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 2, 2006
2003 ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. THE TECH INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CRANK SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THEY COULD NOT REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER WITHOUT REPLACING IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2006
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VIN 1N4AL11D33C2XXXXX WAS DISPLAYING A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WITH A CODE OF P0 507- IDLE SYSTEM TOO HIGH.....THIS APPEARED APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS FOLLOWING THE R0606 RECALL FOR A ECM RE-PORGRAM FOR A CRANK ENGINE SENSOR. THE INTRESTING THING, MY SISTER HAS THE SAME CAR, DID THE SAME RECALL AROUND THE SAME TIME AND HAD THE SAME SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT APPEAR THE SAME DAY WITH THE SAME CODE. SEARCHING THE WEB, IT APPEARS MANY FOLKS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I PAID ABOUT $140 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED AND WANT NISSAN TO REFUND MY MONEY, HOWEVER 6 CALLS TO THEM HAS GOTTEN ME NO WHERE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CRANK SENSOR ON MY 03 NISSAN ALTIMA, THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF ON A HEAVY TRAVELED ROAD. I'M AFRAID THAT IT WILL RESULT IN A ACCIDENT POSSIBLY INJURING ME. I TRIED TO HAVE THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FIX THIS PROB UNDER THEIR RECALL AND THEY REFUSED STATING IT WAS ONLY FOR THE 02 MODELS. MANY OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING IF YOU SEARCHED ON WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM YOU WOULD SEE NUMEROUS ENTRIES OF THE SAME THING. I JUST WANT THIS FIXED FOR SAFETY REASONS. *NM
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Tires, Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR MOVING VERY SLOWLY,NOT STAYING IN THE ROAD, PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH 2 HANDS TO KEEP IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MAINTENANCE SHOP JUST TO MAKE SURE I WAS BEING TOLD THE TRUTH. AFTER 30 MIN OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD BY A GOODYEAR MANAGER THAT I HAVE 3X THE WRONG SIZE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE 205/65/16 TIRES ON MY CAR AND I HAVE 225/60/16 TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. I AM FURIOUS BECAUSE I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH THOSE TIRES ON MY CAR AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES TO BE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE AND THEY KNEW THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. MY CAR IS NOT A STEADY VEHICLE I FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY HOLD IT STILL IN THE ROAD. WHEN IT RAIN I FEEL LIKE I WRECK AT ANYTIME. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND IT HURTS ME TO KNOW THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND NOT ONE TIME HAVE THEY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MY TIRES. I HAVE HAD THOSE TIRES ALIGNED AND BALANCE BUT THE TECH TOLD ME IT WOULD DO ME NO GOOD BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE 3 TIMES TO BIG. PLEASE HELP I THINK THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY TIRES WITH THE RIGHT SIZE. ALSO MY SEAT BELTS ON THE CAR WILL NOT EXTRACT I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WILL PULL THEM OUT BUT WHEN I LEAVE AFTER ABOUT 4 TO 5 DAYS MY BELTS WILL GET STUCK AGAIN I ALSO HAD MY SEAT BELTS CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS AND NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME FLAT OUT IT IS NOT THERE PROBLEM I CAN NOT PULL A SEAT BELT. I HAVE TO LET MY DAUGHTER RIDE IN THE BACK AT TIMES WITHOUT A SEAT BELT UNTIL I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SEAT BELTS ARE GETTING HUNG FROM THE CORE OF THE ENTRANCE BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. **NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2006
2003 ALTIMA THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. CHAMBER ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHE RECEIVED FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2006
MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EVEN CRANK ITS ENGINE. AFTER 10 MINS THE ENGINE CRANKED AND STARTED, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP, AND EXPLAINED OF A RECALL THAT STATED, " THAT SOME 2003 ALTIMAS MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM". WHEN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED ME BACK, THEY STATED THAT I HAD TO HAVE THE POSITION SENSOR REPLACED AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET. WHEN I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT ON THE RECALL NOTICE I HAD RECEIVED IT CLEARLY STATED THAT "IF ANY ONE HAD TO PAY TOP HAVE THE ISSUE RESOLVED IN BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN THAT THEY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPEATED THAT REPLACING THE SENSOR WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, OUT OF POCKET. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S AND MY OIL IS JUST DISAPPEARING FROM THE ENGINE. I DO NOT SEE LEAKING, BUT IT IS BEING CONSUMED SOMEHOW. THERE IS A RECALL SPEAKING OF THIS ISSUE. BUT NISSAN SAYS THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL, AND YEAR SO I BELIEVE IF MY VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING, THEN SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR 2 MONTHS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BLOW UP THE ENGINE, BECAUSE IF I DRIVE ANYWHERE, ALL THE OIL IN THE ENGINE WILL BE GONE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2006
