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.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2005
DT: THE THROTTLE BODY CONTROL OPERATED POORLY. THE VEHICLE STARTED BUT IT DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DID NOT KNOW WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN MAY, THEY WERE ABLE TO JIGGLE THE THROTTLE, AND IT WOULD START WORKING, BUT IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. CURRENTLY, IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE FOUR ON BACK ORDER AT THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2005
DT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILED, AND HAD TO REPLACE IT. CONTACTED NISSAN. THERE WAS A RECALL BUT FOR CRANK POSITION SENSORS A MONTH AGO. THIS HAPPENED ON 6-24-2005. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SL - MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME TO A STOP SIGN. WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP SIGN THE ENGINE CUT OFF, BUT ALL ELECTRICAL REMINED OPERATING. SHE COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. NO CLEAR ANSWER HAS BEEN DETERMINED FOR WHY THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING, EVEN WHEN DRIVEN BY DEALERSHIP MECHANICS. I JUST FOUND A RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS. THE CONSEQUENCES LISTED IN THIS RECALL ARE SIMILAR TO THE ONE I AM EXPERIENCING. I AM GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM CHECK MINE. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO WHETHER THIS CRICUIT BOARD PROBLEM IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA CAUSING THAT CAR'S ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHILE OPERATING.
Air bags, Jul 21, 2005
JUNE 01, 2005 I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON APRIL 14,2005 FROM CROWN NISSAN IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA. ON MAY 22, 2005 THE VEHICLE STALLED/ STOPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ON MONDAY MORNING I AGAIN HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. MRS. DREW TOLD ME THE TECHNICIANS THAT CHECKED OUT MY CAR HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED THERE MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS, AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, AND IF THE COMPUTER CANNOT PICK UP ANYTHING, THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX. ON THAT DAY MAY 23, 2005 I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP FROM CROWN NISSAN, AND DROVE IT HOME. ON MAY 27, 2005 WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON ME AGAIN. MY CAR ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT MORNING AT APPROXIMATELY 9:00 AM. AFTER LEAVING THREE VOICE MESSAGES, AND SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, I FINALLY REACHED MR. DAN AT 2:16 PM WHO THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS BEING ON. DAN CONTACTED THE SALES DEPARTMENT WHO AGREED TO GIVE ME CAR TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND; HE STATED HE WOULD CHECK MY CAR AGAIN ON TUESDAY MAY 31, 2005 TO SEE IF HE FOUND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HE THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS SOMEONE OUT DRIVING MY CAR THEN AND THEY HAD REPLACED A ''CRANK SWITCH'' IN THE CAR HE EXPLAINED WAS SOMETHING THAT WOULD KEEPS THE CAR FROM STARTING OR MAKES THE CAR CUT OF WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF IT BEING ON, MR. DAN SAID HE WOULD TRY TO HAVE MY CAR READY FOR ME ON THAT DAY. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT EVENING TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE, AND TURNED IN THE VEHICLE I WAS GIVEN TO DRIVE. CAR STOPPED ON SUNDAY JULY 10, 2005 AND WAS RETURNED TO CROWN ON JULY 11, 2005, WAS DRIVEN 249 MILES BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT (NO PROBLEMS DETECTED). RETURNED BACK TO M.M.PETERSON ON THURSDAY JULY 14, 2005, STOPPED AGAIN ON MONDAY JULY 18,2005 (RETURNED TO CROWN)
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA . THE ENGINE FAILED, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ON BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED. CONSUMER CITED A RECALL #03V455000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THIS VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDEDIN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. ALSO, TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. HE HAS BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 8, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WIFE HIT A SMALL PIECE OF ROADWAY DEBRIS, THOUGHT TO BE A PIECE OF TIRE DEBRIS, WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO CRACK AND LEAK FUEL FROM TANK. DAMAGE WAS NOT DISCOVERED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. RUPTURE POSED A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD IF THERE HAD BEEN AN IGNITION SOURCE. GIVEN THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY A SMALL PIECE OF ROAD DEBRIS, THE TANK, MADE OF FIBERGLASS/COMPOSITE MATERIAL, DOES NOT SEEM AS SUITABLE AS A STEEL TANK IN A MAJOR COLLISION. DEALER (NORTH TEXAS NISSAN) WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY OR PASS COMPLAINT TO MANUFACTURER, SO I HAD TO PAY OVER $700 IN REPLACEMENT COSTS. DATE OF INCIDENT IS APPROXIMATE.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Jun 28, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS TWO DESIGN FLAWS. ONE FLAW IS THAT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR IS TOO SHORT. THE SECOND DESIGN FLAW WAS WHEN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE FULLY ILLUMINATED,THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKED AS IF THEY WERE ON WHEN THEY WERE NOT. *MR *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA'S RADIATORS NEED TO BE RECALLED. I HAVE A 2003 V6 AND I DO EVERY MAINTENCE POSSIBLE. THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE ENGINE DAMAGED. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICE AND NOONE SEEMS TO BE CONCERNED EVEN THOUGH THIS HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY. I BROKE DOWN ON THE INNERSTATE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM THE BACK BY ANOTHER CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER JEFF EVANS AT HALL NISSAN IN NEWPORTNEWS, VA 757 369-6600 SAYS HE HAD TO REPLACE A RADIATOR IN ONE ALTIMA THREE TIMES. I DON'T KNOW WHY NO ONE HAS RECALLED THIS BUT I HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE NEW ALTIMA MAY LOOK NICE BUT THAT'S ABOUT ALL IT'S WORTH. IT'S JUST EYE CANDY AND THEY OBVIOUSLY SPENT MORE TIME ONE THE OUTSIDE INSTEAD OF WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT "THE INSIDE". WHO WANTS TO RIDE AROUND IN A CAR WITH THEIR KIDS THAT IS SUBJECT TO BREAK DOWN? MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP AND IT WILL COST MY OUT OF MY POCKET $2500. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND GET THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IT MAY AFFECT. ALSO I WANT TO ADD THAT NOONE FROM NISSAN WANTED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I THINK THEY DON'T WANT TO RECALL THE PART BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO BUSY TRYING TO SELL THE NEW 2005 MODEL. THANKS!
Fuel system, Other, Jun 10, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S. THE GAS DOOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. I GO GAS ONE DAY A MONTH AGO AND THE DOOR OPENED PERFECTLY. WHEN I WENT TO CLOSE IT, IT WOULDN'T SHUT. IT LOOKS LIKE THE HING ISN'T LINED UP CORRECTLY. I HAD TO FORCE IT SHUT AND IT GETS WORSE EACH TIME I USE THE DOOR.
Power train, Jun 6, 2005
DT: THIS WEEKEND TRIED TO PARK TO ENTER STORE. ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FROM DRIVE TO PAR, BUT THIS GEAR BECAME STUCK IN NEUTRAL. CHECKED OWNER'S MANUAL, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK. LAST NIGHT WENT TO PARK AND WHEN STARTING TO LEAVE WOULD NOT MOVE FROM TO PARK TO DRIVE. AGAIN, CONSULTED OWNER,S MANUAL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, AND DEALER SAID COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2005
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE.*MR WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE'S AIR FLOW METER WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Air bags, May 31, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON 5/13/2005. AFTER THE PURCHASE IT WAS SENT FOR DETAILING WHILE I FINISHED THE FINANCE PAPERWORK. WHEN I RETURNED HOME (ABOUT 11PM) I SHOWED MY WIFE THE CAR. SHE NOTICED A DENT ON THE DASHBOARD COVERING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THIS DENT WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I IMMEDIATELY INFORMED THE PERSON WHO SOLD ME THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT WHEN WE BROUGHT IT IN ON MONDAY IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. HOWEVER IT IS NOW 18 DAYS SINCE PURCHASE AND WE ARE STILL ARGUING WITH THEM TO TAKE CARE OF IT, THEIR REASON BEING THAT BECAUSE IT WAS A USED VEHICLE IT WAS SOLD AS IS AND I DID NOT INFORM THEM OF THE DENT UNTIL AFTER I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. THAT IS NOT MY MAIN CONCERN. I WISH TO KNOW IF THIS "DENT" CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. I WAS TOLD BY A NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT TECHNICIAN THAT THIS DENTED PANEL IS AN ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY AND NOT A SEPARATE PART. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD INVESTIGATE WHETHER THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN (MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT) OR IF IT IS SIMPLY A DENT. IF YOU FIND THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE AIRBAG "COULD" FAIL AS A RESULT OF THIS DENT, DOES THE DEALER HAVE TO REPLACE THE PART? THE CAR STILL HAS SOME OF THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY AND I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. SINCE WE ARE WITHOUT THIS CAR AT THE MOMENT (FOR ANOTHER REASON ENTIRELY) AND ARGUING WITH THE DEALER TIME IS AN ISSUE. IF YOU COULD GET BACK TO ME ASAP, I (AND MY WIFE) WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 11, 2005
AT ABOUT 60,850 MILEAGE - 850 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, MY CAR STARTED TO STALL WHILE IN MOTION AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH AND AN ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT NISSAN HAD RECALLED 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS (ALOMST 75,000 OF THEM) BUT ONLY IN CANADA. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THESE PARTS IN AMERICA. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. THE CAR TENDS TO SHUT OFF AND LOSE ALL POWER WHILE IN MOTION. MYSELF BEING A COMMUTER TO AND FROM WORK ON HIGHWAYS, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. AFTER SPEAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY STATED THAT NISSAN HAD PUT A BULLETAN OUT ON THIS PART STATING THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. AGAIN, PLEASE ADVISE ME WHY THIS SERIOUS SITUATION HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED IN AMERICA.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2005
