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, Exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2008
THE CAR SEEMS TO NOT START ONCE IT RAN FOR A SHORT TIME. EXAMPLE I DRIVE TO THE SUPERMARKET TURNS ON FINE, ONCE I LEAVE IT IS HARD TO START. ALMOST SEEM TO BE FLOODED. IT USE TO DO IT ONCE A WEEK KNOW ITS DOING IT EVERYDAY. JUST RECENTLY I WAS DRIVING AND IT TURNED OFF ON ME. FROM THE NISSAN BLOGS IT LOOKS LIKE THIS YEAR HAS BEEN GIVING PROBLEMS. ANOTHER COMPLAIN IS THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS THEY ARE FADED OR STAIN FROM INSIDE, THIS COULD CAUSE A VISIBILITY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2008
TLA*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NIACIN ALTON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE IS BURNING INEFFICIENTLY. SHE MUST CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 500 MILES. BEFORE THE OIL IS CHANGED, IT RESEMBLES BLACK SLUDGE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, LOST POWER, AND WOULD NOT RESTART QUICKLY. THE DEALER REBUILT THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $2,500, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR 30 DAYS AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,432 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Sep 4, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 ALTIMA (ALMOST 55,000 MILES). THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. ALL THE SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE WAS AND IS UP TO DATE. WHEN DRIVING THERE IS OFTEN A SLIGHT PULL/STALL LIKE IT IS GOING TO SHUT OFF. IT WAS CHECKED NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG. SERVICE ENGINE LIKE CAME ON. HAD THE DIAGNOSTICS DONE IT SHOWED SOMETHING WRONG WITH STARTER. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH STARTER, NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS STARTING. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL 2003 ALTIMAS ARE COMING UP WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS WHEN THEY ARE FAIRLY NEW, SHUTTING OFF WITH OUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. NISSAN DOESN'T APPEAR TO NO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT ARE UNWILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. ERRORS WITH THE CAM AND CRANK SENSORS HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT THERE FOR THE REASON THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HOWEVER, REPLACING THIS HAS NOT PROVED TO BE THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 3, 2008
MY 20003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS RECURRING STALLING PROBLEM WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED BY NISSAN EVEN THOUGH IT HAS ISSUED RECALLS FOR VEHICLES OF MY TYPE. *TR
Tires, Sep 2, 2008
ON JUNE 1, 2007 PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES AND VALVES FROM BOB'S TIRE SERVICE IN MARTINSBURG WV. ON AUGUST 1, 2008 I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER RETURNING HOME ON THE SPAR I REINFLATED THE FLAT AND FOUND THE VALVE LEAKING. THE TIRE SIDEWALL WAS DAMAGED AND THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON AUG 10, 2008 ANOTHER TIRE FROM THE SAME SET WENT FLAT. THIS TIME IT WAS AT LOW SPEED, THE VALVE HAD FAILED AGAIN. ON AUG, 18 2008 A THIRD TIRE FROM THE SET WENT FLAT ON I95 IN VIRGINIA. ONCE AGAIN IT WAS A BAD VALVE, CRACKED AND LEAKING THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO FAIL. THE ONE REMAINING VALVE WAS REPLACED BEFORE IT FAILED, IT WAS A DILL TR414 VALVE ACCORDING TO BOB'S TIRE THEY WOULD HAVE ALL BEEN DILL VALVES.
