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.
Power train, Mar 1, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING THE COLD SEASON THE CLUTCH STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23000. *AK UPDATE *4/23/07 *TR
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
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED RECALL 06V24200O FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL ON 02/16/06 AND HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED ON 02/20/07 FOR THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND THE PERF IDLE AIR VOLUME RETURN FOR THE RECALL AT NO CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAD STALLING PROBLEMS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE TEMPERATURE DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE RECALL REPAIR. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT SHE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR REPAIRED, WHICH COST HER $200.83. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE THE RECALL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYED ON AND NOW THAT THE VEHICLE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING OR AT A STOP LIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50782 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51782.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO RUNNING OK. UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, HAD STALLING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, MERGING ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY, SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT A LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE STALLED MOST OFTEN WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON 02/20/07. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT TOOK 6-7 TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT SOUNDED AS THOUGH SHE HAD NO GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF GASOLINE AT THIS TIME. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAMSHAFT FAILED. SHE FOUND ARECALL 03V45000 FOR ENGINE & ENGINE COOLING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT, HER CASE NUMBER WAS 5626245. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50100.*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Feb 20, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH A LONG LIST OF PROBLEMS CUSTOMER HAS LEARNED ABOUT SEVERAL RECALLS AND WANTS THIS MATTER TO BE REVIEWED**NAR**CC THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THREE MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER TOLD THE ECM DEVICE HAD SOME RELATIONSHIP TO THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENGINE/COOLANT AND MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2007
MY WIFE'S 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. SHE HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY 8 YEAR SON TRYING TO STEER THE CAR. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WHEN I ARRIVED I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SINCE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT WAS ON. WHILE CROSSING THE INTERSECTION TO GET INTO THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT, THE CAR DIED ON ME. I HAD ENOUGH SPEED TO COAST THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND UP TO ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING LOT. THE NEXT DAY THE SERVICE ADVISOR FOR THE DEALERSHIP CALLS ME AND TELLS ME THE CAR NEED 2 RECALLS ( ONE OF WHICH I KNEW ABOUT -HEADLIGHTS, THE OTHER WAS TO REPROGRAM THE ECM. THEY WOULD HAVE TO ALSO REPLACE THE CAM & CRANK SENSORS FOR $213 WHICH OF COURSE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3.5 YEARS AND IT HAS 33,174 MILES ON IT. AFTER READING THAT THE RECALL INVOLVING THE ECM REPROGRAM WAS TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM - ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. IT STATED THAT THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COULD COME ON, THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING! I CALLED 1-800-NISSAN1 AND LOGGED MY COMPLAINT THAT MY WIFE (OR MYSELF) COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND THE VERY LEAST THAT NISSAN COULD DO WAS COVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM SOME KIND OF ENGINEER TYPE GUY WHO GAVE ME THE 20 MINUTE TECHNICAL VERSION OF WHY NISSAN WAS SORRY BUT TOUGH CRAP ON US COVERING THIS. I DEMANDED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ELSE AND WAS GIVEN YOUR WEB ADDRESS. I STILL SAY NISSAN KNEW THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD HAVE MADE A STRONGER ANNOUNCEMENT SOONER TO GET THIS CORRECTED. THEY SHOULD BE ON THE HOOK HERE NOT ME!! *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S BOUGHT IN JANUARY OF 2003. CAR INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. NISSAN DEALERS HAVE PERFORMED ALL RECALLS INCLUDING ECM SOFTWARE REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE CRANK SENSOR REPLACEMENT BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
