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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 28, 2006
CAR STALLS OR DOESN'T START. REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND RESET COMPUTER CHIP.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 27, 2006
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WE PURCHASED CAR NEW, AND HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS.[FUEL PUMP 40K,STARTING PROBLEMS, SENSORS, AND RIGHT NOW CAR IS BACK IN REPAIR SHOP]WHEN I CALLED WAIKEM NISSAN IN CANTON,OHIO ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, YET MY MANUAL SAID IT WAS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THIS ALSO RESULTED IN NO START CONDITIONS AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED REPLACED. SINCE THE REPAIR WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY.
Suspension, Feb 1, 2006
1) THE CAR WOULD ALWAYS PULL TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED. I WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFECT. I ALSO TOOK THE CAR IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE THE TIRES CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY WERE DEFECTIVE OR NEEDED TO BE ROTATED RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND INSPECTED AND NO ISSUES WERE FOUND, NOR WAS THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. 2) THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT HAS GIVEN OUT. THE CAR STILL DRIVES, HOWEVER THE RIDE IS EXTREMELY POOR, ESPECIALLY OVER VERY MINOR IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD. I NEVER TAKE THE CAR OFF ROAD. IT IS USED ON THE FREEWAY BETWEEN CITIES, SO IT HAS SOMEWHAT HIGHER MILES FOR A 2003, BUT ASS THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE STRUT SHOULD NOT HAVE GIVEN OUT THIS EARLY. IT IS SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE. SEVERAL CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS HAVE TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE BOTH STRUTS AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE. 3) THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. I WILL UPDATE THIS COMPLAINT AS EVENTS WARRANT. (THE PARTS WILL BE SAVED). *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2006
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ON 1/11/06 I TOOK MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA TO SOUTH CHICAGO NISSAN FOR A RECALL ON HEADLIGHTS. AT THIS TIME I DECIDED TO PURCHASE THE 60,000 MILE SERVICE PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDED THE DRAINING AND REFILLING OF THE COOLING SYSTEM OR RADIATOR. AFTERWARDS, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING FLUIDS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK, AND THE SUPERVISOR DISCOVERED THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED . HE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WEREN'T LIABLE, AND IT WOULD COST ME $749.60 FOR A NEW RADIATOR. BUT, I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE OKAY FOR IT TO BE SERVICED; OTHERWISE, SOMEBODY WOULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING. I APPEALED TO THE MANAGER, BUT NOTHING CHANGED. I BELIEVE SOUTH CHICAGO IS LIABLE BUT DON'T WANT TO PAY . PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AND LET ME KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE $750 TO PAY FOR A RADIATOR . THE NAME OF THE COMPANY IS SOUTH CHICAGO NISSAN, 7410 S. WESTERN, CHICAGO 60636. *AK ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2006
WHILE DRIVING (AT ANY SPEED), I EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE LOSS OF POWER LIKE IF THE BRAKES WERE SUDDENLY APPLIED FOR MAYBE 2 SECONDS THEN THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED AS IT WAS BEFORE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE CAR KEEPS EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING LIKE WANTING TO STOP RUNNING AND IT IS TAKING LONGER TO START. I'M AFRAID THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I CALLED NISSAN USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE NO SAFETY RECALLS FOR THIS CONDITION FOR MY VEHICLE, ONLY THE HEAD LAMP FIX. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THE CODES ASSOCIATED WITH THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT ON WERE P0725 -ENGINE SPEED INPUT CIRCUIT, AND P0335 - CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THEY RESET THE CODES AND TOLD ME TO KEEP DRIVING IT OVER THE WEEKEND AND TO BRING THE CAR BACK ON WED JAN 25TH. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON CAME ON. I GOT HOME AND PARKED THE CAR WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY APPOINTMENT. I THINK THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN ON THIS ALTIMA 2003 VEHICLE THAT COULD WARRANT A SAFETY RECALL. MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN SEPT 2002. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2006
