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.
2003 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 6 of 20: complaints 131 to 160 of 559, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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 the federal safety agency campaign id number:03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure and the current mileages were 139,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the timing chain was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 117,000. Updated 7/10/13 *cn the radiator, timing chain, power steering pump, power steering hose, water pump, valve cover gasket, engine insulator, crankshaft sensor and motor mount were all replaced. Updated 07/18/13
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 the federal safety agency 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
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 indicating crank position sensor problems with 2003 nissan altimas equipped with a 2.5 liter engine. These are the federal safety agency campaign numbers 03v455000 and 06v242000. Since my vehicle exhibited the exact symptoms of the recall notices listed above; and since my vehicle is of the same make, model and equipped with the same engine as those in the recall campaigns listed above; I believe nissan should have replaced the sensors on my vehicle free of charge.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 107,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2007 under the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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 not file a recall or help out with the costs, especially where they knew about the bad catalyic converter and blowing debris back into the engine. That is a shame, nissan is known for good strong dependable vehicles, and for them not wanting to help the consumers is going to hurt them in the long run. I honestly can say I would never purchase another nissan again.
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 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.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/complaints/ (search under 2003 nissan altima engine & engine cooling. There are 75 pages documenting this issue!).
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. The federal safety agency'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.
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 the federal safety agency 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 dies and start back up.
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).
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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. I have been told by nissan that since I am past the warranty period that this is not covered, even though it is a known defect. I am thankful I was not hurt, and I am very upset that nissan knew about this defect and did nothing about it for my model year. I have seen other similar complaints on-line and hope that they will be analyzed as well for possible recall & compensation.
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!
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, the recall would not apply. The failure and current mileage was 68,000.
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