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.
Structure, Dec 22, 2015
THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD AREA HAS RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE INSIDE CARPETING. UPON RESEARCHING, IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT AREA OF DETERIORATION ON BOTH SIDES OF UNDERBODY OF VEHICLE.
Engine, Dec 20, 2015
MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5 SL HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOT OF VIBRATIONS AND POWER LOST WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, THE PROBLEM SEEMS GET WORSE ONCE YOUR EXIT THE HIGHWAY SITTING AT THE LIGHT THE CAR WANT IDLE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF. NOW MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON SO I TOOK THE CAR TO TIRE PLUS CAR CARE, THEY TOLD ME THE ECM PROGRAM IS OUT DATED AND THE CODE THEY READ INDICATE NEW PROGRAM UPDATE AND POSSIBLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM, I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED $400.00 DOLLARS THEY CLEARED THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND SAID THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE VIBRATION AND ENGINE IDLE PROBLEM, ONE WEEK LATER ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME BACK ON, PROBLEMS OF VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO COURTESY NISSAN DEALER HAD THEM TO PERFORM DIAGNOSES SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE ECM WAS OUT DATED SO I PAID $120.00 DOLLARS TO UPDATE ECM PROGRAM, THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE VIBRATION IS BECAUSE MAYBE THE THROTTLE BODY (POWER VALVE SCREW) MAY BE GOING BAD AND IF POWER LOSS HAPPEN AGAIN I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AT MY EXPENSE. NOTE: I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA (IN THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN PAPERS) REFERS TO IT AS THE POWER VALVE. THERE ARE SMALL SCREWS ON THE VALVE THAT COME LOOSE AND GET SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. EVEN THOUGH THE 2002 THROUGH THE 2005 ALTIMA 2.5S' ALL HAVE THE QR25DE 2.5S ENGINE (WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME ENGINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS), THE MANUFACTURER, IN THIS CASE NNA IS ABLE TO LOOPHOLE THE LAWS CONCERNING A RECALL. LIKE IN MY CASE AND OTHER PEOPLE'S CASES, WE HAVE THE 2002 AND 2003 ALTIMA THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, BUT NNA WON'T TAKE CARE OF IT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF IT AND CURRENTLY HAVE A VSC ON THE 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. *DT
Structure, Dec 11, 2015
THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD, COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR CARPET.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OPERATIONAL AFTER MANUALLY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM, CRANK CAM POSITION SENSOR, AND CAM POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ; BREAK DOWN HAPPENING DAILY ANDSERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME UP UPDATED 04/24/18*JB *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2015
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT HAS CRACKED. NISSAN REPLACED IT THE 1ST TIME, I PAID TO REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE THE 2ND TIME AND NISSAN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT AGAIN DUE TO MILEAGE ON THE CAR. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE MOTOR FALLING OUT. PART SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE. DON'T KNOW IF IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT. I WANT NISSAN TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE.#
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THEY CLEARED THE CODE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A BRIEF MOMENT AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TR
Structure, Nov 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A PIECE OF THE FRAME HANGING DOWN UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE FRAME WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Tires, Nov 9, 2015
TIRE SIDEWALL BLOWOUT AT LOW SPEED FROM STOPLIGHT. OVER HALF THE TIRE SHREDDED FROM BLOWOUT.
Structure, Nov 8, 2015
THE FLOOR BED IS RUSTED AND HAS HOLES ON BOTH DRIVER SIDE AS WELL AS PASSESNGER SIDE.
Structure, Oct 29, 2015
VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 29, 2015
CAR SUDDENLY STOPS WHILE YOUR FMDRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. CHECK ENGINE COMES ON ANDTURNS VEHICLE OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FONT UNDERSTAND WHY IT HASNT BEEN RECALLED. MOST OF THE COMMENTS ARE SAID TO BE EITHER THE CAMSHAFT OR CRANKSHAFT. THEY REPLACED THE PART AND IT WAS FINE FOR 3 MONTHS AND IT CCONTINUES TO DO IT. IM GOING TO END UP CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND NISSAN DOESNT EVEN CARE....
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 19, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS - OXYGEN SENSOR - BRAKES AND ROUTER - SEATBELT
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SOME TIME. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT AND THE CRANK SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAM SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATE 1/13/16 LN INVALID VIN UPDATED 4/17/18*JB *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2015
MY GAS TANK HAS A FOUR TO FIVE INCH SPLIT ON THE SEAM OF THE GAS TANK. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE TANK I BELIEVE THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF ASKING NISSAN CORPORATE TO WARRANTY THE GAS TANK AS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE A LARGE SPLIT ON THE SEAM. THERE MAY BE OTHER TANKS LIKE THIS AND WILL CATCH FIRE, I CURRENTLY DRIVE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON MY FRONT SEAT BECAUSE I HAVE TO DRIVE IT TO WORK.
Engine, Sep 15, 2015
CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE DOWN AND PARTICALS CAUSED INTERNAL WEAR TO THE MOTOR. THAT CAUSES THE MOTOR TO BURN OIL.
Engine, Sep 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ACCELERATING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. THE OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 2, 2015
THE SEATS HAD BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAN THE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY IN THE CAR WHEN THE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL AIR BAGS SUDDENLY WENT OFF. THE CAR WAS SITTING STATIONARY AND WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2015
THE SEATS WERE REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAN THE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY IN THE CAR WHEN THE SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE CAR WAS SITTING STATIONARY AND WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2015
LIKE MANY OTHERS MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING. IT READS NO CODES. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN I COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR IN HAVING TRAFFIC. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY STATE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A PROBLEM TO THIS AFFECT AND IT WAS ALREADY FIXED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2007. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVEABLE! ALSO LIKE MANY OTHER MY FLOOR BOARD HAS RUSTED. I HAD A PATCH REPAIR TO PASS INSPECTION. THIS CAR IS A SAFTEY HAZORD. AFTER READING NUMEROUS REPORTS THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SITUATIONS OF CUTTING OFF IN TRAFFIC! I HAVE NOT READ ANY FATALITIES YET THANK GOODNESS! RECALL THIS CAR BEFOR SOMEONE IS KILLED!
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2015
RUSTED FLOORBOARD- DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER. SECTION OF FLOORBOARD HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED--ALL THAT REMAINS BETWEEN DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER AND STREET SURFACE IS AUTO'S CARPET. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I FEEL THAT RUSTING OF THE FLOORBOARDS COMPROMISES THE AUTO'S INTEGRITY, AND THE WEAKENING OF THE AUTO'S STRUCTURE CAN DEFINITELY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND RESULT IN INJURY TO DRIVER AND OTHERS. NISSAN CONTENDS THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, SINCE THE AUTO IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SUCH RUSTING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AUTO'S INTEGRITY AND SAFETY SHOULD BE INDEFINITELY WARRANTED. ALSO, IN THIS DAY AND AGE OF TECHNOLOGY, I FEEL THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT AN AUTO'S FLOORBOARD WON'T RUST OUT UNDER THE CONSUMER. NISSAN ADVERTISES QUALITY/SAFETY AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCTS. I REALIZE THIS IS A 2003 MODEL. BUT, WITH TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY, 2003 IS NOT REALLY OLD FOR A VEHICLE. SHOULD I EXPECT ANOTHER CRUCIAL PART TO FAIL?? MAYBE, THE HOOD OF THE AUTO WILL FLY OFF. ANOTHER COMMENT-----IS THIS PROBLEM AN ALTIMA ISSUE, OR DO OTHER VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME FLOORBOARD ISSUES?
Structure, Aug 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT OF DETERIORATION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND UPON TAKING IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS PREMATURELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,900.
Structure, Jul 24, 2015
I HAVE A LARGE RUSTED HOLE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS FLOORBOARD. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 5" WIDE X 12" LONG. THERE IS A HARD PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS NOW DRAGGING ON THE GROUND AND THE INSULATION IS READY TO FALL OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE MY FEET ARE ABOUT TO POKE THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD ALLOWING EXHAUST INTO MY CAR. I HAVE A CALL INTO THE ATTORNEYS FOR THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND WILL NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER NISSAN BECAUSE OF THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE.
Structure, Jul 16, 2015
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2003 ALTIMA. RECENTLY I WAS NOTIFIED WHILE GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED THAT I HAVE A LARGE HOLE RUSTING THRU THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR. THE AFFECTED AREA IS ROUGHLY 18" LONG X 10" WIDE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS NO ONE EVER LOOKS UNDER THE CAR TO CHECK FOR RUST. LUCKILY NO INJURY OCCURRED BUT IT'S JUST AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. HOW MANY INJURIES OR WORSE YET DEATHS WILL NEED TO OCCUR BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM YET NISSAN IS NEGLECTING TO ACT UPON IT.
Structure, Jul 9, 2015
OUR ALTMAN FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A 9 INCH HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE SO THAT IT TO BE A RECALL.
Structure, Jul 8, 2015
ON MARCH 17, 2015 MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED FRONT FLOORBOARDS RUSTED THROUGH FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. I CAN PUT MY FIST THROUGH ONE OF THE HOLES. THE RUSTED FLOORBOARDS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE WELL-KNOWN TO NISSAN AND PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO NHTSA BY OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $3,000. MY NISSAN ALTIMA IS LOW MILEAGE AND HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED. IT HAS BEEN GARAGED AND IS OTHERWISE IN GREAT CONDITION. I CANNOT IN ALL GOOD CONSCIENCE DONATE THIS VEHICLE TO CHARITY AND CERTAINLY WILL GET A GREATLY REDUCED TRADE-IN VALUE FROM ANY BUY FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BUY THIS NISSAN. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO NISSAN, BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY. I PLAN TO JOIN A CLASS-ACTION SUIT AGAINST NISSAN AND ALSO ASK THE NHTSA TO ISSUE A RECALL THAT FORCES NISSAN TO REMEDY TO PROBLEM OR COMPENSATE ME FOR MY LOSS OF VALUE.