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL, ENGINE STALLS-8 TIMES IN LAST TWO MONTHS-TOOK TO DEALER, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. IT ALWAYS RESTARTS EITHER BY KEY IGNITION OR BY MOTION. SOME BULLETIN BOARDS INDICATE A FAULTY CRANK SENSOR. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING INTO TRAFFIC LANE. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED WHILE DRIVING. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PROCEED. NO WARNING INDICATORS WERE PRESENT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 02/26/06. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2005
STARTING SEPTEMBER 2005, MY CAR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON AND THE CAR STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AT SLOW SPEEDS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN SOLVED. THE CAR CONTINUES TO STALL AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES AND THE DEALER AND NISSAN'S TECH PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM. *NM PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (FEB 1, 06): THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE SENSOR AND AIRFLOW METER UNDER "SECRET WARRANTY", BUT THE ENGINE STILL STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYMORE FOR ME. IN MOST CASES, THE ENGINE RESTARTS RIGHT THE WAY, SOMETIMES IT TAKES 3 OR 4 TRIES BEFORE THE ENGINE RESTARTS.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2005
ARM REST IN THE FRONT OF CAR HAS ON, SEVERAL OCCASIONS CUT MY ELBOW. I FEEL THAT IF I WAS DRIVING THE CUT COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE RESULT FROM CUTTING MY ELBOW IS STAINS OF BLOOD ON THE INTERIOR FRONT SEATS OF THE CAR. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE SENSOR TWICE. *AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND KNOCK SENSOR. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES LOCKED IN COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT SPEEDS UNDER 40 MPH. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2005
MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED 85 MILES, BACK TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN DEVON, PA. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR, IT FINALLY STARTED, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT, IT HAD NO POWER WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. ALSO, THE CAR JUMPED ALL AROUND, SO IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IT. I WAS AWAY ON VACATION IN NJ, SO I WASN'T EVEN NEAR MY HOME. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS THE 'CRANK SENSOR', AND REPLACED IT, BUT CHARGED ME $180. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM! *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, I PURCHASED IN 03 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD JUST STOP. AT ONE POINT WHILE TURNING IN FRONT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC CAR JUST QUIT, AND EVERY TIME I CRANKED IT WOULD QUIT, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT FOR ME AND MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. I WORK VERY FAR FROM HOME AND , TO GET ON A BUSY FREEWAY AND CAR WOULD JUST QUIT IS NOT SAFE. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION NISSAN IS A GOOD CAR AND RELIABLE, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED ME. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT DUE TO 69,000 MILES IT WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH SAME 03 ALTIMA, AND OVER 100,000 MILES, SHE HAS NO PROBLEMS AND CAN DRIVE OUT OF TOWN. WHEN I AM DRIVING UP TO SPEED THE CAR WOULD START STALLING OUT OF CONTROL, AND THEN EVENTUALLY JUST QUIT ON ME. I CAN NOT EVEN DRIVE MY CAR OUT OF TOWN, DUE TO THE FACT I CAN NOT DRIVE IN TOWN IT MAY NOT CRANK. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I FIRST GOT THE VEHICLE, BUT DON DAVIS NISSAN SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON STARTER. I CAN SAY DON DAVIS NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. WAS VERY HELPFUL, IT DID TAKE THEM A FEW DAYS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE VERY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY. I MISSED MANY HOURS AT WORK, AND COULD NOT WORK BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT DEPENDABLE. THE SERVICE DEPT. AT DON DAVIS NISSAN ASSISTED ME WELL, I JUST RECEIVED MY CAR BACK AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR INOP. THEY HAVE A RECALL ON THE 2002 BUT NOT THE 2003, GOOD THING I BOUGHT EXTRA WARRANTY, BUT I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PAID FOR THRU MY WARRANTY, I THINK NISSAN SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT. I GUESS IT'S JUST THE LOOK OF THE VEHICLE, I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ALTIMA AGAIN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR HAD BEEN IDLING VERY ROUGH AND ENGINE VIBRATION AS WELL