My car quit first time in a parking lot when my 93 yr. Old grandmother was with me after that it has quit on me twice in the middle of busy traffic. The car just quits which could cause a major accident. This car needs to be recalled permanently to get them off the road. The manufacturer and dealers will not fix repair without charging. This is a continuous default in the manufacturing of this car. Replacing sensor will only work for a little while and then it goes bad. It is a major default in manufacturing of the 2003 nissan altima.
2003 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 14 of 20: complaints 371 to 400 of 559, newest first, as owners wrote them.
About 6 months ago we began having problems with the "service engine soon" light coming on in the vehicle. We took it in to our local mechanic several times and he could never find anything wrong. Just recently, we also started having trouble getting the car to start. We had the battery replaced. Last week, we were driving at a low rate of speed in the atm lane at the bank and the car just quit. Also, we stopped to get gas and couldn't get it started again. We took it to the dealer and they replaced the crank angle sensor. From what I have seen, this has been under recall for many of the 2003 2.5l atlimas, but I was told mine was not under recall. I have also seen articles where other altima owners are in the same boat as I am - they are having this issue, but are being told it is not under recall. The incident date I listed below is the date that the car stalled twice.
Vehicle developed drive-ability issues, rough idle, stalling and odd smell from exhaust. Vehicle was taken to a private repair shop and was diagnosed with a miss-fire code. Dec 06, service light is back on and vehicle is running rough, stalling and hard starting. Scanned system and code p0507 (idle speed) was pulled. Was advised to take car to nissan dealership to have a relearn performed on the computer. Dec 14, 2006, vehicle was taken to lithia nissan, procedure was performed and sensors were-calibrated. Recommended a throttle body be replaced (cost $800). Vehicle running rough, service light on and stalling are occurring again. Scanned system, code p0302 miss-fire code on cylinder #2, code p0420 catalyst efficiency low bank 1. Replaced throttlebody per nissan recommendation. Nov 02, 2007 engine light on, vehicle running poorly, hard starting and stalling. Was informed by repair shop about possible recall issues relating to vehicle. Contacted nissan consumer affairs after reading about recall for 2002, 2004-2005 vehicles similar to mine with same problems (reference #5962832 & 6071239). Talked to rep about the recall and the issues with my 2003 altman 2.5l and was basically told to take vehicle back to dealership to have another scan done. Feb 9, 2008 vehicle was taken to lithia nissan to run a system scan. At this point the vehicle is running poorly, hard starts, stalling, rough idle. Dealership pulled four codes, p0420 catalyst bank 1, and p0335ckp sensor, p0302 cylinder 2 miss-fires and p0725 engine speed sensor. Was informed that the catalyst is bad and could not only be causing the miss-fire code but may also ruin my engine. Also the crankshaft sensor is bad. Approx cost of repair, $1000. I contacted matthew again about the results and was told that due to not having the vehicle regularly maintained at a 'nissan' dealership, they were not able to track a maintenance record and that they were not going to do anything about my car.
On several occasions over the last few months, my car would not start the first time I turned the ignition. On 3/21/08 my "check engine" light came on. I brought the car immediately to my mechanic as I have a 60 mile ride each day. What he found after testing was that my engine crank angle sensor was failing. He called and advised me to bring the car , a 2003 nissan altima , to my dealer right away as this was a safety hazard. The good news was the sensor was part of a 2006 recall campaign #r0606 and that my VIN fell within the range of the VIN's listed on the report he had obtained on alldatapro.com. When I called the dealer he agreed that this should be repaired immediately. I brought the car to my dealership kelly nissan, lynnfield ma. When they looked my information up on the computer it did not indicate that my car was part of the recall. I said I would take this up with nissan n. America and to please go ahead and continue with the repair. The cost to me was $180.96. On 3/24/08 I spoke with two individuals at nissan n. America regarding my belief that I should be re-imbursed. The sensor was part of a safety recall, my car fell within the range of VIN;s listed on the recall report and the part had failed. They could not give me a reasonable explanation as to why I was not eligible. I was supposed to hear back from someone from nissan within 24 hours, this has not occurred and I'm now turning to you for intervention on my behalf. The person I spoke to at nissan n. America was a shannon mcquire ext. 41643, my file # is:6092073. I am grateful for your assistance in this matter. Thank you!
Crankshaft sensor needs to be replaced or reprogrammed, but nissan will not because it doesn't fall in their list of affected VIN #'s. My question would be, what does it take to get included? Does someone have to die? Or get seriously injured? It apparently is not just those VIN # specific as it affects mine vehicle now.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. After being parked for approximately half an hour, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The contact would like the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) to include her vehicle and receive reimbursement. The current mileage was 69,457 and failure mileage was 64,132. Updated 07/07/08.*lj updated 07/03/08.
My 2003 nissan altima has a faulty crankshaft sensor. The vehicle has stalled at low speeds and it has resulted in a minor accident. After taking it to the dealer for the repair I was told that all nissan was prepared to do was reset the ECM. However, the dealer told me it was a faulty crankshaft sensor which needed to be replaced. That reseting the ECM would not fix the problem. The dealer also informed me that there was an open recall on 2002, 2005 and 2006 crankshaft sensors. That if my nissan was a 2002 it would be covered under the open recall which was expanded on nov. 21, 2007. However, since the recall does not cover 2003 altimas.
I own a 2.5s 2003 nissan altima with just over 90,000 miles. My service engine soon light went on, I learned I need to replace my catalytic converter. In doing some research, I learned several owners of a 2002 and 2003 2.5s altima have the same problem and also remembered a recall I had done when the car was new involving the pre-catalyst. It seems nissan has a major defect with this car and this specific issue occurring shortly after the 80,000 mile coverage has elapsed on the emissions system. In calling nissan on this I was told sorry you are out of luck. I expect some level of support from a car manufacturer when there are several reports of the same problem from several owners at the same mileage, especially when they issued a recall on this 5 years ago.
Starting in december 2007, my 2003 altima (manufactured in nov 2002) began to frequently stall and stop running without warning during vehicle operation at different speeds or on stop. Initially the check engine light momentarily turned on with each episode and turned off after restarting the engine, but after one of the episodes it permanently remained on. The problem was accompanied by a significant decrease in the engine power with diminished acceleration. The obd 2 scanner read the problem as "crankshaft position sensor". The local nissan dealership both reprogrammed the ECM and replaced the crankshaft position sensor and charged me for the amount of 270 dollars. The car does not stop anymore but the engine performance has noticeably diminished.
While on the freeway my vehicle shut off, this could of caused serious harm to me and my children. Reviewed recent recalls and there are other nissan altimas that are having this same problem. Concern for mine and my children's safety is a priority and I would like this to be resolved. This is the second time this has happened, the first time I had a $300.00 plus out of pocket expense.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving 25 MPH and below, the engine stalled. The vehicle would restart after ten minutes and the service engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced for the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure occurred more frequently after the ECM was reprogrammed. The crankshaft position sensor was replaced twice, but the failure still persists. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 25,000 and current mileage was 92,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. In 2003, the vehicle began jerking and would come to a complete stop without warning. The vehicle was taken to two dealers and the radiator and crank sensor were replaced. The manufacturer was notified and a report was taken. The investigation concluded that the vehicle could not be replaced under the lemon law because the time had expired. The speed and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 55,000 and failure mileage was 7,435. Updated 02/12/08. *lj the consumer stated the vehicle stalls and then shoots forward. Updated 02/12/08
Vehicle crank sensor defective.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving 5 MPH, the service engine light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall when stopping for a light or pulling into a parking space. The dealer stated that the upper and lower crankshaft sensors needed to be replaced. The federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling) was referenced. The current mileage was 47,136 and failure mileage was 46,136.
I purchased a brand new 2003 nissan. The first time I heard about a recall issue with the 2003 altima, I took it back to the dealership and they told me there was nothing wrong. The car will sporadically not start. I have had to replace the tires early on, the plugs were also replaced because it was misfiring, the brakes were squeaky at about 20,000 miles, the AC and the heater did not work (at about 30,000 miles and we had to replace them), water sloshing sounds, and had to replace the rooter. At about 55,000 miles the car started stopping sporadically. I took it to the dealership and they claimed they had fixed it. On my daughter's birthday, (3 months later) the car stalled on us on the road and she missed her own 3rd birthday party. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was the battery (less than 3 years from the time it was replaced). 2 weeks before christmas, I was on the road with my 11 month old infant, making a left turn at a busy intersection and the car just stopped!!! The driver behind me was just inches away from rear-ending me with my infant in the back seat facing back. I called nissan headquarter and told them what happened. I explained to them that I fear for the safety of my 2 young children and myself in the car. I explained to them that we drive on one of the busiest freeway in the country (ca ? 405). My children's lives are in danger each time I drive them in this car. I requested a replacement car from nissan and was told that they could not do that. This vehicle is my main means of transportation. I am very frightened about driving this car. I fear being killed with my children in this car; this car is a death trap just waiting to happen. Why has nissan refused to take responsibility and do something to prevent someone from being killed in their poorly built-malfunctioning vehicle?
My 2003 nissan altima with 102k miles on the 2.5liter was driven only about 8 miles when engine suddenly slowed and stalled while I was in traffic. The vehicle overheated. All vehicle service had previously been performed. Untimately my expense to rebuilt the engine was $2.2k with nissan refusing to accept any responsibility. Have others had similar experience? Did nissan also not stand behind there product with other customers?