WELL I HAVEN'T NECESSARILY "CRASHED" YET. I TOOK MY CAR INTO TOWN NORTH NISSAN OFF 183 DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE THAT WAS SENT TO MY HOME. I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK, AS THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NEED IT FOR AT LEAST A DAY, 2 1/2 HOURS LATER. I NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I TOOK THE CAR BACK IMMEDIATELY THE FOLLOWING DAY. NOBODY WAS WILLING TO HELP ME. SO LATER THAT EVENING I TOOK MY CAR TO THE AUTO ZONE TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTICS SCAN DONE ON IT. SURE ENOUGH THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. IT STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING WHICH WAS THE KEY TO THE WHOLE PROBLEM AS THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY TURNED ITSELF OFF ON MY WHILE DRIVE (HOWEVER THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION). *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2007
I WOULD BE DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT WOULD JUST STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THEN IT WOULDN'T START TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SO I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY FIXED THE RECALL BUT THE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL AND THAT WOULD BE ADDITIONAL MONEY. DON'T QUITE KNOW WHY WHEN THE RECALL STATES THE EXACT PROBLEM I WAS HAVING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2007
MY FIRST PROBLEM BEGAN AT ABOUT 37000 MILES. I WOULD TRY TO CRANK MY CAR AND IT WOULD NOT CRANK. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES. THERE HAS CURRENTLY BEEN NO RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. MY SECOND PROBLEM INVOLVES THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. I WAS MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND SUDDENLY MY CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND BUCK. THE CAR COMING UP FROM BEHIND ME CHANGED LANES AND PASSED, SO LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. MY THIRD PROBLEM IS WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND O2 SENSOR. I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT BOTH OF THESE ARE OUT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL ON 2002-2003 NISSANS. AFTER HE RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, AND HAS REMAINED LIT. WHILE DRIVING INTO TRAFFIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE ENGINE WOULD JUST LOSE POWER. ON 01/24/2007 THE VEHICLE TURNED OF FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING INTO TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER THE STALLING IT WAS DIFFICULT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT LEAST 2 DOZEN TIMES. ONE INCIDENT CAUSED A SECOND VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 24, 2007
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES UP ON MY DASHBOARD OF NISSAN ALTIMA 2003. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WILL FIX IT. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING FROM THEIR LOCATION, THE LIGHT CAME UP AGAIN. THE CAR RUNS LIKE ITS BRAKES ARE ON. IT ONCE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS A BIG CONCERN IF IT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND CAUSES ACCIDENT. HOW CAN I GET NISSAN TO ADDRESS IT? *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2007
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA CUSTOMER PAID FOR SERVICE AND NOW RECALL NOTICE AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS**CC THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. THIS CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2007
I HAD RECALL WORK DONE AND THE RESULT IS MY ENGINE NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA NOW CONSUMES 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 100 MILES. EAST CHARLOTTE NISSAN PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING RECALLS P5216 AND R0606 IN ADDITION TO THIS THEY REPLACED THE O2 SENSOR AT A COST OF $365.00. WITHIN TWO DAYS (300 MILES) OF GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK THE OIL WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY AND IT HAS NEEDED TO BE REFILLED EVERY 200 MILES SINCE THE ORIGINAL VISIT TO EAST CHARLOTTE NISSAN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. NISSANS OWN RECALL STATES THAT FOR A NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND ENGINE REPLACEMENT WILL BE NECESSARY. THEY ARE NOT HONORING THEIR VERY OWN RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE DOCUMENTED REGULAR SERVICE ON THIS VEHICLE THAT IS WELL WITHIN THE RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES. INCLUDING AN OIL CHANGE AT A REPUTABLE RETAILER AT INTERVALS OF 3-4000 MILES.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5, IN NOV. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR STALLING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO START BACK. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I PAID $175 TO HAVE IT SERVICED. ON JAN. 10, 2007 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN THIS TIME WITH NO WARNINGS AT ALL, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO JUST AN OIL CHANGE PLACE TO HAVE THE CODE PULLED, SHOWING THE CODE FOR THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN APPT. TO HAVE MY CAR CHECK AGAIN HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 2 MONTHS, AND I HAVE READ SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM NISSAN OWNERS PLEASE SOMEONE HELP US WE NEED TO HAVE THIS ITEM ADDED TO THE LIST OF RECALLS. NISSAN HAS TO BE AWARE THAT THEY ARE LOSING SO MANY CUSTOMERS. I LOVE MY CAR, BUT I DON'T FEEL ITS FAIR FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE TO PAY OUT SO MUCH MONEY WHEN THE COMPANY IS AWARE THAT THERE IS SUCH A MASSIVE ISSUE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 8, 2007
TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE SERVICED ON DECEMBER 26, 2006 UNDER RECALL 06V242000 THAT SHE RECEIVED FROM NISSAN. THE CONTACTS STATED THAT SINCE THE WORK WAS COMPLETED FOR THE RECALL TO THE ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. SHE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YET THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN FOR FREE. THEY INSISTED THAT THE CURRENT FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN OIL LEAK.*AK UPDATED 1/26/2007 - *NM
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2007
WHILE DRIVING ON THE PA TURNPIKE MY ENGINE CUT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART IT. IT DID RESTART, I DROVE A FEW MORE MILES AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE ON THE TURNPIKE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2006
UPDATE TO ODI 10176518. POWER VALVE SCREWS WERE FOUND MISSING. SCREWS WERE INGESTED INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBER OF ENGINE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2006
SLOWED VEHICLE AND SEES LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. VEHICLE DIED. RESTARTED VEHICLE. SES LIGHT ON CONSTANT. VEHICLE 'PULSES' - LIKE NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. *NM
Power train, Dec 18, 2006
TL*- A SAFETY RECALL ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA CRANK SENSOR. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE RECALL REPAIR BEFORE SHE SOLD THE CAR, AND WANTS TO KNOW IF SHE WILL BE REIMBURSED. THE CONTACT WILL BE CALLED AND OFFERED THE FAQ RESPONSE.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA IN OCTOBER 2002. IT HAD 4 MILES ON IT FROM MY TEST DRIVE. MY FIRST OIL CHANGE WAS SIX WEEKS LATER BECAUSE I WAS WORKING 100 MILES ROUND-TRIP TO WORK. THE DEALERSHIP INITIALLY LEFT THE CAP OFF MY RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SMOKE AND SPUTTER WHEN I PICKED IT UP. IN FEBRUARY 2003, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY CAB FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE CAR RAN HOT. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS TO THE CAR. THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RADIATOR. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "HOSES" BECAUSE RODENTS HAD EATEN THROUGH THE HOSES THAT CAUSED THE FLUID TO LEAK. I ASKED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT THEY REFUSED. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED EVERY HOSE ON THE CAR. I HAD TO BUY A NEW RADIATOR, HEATER COIL (THE CAR WOULD BLOW COLD AIR WHEN SITTING STILL), AND RIGHT NOW I'M WAITING ON A COMPRESSOR. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PIECE OF JUNK SINCE I MADE THE PURCHASE. I HAVE OWNED 2 MAXIMAS, AND CURRENTLY HAVE AN OLDER MODEL PATHFINDER AS WELL. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WITH THE OTHER ONES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ALTIMA. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2006
HAD THE ECM REPROGRAM DONE A FEW WEEKS AGO. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER RESET THE ECM AGAIN. PAST WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. DEALER NOW SAYS THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR IS BAD. WE HAD THE "STALLING ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING" ISSUE IN NOV 2003. AT THAT TIME AND UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE FROM ME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK AND CAMSHAFT POSITION...STALLING PROBLEM SOLVED. HERE WE ARE 3 YEARS LATER BACK TO THE BAD CRANK POSITION SENSOR AGAIN AND DEALER IS SAYING MY VIN IS NOT IN THE RANGE OF THE SENSOR RECALL AND I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. IN MY OPINION, NISSAN IS TRYING TO PROGRAM THE ECM TO HIDE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE SENSORS AND IT'S MADE IT MORE PRONOUNCED. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO SOFTEN THE BLOW A BIT BY KNOCKING SOME OFF THE CHARGES, BUT I'M STILL HAVING TO COUGH UP $184 FOR A WELL KNOWN, WELL DOCUMENTED AND AGING DEFECT. COME ON NISSAN, FIX THE PROBLEM....IT'S A DANGEROUS ONE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE AIR FLOW FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. A NHTSA RECALL, #06V242000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE ENGINE HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2006
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR A CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE SPEED INPUT CIRCUIT CAUSING THIS STALLING. THERE'S A RECALL FOR 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT FOR 2003 AND THIS IS DANGEROUS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2006
COURTESY COPY RE DEFECTIVE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. SHE IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM NISSAN. *TS THE VEHICLE STALLED WEATHER THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE CRANK CASE REPLACED, THROTTLE SENSOR ADJUSTED, FUEL INJECTION FLUSHED, POWER STEERING FLUSHED, AND BRAKE FLUID FLUSHED. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND RECALL 06V242000 IN REFERENCE TO FAULTY ENGINE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR. THE CONSUMER VEHICLE FELL WITHIN THE RANGE OF THE RECALL BUT THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THEREFORE THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO CHECKED THE RECALLS. THE DEALER REPLACED A FAULTY CHAMBER. THE FAULTY CHAMBER RESULTED IN A THROTTLE CHAMBER REPLACEMENT.