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.
Visibility, Oct 27, 2004
WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2004
TOOK THE CAR TO BAKER JACKSON NISSAN IN HOUSTON TO REPLACE A BURNED OUT HEADLIGHT. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THAT THE BULB HAD MELTED TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE COMPLETE ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT $400 PLUS. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE IT UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR $50 DEDUCTIBLE, BUT REFUSED TO RETURN THE MELTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY STATING THAT IT HAD TO BE RETURNED TO NISSAN FOR THE WARRANTY. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD. BESIDES THE SAFETY ASPECT, THE ENGINEERING DEFECT COSTS CONSUMERS MORE THAN $400 TO REPLACE A HEADLAMP THAT SHOULD COST LESS THAN $20. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 28, 2004
THE DEALER REFUSES TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT IN THE REGION SPECIFIED FOR REPAIRS. *NM RECALL# 03V251000. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2004
THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AS I A DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 40-45 MPH WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER. THE 1ST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS APRIL 29TH. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC CALED P0725 AND P1229 AND CALLED THE NISSAN TECH LINE BUT STILL HAD NO SUCH LUCK. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS I HAVE HAD MY 7 YEAR OLD CHILD WITH ME IN THE CAR BOTH TIMES. LUCKILY, I HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT SO FAR, BUT IT IS A VERY SCARY FEELING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH YOUR CHILD AT A SPEED OF 40-45 MPH AND YOUR CAR JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS INSIDE OF YOUR THE DASH OF YOUR VEHICLE START FLASHING (IE. SERVICE ENGINE, OIL, GAS, LIGHTS, ETC. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2004
CONSUMER HAD A HARD TIME STARTING THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. DEALER STATED THAT THE STARTER WAS DEFECTIVE, AND PROBLEM EXISTED FOR A WHILE. *AK * TC
Power train, Aug 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 20, 2004
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SAFETY RECALL REGARDING FUEL PUMP.*MR THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN SOUTHERN STATES. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Jul 30, 2004
WE PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 ON 12/2002. ON 7/16/04 THE CAR WOULDN'T CRANK UNTIL THE THIRD TRY. AFTER STARTING HE WOULDN'T GO BUT 15 MPH. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS THE THROTTLE CHAMBER WAS DEFECTIVE. IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS NOW AND THE PART HAS NOT COME IN BECAUSE THEIR TELLING ME ITS ON BACK ORDER. CALLED AND TALKED TO SEVERAL SERVICE GUYS AND REQUESTED A LOANER CAR UNTIL MY CAR GOT FIXED. WE DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE REPLIED ALL THE GUYS. SO I CALLED THE GM MANAGER AND LEFT A MESSAGE, HE CALLED BACK AND SAID HE WOULD CHECK ON A LOANER AND CALL ME BACK IN THE AM OF 7/30/04 BY 9AM. HE TOOK TO LONG SO I CALLED HIM AT 934AM WENT TO VOICE MAIL.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2004, crash
WHILE PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *SC
Seats, Jul 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED TO BEND TOWARD THE BACK RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. AS TIME WENT BY THE SEAT BEGAN TO BEND MORE AND MORE. CURRENTLY, NOT ONLY IS THE SEAT TWISTED BUT, THERE IS A METAL BAR PROTRUDING FROM THE SEAT INTO THE CONSUMER'S BACK.*AK
Power train, Jun 28, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A FRAME AROUND THE STICK SHIFT TO HOLD DOWN THE PIECE OF MATERIAL THAT KEEPS FROM EXPOSING INSIDE THE GEAR. THE FRAME CAME UNGLUED AND GOT STUCK INSIDE THE GEAR, CAUSING MY GEAR TO LOCK AND FORCING ME TO SUDDENLY STOP ON THE FREEWAY ON 65 MPH TRAFFIC. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE MY CAR WAS AT 37,000, AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE PARTS DEPARTMENT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON ON NISSAN ALTIMAS, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON THAT HAD THIS PROBLEM. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN ON AN EMPTY HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND PULL THE FRAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE GEAR. THE AMOUNT THAT I'M BEING CHARGED FOR THE PARTS & LABOR ARE NOT MY CONCERN AT THIS TIME AND ARE MINIMAL, HOWEVER THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS IS PRICELESS. I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT IF WE CAN AVOID SERIOUS DAMAGES IN THE FUTURE IT'S VERY WELL WORTH A RECALL. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2004
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SAFETY RECALL REGARDING DEFECT IN FUEL PUMP. *MR RECALL#03V251000. *SC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN SOUTHERN STATES. *JB
Air bags, May 29, 2004, crash
TRAFFIC CRASH WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. POINT OF IMPACT WAS TO FRONT END, TOWARDS DRIVER'S SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT. FORTUNATELY, MY SON'S BELT RESTRAINTS PREVENTED INJURY. CONCERNED AS TO THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED. AS INDICATED ABOVE, IMPACT POINT WAS GENERALLY TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *LA
Power train, May 17, 2004, crash
SHIFT LEVER EASILY SHIFTING THROUGH 1, 2, 3, N CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLLIN TO A CANAL. *AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2004, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AND HIT TWO VEHICLES HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJUROES. *AK
Air bags, Apr 21, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN I COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE HIT WAS FULL FRONT AND ONLY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND PASSENGER PRETENSIONER DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE PRETENSIONER DID NOT DEPLY. NISSAN IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING BUT FROM THE LOOKS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT INJURED BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IF I WAS GOING FASTER OR IF THE ACCIDENT WAS MORE SERIOUS, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD PROTECTION FROM A THE STANDARD DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG... E.G. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2004
THE OIL IN THE ENGINE EVAPORATED AND WHITE AND BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE 3 TIMES, TWICE DUE TO THE DEBRIS/FIRE RECALL 03V084000. BUT, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK NISSAN HAD NOT AUTHORIZED THE SERVICE TO PLACE A NEW ENGINE IN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Structure, Apr 19, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON MAY 05, 2003 AND IT HAD A DEFECT IN THE PAINT ON THE HOOD. I ASKED THE DEALER DORSCHEL AUTOMOTIVE FOR A NEW HOOD AND THEY REFUSED AND SAID THEY COULD PAINT IT. THE PAINT JOB WAS ABSOLUTLEY TERRIBLE AND WAS REPAINTED FIVE ADDITIONAL TIMES. ALMOST THE ENTIRE CAR HAS BEEN PAINTED AND NOW THE FRONT NOSE/SPOILER AREA IS ALL CHECKED AND CRACKED AND NEEDS TO PAINTED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 10,000 MILES. I WANT A NEW VEHICLE OR MY MONEY REFUNDED FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 4, 2004
ENGINE NOISE (KNOCK, CLACK OR CLATTER) AT IDLE. NISSAN AMERICA HAS PUBLISHED SEVERAL BULLETINS/RECALLS/ALERTS REGARDING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTO-TENSIONER, PRE-CATALYST AND/OR VALVES BUT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER NOW CLAIM THE "NOISE" IS NORMAL. ALSO, THE CAR STILL HAS A RATTLE IN DOME LIGHT THAT THE INSULATION KIT (TAPE) FAILED TO FIX. SERVICE MANAGER STATED RATTLE WAS NOT HEARD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR FOR 10 MILES BUT IF THE RATTLE COULD BE DUPLICATED AT 40,000 MILES HE WOULD REPAIR. OF COURSE, I HEARD THE KNOCK AND RATTLE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR ONLY HAS 12,500 MILES. THE RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED WHICH IS WHEN I BEGAN NOTICING THE KNOCK. THIS IS A SOUR DEAL! *VEB. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2004
ON DECEMBER 14, 2003 CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V084000, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED. DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2004
CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR, AND ASKED IF VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE BEFORE REPAIR DATE, DEALER SAID YES. 2 DAYS BEFORE REPAIR DATE, VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. *LA VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN A QUARTER OF GAS ON IT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS LATER FOUND OUT THAT ICE BUILD-UP ON THE FUEL LINE WHICH CAUSED THE STALLING. PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND DEALER ASSURED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. ANOTHER RECALL THAT NEEDED REPAIR ON VEHICLE'S PRE-CATALYST. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT REPAIR COULDN'T BE DONE IN A MONTH AND A HALF DUE TO PARTS RESTRICTION. *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 19, 2004
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. THE CONSUMER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER BUT, THE APPOINTMENT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. *LA *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. *AK
Visibility, Feb 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING A BURNING SMELL/ODOR CAME THROUGH THE VENTS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2004
IN MY NEW NISSAN ALTIMA 2003, THE RADIATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE FOR DEVELOPING A CRACK. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, BUT THE DEALER REFUSES TO ADMIT THE RADIATOR IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THEY HAVE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK