESPOND AS WELL. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE DANGEROUS BRAKES, ROTORS, ETC .I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR NEED NEW ROTORS EVERY BRAKE JOB!!!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2010, crash
MY CAR HAS TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING. YESTERDAY THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A SCHOOL BUS. THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHEN I AM GOING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. THE RPM NEEDLE GOES BACK AND FORTH THEN THE CAR JUST RUNS OUT OF POWER. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHERE HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE ECM RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FILED A CLAIM WITH NISSAN. NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE CRANK & CAM SHAFT BEFORE THEY CAN REPROGRAM IT FOR THE RECALL. AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $317.00+TAX. I DON'T SEE WHY NISSAN WOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2010
CAR WAS SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL DAYS AGO. I HAVE RESEARCHED BRIEFLY ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER MODELS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COVERED ON A RECALL; HOWEVER, NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5S APPARENTLY IS NOT RECALLED IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SEVERE ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH STALLING WHILE DRIVING! NISSAN DEALER STATES "POWER VALVE SCREW FAILURE" IN WHICH THE SCREW BECAME LOOSE, SHOT OUT , WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE AND WENT OUT THE EXHAUST. THIS CAUSED OVER $1200 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE AND HOPE THAT THERE IS NOT FURTHER DAMAGE THAT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN IDENTIFIED YET. NISSAN WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR, MY PRIVATE EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. APPARENTLY , NISSAN HAS A "VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN" FOR ONLY FOR SPECIFIC VIN# /YEARS AND WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR COST EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT ! THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY/ACCIDENT HAD MY SON BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC! *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
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 9, 2010
2003 NISSAN SMOKING, BURNING OIL, SPUTTERING. DIAGNOSED (BY $95.00 DIAGNOSTIC I WAS REQUIRED BY NISSAN TO GET A NISSAN DEALERSHIP) AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS GONE BAD DUE TO OVERHEATING, THIS HAS CAUSED IT TO FALL APART AND GO INTO THE MOTOR. NOW NEEDS NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MOTOR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2003 ALTIMAS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM, A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE A CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE. ACCORDING TO NISSAN MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEREFORE I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF IT BUT NOW I HAVE THE VERY ISSUES THAT THE RECALL WAS TO PREVENT BUT THEY REFUSE TO COVER THE REPAIR COSTS. THIS MAKES ME QUESTION IF THEY MISTAKENLY LEFT OUT SOME 2003 MODELS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND I HAVE BEEN RIDING AROUND ALL THIS TIME WITH THE CHANCE MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE, THIS IS SCARY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO GET NISSAN TO RESPOND, I FEEL LIKE THEY NEED TO GO BACK AND REVISIT THAT RECALL AND MAYBE ADD MORE CARS TO IT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. I FILED A CLAIM WITH NISSAN YESTERDAY, IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS THEY CALLED BACK TO SAY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO FOR ME. NOT SURE HOW MUCH THEY LOOKED INTO THIS BECAUSE I CALLED IT IN AROUND 3PM YESTERDAY AND THEY CALLED ME BACK BEFORE 10AM THIS MORNING. THIS ISSUES NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED OR SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT DUE TO THEIR CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. *TR
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 2, 2010
STARTED APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WON'T GO UP ALL THE WAY AND IF THEY DO THEN THEY ROLL DOWN ALL BY THEMSELVES. THEY GO UP AND DOWN AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY AND NITE. THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ITSELF WHETHER THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION OR NOT. YOU ALWAYS NEED TO HAVE TWO SETS OF KEYS BECAUSE IF THE WINDOW IS DOWN AND YOU REACH IN TO UNLOCK IT THE ALARM GOES OFF AS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE CAR. DOOR THAT GOES OVER THE GAS CAP BENT DURING REGULAR USE AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. NISSAN SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS ITEM AND JUST TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND PAY TO GET IT FIXED. SAW SEVERAL OTHER ALTIMAS OF THE SAME VINTAGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL; HE NOTICED REDUCED POWER FROM THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD EVENTUALLY STOP ALTOGETHER. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VEHICLE MOST OF THE TIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DIFFICULT TO START. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT BUT BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE CONTACT CALLED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,477. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BECOMING LOW ON OIL. THE CONTACT FILLED THE OIL RESERVOIR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE OIL LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THE PROBLEM WAS WIDESPREAD WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC FEE BEFORE THEY COULD ESCALATE HER CASE TO A REGIONAL SPECIALIST. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE; THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE RELATED TO RECALL 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS TOO HIGH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000. UPDATED 12/02/10 *BF UPDATED 12/08/10*JB UPDATED 05/26/11 *BF UPDATED 12/07/11 *BF UPDATED 12/12/11 UPDATED 12/30/11 *CN UPDATED 06/27/12. *JB UPDATED 01/29/14
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143000. UPDATED 12/01/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM WAS THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR. UPDATED 12/13/10*JB
Structure, Aug 24, 2010
RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL, IN APPROXIMATELY 2008 FEBRUARY, MY CAR STOPPED ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HAD THE WORK DONE AT BUENA PARK NISSAN THEN I REALIZED THAT THE CAR HAD ALSO STARTING BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK, HAD THAT WORK DONE AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS LATER, THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN, HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED AT THE NISSAN DEALER SHIP IN ANTIOCH, CA, WAS ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AGAIN. AT THIS POINT, I WAS FRUSTRATED WITH THE CAR AND I CONTACTED NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICAN, AND THE DEALERSHIP IN BUENA PARK WHO BOTH DENIED ME ANY HELP. I WAS GIVEN A REFERENCE NUMBER OF 6594593 WHEN I CALLED FOR A SOLUTION IN 2009. NOW, 8/2010, I AM HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES AGAIN, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, MY ANTIFREEZE IS EVAPORATION ALONG WITH THE ENGINE OIL EVERY 300 MILES. I CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AGAIN TODAY AND SPOKE WITH LISA BYRNE AT EXTENSION 41661 WHO TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN WOULD DO AT THIS POINT BECAUSE MY PREVIOUS CLAIM HAD ALREADY BEEN DENIED. I AM REPLACING OIL ON A WEEKLY BASIS AS WELL AS THE ANTIFREEZE. I CALLED NISSAN AGAIN TODAY, REF # [XXX]. I ASKED HER WHO COULD I CONTACT OTHER THAN THE REGIONAL OFFICE AND SHE STATED NO ONE AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN WAS GOING TO DO TO RIGHT MY SITUATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RAPIDLY CONSUMING OIL AND OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE) YET THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A PRE-CATALYST AND OXYGEN SENSOR BUT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE AFTER A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BEFORE THEY WOULD DETERMINE IF THEY WOULD ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2010
I WAS DRIVING WHEN I NOTICED MY NISSAN ALTIMA OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO GET IT CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR. I GOT THE OIL AND FILTER CHANGED AND A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC, WHO TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NEW ENGINE. THE REPAIRS COST IS 3,000 THAT I DON'T HAVE. I'VE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE AND HAVE NOTICED THAT THEIR ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAD SO MUCH EXHAUST COMING FROM MY CAR THAT MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2010, crash
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5SL AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND HIT THE CURB AND BLEW OUT MY TIRE AND DAMAGED MY RIM. THIS COST ME ABOUT $500 OUT OF MY POCKET, WHICH REALLY WAS DISAPPOINTING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Tires, Aug 16, 2010
I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES ON MY 2003 ALTIMA IT HAS ONLY 78,000 MILES ON IT . I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES THE TIRES SOUND LIKE THEY ARE COMING APART. THE HEADLIGHT LENS ARE TURNING FOGGY AND YELLOW CUTTING DOWN ON THE HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY. MOTOR BUSING WENT BAD CAR WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. ALTERNATOR WENT BAD AT 50,000 MILES. DRIVER DOOR HINGE IS BAD WANT STAY OPEN IF CAR IS A LITTLE UNEVEN. HAD TO REPLACE CRANK SENSOR CAUSE CAR WOULDN'T START AT AROUND 65,000 MILES THE DEALER SAID THERE WERE NO RECALL ON ANY THESE PROBLEMS. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO CONSUME OIL EXCESSIVELY. WHILE DRIVING, HE NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 6895246 AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A RECALL AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2010
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VIN# [XXX] . LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING AT LOW SPEED. OBD CODES SHOW P0725 AND P0335 WHICH ARE ENGINE SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COVERED BY PREVIOUS RECALL RQ06001 OR 06V24200 HOWEVER NISSAN DENIES THAT THIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2010
THE ENGINE STALLS WHEN STOPPED OR MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, BETWEEN 1-15 TIMES A MONTH IN NORMAL DRIVING. THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL (06V242000) THAT MATCHES MY PROBLEM BUT MY VIN DOESN'T MATCH THOSE BEING RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THERE WAS THEN A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO STALL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE DID NOT PERSIST. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 10/25/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL EVERY WEEK. UPDATED 10/27/10