AS INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ISSUE. AT TIME OF FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON BUSY HIGHWAY MOUNTAIN PASS. I WAS ALMOST KILLED AS CAR DRIFTED WITH NO CONTROL INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MOTOR STARTED SHAKING ON DRIVE BACK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SCREW LOOSE. THEY FOUND THE SCREW MISSING HAD COME FROM THE POWER VALVE INTAKE IN THE POWER VALVE. THEY HAD TO THE REMOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO GET THE SCREW OUT, THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD INTAKE/VALVE AND CYLINDER #4/ 02 SENSOR/ THE GASKET EXHAUST/GASKET ADAPTER, AND THE GASKET MANIFOLD AS THE SCREW HAD SHOT TROUGH THE ENGINE DESTROYING MOST OF IT. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT ONLY ON SOME 2004 AND 2005 MODELS, NOT MY 2003. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED IN OTHER 2002 AND 2003 MODELS ON THIS ODI WEBSITE AND ON INTERNET FORUMS AS PER MY RESEARCH. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS AS I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO WORK WITH THEM IN A REASONABLE MANNER. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AS NOTED IN DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH ENGINES CATCHING ON FIRE OR CAR STALLING AND LOCKING UP IN TRAFFIC. INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. ODI HAS DONE NOTHING TO MAKE CONTACT WITH ME OR OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. PROBLEM STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2005. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 20, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND IT DOES THIS WHEN TRYING TO PRECEDE ON FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT MIGHT GO 2-3 MPH. THIS FIRST STARTED HAPPENING AROUND SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 AND THIS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO FORE WARNING AND THERE WAS NO NOISE. *AK *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2005
CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAS CUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. NISSAN DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, BUT CAR CONTINUES TO CUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO RESTART AFTER THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. ONCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON AN ENGINE SENSOR FOR NISSANS MANUFACTURED 2000 TO JULY 2002. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 2002, AND THEY WILL NOT CONSIDER THAT THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. A CAM OR CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED TO CORRECT THE STALLING PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2005
CAR STALLED, STOPPED WORKING AND THEN HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. ROUGH STARTING UNTIL FIXED, WITH STALLING. TURNED OUT TO BE CRANKCASE SENSOR. THE CAR INVOLVED IS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, AND THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM ON THE 2002 ALTIMA.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 5, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS VEHICLE JUST DIES. CONSUMER HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS PROBLEM. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATES INTERMITTENTLY. THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS ACCELERATING FROM A RED LIGHT. *NM UPDATE: CALLED THE LISTED NUMBER BUT WAS TOLD NO ONE LIVE THERE BY THAT NAME.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2005
1) THE POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE INTAKE VALVE ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAVE STARTED TO COME LOOSE, CAUSING POWER LOSS IN THE ENGINE. ONE OF THE POWER VALVE SCREWS ACTUALLY CAME LOOSE AND WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, DAMAGING THE CYLINDERS, THUS RUINING THE ENGINE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, O2 SENSOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED ALSO. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE, ANYWHERE BETWEEN $1500 TO $7500+ WORTH OF DAMAGE. 2) THE FAILURE IS THAT THESE POWER VALVE SCREWS HAVE COME LOOSE AND STARTED BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING HIGH DOLLAR VALUE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT THE LOSS OF POWER AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE DURING DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED A FATAL CRASH THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY DEATH AND THE DEATH OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THE HIGHWAY. ADDITIONALLY, EXHAUST IS ESCAPING THE ENGINE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE POWER VALVE SCREW, AFTER BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSING DAMAGE, WENT INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CRACKED IT. EXHAUST FUMES WERE LEAKING FROM THE CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND CAUSING ME PERSONAL DAMAGE FROM THE FUMES AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IS ALREADY AWARE OF THIS EXACT ISSUE IN THEIR 2004 AND 2005 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME ENGINE AS MINE, WHICH IS THE 2.5S ENGINE. THEY ARE IN THE MIDST OF CONDUCTING A SERVICE RECALL RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. 