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT I'VE FILED WITHIN THE SPAN OF 30 DAYS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING STALLING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS. THE ENGINE WOULD COMPLETELY STOP DURING LOW SPEEDS AND AT STOP (4 TIMES AT A STOP AND ONCE DURING A TURN). I HAVE ALREADY HAD ISSUES WITH MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SERVICING MY RECALLS. FIRST I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR SO I DROVE IT HOME. THEN I WENT BACK AGAIN AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL FOR THE ECM. SO I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED THEM THE REPORTS. THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO REPROGRAM MY ECM (AS THE RECALL STATES) AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE THAT COULD BE CAUSING THE STALLS. HOWEVER, JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALLS, MY CAR ENGINE DIES AGAIN. I CALLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR ENGINE AND ONCE MORE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ONLINE REPORTS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS WHERE THEY COMPLAINED OF THE SAME SITUATION- EVEN AFTER THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE ECM, THE ENGINE STILL STALLS. SO NOW I HAVE MY CAR BACK BUT STILL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE ALSO TAKEN MY CAR TO AN NON-NISSAN MECHANIC AND HE TOO COULD LOCATE THE PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN VEHICLES, OR AT LEAST BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND FIX THE PROBLEMS WHEN IT OCCURS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE ENGINE STALLING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB
Seat belts, Oct 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, A CHILD LOCATED BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME CAUGHT IN THE SEAT BELT. THE CHILD BEGAN TO YELL BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS TIGHTENING WHICH CAUSED THE CHILD TO CHOKE. THE CHILD WAS CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BELT WITH SCISSORS. ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED SO BAD THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO UNLATCH THE SEAT BELT TO ESCAPE BEING CHOKED ALSO.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL REPAIR WORK #06V242000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN 10/06. THREE DAYS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN IDLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IDENTIFIED THAT THE IDLE WAS OFF AND NEEDED TO BE RELEARNED, WHICH WAS PERFORMED. 12 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING WORST THAN IT DID BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE COMPUTER WAS BAD BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE RELEARNING OF THE IDLE. THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. FOUR DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPED AND TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY AND STARTER. THEY ALL TESTED NORMAL TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PROBABLY NOT START DUE TO A DEFECTIVE COMPUTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER.
Power train, Oct 1, 2006
MY 02 ALTIMA HAS HAD FOUR RECALLS, INCLUDING THE LAST ONE IN QUESTION. I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR LURCHING THIS SUMMER. IT ACTED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO DIE. IT EVEN BEGAN TO DIE ON ME ONCE OR TWICE AT IDLE SPEEDS. ON AUG 24TH, WHEN I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR DIED. IT DIED THREE TIMES WHILE I WAS TRYING TO TURN AROUND AND GET BACK TO THE PARKING LOT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPUTABLE, ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. MEANWHILE, I CHECKED THE WEB. NO ADDITIONAL RECALLS WERE LISTED.) THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE CAR CONTINUED TO LURCH AND ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE TECHS RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE NISSAN DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN. NISSAN HAD ISSUED A RECALL, THE CAR NEEDED THE ECM REPROGRAMMED. AFTER THEY REPROGRAMMED THE ECM, NISSAN STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR STILL NEEDED REPLACING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC THAT HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE SENSOR. THEY ALSO SAID IT NEEDED A NEW CAM SENSOR. THEY REPLACED BOTH SENSORS AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, THE CAR EXHIBITED THE SAME, PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS. I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN. THE SERV DEPT INFORMED ME THAT THE ISSUE WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. THE BAD NEWS - THE COST WAS $1000. THE PART WAS ESTIMATED AT $550 AND LABOR WAS AROUND $450. ESTIMATE TIME OF REPAIR = 1 1/2 HOUR. THE WARRANTY IS 5 YRS / 60K MILES. HE STATED IF THE MILEAGE WAS 60K MILES, THEN THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY... BUT, SINCE THE MILEAGE READ 65K MILES, THEN IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE SERVICE MANAGER APPLIED FOR A GOODWILL WARRANTY. THE REQUEST WAS DENIED. I CONTACTED NISSAN. AFTER FILING THE COMPLAINT AND WAITING FOR A RESPONSE, I FINALLY OPTED TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. TO DATE, NISSAN DECLINED TO PAY FOR ANY PART OF THE THROTTLE BODY REPAIR. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE PROMISED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2006
RECALL ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L - ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND THE ECM. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP (CENTRAL CAROLINA NISSAN - SANFORD NC) AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE CRANK ANGLE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE W/ THIS RECALL AND STATED THESE PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF APPRX. $600 BEFORE THEY COULD PERFORM THE UPGRADE. I REFUSED TO PAY THIS FEE AND TOOK THE CAR HOME AND THE NEXT DAY IT CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO STEER IT OFF THE HIGHWAY W/OUT INCIDENT. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR HOME AND CALLED: NCA DEPT. NISSAN N.A. INC. AND WAS PROMISED A CALL BACK BY MON. 9/25/6 - REF. # 5477581. NO ONE CALLED AND I'VE SPENT A COUPLE OF HOURS TODAY 9/26/6 TRYING TO GET RESOLUTION AND HAVE NOW BEEN PROMISED A CALL BACK BY THE END OF THE DAY 9/27/6 FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICE. I'M HOLDING MY BREATHE AND I'M STILL NOT ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR. RICKEY COLLINS PHONE: (919)770-9670. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. AS I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEEN POSTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CAR WOULDN'T START 2 MONTHS AGO AND BEFORE THEN FOR A FEW MONTHS IT WOULD CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP THINKING THAT IT WAS MY CRANK ANGULAR SENSOR (MOST RECENT RECALL). HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE NOTIFIED ME THAT IT IS MY "CRANK POSITION SENSOR" THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. LIKE OTHERS, I NOTICED THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT ON 2003. LIKE ANOTHER COMPLAINT STATED, 2003 AND 2002 MODELS ARE NOT THAT MUCH DIFFERENT (IF AT ALL) AND IF NISSAN WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, THEN THEY SHOULD MAKE THE RECALL ON THE 2003 MODELS AS WELL. NOW I AM BEING TOLD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WILL COST $243. NISSAN SHOULD REALLY DO SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON THEIR 2003 MODELS TO FIND OUT IF THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, IN MY OPINION WITH SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, IT SHOULD BE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2006
DEAR NHTSA, RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, MORE SPECIFICITY, THE ENGINE HAS STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE FOR THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ON ALL 2002 ALTIMAS, BUT NOTHING FOR 2003 ALTIMAS. HOWEVER, WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE WEB I FOUND SEVERAL REPORTS, INCLUDING THE NHTSA WEBSITE (CAMPAIGN # 06V-242), INDICATING THAT A FEW 200,000 2003 ALTIMAS/SENTRAS (2.5 LITER) WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME CRANK ANGLE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THIS ISSUE UP WITH THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT (CERRITOS) AND WAS THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICE FROM THE TECHNICIANS. FIRST, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. THEN, I WAS INFORMED THAT NOT ALL RECALLS ARE LISTED IN THE WEBSITE AND I WOULD HAVE TO GET MY CAR SERVICED FIRST AND ONLY AFTER COULD THEY DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT MY CAR IS UNDER THE WARRANTY. AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR WHATEVER REPAIRS THAT WAS NEEDED TO BE DONE. I DO NOT HAVE AN ISSUE WITH PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS IF IT IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE; HOWEVER, SHOULDN'T THE NISSAN'S TECHNICIANS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS UNDER RECALL BY LOOKING INTO THE VIN NUMBER OR THE PARTS NUMBER? ALSO, THE RECALL IS NOT LISTED OR ANNOUNCED ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE BUT IS REPORTED IN SEVERAL ARTICLES. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES. AND THE DEALERSHIPS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER INSTANCES WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY CORRECTION FOR THIS ISSUE AND AM HOPING YOU WILL BE OF SOME ASSISTANCE TO ME WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE HAD NO LUCK WITH THE DEALERSHIP. CINDY LIN. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S IN JULY 2003. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE CHECKS AND OIL CHANGES. AT 59K, DEALER ADVISED THAT RADIATOR HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACING. DEALER ATTRIBUTED PROBLEM TO BEING IN A "SALT" STATE. HOWEVER, NISSAN RECALLED OTHER PARTS BECAUSE I LIVE IN A SALT STATE, BUT NOT THIS ONE. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN BECAUSE I FELT THIS WAS A PART THAT SHOULD BE REPLACED DUE TO TECHNICAL BULLETINS PUBLISHED REGARDING RADIATOR CAP REPLACEMENT AND WHY WOULD A RADIATOR NEED REPLACING AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS? NISSAN ADVISED TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. SECOND DEALERSHIP PERFORMED PRESSURE TEST, FOUND A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. CLAMPS ALSO CORRODED. THIS DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT RADIATOR CAPS SHOULD BE REPLACED ON NISSANS EVERY 30K. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE AT THEIR COST. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO BAD AT RETURNING CALLS, NOT FORWARDING YOUR CALLS AND HAVE TO REPEAT EVERY THING YOU SAY MULTIPLE TIMES, AND CONDESCENDING TOWARDS CUSTOMER. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW OF THE PROBLEMS. REPLACED RADIATOR WITH AFTER MARKET PART, COST $600 OUT OF POCKET. SHOP THAT REPLACED PART ADVISED THAT NISSAN RADIATORS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND THAT HE GETS NUMEROUS CALLS TO REPLACE THIS PART ON NISSANS. EVERY SHOP THAT I CALL WAS SURPRISED THAT I WANTED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR SINCE THE CAR WAS SO NEW. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE WAITING FOR AN ESTIMATE THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER #06V242000 REGARDING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPROGRAM THE ECM SENSOR HOWEVER AFTER THE ECM SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE CRANK SENSOR BE REPLACED WHICH WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED.
Wheels, Sep 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE HAVE BEEN TOO MANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND EACH NEW RECALL WAS MORE SEVERE. CURRENTLY A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL # 06V242000 WAS RECEIVED FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR, THAT MAY CAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING TO ILLUMINATE AND RESULT IN THE ENGINE STOPPING WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST RECALL WAS FOR A REPLACEMENT OF A SUB MEMBER WHICH MAY CAUSED A CRASH. THE NEXT RECALL WAS FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE FOLLOWING RECALL FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WHICH HAD A DEFECTIVE GROUND. THE RECALL AFTER WAS REGARDING A STABILIZING BAR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN THE THEIR POSSESSION FOR 3 YEARS AND THERE WERE 4 RECALLS ALREADY. THE TIRES WERE RECENTLY REPLACED WHERE THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR STEEL WHEEL RIMS WERE EXCESSIVELY RUSTED WHICH WAS COMMON FOR VEHICLES OF THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2006
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT READY TO TURN LEFT ONTO ANOTHER STREET WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STALLS OUT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. IT TOOK ME A FEW TIMES TO GET MY CAR STARTED AGAIN AND WHEN IT FIRED UP AGAIN I STARTED DRIVING AWAY BUT MY CAR WOULD BE HAVING A HARD TIME GOING AS IF IT WAS STARTING TO BOG OUT. I LATER DID A DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND GOT THE CODE P0335 WHICH ENDED UP BEING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS BUT IT WASN'T AS BAD. IT WOULD JUST BOG DOWN LIKE ONCE IN 2 WEEKS BUT THIS WAS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO!. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AS WELL AS WHEN IDLING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION CENSOR DUE TO FUEL LEAKING ON THE CENSOR. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/14/08 *BF
Air bags, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT INCIDENT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2006
I WAS MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT ON A SUNDAY AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEARLY TO THE FLOOR AND AS THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED, THE CAR LURCHED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED CRIPPLED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV OVER 2300 RPM AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD A DIFFICULT TIME SHIFTING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER AND WERE TOLD THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD FAILED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, WE FOUND THAT THE FAILURE OF THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR ON NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND MAXIMA'S IS NOT UNCOMMON. THE REPAIR BILL WAS OVER $1300 FOR DIAGNOSTICS OF THE PROBLEM, LABOR AND PARTS. I AM EXTREMELY DISPLEASED THAT THIS ISSUE IS MUCH TOO COMMON TO BE OVERLOOKED AS BEING A RECALL ITEM. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, OTHERWISE, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A CAR ACCIDENT AS THAT INTERSECTION IS A HIGH-VOLUME INTERSECTION.*JB
Visibility, Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A WET HIGHWAY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT CONTACTED.
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST BEFORE ALL POWER FAILED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAPPENED 25 TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED DURING THE POWER LOSS. AFTER 45 SECONDS THE ENGINE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR SERVICE. ON A PRIOR VISIT THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
Suspension, Sep 5, 2006, crash
MY HUSBAND'S 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA CRASHED HIM INTO A PARKED CAR WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR CRACKED. IT BREAK OFF WAS A PERFECTLY STRAIGHT LINE. THE AXEL AND TIRE COUPLINGS WERE STILL INTACT. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS ELSE WAS HURT, IT HAPPENED ON A BUSY, NARROW VILLAGE STREET AND THE PARKED CAR STOPPED HIS CAR FROM GOING INTO A STORE FRONT OR A PASSERBY! *NM