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving 45 MPH, the engine completely lost power. The vehicle restarted after 4 or 5 attempts. The vehicle was included and repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). After the repair was performed, the failure recurred twice. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 107,000 and failure mileage was approximately 93,000. Updated 01-29-08. *kb updated
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While the vehicle was in park, it idled very roughly and made a loud whistling noise. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the throttle positioning sensor. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. The dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket; however, the failure recurred shortly afterwards. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact has not filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 76,000 and current mileage was 78,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving approximately 5 to 10 MPH, the vehicle shut off and has to be restarted. While on the highway, the vehicle hesitated as if it would shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor were replaced twice and currently need to be replaced a third time. The current mileage was 83,675 and failure mileage was 71,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving various speeds, the engine shut down. Once, when the vehicle was parked, it was difficult to restart. The check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle would shut down and not restart for a long period of time. There were no warning indicators present. The purchase date and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was approximately 121,000.
Car stalled. Wasn't firing on all cylinders. Car towed to dealer. Power valve screw that was fixed 11/20/2007 on recall by nissan has been sucked into engine thus requiring new engine & catalytic converter.
2003 nissan altima with recall for a sensor. Consumer states that she would like reimbursement because she did not take it to an authorized dealer for the repair. *kb the consumer stated the engine light illuminated and the engine seized. The consumer also stated the air condition didn't work. The rack and pinion steering bolt was found to be loose after a recall was performed.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the engine shut off while driving at an unknown speed. The dealer stated that nothing could be done because her VIN was not included in the recall. The failure has occurred on three occasions. The vehicle was repaired all three times; however, the failure still persists. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 54,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving 10 MPH and greater, the vehicle hesitated and completely shut off. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic twice and he stated that it was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired. The current mileage was 84,650 and failure mileage was 84,270. Updated 03/10/08. *lj the crank shaft positioner failed which caused the engine to stop. The consumer stated the stalling still occurs. The crank shaft was not covered, and her vehicle was not included in the recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The dealer reprogrammed the electronic control module, but would not replace the crank sensor for free. Currently, the vehicle is not starting properly and must wait a few minutes before it can be started. The current mileage was 45,000 and failure mileage was 44,000.
Under certain driving conditions my 2003 nissan altima's catalytic converter can have a failure that leads to destruction of the engine. Nissan has issued a voluntary recall to replace the defective catalytic converters, and in some cases replacement of the engine. It is my contention that nissan has made the conditions of this recall impossible for most owners to meet therefore avoiding having to replace a great number of engines in a very popular car. When my vehicle suffered this damage in october of 2007 I took it to the dealer I had purchased it from. They informed me that one of the conditions of the recall is that the ECM (computer) in the vehicle report a specific trouble code. Without that code being present they are unable to proceed under the conditions of the recall. It is my contention that a vehicle suffering from this defect will never report the trouble code that nissan is insisting it have. This defect causes material from the catalytic converter to be sucked into the engine resulting in major damage to the seals and rings inside the engine. This damage will result in an excessive amount of oil to exit the engine through the exhaust system clogging the oxygen sensors. Without functioning oxygen sensors the cars ECM will never report the malfunction of the catalytic converter which is determined by readings from the oxygen sensors. I assert that nissan has deliberately placed this condition on the recall to avoid performance under it. The only condition of the recall should be a visual inspection of the catalytic converter to determine if the physical defects are present. This is covered in step 'd' of the recall which dealers never get to because they are stopped at step 'a' when they cannot get the ECM to generate the trouble code. The recall in question is ntb03-070.
My pre catalyst failed at 80450 miles, just 450 miles over the federal mandate.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts. One week later, the engine light illuminated and approximately three weeks after that, the vehicle stalled and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the crankshaft sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The current mileage was 90,000 and failure mileage was 88,000.
I have taken my 2003 nissan altima to the dealer for the crankshaft position recall (the federal safety agency campaign id number : 06v242000). Now the ses light is illuminated indicating that the crankshaft position sensor needs to be replaced. Seems to me that if this defect is common, and it obviously is based on my research, and if it could cause crashes and, therefore injury or even death, that nissan would be obliged to rectify the problem--obviously they are not. What is being done to rectify the situation? Why hasn't something been done already (obviously the reprogramming associated with the recall has not resolved the problem). By the way, if there were already injuries or deaths then someone failed to act in a timely manner.
2003 nissan altima with a recall on the crank angle sensor. Customer states a few months after the repair was made the vehicle began to have problems. Mechanic determined it was the crank angle sensor again. *kb despite the fact the dealer claimed the recall was fixed, the vehicle was still running rough, the engine light had illuminated and the vehicle was occasionally stalling while idling.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Nissan Altima?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history