ENGINE FAILURE ON 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. REFUSES TO PROVIDE SAFE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE UNTIL CAR IS REPAIRED, UNDER WARRANTY. SINGLE FEMALE HAS ALREADY BEEN LEFT STRANDED ON HIGHWAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2005
CRANK SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK ENGINE SHUT OFF AND SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. *BF *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2005
AFTER APPROXIMATELY 49,000 PLUS MILES ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, 3.5 SE, I NOTICED OOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME THAT THE NEW TYPE OF RADIATORS INSTALLED ON THESE CAR MODELS HAVE PLASTIC TOPS AND ONCE RUPTURED OR DAMAGED, CANNOT BE REPAIRED. I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN WITH MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 49,000 PLUS MILES IN IT. I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY FOR THE RADIATOR EXPIRED AFTER 36,000 MILES. I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED AS SUGGESTED BY THE NISSAN SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND HAD TO PAY A HEFTY PRICE FOR A NEW ONE PLUS LABOR. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2005, fire
THE RECALL CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING OTHER REPAIRS MADE. FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. *NM *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Wheels, Feb 24, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, WITH SEVERAL FAILURES, LEAKING GASKET, ETC. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED, THE WINDSHIELD LEAKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED, THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK, THE RADIATOR CAP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED AND THE WHEELS RUSTED. *JB
Power train, Feb 21, 2005, crash
I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT. THIS MORNING I I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I TURNED RIGHT AND MY AXLE JUST SNAPPED IN HALF. WITHOUT WARNING.
Suspension, Jan 28, 2005
RIGHT FRONT STRUT ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS FAILED 4 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS. MILEAGE IS HIGH ON MY ALTIMA, AT 40K DUE TO SEVERAL TRIPS FROM CALIFORNIA TO OREGON FOR FAMILY EMERGENCIES IN FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. I AM BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I AM GETTING DEFECTIVE MCPHERSON STRUTS THAT ARE NOW MADE IN MEXICO. CAR HAS A VERY DISTINGUISHED PULL TO THE RIGHT EVERY SINCE FIRST FAILURE AT 6 MONTHS IN SERVICE. ALIGNMENTS AND NEW TIRES HAVE NOT HELPED THIS SITUATION. CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT THE DEALER, I WILL NOT LET THEM REPLACE THE STRUT AGAIN BECAUSE THEY CANNOT ASSURE ME THAT I WILL NOT GET ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. CAR IS VERY HARD TO HANDLE ESPECIALLY GOING OVER UNEASY ROADS, WHICH THERE ARE PLENTY OF IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2005
ON 01/13/05, THE ENGINE OF MY '03 NISSAN ALTIMA SE STALLED. THANKFULLY, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OVER THE ENGINE AND IT DID NOT START. I WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND THEN TRIED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE STARTED BUT STALLED AGAIN AFTER I DROVE APPROX. 100 FEET. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 9 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT BUT MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP. I WAITED IN THE CAR FOR APPROX. AN HOUR IN 9 DEGREE TEMPERATURE WITH MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER UNTIL I WAS PICKED UP BY A FAMILY MEMBER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE STALLING. WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION, I HAD THEM CONDUCT A 15,000K SERVICE (OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION, ETC.). ON 01/23/05, I HEARD AN "ENGINE KNOCK" AND DISCOVERED OIL SPOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY FROM THE CAR. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FIRST THING THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ARE TELLING ME I NEED AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE. THEY ARE ALSO CLAIMING THAT IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THEREFORE THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. AT THIS POINT IN THE PROCESS, I BELIEVE THE ENGINE STALLING WAS A SAFETY PROCEDURE THAT INDICATED AN ENGINE PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, I BELIEVE THE FAILURE OF THE DEALERSHIP TO IDENTIFY,AND REPAIR, THE PROBLEM MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE DAMAGE THEY ARE REPORTING. *NM
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2005
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE HAD A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *NM *TC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2004
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS PROBLEM WITH WOODPECKER NOISE. DEALER CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *BF THE NOISE IS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. *TC
Exterior lighting, Nov 1, 2004
THE CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT LENS MELTED OFF FROM THE LIGHT FIXTURE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE PART WAS NOT ON A RECALL OR WARRANTY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*JB