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.
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2004
DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP FAILED. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT HIPPODROME, TONY BRYANT, THE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY THE HEADLAMP OVERHEATING AND IS A PROBLEM INHERENT IN THIS VEHICLE. THE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $335 WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE LAMP WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN. THE HEADLAMP WAS REPLACED ON DECEMBER 19, 2003, AND DECEMBER 22, 2003. THE LAMP FAILED AGAIN ON JANUARY 26, 2004 AND THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED ON JANUARY 27, 2004. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2004
THE DEBRIS/FIRE RECALL 03V084000 WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED BOTH TIMES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2004
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. *LA
Visibility, Jan 22, 2004
WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, INCLUDING THE REAR DEFROSTER AND THE HEAT, BACK WINDOW SHATTERED. *AK
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2004
I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA PURCHASED IN MARCH 2003 THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL TIMES IN THIS PAST YEAR THAT MY CAR WILL NOT START I BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER THEY FOUND 2 RECALLS BOTH WERE FIXED BUT MY CAR STILL HAS DAYS WERE IT WILL NOT START. I WENT BACK TO DEALER THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TILL THEY CAN FIND OUT HOW TO FIX PROBLEM IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEY STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR THEY TOLD ME THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO RIGHT NOW! IF THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX MY CAR I SHOULD GET MY MONEY BACK OR THEY SHOULD REPLACE IT! I NEVER NO FROM DAY TO DAY IF MY CAR WILL START. *CB
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
WE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FUEL MILEAGE WITH THE NISSAN ALTIMA. IT'S A BRAND NEW 2003 ALTIMA WITH A 2.5/4-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT NISSAN ADVERTISES ON ALL THEIR WINDOW STICKERS AS GETTING 23/29. AFTER THE BREAKING PERIOD, MY FATHER STILL WAS GETTING ONLY 20 MPG SO RETURNED THE CAR ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN HILLIARD, OH & THEY AGREED TO CHECK IT OUT WHICH THEY DID & REPORTED THAT THE CAR WAS FINE & OPERATING PROPERLY. WHEN HE PICKED THE CAR UP, HE WAS GIVEN SOME PAPERS & ASSUMED THE STICKER WAS AMONG THEM, BUT WASN'T. WHEN HE REALIZED HE WAS MISSING THE STICKER, HE RETURNED TO GET IT & WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND IT. HE TOOK HIS CAMERA TO THE DEALER & TOOK PICTURES OF LIKE STICKERS ON LIKE MODEL ALTIMAS CLEARLY SHOWING THE 23/29 MPG RATING. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, HE TOOK IT IN AGAIN EXPLAINING IT WAS STILL NOT GETTING ANY BETTER MILEAGE & SOMETHING MUST BE DONE SO BONNIE, THE SERVICE MGR. THERE TOOK OVER. AGAIN THEY CHECKED IT OUT & TOLD HIM THE SAME THING...THE CAR IS PERFORMING JUST FINE & THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY HE IS NOT GETTING THE ADVERTISED MILEAGE. HE TAKES IT IN FOR A 3RD TIME, THEY BRING HIM HOME & KEEP THE CAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS. I TAKE HIM BACK TO PICK IT UP & WE WAIT FOR BONNIE WHO TELLS US THEY HAVE EXHAUSTED EVERY METHOD THEY HAVE FOR TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY THE CAR IS ONLY GETTING 20MPG. SHE AGREES TO CALL NISSAN HEADQUARTERS TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR WOULD TRADE OUT CARS FOR MY DAD. SEVERAL DAYS LATER SHE CALLS STATING SHE MADE THE CALL. HE'S REALLY TRAPPED & AT HIS WITS END. I SUBSCRIBE TO CONSUMER REPORTS SO CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY HAD TESTED THE CAR & SURE ENOUGH THEY HAD. THEY REPORTED GETTING ONLY 22MPG ON THE EXACT SAME 2003 4-CYLINDER MODEL, WHICH MADE ME START THINKING THAT PROBABLY NOBODY WAS GETTING THE ADVERTISED MILEAGE. I STARTED ASKING EVERY PERSON I FOUND WHO HAD A 2003 4-CYLINDER ALTIMA WHAT MILEAGE THEY WERE GETTING, NOT 1 PERSON EVER EVEN TOOK A MILEAGE CHECK!
Visibility, Jan 5, 2004
WHEN USING THE HEATER THE VENTS BLEW HOT AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE VENTS BLEW OUT COLD AIR. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TRYING TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER FINALLY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TEMPERATURE CHANGE WAS NORMAL. *AK
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2003
I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. I PURCHASED IT USED IN AUG. 2002. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR SEVERAL THINGS. FAULTY SHOCKS, WHICH TOOK THREE VISITS AND TWO DIFFERENT SHOPS TO GET IT FIXED. AND THE LATEST PROBLEM, NOT STARTING. AND TO TOP IT OFF ON CHRISTMAS EVE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. BAA HUM BUG, NO ONE WANTED TO HELP, THEY JUST WANTED TO HONK, LIKE I CHOSE TO "PARK" IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN, IN THE INTERSECTION. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE I AM UNCERTAIN THAT THEY FIXED THE CORRECT THING. THEY REPLACED THE STARER COIL. BUT WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. SO NEXT THEY REPLACED A SENSOR THAT IS A NEW RECALL CAMPAIGN. I PURCHASED MY CAR WITH EXSISTING RECALLS THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT. THE ONLY REASON I FOUND OUT WAS BECAUSE I CALL TO COMPLAIN TO THE FACTORY ABOUT THE TREATMENT I GOT FROM NORTH BAY NISSAN IN PETALUMA, CA. AND THE LADY I SPOKE WITH INFORMED ME OF 4 RECALLS! WHAT IS NISSANS STANDARDS FOR SELLING "CERTIFIED" USED VEHICLES??? I FEEL ROBBED. I HATE MY CAR, I DONT WANT IT, I DONT FEEL SAFE!
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2003
THE VEHICLE CRANKED UP BUT WOULD TURN OVER. THERE WAS A RECALL (03V4555000) FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WELD BUT THE VIN NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2003
DEALER STILL HASN'T MADE CONTACT ABOUT A REPAIR ON A PARTICULAR RECALL. VEHICLE IS STILL WITH THE DEALER. *LA THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS BUT WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THAT THEY LACKED ALL THE PARTS AND INFORMATION TO PERFORM THE WORK. THE CONSUMER REQUEST INFORMATION ON ANY OTHER LOCAL DEALERS THAT WOULD BE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING THE RECALL. *PH *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 24, 2003
GASOLINE SMELL AROUND VEHICLE DUE TO LEAK ON EXHAUST PIPES. *LA THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE LEAKING WAS DUE TO FAULTY FUEL TANK GAS VALVES. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY SPEED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL, AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. DRIVER MADE CONTACT WITH DEALERSHIP ON SEVEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK CONSUMER NOTED THAT SINCE PURCHASE THERE HAS BEEN CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AFTER A PART IN THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. ON MORNING WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING NEXT TO THE CARPOOL LANE HOPING NO ONE WOULD HIT THE VEHICLE. *PH
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 4, 2003
I GOT A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA ON 9/1/03. ON THE 10/10/03 IT STARTED STALLING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A DAMAGED SPARK PLUG. THE SAME THING HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY. I TOOK IT BACK. A BUTTERFLY VALVE HAD COME LOOSE AND WAS LOST SOMEWHERE IN THE ENGINE. I WAS INFORMED OF TWO RECALLS, AND I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. NISSAN GAVE ME A RENTAL FOR 5 DAYS, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR ANYMORE. IT TOOK 7 DAYS TO DELIVER THE ENGINE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO RENT A CAR, SO I HAD TO BORROW MY SISTER'S CAR TO GET WORK. ONCE IT CAME ONE OF THE PARTS WAS WRONG. THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALOGS, AND THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THEY WOULD NOT AGREE TO A RENTAL. I CALLED NISSAN MYSELF. AFTER WAITING FOR 24 HOURS WHILE THEY REVIEWED MY FILE I WAS DENIED A RENTAL BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW LONG I WOULD BE. THE LADY WAS VERY RUDE. I ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 24-48 HOURS FOR THEM TO RETURN MY CALL. I WAITED A WEEK AND CALLED BACK. HE TOLD ME THAT THEY SHOULD BE CALLING ME THAT DAY OR THE NEXT. I HAVE STILL NEVER HEARD FROM THEM, AND IT IS DECEMBER 4 2003. I AM JUST GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THE NISSAN COMPANY. I HAVE BEEN GETTING PHONE CALLS FROM NISSAN TELLING ME THE PART WILL BE IN A CERTAIN WEEK, BUT STILL NO PART. ON NOVEMBER 19TH THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A CAR, AND THEN ON NOVEMBER 20TH THEY GOT NISSAN TO GIVE ME A RENTAL. SO BETWEEN OCTOBER 25TH UNTIL NOVEMBER 19TH I HAVE HAD TO BORROW A CAR FROM MY SISTER. BOTH OF US COMMUTE, HER TO SCHOOL, AND ME TO WORK. I WORK THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT, SO THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. I AM A NURSE AND AM ON CALL SOMEDAYS. IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO GET THERE IN A HURRY, WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO MISS OUT ON THE OVERTIME HOURS, NOT TO MENTION STAFF MEETINGS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED AS RUDELY BY A COMPANY AS NISSAN HAS TREATED ME. I HAVE BEEN GETTING NOTHING BUT FAKE PROMISES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN, NOR WILL ANYONE I KNOW! *NLM
Vehicle speed control, Nov 25, 2003, crash
WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE DRIVER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A GATE. THE CONSUMER MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM
Air bags, Nov 10, 2003, crash, fire
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ALSO DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE HEAD. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 9, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S AND @ 3900 MILES THE RADIATOR WENT BAD , NOW @ 4800 MILES THE RADIATOR IS BAD AGAIN. DEALER IS VERY UNHELPFUL OF SITUATION AND ACTS LIKE THEY DON,T WANT TO FIX.GERMAINE NISSAN IS 2 HOURS AWAY FROM MY HOME , ONLY BOUGHT FROM THEM BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE A RESPECTABLE DEALERSHIP.IT PUTS ALMOST 150 MILES ON MY CAR TO DRIVE IT UP THER AND BACK,AND THEY SAY I DON,T QUALIFY FOR A LOANER CAR.*AK
Steering, Nov 3, 2003
I HAD MY BRAND-NEW 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR 4 DAYS, AND HAD ONLY 300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN THERE WAS A LEAK IN MY POWER STEERING FLUID TANK, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE VERY STIFF, ALMOST UNSTEERABLE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP. AFTER MY PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED TO OCCURRING AGAIN, AFTER 2 DAYS OF BEING FIXED. I CALLED MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP, AND THEN THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE RESERVOIR. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING AFTER THE CAR WAS 4 DAYS OLD. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT VERY ACCOMMODATING, CONSIDERING THIS PROBLEM AROSE 4 DAYS AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED. *LA
Seat belts, Oct 31, 2003
ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS ENGAGED. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND IF I HOLD AND APPLY PRESSURE THE SQUEAKING WILL STOP. IT'S NOT A CONTINUOUS SQUEAK; HOWEVER, IT'S WHENEVER I MOVE OR WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. ON 10/07, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER'S SPRAYED SOME SORT OF "DRY" LUBRICANT....BUT STILL SQUEAKS. I THINK I NEED A WHOLE NEW PART INSTALLED. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE SEAT BELT, BUT THE PART THAT THE SEAT BELT HOOKS INTO NEXT TO THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT DRIVES ME NUTS! *LA
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 30, 2003, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. UPON IMPACT, ONLY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES CAUSED BY HIS HEAD HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2003
WHENEVER I TRY TO START MY ENGINE THE ENGINE DOESN'T RESPOND. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM BUT THE IGNITION DOESN'T SEEMS TO WORK SOMETIME. I HAD THIS PROBLEM ALMOST 3 TIMES AND THE CAR IS VERY NEW. I BOUGHT THE CAR THIS YEAR DURING FEB. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2003
CONSUMER WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT RADIATOR LEAKS COMING FROM THE HOSE CLAMP AREA AND THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR. DEALERSHIP HAD BEEN INFORMED; HOWEVER, THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2003
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED AND ACCELERATED TOWARDS TRAFFIC. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL TO STOP. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 6 DAYS BUT COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *SCC *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2003
I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM BECAUSE IS MAKING A NOISE AND WHEN IT'S PARKED IT'S MAKING A NOISE EVEN MORE WORSE. OF COURSE AS ALWAYS THE PEOPLE I SPOKE TO SAID THAT IS NORMAL. THE NOISE THAT MY CAR MAKE IS LIKE IF THIS WAS A DIESEL CAR. *LA
Power train, Sep 23, 2003, crash
I HAD MY CAR IN PARK. I WENT TO CLOSE MY GARAGE DOOR AND HEARD A NOISE FROM THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED GOING IN REVERSE. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND GOT PINED UNDER AND THE CAR TOOK ME WITH IT ABOUT 15 FEET. I KNOW THE CARS GEARS SLIPED IT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ANY OTHER WAY.
Visibility, Aug 15, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WINDSHIELD HAD SOME DISTORTION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THEY WERE LIKE HEAT WAVES IN THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CAUSED A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THE SALESMEN NOTICED IT ON THE SECOND DAY ALONG WITH OTHER NEW ALTIMA'S ON THE LOT. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL THE SECOND DAY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED BUT NOTHING WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. *PH *JB