Page 6 of 18 · complaints 251–300 of 883

2003 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2012116,000 milesNY

MY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, BANK 1, WAS DIAGNOSED BY SEARS AS NEEDING BE REPLACED. MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF IS WHAT FIRST MADE ME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I READ ONLINE THAT IT'S A FAULTY PART, WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR CERTAIN YEARS/VIN NUMBERS BY NISSAN. I CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IT IS A CHEAP PLASTIC PART, AND THE NEW/REPLACEMENT ONES ARE MADE OF METAL IS WHAT I'M READING IN THE NUMEROUS CASES DISCUSSED ONLINE FROM FELLOW ALTIMA OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THESE YEARS OF PRODUCTION. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 25, 2012154,000 milesNC

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING, THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND SHE NEARLY RAN OFF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS COMING AND SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH NO INCIDENT. I PULLED THE CODES AND FOUND IT TO BE THE P0335 (CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) AND P0725 (ENGINE SPEED SENSOR). AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB, IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000, NISSAN RECALL NO. R3022 THAT STATES EXACTLY WHAT DID HAPPEN - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE REMEDY IS THAT A DEALER REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. SO, I CALLED NISSAN, FOUND THE OTHER RECALL THAT IS RELATED TO THE SENSOR, TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (BARELY - I DROVE AND THE CAR STOPPED TWICE - AGAIN, LUCKY THERE WAS NO CRASH). THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIX THIS RECALL BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS BAD. NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK AND PICKUP THE CAR AND PRAY AGAIN THAT I DON'T HAVE A CRASH COMING HOME. SEEMS TOTALLY UNREASONABLE THAT NISSAN WOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM - THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - FOR, AMONG MANY OTHERS, 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND YET THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THESE CARS THAT NISSAN WON'T FIX. I WAS LAID OFF AND CERTAINLY CANNOT AFFORD A $300 FIX FOR A $40 PART SO WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE THIS DEATH CAR UNTIL I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT FIXED. AND PRAY EVERY TI

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 24, 2012139,000 milesWI

MY AIR CONDITIONER HAS ALWAYS BEEN RUNNING EVEN WHEN THE BUTTON HAS BEEN OFF. I'VE ASKED THE DEALER MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY SAID IT'S FINE. NOW ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO MY AIRCONDITIONER WON'T GO ON, IT'S INTERMITTENT BUT IF IT DOES GO ON IT ONLY WORKS FOR 5 MINUTES. I FINALLY PAID THE 129.00 TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE INTELLIGAN POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE HAS FAILED. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN MANY OTHER NISSANS BUT NOT THE ALTIMA. DURING A SEARCH I FOUND LOTS OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TRIED CONTACTING NISSAN BUT THEY DON'T CARE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 20, 201284,800 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHERE IT WAS DETECTED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,800.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 201284,699 milesPA

I WENT TO HAVE CAR INSPECTED AND FOUND OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH, THIS IS SOME SORT OF DEFECT AS I AM READING MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM....NISSAN WILL NOT COVER THIS REPAIR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HELP! *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 8, 2012998,961 milesOH

THE FLOORBOARD IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE TALKED TO MECHANICS WHO SAY THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME IN NISSANS. I ALSO KNOW OF OTHERS WITH THE PROBLEM. EVERYONE SAYS IT'S A DEFECT IN STAMPING BUT NISSAN WILL NOT ADMIT IT OR HELP ANYONE. *JS

Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2012140,223 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL AND THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS EMITTING BLACK SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,223.

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2012142,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED. THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD INCLUDE REPROGRAMMING THE ECM. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL MENTIONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2012TN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE HEAD LAMP HOUSING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,556.

Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2012166,963 milesMO

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, 60 MPH, COMING BACK FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A LOT OF DANGER SO I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME HOME THROUGH THE STREETS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SHAKING A LOT. WHILE I WAS GOING HOME THE ENGINE FELT SO WEAK AND SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK. AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND OUT THAT MANY 02 AND 03 ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE BUTTERFLY VALVE IN THE THROTTLE BODY WENT INTO THE ENGINE, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE RECALLED THE 04 AND 05 MODELS WITH THE EXACT SAME ENGINE IN THE 02 AND 03 MODELS!!!! PLEASE HELP THE 02 AND 03 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS BECAUSE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IS REFUSING TO HELP EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THE ENGINE HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS! *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2012MA

DUE TO FAULTY CAT CONVERTER WHICH NISSAN FAILED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY DUE TO DEBRIS FROM CAT CONVERTER GOING INSIDE THE ENGINE. ROUGHLY AT AROUND 100K MILES CAR NEEDS NEW CAT CONVERTERS AND NEW ENGINE BLOCK. THIS ISSUE IS VERY FAMOUS AMONG 2002-2006 ALTIMAS AND NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF THIS. THE OIL INDICATOR FAILS TO INFORM THE DRIVER OF PRETTY MUCH ZERO OIL IN ENGINE AND THIS CREATES A CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO ENGINE WHICH CAN RESULT IN FIRE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 2, 201270,000 milesNY

THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CAR DOESN'T START OR STRUGGLES TO START. THE HEATER ISN'T WORKING, AND NOW THE ANTIFREEZE IS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. *JS

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 1, 2012139,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 139,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 17, 2012165,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL HISSING NOISE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECENT RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 2012112,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOOR BOARDS, FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION AND THE RIGHT AND LEFT STABILIZER LINKS WERE ALL COVERED WITH RUST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 14, 2012NJ

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENGINE EXPENSE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. ACCORDING THE INVOICE, THERE WAS POSSIBLE RING WEAR, AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PISTONS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 5, 2012117,000 milesAL

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

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 1, 2012128,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SO THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DISCOVERED METAL CHIPS IN THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BASED ON THE VIN, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER HAD THE WORK PERFORMED AT A REPAIR SHOP. UPDATED 06/18/12

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 24, 2012VA

I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 4 FEBRUARY 2012. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE OBD-II CODE INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THAT NISSAN HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS ON SOME 2003 AND 2004 ALTIMAS WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THEM FIX THE ISSUE DUE TO THE RECALL NOTICES. ON 6 FEBRUARY 2012 I WENT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DID NOT FALL UNDER ANY OF THE RECALL NOTICES AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM ANY RECALL WORK. THEY DID ADVISE I COULD SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE AT THEIR LISTED RATES. I DECLINED. ON 6 FEBRUARY 2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE PERFORMED THE NECESSARY WORK. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME HE CALLED NISSAN TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF REPLACING THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE DEALER ADVISED HIM IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2003 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE AND BOTH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE CAM POSITION SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC FOLLOWED THE DEALERS ADVICE AND REPLACED BOTH SENSORS. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I HAVE FOUND AT LEAST TWO RECALL NOTICES ON THE WEBSITE WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV INDICATING CRANK POSITION SENSOR PROBLEMS WITH 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5 LITER ENGINE. THESE ARE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 23, 2012109,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V084000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 22, 2012107,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 18, 2012174,000 milesNC

CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, HAD CHECKED, IT WAS A 335 CODE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE CHECKED FOR MY NISSAN MODEL RECALLS AND FOUND ONE ON THIS EXACT CODE. MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS VOLUNTARY AND THEY WILL CHARGE ME UP TO $300. THE CAR KEEPS CUTTING OFF ON ME WHEN DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 17, 201291,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2007 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE ECM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND CAM SHAFT SENSOR WERE NOT REPLACED AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 16, 2012OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE IN THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE FUMES TO ENTER INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT FAILED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 9, 2012MA

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. SHE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED, BUT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR NISSAN TO REPLACE THE PART(S) UNDER PREVIOUS RECALL 06V242000 AND ADMIT THE PRESENCE OF AN ONGOING SAFETY HAZARD. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 2, 2012CA

IN OCTOBER 2010 THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING, RESULT: RETRIEVED CODE B1129-RH SIDE AIR BAG MODULE OPEN CIRCUIT, NOT DETECTED AT THE TIME, CODE WAS IN PAST TENSE. MAY HAVE INTERMITTENT FAULT. CLEARED CODE AND LIGHT STAYED OFF AT THE TIME. IN JULY 2011 THE AIR BAG WAS FLASHING AGAIN RETRIEVED CODE B1129-RH AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY SAID SEAT BACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND/OR NEEDS A SENSOR UNIT . I FIND THIS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND RESPONSIBILITY, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT OR ABUSED. THE AIR BAG IS NOT A TIRE TO GO BAD, IF ONE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND REPLACED IT AT A PRIVATE PLACE THAT IS ANOTHER STORY! IT IS NOT FAIR FOR THE SAME CODE (B1129-RH) ONCE THEY JUST TURNED OFF AND ONCE THEY SAY YOU NEED TO REPLACE IT. *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 9, 201299,608 milesCA

WE HAVE A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALYIC CONVERTER, WE CHANGED IT, IN AUG 2011, WE LEARNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON-LINE. WHAT WE DID NOT READ ABOUT IS HOW THE CONVERTER GOES BAD AND THROWS PARTS OF IT INTO THE ENGINE AND HAS THE ENGINE BURN OIL AND EVENTUALLY THROW A ROD. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE IN NOV 2011, TRAVELED 500 MILES AND THE ENGINE GOES OUT WE TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, HE SAID THIS COULD BE DUE TO LOW OIL, IF THE NOISE CONTINUES AFTER OIL CHANGE WE WILL DIAGNOSE THE NOISE. WELL, THE NOISE STOPPED, AFTER THE ENGINE GAVE OUT, THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING US THAT WE ARE AT FAULT CAUSE WE DID NOT GET THE DIAGNOSIS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. I ASKED THEM IS THE TEST WOULD DETERMINE THAT A ROD WAS GOING TO BLOW, HE SAID NO, THEN WHY PAY FOR THE TEST. I HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE AND SEE THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND NISSAN CORP WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT FILING A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, BUT THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANYONE FILING ONE. I RECENTLY TALKED TO A FRIEND, WHO'S DAUGHTER HAS THE SAME VEHICLE, THEY JUST WENT THRU THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BLOWN ENGINE, WE GOT ESTIMATES TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, $3500-$5500 FOR ANOTHER ENGINE AND LABOR, THIS IS CRAZY, I CALLED SEVERAL USED OR REBUILT ENGINE PLACES AND THIS ENGINE IS HARD TO COME BY, GUESS LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE BLOWING THE ENGINES FOR THE SAME REASON, YET NISSAN CORP CAN

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 23, 201184,000 milesCA

I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. MY VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY ILLUMINATED WITH A "P420" CODE. WHEN I WENT TO SMOG MY VEHICLE, I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL SMOG DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE MECHANIC AT THE SMOG STATION SUGGESTED I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FOLLOWED HIS ADVICE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO ASKED THEM TO COMPLETE A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE ISSUE. AFTER ONE BUSINESS DAY, THE DEALER PROMPTLY CONTACTED ME, NOTING THAT "BITS OF MY PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD DEGRADED AND BEEN SUCKED INTO MY ENGINE". THIS HAS RESULTED IN A QUOTED COST AT $2,944 FOR A LONG BLOCK + $790 DOWN PIPE + EXHAUST MANIFOLD $681 = $4,415 + LABOR (ESTIMATED AT 20 HOURS AT A RATE OF $130/HOUR) FOR A TOTAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $7,015. APPARENTLY, AS A RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW IN THE POWER VALVE SCREWS, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS DEFECTIVE, BREAKS DOWN, AND IS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CODE SENSOR READS A CODE OF P420. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV, FORUMS, AND FROM VARIOUS OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. I CAN PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS AT THE INVESTIGATING AGENTS REQUEST, INCLUDING THOSE FILED WITH THE NHSTA AND CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM. SOME RELEVANT LINKS: 1)HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2003/ENGINE/ 2)HTTP://AUTOS.MSN.COM/RESEARCH/VIP/RELIABILITY.ASPX?YEAR=2003&MAKE=NISSAN&MODEL=ALTIMA 3)HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_ALTIMA.HTML 4)HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.D

Electrical System
Filed Dec 19, 2011140,953 milesGA

VEHICLE HAS STALLED - ENGINE STOPPED - IN TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS ARE THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THESE PARTS. IT IS ABSURD THAT THE SAME PARTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR OTHER ALTIMAS BUILT IN THE SAME YEAR, YET SEVERAL VINS, INCLUDING MINE, WERE EXCLUDED. THE RECALL FOR MY VIN WAS TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER TO PREVENT THE FAILED PARTS FROM TELLING THE COMPUTER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. THIS RECALL HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY BUT ALSO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE INTERNET BY OTHER DRIVERS. WHEN WILL THE NHTSA STAND UP FOR THE CITIZENS IT WAS CREATED TO PROTECT? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 14, 2011140,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARD ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WERE ROTTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Structure
Filed Dec 7, 2011MD

RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM, IT FELT LIKE WATER WAS SPLASHING UP UNDER MY FLOOR PAN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. WHEN I HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR, I NOTICED A LOT OF RUST AND A HOLE. I WENT ONLINE TO CHECK AND SEE IF THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL AND LO AND BEHOLD, MANY HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND ALL HAVE SAID THE SAME THING...AND THAT IS THAT NISSAN IS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I TRIED CONTACTING NISSAN ONLINE, BUT NO ONE HAS RESPONDED TO MY INQUIRY. FROM WHAT I AM SEEING OTHERS REPORT, NISSAN JUST DOESN'T WANT TO HELP. HAVING RUSTED FLOOR PANS IS A DANGEROUS THING AND NISSAN SHOULD BE WILLING TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. I'M AFRAID THAT I'M GOING TO HAVE A GIGANTIC HOLE AND PERHAPS MY SEAT COULD FALL THROUGH. INCIDENT DATE ABOVE IS APPROXIMATELY WHEN I DISCOVERED THE ISSUE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 29, 201165,000 milesNY

AT 9:30PM, ON NOVEMBER 16, 2011, A DARK RAINY NIGHT, I LEFT A HS PARKING LOT. AFTER A SHORT DISTANCE, THE ENGINE (3.5L) COMPLETELY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE POWERSTEERING TO ALSO STOP. THE SITUATION ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CARS BEHIND ME AND ON THE OTHERSIDE OF THE ROAD ALMOST HIT MY VEHICLE. IT WAS TERRIFYING AND CONFUSING. TWICE BEFORE, GOING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER MY INSISTANCE, A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FINALLY EXAMINED THE CAR AND FOUND THE CAM POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THEY REPLACED IT WITH 23731-6J90B. IT WAS PAID FOR BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE COMPANY SAID THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS. THAT WAS 08/04/09. FROM THAT DATE TO 11/16/11, I HAD NO PROBLEM. THEN ON 11/16/11 IT HAPPENED AGAIN (SEE ABOVE).THERE IS A BASIC DESIGN FLAW IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH NEEDS TO BE FIXED. NHTSA'S CAMPAIGN # 03V455000 DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM. ALSO NVS-215 06V242 ALSO DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM. NO ONE SHOULD DRIVE THIS CAR UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY FIX. IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. THE NISSAN SPECIALIST AT 800-343-6913 WAS VERY DISMISSIVE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *KB

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 26, 201173,390 milesPA

DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR RUSTING THROUGH FROM INSIDE TO OUTSIDE , WAS TOLD IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED IN ORDER TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. WAS TOLD EVENTUALLY EXHAUST FUMES MAY LEAK INSIDE OF VEHICLE THROUGH ROTTED FLOOR. CAR ONLY HAS 73,000 MILES ON IT . WORRIED THAT CORROSION WILL WORK ITS WAY TO THE SEAT SUPPORT AND WILL FALL THROUGH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 16, 201189,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REFUSE TO START AND EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY TIME. THE CONTACT HAD THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN DEFECT. THE DEALER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO COVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COSTS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,128.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 15, 2011TN

ENGINE DIES AND START BACK UP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 11, 201155,000 milesNY

RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING MY SES LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER AND HAD THEM READ THE CODES WHICH WERE 0725 ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND 0335 CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. UPON LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY NISSAN OWNERS, PARTICULARLY THE ALTIMA MODELS. NISSAN HAS ISSUED A RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PART (THE PART HAS BEEN MODIFIED FROM PLASTIC TO METAL BECAUSE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT, RIDICULOUS!) THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING, WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON TWO OCCASIONS (LUCKILY NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OF ON THE HIGHWAY! BUT IT HAS HAPPENED IN MORE SERIOUS SITUATIONS TO OTHERS). *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 26, 2011142,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AUTO REPAIR SHOP READ CODE AS A P0420. TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE FIXED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BOTH O2 SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IF NOT IT COULD LEAD TO PARTICLES GETTING INTO THE ENGINE AND RESULTING IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHERS WERE FACING, IT SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. NOT ALL 2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS ARE COVERED UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY, NOT SURE WHY ONE TYPE OF 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WOULD BE COVER, BUT NOT ANOTHER. VERY FRUSTRATING AND SCARY, ESPECIALLY AS IT CAN LEAD TO A VERY DANGEROUS CRASH EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. NISSAN IS NOT HELPFUL OR CARING TO THIS ISSUE AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH WHEN YOU EVEN FIRST MENTION IT TO THEM. SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE HAD LOT OF COMPLAINTS, BUT WILL NOT AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX IT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 14, 201185,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THOSE LISTED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 7, 2011160,485 milesCA

CATALYTIC CONVERTOR PROBLEM RESURFACED. ORIGINALLY FIXED IN 2004 DURING THE NISSAN RECALL CAMPAIGN. LOCAL NISSAN DEALER QOUTED A PRICE OF OVER $2000 TO FIX. THEY DO NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY ON THEIR WORK. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND BURNS THROUGH HIGH AMOUNTS OF OIL. LOCAL NISSAN DEALER DENIED ANY RECALL, EVEN THOUGH A PRINTOUT OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS PROVIDED TO THEM. NEVER, EVER WILL I BUY A NISSAN CAR AGAIN. THESE CARS ARE UNSAFE, AND YOU WILL PAY $$$ TO GET THEM FIXED AS NISSAN WILL NOT HONOR ANY WARRANTY. THESE CARS ARE PRICED CHEAP AT THE DEALERSHIPS BECAUSE OF THE EXPENSIVE FIX FOR THEM. BUY A TOYOTA OR HONDA INSTEAD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 23, 2011118,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMPSHAFT SENSORS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED THE REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 22, 2011111,463 milesCA

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR, MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA BEGAN TO JERK BACK AND FORTH, AS IF IT WAS MISFIRING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED FLASHING. AT THE NEXT EXIT I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY TO DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE TO STOP THE CAR. GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY, MY CAR STALLED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION (ALL RED LIGHTS CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO POWER TO MY CAR). I COULD NOT RESTART IT AND WAS STRANDED JUST PAST THE BUSY INTERSECTION NEAR THE CENTER DIVIDE. I PUT ON MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES, AND I AM VERY LUCKY TO NOT HAVE BEEN HURT. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR, PULL OVER TO THE SIDE IN A SAFER AREA AND HAD MY CAR TOWED BY AAA STRAIGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, WHO HAD PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE ON THE CAR A DAY BEFORE. IT TOOK THEM 2 DAYS TO FIGURE OUT THAT A POWER VALVE SCREW FAILED AND WAS SUCKED UP INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE -THE PISTON TOP, CYLINDER WALLS, SPARK PLUGS, VALVES AND CATALYST. NISSAN RECOMMENDS A LONG BLOCK REPLACEMENT WITH NEW EXHAUST MANIFOLD WITH CONVERTER ($4500). AFTER MUCH RESEARCH AND SPEAKING WITH THE NISSAN SERVICE MANAGER, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH ALL ALTIMAS (MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT) UNTIL THE SCREWS WERE REDESIGNED FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2004 NISSAN SENTRAS AND 2004-2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5 L ENGINE FOR THIS REASON. BUT THE 2003, WHICH HAS THE SAME ENGINE, WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Aug 9, 2011140,000 miles00

HI! I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2.3 2003. I NEED TO CHANGE THE MOTOR BECAUSE OF THE CATALYST HAVE ENTER SOME RESIDUE INTO THE MOTOR, SO IT TAKE SO OIL LIKE HELL... I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL AND THE NISSAN GARAGE DID NEVER ASK OR TELL ME ABOUT THAT. THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE FRONT LIGHT RECALL BUT NEVER THE CATALYST. THE YELLOW LIGHT IN THE DASH LIGHT UP TO CHECK ENGINE BUT THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. BECAUSE A PHONE THEM TO ASK IF IT'S OK TO RUN THE THAT LIGHT ON, THEY SAY YES BUT COME ON THE NEXT APPOINTMENT OR IF YOU CAN COME TO GET TO ALARM CODE. SO WHEN I DID IT WAS CATALYST ALARM THAT A INSIDE DAMAGE. I WAS ABOUT 140000 KM ON THE CAR SO TOLD ME THAT A NEED TO CHANGE THE COMPLETE MOTOR.... I WAS IN SHOCK. I HAD A HONDA ACCORD 1989 AT 380000 AND NEVER LIFT THE MOTOR. AND ON A NISSAN 150000 KM OUR CAR IS OUT OF ORDER????? IS THAT SOMETHING THAT A COULD DO WITH THE NISSAN GARAGE TO MAKE THEM CHANGE THE MOTOR ON WARRANTY? AND MORE THE REMOVE THE INSIDE OF THE CATALYST IN THERE FACILITIES ( REPAIR GARAGE). I THINK THAT THEY NOT ALLOY TO DO THAT? SO CAN I HAVE SOME HELP FOR THAT ? THANK YOU! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 8, 2011OK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND STALL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AFTER EACH FAILURE, BUT AFTER THE FINAL FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FOR THE 2004 INFINITI I35 WOULD CORRECT THE FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO PLACE THAT PART ON THE 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Aug 6, 201197,000 milesLA

CAMPAIGN ID 03V455000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLANT CAMPAIGN ID 03V084000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLANT EXHAUST SYSTEM CAMPAIGN ID 06V242000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLANT I HAVE ATTEMPT TO CONTACT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALLS. AFTER CAR FAILURE, AND MONEY SPENT ON TRYING TO CORRECT THESE ISSUES, NISSAN HAS NOT BEEN RESPONSIVE TO MY NUMEROUS REQUEST. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THESE RECALLS CAME TO MY ATTENTION AFTER I LEARNED FROM A NISSAN TECHNICIAN, AND AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. PROBLEMS RELEVANT TO THE RECALLS, I AM STILL EXPERIENCING. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 5, 201188,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 4, 2011209,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSING TWO QUARTS OF OIL PER DAY AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED IT LOOKED LIKE THE PISTONS OR A CYLINDER HAD FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THEY NO LONGER SELL THAT MODEL YEAR AND THE 2002 MODEL YEAR BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 209,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 2, 201130,780 milesMA

MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 31,000 MILES HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND THEN GO OUT AFTER A DAY OR SO. THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK LATER. IT APPEARED THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH AND PRONE TO STALLING ONCE THIS HAPPENED. I HAD THE CODE READ AND FOUND IT TO BE A CAM AND CRANK SENSOR CODE. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALER AFTER CONTACTING THEM. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, THOUGH MANY NISSANS SUFFER FROM THIS CONDITION INCLUDING ALTIMAS AND SENTRAS OF THIS YEAR. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY INFORMED ME THIS VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, THOUGH IT IS THE CONDITION DESCRIBED. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS OUT OF THE DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY AS WELL. I THEREFORE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, WHICH WAS $382. SINCE THE CAR WAS PRONE TO STALLING IT APPEARS THAT THIS KNOWN CONDITION SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SINCE IT IS UNSAFE. *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 29, 201168,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, THE RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Structure
Filed Jul 28, 2011150,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FLOOR BOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLOOR BOARD COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 20, 201169,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER IT STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. FORM RETURNED NO CHANGE

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2003 Nissan Altima → · Every Altima year → · How the figures are calculated →