2003 Nissan Altima

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 883 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 10 times.

Avoid One of the Nissan Altima years to avoid: 3.7× the complaints of a typical Altima year. Which Nissan Altima years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
84,900 milesMedian miles at failure

725 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Nissan Altima problems

524 of the 883 complaints (59%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine239
410
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine98
010
Engine94
010
Structure › Body · body and frame90
000
Electrical System56
121
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine33
111
Structure · body and frame20
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration18
614
Air Bags · airbags18
1007
Unknown or Other15
202

2003 Nissan Altima engine problems

59% of all complaints

524 of the 883 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls37% · 195
  • turns on the check engine light30% · 155
  • sets off warning lights on the dash25% · 133
  • loses power7% · 39
  • burns oil or loses oil pressure7% · 38
  • will not start6% · 33

Share of the 524 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
85,000 mi
median of 457 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
77 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
7 · 6 · 1
in these complaints
“The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road and jump-started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the CAM Sensor. The contact stated a day later the vehicle stalled and shut-off.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 23, 2021 at 187,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power intermittently and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. Fred anderson nissan of asheville (629 brevard rd, asheville, nc 28806, (828) 348-6850) was contacted. The vehicle remained at the dealer for months, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 6, 2018 at 234,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 26 complaints, 8 about the engine'032004: 34 complaints, 7 about the engine2005: 40 complaints, 22 about the engine'052006: 91 complaints, 58 about the engine2007: 96 complaints, 71 about the engine'072008: 98 complaints, 77 about the engine2009: 81 complaints, 63 about the engine'092010: 82 complaints, 51 about the engine2011: 58 complaints, 46 about the engine'112012: 58 complaints, 36 about the engine2013: 48 complaints, 17 about the engine'132014: 37 complaints, 21 about the engine2015: 60 complaints, 20 about the engine'152016: 30 complaints, 7 about the engine2017: 20 complaints, 8 about the engine'172018: 10 complaints, 6 about the engine2019: 2 complaints, 2 about the engine'192020: 6 complaints, 3 about the engine2021: 3 complaints, 1 about the engine'212022: 3 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 03V084000 (engine)Recall 03V251000 (fuel system)Recall 06E023000 (headlights)Recall 06V242000 (engine)Recall 07E054000 (headlights)Recall 07E063000 (headlights)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Altima peaked in 2008, with 98 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 03V084000 in March 2003; 524 more have come in since. In 2022 owners filed 3 so far.

10 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E074000
Filed Sep 14, 200711,300 vehiclesEagle Eyes Traffic Industrial Co. Ltd

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E063000
Filed Aug 21, 2007130 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E054000
Filed Jul 25, 20079,145 vehiclesMaxzone Auto Parts Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. 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.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling06V242000
Filed Jul 7, 2006294,166 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling03V455000
Filed Nov 17, 2003630,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly03V251000
Filed Jul 14, 2003377,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe03V084000
Filed Mar 11, 2003338,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2003 Altima.

ENGINE STALL - CRANK POSITION SENSORRecall query RQ06001Closed
Opened Feb 22, 2006Closed Jul 18, 2006Led to recall 06V242000engine

On june 28, 2006 nissan submitted to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) a part 573 report advising that certain model year 2003 nissan sentra and nissan altima sedans equipped with 2.5l engines would be recalled to reprogram the electronic control module (ecm). The recall is identified by NHTSA recall no. 06v242. The subject populations of the recall are 14,587 nissan sentra vehicles and 186,279 nissan altima vehicles.nissan determined that the operation of the crank angle sensor in altima and sentra sedans equipped with a 2.5l engine was significantly affected by …

Technical service bulletins

101 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Altima. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 16equipment 14engine 14electrical system 13suspension 8visibility 7headlights 6wipers 3
P5216Warranty extensionAug 20, 2015equipment

To ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan extended the warranty for cracking of the rear sub-frame due to corrosion to a total of 13 years with unlimited mileage on all model year 2002-2005 Nissan Altima and 2004-2005 Nissan Maxima vehicles.

06009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 31, 2006engine

MIL ON WITH DTC U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *TT

06029Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 30, 2006engine

ENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET AVAILABLE. *TT

06009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 8, 2006engine

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK

99063CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 17, 2005engine

ENGINE WILL NOT START. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM / NISSAN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (NVIS/NATS) DESCRIPTION KEY REGISTRATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT

04004AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 26, 2004engine

AFTER A COLD SOAK, THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START. *TT

04055Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 5, 2004engine

ESSENTIAL TOOL - J-47010 TAMPER RESISTANT TORX PLUS 25IPR BIT. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 14 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 28, 2022MS

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine will not start. If I get the engine to start the car may act as if it wants to cut off in traffic. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine may stop while in traffic possibly resulting in someone hitting me in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No the dealership service department are refusing to service or even inspect my car. At first he lied like there wasn’t a recall. Now because we are in MS he is refusing to provide service because we are not in a cold state. I called Nissan to verify this information prior to speaking with the dealership and Nissan specifically stated that for my VIN there is an open campaign for a fuel pump screen. Then they were the ones who referred me to the nearest dealership which is Gray Daniels Nissan North in Jackson. MS.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 23, 2022GA

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Feb 7, 2022177,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 65-75 MPH, the sunroof detached from the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 23, 2021187,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road and jump-started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the CAM Sensor. The contact stated a day later the vehicle stalled and shut-off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

Structure
Filed Aug 24, 202187,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired at an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that there was rusting on the front driver’s side floor pan. The contact also noticed that the front driver’s side floorboard was soft to the touch and a fuel odor was detected while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 202160,000 milesWA

I NOTE SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS HAVR RECALLS ON CAMSENSOR AND SPEEDSENSONSOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE ROAD CAM SENSOR WAS CHANGED BUT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE YEARS DOES THE SAME MECHANIC SAYS FAULTY PLASTIC CLIP. ALSO VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED IVER RESTARTED TO GET IT TO RESET OTHERWISE CAR WILL RUN IN LOW GEAR AT HIGH RPMS.. I NOTICED RECALLS ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA FOR FOR THESE SENSORS. HOWEVER NOT THIS MODEL ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.

Engine
Filed Nov 2, 2020150,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE OXYGEN (O2) SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO BOSAK NISSAN (220 VERPLANK RD, BURNS HARBOR, IN 46304 (219) 787-1777) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2020147,500 milesPA

I BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST YEAR MAY 2019 AND WITHIN A MONTH THE ENGINE BLEW. I REPLACED THE ENGINE AND NOW IT HAS ISSUES WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2020110,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY, WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PALMETTO 57 NISSAN (16725 NW 57TH AVE, MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33055) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2020162,900 milesRI

MY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS TO LOW THAT IT HITS EVERY BUMP EVEN WHEN DRIVING SLOW ,WHEN THEY LIFTED THE CAR UNDERNEATH THE CAR THERE'S A YELLOW MARK FROM ALL THE SPEED BUMPS .ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES FROM THE DRIVERS N PASSENGER SNAP OFF WHEN I TRY TO ENTER MY VEHICLE .THE SHOCKS DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS WHY THE CAR IS SO LOW .

Electrical System
Filed Mar 29, 2020145,000 milesCA

ENGINE OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN HEATER IS ON CAR POWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. BATTERY DIES AND BATTERY DRAINS WHEN CAR IS OFF

Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2020147,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO (ROYAL NISSAN OF CORTLAND 3901 WEST RD, CORTLAND, NY 13045(607) 753-9774) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE FOULED AND ALSO THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 2019122,875 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL WRAPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED DARLING HONDA NISSAN (114 SYLVAN RD, BANGOR, ME 04401, (207) 941-1460), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,875.

Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2019175,000 milesAZ

TAKATA RECALL WHILE SITTING IN IDLE THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF RANDOMLY. I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR BACK UP AFTER A FEW SECONDS, BUT IT'S BEEN HAPPENING TO OFTEN WHILE IN IDLE

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2018NJ

NHTSA SHOWS 10 RECALLS FOR MY CAR, WENT TO NISSAN BRIDGEWATER AND THEY ONLY FOUND ONE RECALL TO REPROGRAM ECM AND PERFORM IDLE AIR VOLUMN LEARNING PROCEDURE, AFTER THIS 2 DAYS LATER SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT, NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY 140 FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO SEE THAT MY CAR HAS 10 RECALLS AND TO LOOK INTO THOSE ISSUES, THE CAR HAS NO POWER WHILE DRIVING IN ON THE HIGHWAY, HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING ON AND OFF, THE GAS GAGE FLUCTUATES, THE CAR GOES THROUGH GAS REAL FAST, NISSAN BRIDGEWATER NEEDS TO FIX THESE ISSUES, IF NOT I WILL REPORT NISSAN BRIDGEWATER DEALER TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, THIS CAR HAS 90,403 MILES

Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2018234,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. FRED ANDERSON NISSAN OF ASHEVILLE (629 BREVARD RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806, (828) 348-6850) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR MONTHS, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 234,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2018NC

AFTER ABOUT TWO MONTHS OF HAVING MY VEHICLE TO REPAIR RECALLS, MY SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMS ME THAT THE RECALLS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A SPECIFIC CODE. I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALLS AND THE RISKS THEY CREATE WITHOUT REPAIR; HOWEVER, NISSAN IS STILL REFUSING TO DO THEM. THIS SPECIFIC RECALL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING OPERATION WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A CRASH. I HAVE BEEN COMPLIANT AND PATIENT WITH NISSAN, AND I FEEL TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND MY SERVICE ADVISOR HAVE BOTH SEEN THE PROBLEMS FIRST-HAND WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THEMSELVES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH CORPORATE NISSAN, NISSAN STILL WANTS ME TO TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK TO DRIVE UNTIL THE CODE APPEARS. HAVING COMMON SENSE, AND A TODDLER, I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A SMART OR SAFE DECISION. I WOULD LIKE THE RECALLS COMPLETED AS I WAS ORIGINALLY PROMISED.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 201895,200 milesCA

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STARTING AT 94,000 MILES. NO LEAKS OR EXHAUST SMOKE. HAVE READ CATALYTIC CONVERTORS WERE POORLY DESIGNED RESULTING IN LOW OIL LEVEL AND ENGINE DAMAGE. CAR STILL RUNS WELL BUT CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND RELIABILITY. NISSAN FORUMS FULL OF SIMILAR COMMENTS INCLUDING NISSAN'S AWARENESS OF THE DEFECT AND LACK OF ACTION. CAR HAS DIED IN TRAFFIC ON A FEW OCCASIONS BUT RUNS WELL OTHERWISE.

Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2018149,286 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED JERKING AND SPUTTERING UNTIL THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO NISSAN OF MOBILE (1015 EAST INTERSTATE 65 SERVICE RD S, MOBILE, AL 36606) WHERE THEY REPLACED THE COIL PACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF CORINTH (813 S PARKWAY ST, CORINTH, MS 38834) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,286.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2018149,286 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED TO REACH HER DESTINATION. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER (NISSAN OF MOBILE, 1015 EAST INTERSTATE 65, SERVICE RD S, MOBILE, AL 36606) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,286.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Mar 2, 2018129,640 milesNJ

DASH CAMERA RECORDED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. WATCH UNTIL THE END OF THE VIDEO TO SHOW THE BROKEN PIECE THAT CAME OFF FROM MY CAR. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=XURGKIXXQOS I AM AN OWNER OF NISSAN ALTIMA 2003. SOME RUBBER PART IN THE FRONT UNDER MY CAR (I THINK IT'S A COVER OF SOMETHING) FELL OFF WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 1 IN NEW JERSEY. IT CAUSED A LOSS CONTROL OF MY CAR. MY CAR SPIN AND DRIFT 180 DEGREES AND FACED AGAINST THE TRAFFIC FLOW. THEN IT GLIDED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONTACTED NISSAN TO INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO DO SO BECAUSE I SENT MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. NISSAN STATED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OF THE VEHICLE REGARDING TO THAT PART AND I HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE COST OF DAMAGE. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THAT PART OF THE VEHICLE FALL OFF THE CAR AND CAUSE THE LOSS OF CONTROL. IF MY CAR DRIFT TO THE OTHER DIRECTION, I WOULD BE DEAD. THERE ARE SO MANY CARS WITH THE SAME MODEL AS MINE. I HOPE SIMILAR ACCIDENT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. AGAIN, PLEASE REFER TO THE YOUTUBE VIDEO THAT I UPLOADED.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 20184,300 milesDE

THIS VEHICLE IS ON ITS SECOND CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND FLEX PIPE, I PREVIOUSLY CHANGED THEM IN AUTUM OF 2017. AFTER INSTALLING A BRAND NEW ONE FROM ROCKAUTO.COM EASTERN CATALYTIC FOR $290 LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER I GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO TWO MECHANICS AND ADVANCED AUTO PARTS WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL READ CODE P0420 LOW EFFICIENCY BANK 1. I HAD NO MONEY TO REPLACE IT AND NOW IT'S SO CLOGGED UP IT'S SHOOTING CARBON MONOXIDE BACK INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO END UP AT THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE THEY TOLD ME I HAD SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. I AM SUFFERING FROM MEMORY LOSS, NONCOHERENT SPEECH, UNABLE TO SEE 20/20 VISION AND CHEST PAIN. I HOPE YOU HERE AT THE NATION HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD CAN DO SOMETHING WHEN IT COMES TO ALL THESE CHEAP PARTS COMING I FROM CHINA AND BEING SOLD TO PEOPLE AS IF THERE HIGH QUALITY GOODS. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY WINDOWS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF THIS POISON.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2018130,000 milesNY

HAD TO REPLACE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR PAN BECAUSE THERE WAS A HOLE ABOUT 15 INCHES LONG AND 5 INCHES WIDE DUE TO RUST. MY FRONT SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AT THIS POINT. RUST IS EXPECTED IN NEW YORK DUE TO SALT, BUT AFTER TALKING WITH NISSAN THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT HEARD ANYONE ELSE HAVING ISSUES DESPITE THOUSANDS OF HITS ON A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH ABOUT RUST ISSUES FOR NISSANS.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2018OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS (BEDFORD NISSAN, 18115 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146, (855) 981-4531) AND (GANLEY'S MAYFIELD NISSAN, 6060 MAYFIELD RD, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH 44124, (440) 449-9500). BOTH DEALERS STATED THAT THEY COMPLETED RECALL REPAIRS, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONDITION WAS THE SAME AS PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH A DIAGNOSIS TO REMEDY THE FAILURE FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A TUNE-UP BUT, MONTHS LATER, IT CONTINUED TO FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL DETAILS, VIN, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 28, 2017AR

I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON 412 IN BETWEEN SALEM AR AND VIOLA AR WHEN MY PASSAGES BACK WHEEL WELDS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. WHICH CAUSED ME TO DRIVE THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT A TREE. AND THAT'S WHEN MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 15, 2017139,000 milesNC

TAKATA RECALL - I WAS TRAVELING ON THE LEFT INSIDE LANE OF A 4 LANE ROAD DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CAME OVER INTO MY LANE THUS PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE MEDIAN. I HIT A CEMENT CULVERT & CAR STILL PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL DOWN MEDIAN WITHOUT AT LEAST 1 BACK TIRE FINALLY HITTING A TREE WHICH STOPPED CAR FROM GOING INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED & THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH ME WITH MY FACE GOING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN FIREMEN ARRIVED ON SCENE & HELPED ME OUT THEY WOULD NOT ALLOW ME BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO RETRIEVE THE REGISTRATION CARD STATING THAT THEY SMELLED AIR BAG ODORS; FIREMEN & HIGHWAY PATROLMAN ALONG WITH WRECKER SERVICE MAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE INFLATED. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY LIFE THREATENING INJURIES -JUST A SORE NECK & BACK; BROKEN NOSE & 2 BLACK EYES. ALSO HURT ANKLE & HIP DURING WRECK. HAVE HAD ALL OVER BODY PAIN ALL THIS WEEK. IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN A PASSENGER SHE WOULD HAVE GONE THRU THE WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY GEICO INSURANCE. REPORTED AIR BAG FAILURE TO NISSAN; HAVE MADE SEVERAL CALLS TO THEM LEAVING NAME & PHONE NUMBER TO CALL ME; TODAY I RECEIVED A FEDX PACKAGE OF INFORMATION FROM NISSAN STATING THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTACT ME & FOR ME TO CALL THE ENCLOSED NUMBER. I DID SO & LEFT ANOTHER MESSAGE & PHONE NUMBER. AGAIN NO ONE HAS RETURNED ANY OF MY CALLS BUT THE INFO IN THE PACKAGE SHOWS THAT THEY KNOW WHAT CAR I WAS DRIVING BY THE VIN NUMBER. ...UPDATED 12/11/17

Engine
Filed Nov 10, 201779,000 milesNY

EVERY 100 MILES CAR START BURNING OIL TO FAST..ENGINE START RUNNING SLOW..CHECK ENGINE LIGHT START BLINKING ON AND OFF

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 3, 201750,000 milesCA

I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALLS FROM NISSAN AND MOSSY NISSAN EL CAJON REFUSED TO REPAIR: MOST RECENT TODAY FOR AIRBAGS

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2017FL

NOBODY NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 20, 2017168,374 milesPA

TAKTA RECALL. HELLO, I HAVE PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S 2003. MY ENTIRE CAREXTREMELY SHAKES FROM THE MOMENT I START MY CAR UNTIL I TURN IT OFF. WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR , THE CAR AT TIMES DRIVES LIKE IT'S GOING TO FAIL. MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WOULD STOPPED OPEREATING PROPERLY. WHEN MY CAR IS TURNED ON GAS/FUEL LIKE FUMES THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND THROUGHOUT MY VEHICAL MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO BREATHE AT TIMES. THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE, OUT OF KNKWHERE SHIFTED TO WHERE I CAN'T SHUT MY DOOR COMPLETELY. THE DOOR SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN I TURN MY CAR OFF AND IT DRAINS MY BATTERY BECAUSE MY DOOR DOESN'T SHUT COMPLETELY, AND THE DOOR SENSOR STAYS ON. ALSO, OUT OF KNOWWHERE THE GAS TANK DOOR, HAS SHIFTED OUT OF KNOW WHERE TO WHERE I CAN'T SHUT THE GASOLINE DOOR COMPLETELY. ALSO, MY CAR"A WINDSHIELDS GETS VERY FOGGY RAPIDLY AFTER I CLEAN THEM, MAKING VISIBILTY DIFFICULT.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 8, 2017119,800 milesMO

TOOK CAR FOR MO MANDATED SAFETY INSPECTION. CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO FLOOR PAN BEING RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU. WHEN PASSENGER SEAT CARPET WAS MOVED, YOU COULD SEE THE ROADWAY THRU THE FLOOR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFFECTED AREA WAS APPROX 24"X9". COST OVER $1000 TO REPLACE AFFECTED AREA.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 201730,000 milesFL

MY CAR HAD SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM (AS VERIFIED BY AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP) AS CARS SUBJECT TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 [I.E., SUDDEN ENGINE STALLING & DELAYED RESTART DUE TO DEFECTIVE SENSORS], BUT NISSAN REFUSED TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE MY CAR. APPARENTLY, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR SITUATIONS SHOWING UP ON THE INTERNET, POSTED BY UNHAPPY OWNERS SIMILARLY IGNORED BY NISSAN.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 24, 2017100,000 milesNY

FLOOR PANS ROTTED OUT

Engine
Filed Jul 7, 201725,000 milesOH

TAKATA RECALL ENGINE WAS REMANUFACTURED APRIL 4TH, 2012. ENGINE BURNING OIL, MORE THEN LIKELY CATAYLTIC CONVERTER, THROWING CODES. COST AROUND 5,000. ENGINE HAVING SYMPTOMS...AGAIN, FOR THE SAME THING. NISSAN OFFERED TO DIAGNOSE FOR FREE, BUT STATES THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER. ALSO FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS USED, BY SOURCE OTHER THEN THE DEALERSHIP. WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO HONOR THIS RECALL, AS IN 2012 IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOR FREE UPON RECALL. IS THERE ANYTHING ANYONE CAN DO TO HELP THE SITUATION? CAR BEGAN SHAKING, AND LOSING POWER, ON THE ROAD, HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. 25,000 MILES ON THE RECONDITIONED ENGINE, OIL BLOWING, 4 QUARTS IN 3 MILES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 4, 2017FL

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN IDLE. IT HAS STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. CAR WOULD NOT GO ON PARK AND WAS STUCK ON DRIVE. CAR HAS STOPPED UNDER RED LIGHT ON BUSY INTERSECTION. IT WILL START EVENTUALLY. MAYBE 5 MINUTES, BUT IT DOES THIS WITHOUT WARNING. MY CAR HAS 158,000 MI. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SO FAR AND IT'S INTERMITTENT. MECHANIC NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE IS AS DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWS NO PROBLEMS.

Engine
Filed Jun 7, 2017100,000 milesVA

WE PURCHASED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, AFTER MAKING A STOP ON THE WAY HOME, 3 HOURS AWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. WE WERE STATIONARY IN A RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT. HAD IT TOWED TO A CERTIFIED NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSORS. NISSAN WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE OUR ALTIMA HAS THE 3.5 V6. APPARENTLY THE RECALL IS ONLY FOR THE 4CYL. WELL GUYS, THE SENSORS IN THE V6S DON'T WORK EITHER. SO AFTER PAYING THE $1,068.17 REPAIR COST AND MULTIPLE TRIPS BACK AND FORTH TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA (IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN THERE YOU KNOW TRAFFIC IS HORRIBLE) WE FINALLY BROUGHT THE CAR HOME. BAD BUSINESS!!

Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2017145,755 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WHETHER IT WAS IDLING OR BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIR A SECOND TIME; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 26771408. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,755.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2017200,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS, THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 25, 2017AL

TAKATA RECALL MY CAR SEEMS LIKE IT WON'T CRANK UP OR LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING GAS

Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2017IL

"TAKATA RECALL". MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, THE ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 50K MILES ON THE CAR AND IT HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS YOU CAN IMAGINE. THE CODE COMES UP P0335, BUT THE MECHANIC BELIEVES IT IS A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AS WELL AS CIRCUITRY ISSUES INVOLVING THE SAME PART. APPARENTLY, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FOR THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, HOWEVER DEALERS ARE NOT WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS. I WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED FURTHER, AS I'M DISCOVERING UPON FURTHER RESEARCH THIS IS A PANDEMIC AMONG 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS AND AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AT A STOPLIGHT A FEW WEEKS AGO AND WHILE DRIVING AT A 45MPH SPEED ON A BUSY STREET WHERE THERE WERE MANY CARS AROUND ME.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 1, 2017NJ

OWNER OF A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON 2/18/2016, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH IN LINDEN, NJ. WHEN THE CAR WASH WAS COMPLETED, I PUT MY VEHICLE ON DRIVE AND PROCEEDED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE CAR WASH EMPLOYEES AS THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO STAY ON MY LEFT SIDE, AS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WHILE I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES, AND AS THE EMPLOYEE PLACED THE TOWEL TO DRY OUT MY VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO JOLT TWICE WHILE I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND IMMEDIATELY UNINTENDED ACCELERATING AT A HIGH SPEED. SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE FRONT HOOD AND AIR BAG CAME OUT. I HAD TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL NOT TO HIT ANY ONE AS THERE WERE SEVERAL PARKED VEHICLES AND PEOPLE VACUUMING/CLEANING THEIR VEHICLES. NOT SURE HOW MANY PARKED VEHICLES WERE HIT AND MY VEHICLE HIT A PARKED SUV. AMBULANCE AND POLICE ARRIVED. I WAS IN SHOCKED, SURPRISED AND CRIED AND TOLD THE POLICE ABOUT MY VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED SO QUICKLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. ALL I KEPT SAYING IS OH MY GOD, HOW COULD MY VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED WHILE I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. WERE THERE ANY RECALLS? I TOLD THE OFFICER THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES AND THE MORE I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES, THE FASTER MY VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED WITH NO CONTROL OF STOPPING. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TAKEN AWAY BY THE TOW TRUCK. I HAD INJURIES SWOLLEN/BRUISED ON MY KNEES, ANKLES, HEAD, NECK, SHOULD, HANDS

Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFire1 injured
Filed Feb 24, 2017128,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL AT A CAR WASH, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. ..UPDATED 04/13/17*BF *CN

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 24, 2017142,000 milesTN

TAKATA RECALL, MY PASSENGER FRONT AND BACK SEATS ARE THE ONLY SEAT BELTS THAT WILL NOT RETRACK WHETHER THE CAR IS ON/OFF. I TRIED DRIVING TO SEE IF THEY THEN RETRACK AND STILL NOTHING HAPPENS.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 23, 2017128,000 milesNJ

OWNER OF A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - ON 2/18/17 WHILE TAKING MY VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH IN LINDEN, NJ, I HAD MY VEHICLE ON NEUTRAL AND WHEN THE CAR WASH WAS COMPLETED, I PUT THE VEHICLE ON DRIVE AND PROCEEDED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE CAR WASH EMPLOYEES AS THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO STAY ON MY LEFT SIDE, AS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AS THE TWO EMPLOYEES PLACED THEIR TOWELS ON MY FRONT VEHICLE TO DRY OUT THE VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO JOLT TWICE WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND IMMEDIATELY MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE FRONT HOOD AND THE AIRBAG CAME OUT. I HAD TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL NOT TO HURT ANY ONE AS THERE WERE SEVERAL PARKED VEHICLES AND PEOPLE VACUUMING THEIR VEHICLES OR CLEANING OUT THEIR VEHICLES. NOT SURE HOW MANY PARKED VEHICLES WERE HIT AND MY VEHICLE HIT A PARKED SUV. AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND THE POLICE. I WAS IN SHOCKED, SURPRISED AND CRIED AND TOLD THE POLICE ABOUT MY VEHICLE TAKING OFF SO QUICKLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. ALL I KEPT SAYING IS OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? WERE THERE ANY RECALLS? I KEPT SAYING I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP JUST KEPT ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. I HAD INJURIES INCLUDING MY RIGHT ANKLE, KNEE, HEAD, NECK, SHOULDERS AND BACK. POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AND NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT AS IT TAKES A COUPLE OF DAYS. SEE ALSO ODI 10957901. *DS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 9, 201655 milesKY

VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2003 MAKE: NISSAN MODEL: ALTIMA 2.5 S NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 1 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 03V-251 RECALL DATE: JULY 14, 2003 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: P3142 TODAY ,DECEMBER 09, 2016 @ 8:30 AM , I HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH[XXX] DEALER REGARDING CASE #[XXX] . AT 1:54PM THEY DID CALL TO PICK UP MY CAR. AFTER OVER 5 HOURS,THEY CHANGED FILTER -FUEL TANK ONLY ,BUT NOT FUEL PUMP ! CUSTOMER COPY # [XXX] (INVOICE #[XXX]) SHOW THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED PART #17275-8J025 ,WHICH IS FILTER -FUEL TANK(NOT FUEL PUMP WHICH IS OPEN RECALL (JUST TO REMIND YOU,THIS PART COST ONLY ABOUT $10,00 ,( AFTER REPLACEMENT A NEW FUEL PUMP ,IT SHOULD BE REPLACED ANYWAY)! PART# 170408J005 - FUEL PUMP ALTIMA; 2.5L (COST ABOUT $456,00 )WHICH IS OPEN RECALL, IS NOT DONE ! THEY REPLACED FILTER-FUEL TANK ONLY!(BECAUSE OF LOW COST , JUST TO CLOSE THIS CASE...)! AGAIN,ATTACHED DOCUMENT (REFRESHED DEC.9 ,2016), SHOWS THAT OPEN RECALL IS: FUEL PUMP ! THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE, REPLACING A FUEL FILTER ,DOES NOT MEAN SOLVING PROBLEM/ PROBLEM IS FUEL PUMP(WHICH STILL AS OPEN RECALL, I HAVE RECEIVED MANY PHONE CALLS FROM MANUFACTURER TO TELL ME THAT PROBLEM IS SOLVED (REPLACING A FUEL FILTER! AND FUEL PUMP IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE REPLACED ! ,THIS CASE IS NOT CLOSED FOR ME ,IS NOT REPLACED A NEW FUEL PUMP(HAS BEEN REPLACED FUEL FILTER ONLY,BECAUSE OF LOW COST/ ABOUT $10,00 ONLY! FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER-TANK ARE 2 DIFFERENT THINGS!!! THIS CAR IS UNSAFE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 25, 2016KY

I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM NISSAN (615-725-7000) REGARDING MY COMPLAIN (OPEN RECALL)...AND THE PERSON SAYS THAT NISSAN CAN'T PERFORM FOR FREE THAT ISSUE SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS REGISTERED IN KENTUCKY! THAT'S MEAN ,BECAUSE OF SAFETY REASON I WILL BE UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR TO OTHER STATES ! AND THE ONLY OPTION I HAVE IS TO FORWARD THIS CASE TO THE COURT AND SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BY LAW !

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 21, 2016KY

FUEL PUMP (OPEN RECALL) NISSAN DEALER IN BOWLING GREEN KY SAYS "THIS RECALL FOR YOUR CAR IS NOT IN OUR SYSTEM..." EVERY TIME DURING COLD TEMPERATURES I HAVE PROBLEMS...TWICE HAPPENED ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE I WHERE DRIVING IN HIGHWAY ! I'M SCARY DRIVING NISSAN DURING WINTER! I NEED NISSAN IN BOWLING GREEN KY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY CAR AND SOLVE THIS ISSUE. ALSO EXHAUST SYSTEM ,CAUSE NOISE ! SMELL SMOKE INSIDE THE CAR !

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 21, 2016KY

VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2003 MAKE: NISSAN MODEL: ALTIMA 2.5 S NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 1 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION>03V-251RECALL DATE: JULY 14, 2003 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: P3142 THIS RECALL DATA LAST REFRESHED: NOV 20, 2016 RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE THE MANUFACTURER(AND NISSAN DEALER IN BOWLING GREEN KY) HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 13, 20162 milesKY

03V-251 RECALL DATE: JULY 14, 2003 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: P3142 RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE , I REQUESTED TO REPLACE A FUEL PUMP TO JIM JOHNSON NISSAN IN BOWLING GREEN KY THEY REFUSED ! DURING WINTER I HAVE PROBLEMS DRIVING MY VEHICLE...SCARY TO DRIVE IT...TWICE HAPPENED TO TURN OFF ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING..DRIVING FROM KY TO NC LAST CHRISTMAS. I WANT YOU TO CALL DEALER HERE IN BOWLING GREEN KY,TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY VEHICLE, TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM!

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 7, 2016125,000 milesKY

PURCHASED A 2003 ALTIMA, 1 OWNER CAR FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. AFTER HAVING CAR FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS NOTICED METAL RUSTED MATERIAL IN THE DRIVEWAY UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. INSPECTED AND FOUND A HOLE THE SIZE OF MY FIST GOING ALL THE WAY THROUGH. ENDED UP REPLACING MOST ALL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PAN DUE TO A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF NOT FOR THE CARPET THE PASSENGER COULD HAVE PLACED THEIR FOOT THROUGH THE AREA. HAVE TALKED TO OTHERS AT BODY SHOPS AND FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ALTIMA FROM 2003-2006. NOT A CHEAP FIX EITHER.

Complaints 1-50 of 883, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20257200Routine
202441110Routine
202330010Routine
202231010Routine
202171210Routine
2020161651Fatalities reported
2019234750Above average
2018226200Above average
2017393370Above average
2016555431Fatalities reported
20159551050Above average
20141,114881Fatalities reported
20132,3141291Fatalities reported
2012426420Above average
2011242150Above average
2010381390Above average
20091,547482Fatalities reported
20081,0314132Fatalities reported
20074713222Fatalities reported
20068244140Above average
20051,0912180Above average
2004276530Above average
2003 — this page88310132Fatalities reported
20021,04712280High concern
2001159224Fatalities reported
2000160250Routine
199987430Routine
1998123420Routine
1997108350Routine
199692250Routine
1995180570Routine
1994106420Routine
1993122330Routine

Compare every Altima year →

2003 Nissan Altima: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Nissan Altima a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Altima years to avoid: owners filed 883 complaints, 3.7 times as many as a typical Altima year. The most common complaint is about the engine (59%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Altima?

The engine: 524 of the 883 complaints (59%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (37%), turns on the check engine light (30%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (25%). The typical report comes at 85,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Altima have?

10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 03V455000, covered 630,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Altima problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 84,900 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 85,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Nissan Altima?

Yes, once. RQ06001 ("ENGINE STALL - CRANK POSITION SENSOR") was opened Feb 22, 2006 and closed Jul 18, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Nissan Altima?

The manufacturer filed 101 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (16), the engine (14) and the electrical system (13). They include a warranty extension, P5216, filed Aug 20, 2015. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.