3) NISSAN HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. MY DEALER, WOODMEN NISSAN OF COLORADO SPRINGS HAS WORKED TO COMMUNICATE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADD THE 2003 MODEL TO THE RECALL. HOWEVER, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS DECLINED BOTH MY AND THE DEALERSHIPS REQUEST TO ADDRESS THIS COSTLY AND SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS/FATAL FLAW IN THE AUTOMOBILE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - 2.5 LITER ENGINE: ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON.THE ENGINE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CAUSE WAS FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE ENGINE STALLED APPROXIMATELY 8 TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE DID NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER STALLING'.THE STARTER ENGAGED FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD START AGAIN. I DID HAVE SOME DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP SINCE THE POWER STEERING DOESN'T WORK WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS. MY WIFE HAD AN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TIME DUE TO STRENGTH DIFFERENCES.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2005
DO NOT REALLY KNOW? I FOUND OUT ONLY AFTER EXTENSIVE SEARCHING AND MULTIPLE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM. RECALLED ON OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. SAME ISSUE AS WITH THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. *NM
Equipment, Sep 8, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 - VENT BLOWS HOT AIR OVER 100 DEGREES WHEN TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS COMFORTABLE (80'S) . MANUFACTURER CHECKED CAR & CLAIMS EVERYTHING WITHIN SPECS. - THEIR SOLUTION IS TO ALWAYS USE AC. HAVE BROUGHT CAR SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASE NEW & THEY WILL NOT RESOLVE. MY CONCERN IS ARE THERE FUTURE PROBLEMS TO THE CAR CONNECTED TO THIS & OF COURSE THE UNCOMFORTABLE OF THE HEAT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2005
I BROUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 FROM LEN STOLER NISSAN. WE NOTICED A LIGHT MIST OF SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE IN THE SUMMER TIME. I CALLED TO THE DEALER THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS NORMAL. THE CAR STARTED BLOWING LIGHT WHITE SMOKE, THE DEALER STATED CHANGE MY GAS TO SUPREME OCTANE. AT JUST OVER 25,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED BLOWING HEAVY WHITE SMOKE, WE HEARD A WATER SOUND UNDER THE CAR, THE OIL LIGHT WOULD COME AND GO OFF, AND IT STARTED LOSING POWER. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD US WE HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. WE TURNED IN ALL SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING THAT THE MAINTENANCE WAS KEEP UP ON THE CAR. THE DEALER AND NISSAN MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SLUDGE ONLY COMES FROM LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND SLUDGE DO NOT COME FROM NOTHING ELSE AND REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID FOR $700. THEY'LL CALL THE NISSAN REP. BACK OUT; LOOK PAST THE OIL CRANK CASE OPENING AND LOOK IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN. I REFUSED TOOK IT TO NATIONWIDE NISSAN THEY OPENED MY OIL PAN TOOK MY MONEY, DID NOT LET ME SEE WHEN IT WAS OPEN JUST CLAIMED MY PAN WAS FULL OF SLUDGE. THEY DID TAKE A PICTURE, SHARED IT WITH THE OTHER DEALER, AND TOLD ME THE SAME THING BUT THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE NISSAN REP THIS TIME TOLD THEM OVER THE PHONE THAT NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE CAR. WHERE IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE? THAT SHOWS HOW NISSAN STICKS TOGETHER! SO WHAT NOW? I KNOW I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AND IS TELLING EVERYBODY ELSE ALSO! THESE DEALERS/NISSAN WILL SELL U A CAR BUT WILL NOT HONOR THERE WARRANTY! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN . ONCE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN THE DASH LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED ONCOMING TRAFFIC DID NOT KNOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED, AND THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. BUT THEY DID ADJUST THE IDLE AND SUGGESTED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK