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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 11, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR JUST SLOWED DOWN AND EVENTUALLY CUT OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STARTED IT BACK UP. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND CUT THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO CUT IT BACK ON IT WOULD NOT START. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2013
CRANK CAMSHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING VEHICLE. VEHICLE STILL CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS STARTING. ALWAYS NEED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO START. I AM AFRAID VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTOFF IN TRAFFIC SINCE I COMMUTE SO MUCH ON HIGHWAYS. THERE IS A HIGH CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. NISSAN REFUSES TO INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER ON RECALL LIST. THIS IS COMPLETELY ABSURD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 3, 2013
THIS PROBLEM STARTED GRADUALLY IT WOULD JUST TURN OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING.IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IT WAS SCARY. THANK GOD IT WOULD TURN BACK ON RIGHT AWAY. I DECIDED TO SEE IF DOING A OIL CHANGE SPARK PLUGS AND AIR FILTER WOULD HELP IT DIDN'T . ONE SATURDAY ON SEPTEMBER 21 OF THIS YEAR ON LUNCH BREAK I NEED TO COME HOME REALLY QUICK IT STOPPED BEFORE I MADE IT HOME IT WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON AT ALL! I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TURN BACK ON. I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE THEY SAID MY BATTERY WAS BAD SO I BOUGHT A NEW ONE. IT CONTINUED TO STOP ON ME. IT WOULD RUN FOR A FEW DAYS WITHOUT STOPPING AT ALL UNTIL JUST A FEW DAYS AGO IT DIDN'T WANT TO START AT ALL THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. NOW THAT HAS BEEN CHECKED OFF THE LIST. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS THEN TURNED ON AND THE CODES THAT IS BEING READ OUT IS FOR A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED IN DECEMBER 22 OF 2003 R 3022 / INFINITI WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Structure, Oct 6, 2013
I TOOK MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA TO GET A PA INSPECTION AND WAS SHOCKED THAT THE FLOOR PANELS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR HAD RUSTED OUT. THERE IS NO OTHER VISIBLE RUST ON THE CAR AND I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH SHOULD BE REMEDIED AT NISSANS EXPENSE. *TR
Structure, Sep 30, 2013
A FEW YEARS AGO APPROX. 2009 OR SO I NOTICED A WHOLE IN MY PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE. IT SEEMED LIKE IT CAME OUT OF NO WHERE. IT IS A VERY LARGE RUSTED OUT WHOLE UNDER THE PASSENGERS SIDE WHERE YOUR FEET WOULD BE. I HAVE NO OTHER RUST ON OR UNDER THE VEHICLE BUT IN ONE SPOT!!! MY MECHANIC LOOKED INTO IT AND SAID THAT WHEN NISSAN MADE THESE VEHICLES THEY POSITIONED A TUBE THAT CARRIES LIQUID TO IN THE CAR VERSUS OUT OF THE CAR. I THEN CALLED AND WENT TO NISSAN AND SPOKE WITH THEM. THERE A MAN TOLD ME THAT IT IS A BIG ISSUE WITH 2003-2005 ALTIMAS BUT NISSAN WOULD NOT RECALL IT SO IT WOULD COST $1600 FOR A NEW FLOOR BOARD. WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FIND THAT THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE! AND QUITE THE SAFETY CONCERN. THERE IS A WHOLE IN HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES IF NOT THOUSANDS AND NISSAN WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WOULD LOVE FOR SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE FALLS THROUGH A MOVING VEHICLE. MOST PEOPLE DO NOT LOOK UNDER THEIR CAR ON A MONTHLY OR BI MONTHLY BASIS AND IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. MY HOPE IS THAT IF EVERYONE WHO OWNS THIS VEHICLE FINDS OUT ABOUT THIS THEY WILL TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR PASSENGERS ARE SAFE. AND ALSO SHAME ON NISSAN FOR NOT CARING ENOUGH OF THEIR CUSTOMERS TO NOT WANT TO ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES!! *TR
Structure, Sep 24, 2013
THE FLOOR STRUCTURE UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ARE RUSTED OUT. THIS ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN FOR MODELS 2002 - 2006 ALTIMAS. NISSAN AND DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. I INITIALLY COMPLAINED WHEN VEHICLE HAD 52,000 MILES ON IT AND THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING THAN NOW AT 120,000 IT TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND WON'T PASS INSPECTION. PLEASE COMPLAIN. *JS
Engine, Sep 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,655.
Structure, Sep 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. ...UPDATED 12/03/13 *BF UPDATED 12/05/2013 *JS
Structure, Sep 17, 2013
PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALER IN 2011. THREE WEEKS AGO WHILE PUTTING NEW BRAKES, RIMS AND TIRES NOTICED THE WHOLE UNDER CARRIAGE ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS RUSTED OUT AND FALLING A PART IN CHUNKS. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP TO GET A REPAIR ESTIMATE, IT WILL BE $2,700.00 TO FIX IT. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IS NOT MUCH HELP AND THE NISSAN SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NOT WILLING TO HELP OR HAVE A RECALL. I LIVE IN MARYLAND WHERE A STATE MANDATED INSPECTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE I CAN SELL OR TRADE IN THIS CAR. THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHOUT THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. *TR
Structure, Sep 11, 2013
IN EARLY AUGUST 2013, I NOTICED A RUSTED PIECE OF METAL HANGING FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. DURING A RECENT OIL CHANGE, I ASKED THE MECHANIC TO LOOK AND SEE WHERE THE PIECE OF METAL WAS COMING FROM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR'S FLOOR PANEL ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH LEAVING A GAPING HOLE THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL IN FRONT OF WHERE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS LOCATED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM COVERING 3 MODEL YEARS, 2003 THRU 2006 AND HAS AFFECTED THOUSANDS OF ALTIMAS. MY 2003 ALTIMA WAS A "CERTIFIED USED CAR" THAT WAS PURCHASED AT ARLINGTON NISSAN, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL IN 2006. IT'S CURRENT MILEAGE IS 126,000. THERE IS NOT ONE SPOT OF RUST ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I CALLED ARLINGTON NISSAN ON 9-11-13, TO ASK IF THERE HAD BEEN SOME SORT OF RECALL ON THE VEHICLE ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, NO RECALL HAD BEEN INITIATED BY NISSAN CORPORATE. THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT NISSAN'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION WHO THEN INSTRUCTED ME TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A DIAGNOSTIC REPORT COMPLETE WITH ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS FROM ARLINGTON NISSAN. NISSAN'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION WOULD THEN TURN THE CLAIM OVER TO THE REGIONAL OFFICE THAT OVERSEES ARLINGTON NISSAN. THAT OFFICE WOULD GET BACK TO ME WITH A DECISION ON REPAIRING THE DEFECT. THERE WAS NO PROMISE OF THEM FIXING THE PROBLEM AT NO COST OR REIMBURSING ME THE COSTS OF HAVING AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP DO THE REPAIR. NOW IT IS THE WAITING GAME. THE NHTSA SHOULD MANDATE A NATIONAL RECALL ON THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT AS IT POSES A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE DRIVING A 2003-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA. *TR
Structure, Sep 4, 2013
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA (122,000 MILES) - PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS ARE COMPLETED RUSTED. NISSAN IS NOT HELPING WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT. *JB
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2013
MY TRUNK LATCH WILL RANDOMLY POP OPEN. THE FIRST TIME WAS WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. THE SECOND TIME, I CAME OUT OF A STORE TO FIND MY TRUNK OPEN. IT KEEPS POPPING OPEN EVERY TIME I DRIVE NOW. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY TO SUDDENLY HAVE YOUR TRUNK FLY UP BLOCKING YOUR VIEW TO THE TRAFFIC BEHIND YOU. I HAVE JIMMY RIGGED IT WITH A BUNGEE CORD INSIDE SO THAT IT ONLY POPS UP ABOUT AN INCH OR TWO WHEN THE LATCH POPS. I WOULD JUST DUCT TAPE IT, BUT I NEED ACCESS TO MY DAUGHTER'S STROLLER. I ALSO UNPLUGGED THE INTERIOR TRUNK LIGHT SO THAT MY BATTERY WOULD NOT BE WORN OUT. THE WEIRD THING TOO IS THAT THE DOOR OPEN LIGHT DID NOT GO ON WHEN THE TRUNK OPENED. HOPING MY HUSBAND CAN FIX THIS DURING THE WEEKEND.
Structure, Aug 28, 2013
2003 NISSAN ALTIMA (127,000 MILES) - PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS ARE COMPLETED RUSTED. NISSAN IS NOT HELPING WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS BEFORE NHTSA GETS INVOLVED? OVER 70 REPORTS ON THE THIS SITE AND HUNDREDS MORE IF YOU PERFORM A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH. *TT
Engine, Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,931.
Structure, Aug 26, 2013
WE NOTICED OVER THE WEEKEND THAT THE FLOORBOARDS UNDER THE FRONT SEATS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED. I COULD HAVE BEEN WALKING MY CAR LIKE THE FLINTSTONES ANYTIME SOON. *TR
Engine, Aug 23, 2013
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MILES PER HOUR. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD CAMSHAFT SENSOR...THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IT WORKS FOR A WHILE THEN THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, THEN AGAIN ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER AND AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER. IN ONE CASE I ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDED A CRASH BECAUSE MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. NOW 4 YEARS LATER WE HAVE REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR 6 TIMES AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC DID RESEARCH AND FOUND VEHICLE OF MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL WERE PART OF A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM RECALL 01V357 AND FOLLOW UP RECALL 33411. NISSAN KEEPS TELLING ME MY CAR ISN'T AFFECTED. I SERIOUSLY FEEL IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING. DESPITE REPEATED CALLS TO NISSAN THEY WILL NOT LOOK AT MY CAR WITHOUT CHARGING ME OR CONSIDER ADDING IT TO THE RECALL. MY CAR IS NO LONGER OPERABLE BECAUSE IT STALLS SO VIOLENTLY, I AM AFRAID I WILL CRASH AND PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 23, 2013, crash
I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING AT 84000 MILES BECAUSE THE STEERING HAD A KNOCKING SOUND EVERYTIME YOU TURN IT LEFT OR RIGHT,OR WHEN YOU GO OVER A BUMP,,,,IT WAS VERY SLACK AND EVENTUALLY IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WOULD FALL OUT AT ANYTIME.....WAS ADVISED AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED NO EXPLANATION COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN . THIS WAS DONE YESTERDAY 08/22/2013. NOW THERE IS A VERY HUGE RUST HOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE CAR ...THIS CAR IS 10YRS OLD WITH 84000 MILES AND I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR..I BOUGHT IT IN 2006 WITH ABOUT 25000 MILES. THE HOLE IS ABOUT TWELVE INCHES BY SIX INCHES. THE LIGHTING IS SO POOR MOST TIMES AT NIGHT I ALWAYS HAVE TO USE MYHIGH BEAM ....WORST CAR I EVER HAD...THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH IT . THIS CAR SPENT MANY WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP. .. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2013
WHEN I WAS CAME HOME FROM SHOPPING I STOP CAR AND SWITCH OFF AND GO HOME AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN GOING TO SOME WHERE BUT CAR TAKE TIME TO START AFTER FEW SECOND CAR START. TRY 3 TIMES SAME. NEXT DAY GOING TO WORK AND SAME STARTING PROBLEM START CAR AND GOING ABOUT 1 MILE DRIVE POWER CUT OFF AND LUCKILY NO ONE BEHIND ME ABLE TO GO ON SIDE BECAUSE CAN NOT DO ANYTHING NO BRAKE NO GAS GOD HELP ME AFTER ONE MINT START CAR AND RICH WORK ABOUT 2 MILE . AT WORK WE HAVE MECHANIC HE HAS SOFTWARE FOR CAR DIAGNOSIS HE CHECK AND TOLD ME CODE P0340 FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WE CHANGE ONE BOUGHT FROM DEALER AFTER 2 HR GOING HOME SAME PROBLEM STARTING. MECHANIC RESET AND GO HOME NEXT DAY GOING TO WORK SAME THING HAPPENED POWER SHUTOFF ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 ABLE TO PARK ONSIDE AND START AGAIN AND DROP TO REPAIR SHOP. HE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME YOU HAVE TO CHANGE ANOTHER CAMSHAFT SENSOR AFTER WOK FINE FOR UP TO NOW. BUT THEY RECALL SOME CAR BEFORE FOR THIS PROBLEM IF I WAS IN HIGHWAY THEN WHAT HAPPENED DO YOU THINK I WILL ABLE TO WRITE NOW OR DIE. CAN YOU CHECK ON THIS AND DO SOMETHING OTHERWISE SOME ONE DIE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Aug 10, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS FAULTY. I HAVE READ THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR BUT NOT FOR MY VIN #. THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO FLAG THAT THERE ARE OTHER NISSAN'S WITH FAULTY CRANK SHAFT SENSORS. *TR
Structure, Aug 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Structure, Aug 9, 2013
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE SHE SAW AN OBJECT DANGLE FROM THE FLOOR. SHE WENT TO RETRIEVE THE OBJECT AND DISCOVERED A HOLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.- LL
Structure, Aug 8, 2013
I PURCHASED MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM THE DEALER 16 MONTHS AGO AND JUST LEARNED THAT MY FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR IS RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. I WAS WALKING UP TO THE CAR AND NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING UNDERNEATH BENT DOWN TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND SOON REALIZED IT WAS RUST. THE FLOOR WAS RUSTED OUT ON BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND TRY REFUSED TO FX IT. I HAVE 4 MORE YEARS TO PAY FOR A CAR THAT I WILL SOON NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE I HAVE LEARNED THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR CAR AND NISSAN SHOULD BE LIABLE. *TR
Structure, Aug 1, 2013
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A YEAR AGO STILL PAYING ON THE CAR AND UPON STATE INSPECTION PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS ON A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA RUSTED THROUGH. FAILURE MILEAGE IS 100,498
Engine, Jul 29, 2013
CAR STALLS AT RED LIGHT TWICE. LATER, STALLS BUT DOESN'T GO DEAD. GAS WON'T WORK. MONTH LATER CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, TRANSMISSION OIL, FLUID AND SCREEN WAS REPLACED, BUT WHEN DRIVEN AFTERWARDS IT STALLED AGAIN. *TR
Engine, Jul 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.