Power train, Aug 22, 2008
THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS, BUT IT STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. IT WOULD DO IT ONCE OR TWICE AND THEN NOT DO IT FOR QUITE A WHILE. OVER THE PAST 2-3 MONTHS IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND DANGEROUS. MY '03 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5SE CLUTCH PEDAL WILL SINK TO THE FLOOR AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT IN OR OUT OF GEAR. IT HAPPENED RECENTLY WHILE EXITING THE INTERSTATE. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT OUT OF GEAR BEFORE THE CAR STALLED. IF THE CAR HAD STALLED, I WOULD HAVE LOST POWER AND POSSIBLY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2008
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLED AND WOULD NOT START IN TRAFFIC AT 40MPH. WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. SITUATION WAS DANGEROUS BUT NO ONE HIT US. COMPUTER CODES SAY CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. IF CODES ARE CLEARED (AND AFTER VEHICLE COOLS) THEY REAPPEAR IMMEDIATELY AT THE STALL POINT. TIME TO STALL VARIES APPARENTLY WITH HEAT. 2003 NISSANS ARE UNDER VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN SAYS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2008
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. PURCHASED USED ON 12/31/06 FROM NISSAN DEALER. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE CAR HAS STALLED EITHER WHILLE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHILE IN GEAR WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC. ON 8/14/08 ABOUT A MILE INTO A TRIP, I TURNED A CORNER AFTER STOPPING AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER & BUCK. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CAR DIED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND GET INTO A PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN BUT IT WOULD DIE IF I GOT UNDER 1500 RPM AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 2000 RPM. I FOUND OUT THAT DAY THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON 2003 2.5 ALTIMA'S FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, BUT NISSAN SAYS MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I THINK IT'S VERY ODD THAT I'VE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL OF OTHER 2003 ALTIMA'S BUT NISSAN DECLINES TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR A KNOWN DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2008
MY NISSAN 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5V6 HAS SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. THE LAST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS APPROXIMATELY JULY 20, 2008. BOTH TIMES IT HAS OCCURRED, I PRESSED THE BRAKE PRIOR TO IT SHUTTING DOWN. THE STEERING AND ENGINE SHUT OFF IN EACH INSTANCE AND I COULD'VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTERWARDS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, RESTART THE ENGINE AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ OTHER POSTS THAT CLAIM THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2008
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 39,578 MILES ON IT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2006. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS, THE RADIATOR STARTED TO LEAK FROM THE TOP. I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP AND THEY FIXED IT WHILE SAYING THAT NISSAN HAD USED CHEAP PARTS. A CAR THAT HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE TO GET THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL WHEN CRANKING/STARTING AND LEFT ME STRANDED AT SOME POINTS AND TIMES BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER REPLACING THIS SENSOR, LATER TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SENSOR AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL EVENTHOUGH I ASSUME THE SAME PARTS ARE USED ON ALL MODELS OF THE SAME KIND, ANOTHER SENSOR IS NOW CAUSING MY CAR TO IDLE HIGH WHEN IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR IN THE CAR CAUSES MORE GAS CONSUMING WHICH IN TODAY'S ECONOMIC BATTLE WITH FUEL PRICES, IS NOT FAVORABLE. NOW THAT I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM ON 2002-2005 ALTIMA MODELS. IF THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED SOONER, THE CAR COULD HAVE STOPPED RUNNING IN TRAFFIC, WHICH IS WHY IT WAS RECALLED, AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT MAYBE EVEN DEATH. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN CONFIDENCE THAT IT WOULD BE DEPENDABLE FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILD BUT SINCE I HAVE CALLED TO LOG A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAS THREE OTHER RECALLS THAT WERE STATED AS " SERIOUS TO MY SAFETY". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). SIX MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. AFTER PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD REPROGRAM THE ECM. THE MECHANIC ALSO PROVIDED HER WITH A RECALL LETTER IDENTIFYING THE DEFECT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIM, BUT IF IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, THE REPAIRS WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE RECAL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 2, 2008
IN OCTOBER OF 2006, I HAD A PROBLEM THE CRAFT SHAFT POSITION SENSOR ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SENSOR AT NO COST. IT IS AUGUST 2008, AND ONCE AGAIN THIS CODE IS COMING UP. I WAS JUST INFORMED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR ALL 2002 AND 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2008, crash
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO RECALL # 06V242000. MY CAR IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS ON THIS RECALL. THEY ALREADY "FIXED" THE PROBLEM BUT THE SENSOR IS STILL THROWING FAULTS ONCE IN A WHILE. THIS LAST TIME MY CAR SHUTDOWN AT A SLOW SPEED AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND HIT A CURB. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED. AUTO ZONE SAID THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS BAD AND WILL COST $60 FOR THE PART. BUT HOW MUCH TO PUT IT IN? $100 $200? THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING A LOT, AS I'VE SEARCHED ON THE FORUMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2008
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR IS GOING OUT ON THE CAR. THE CAR CAN BE STARTED BUT NOT ACCELERATE. I PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE OR MAKE A SOUND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 24, 2008
IN AUGUST 2007, MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. IT STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF WASHINGTON, D.C., SO I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP ONCE I GOT IT STARTED. ON AUG. 7, 2007, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. ON MAY 29, 2008, MY CAR NEEDED NEW BRAKES. A 100-POINT INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED, AND NO OTHER PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. BUT DEALER SAID IT WOULD LIKELY GO OFF AND IT WASN'T A PROBLEM. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, THE CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING (JUMPING, ETC.) ON JULY 23, THE CAR AGAIN STALLED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT AT RUSH HOUR IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, THE CAR RESTARTED. ON JULY 24, 2008, THE DEALER AGAIN SAID THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED ABOUT RECALL NUMBER 06V242000, BUT DEALER SAID THAT DID NOT APPLY TO CRANK, ONLY ECM. NOW HAVE SPENT $600 TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM FIXED IN 10 MONTHS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2008
MY CAR WAS STOPPING WHILE DRIVING I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR THEN RE-START IT. I TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND HE RAN IT THROUGH COMPUTERIZED MACHINE THE PRINT-OUT STATED THAT I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THAT IT HAD TO BE TAKEN CARE OF RIGHT AWAY. HE STATED THAT SINCE I BROUGHT IN THE CAR THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE CARE OF IT BUT THAT THE 1ST ISSUE WITH THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR WAS NOT AN ISSUE RELATED TO MY CAR SHUTTING OFF AND THAT WAS AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE TO HAVE IT TAKEN CARE OF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL, BUT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,110. UPDATED 09/16/08 *BF UPDATE 09/18/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2008
OWN 2003 ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, CAR STOPPED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, GOT CAR RESTARTED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE LOOKED AT AND SERVICED AND DEALER REPLACED CRANKCASE SENSOR. INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL FOR SAME PART ON OTHER YEARS OF ALTIMA AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL FOR THE 2003 ALTIMA MODELS FOR THAT PART. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2008
CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES, CAR WILL START AND NOT IDLE PAST 1500 RPM'S OR DRIVE OVER 5 MILES AN HOUR. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYS ON. FIRST I WAS TOLD THE ANTI THEFT IN THE CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, NEXT I WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER DID NOT RE-LEARN THE SETUP. NEXT I WAS TOLD IT IS A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. TIRED OF THE SAME PROBLEM BEING BLAMED ON DIFFERENT THINGS AND THEN RE-OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM DO TO THE SPEED OF THE CAR CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HAZARDS BY NOT HAVING THE POWER TO MAINTAIN THE SPEED LIMITS ! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2008
RECALL R0606 (CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V242000) REPAIR WAS COMPLETE 12/21/06 BY PREVIOUS OWNER. CAR STILL EXHIBITS SAME SYMPTOMS OF RECALL (ENGINE STOPS WHILE UNDER WAY). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF ON ONE OCCASSION. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CRANK SENSOR. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED AT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE CRANK SENSOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 09/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/18/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON JULY 3, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING SLOWLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AS THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THERE IS NO RECALL AVAILABLE; THEREFORE, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND RADIATOR WILL BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $815. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,955. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/19/08. *JB
Equipment, Jul 7, 2008
A/C WAS WORKING WEIRD IN THE BEGINNING ON HOW IT TURNED ON ETC. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY, I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL AND NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. NOW, A/C DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. *TR