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 the federal safety agency 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
2003 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 7 of 20: complaints 161 to 190 of 559, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the contact stated that the vehicle abruptly stalled without warning. Also, the contact expierenced a no start condition. The dealer advised the contact that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact was sitting at a traffic stop when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was then contacted and they advised the contact that he was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure and current mileage was approximately 61,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, a loud ticking noise began to come from the engine. The contact looked under the engine and noticed that the oil reservoir was empty, but there were no signs of leakage. Oil was added to the vehicle, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. She then discovered that there was no oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was no oil leak however, the vehicle was burning oil rapidly. The dealer advised the contact that her vehicle was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer was not notified and the vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 123,358.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated the vehicle would intermittently stall while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated the vehicle would intermittently hesitate after it was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed the crank position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 81,456.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle also began to perform as if it were going to stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 06/14/11*jb updated 07/08/11 *bf updated 3/15/12
I have a 2003 nissan altima 2.5 with approx. 155k miles on it. I bought it used with approx. 20k miles in 2006. At around 60k I noticed that the vehicle was using a little more oil than normal. I had it serviced and was told that the engine was getting older and it was normal wear and tear. I continued to do the regular maintenance and at about 130k miles it started to use even more oil. Took it in again and was told that the engine is getting older and this was normal again. Fast forward to this year. At about 145k miles the check engine light comes on. I take it in and I am told it is a p0420, which means that the catalyst system is below threshold, but not told that this is common in 02 - 03 nissan altimas. I started hearing rattling noises in the engine and oil consumption went through the roof. I just had my oil changed last week and had to put 3 quarts in it this morning after only 400 miles. Engine compression is also gone. So I start doing some research and find that I am not the only one experiencing these problems and that nissan is well aware that the catalytic converter disintegrates in this model year car, destroying the engine and leading to excessive oil consumption but refuses to issue a recall. They are also aware that it happens overtime and I believe use this to their advantage in avoiding warranty repairs. It seems that they hide behind the warranty period and refuse to take action since this problem isn't discovered until it is too late and beyond the warranty period. It develops in most cars slowly over time. I am also very disappointed that every mechanic I went to told me it was normal. Then I get online and do a google search leading me to hundreds of message boards with people having the same problem and being blown off by nissan. I take very good care of my cars. I am now going to have to purchase a new car because I am refusing to pay $4,000 to replace an engine for a know defect. Apparently this defect has also caused fires in cars.
My husband and I bought this car in feb 2011 with around 118000 from a buy here pay here and two months later the motor went out on it. We drove it to church and turned it off and it didn't want to turn on again my husband checked the spark plugs and they had water in it. I have read that this car have bad motor problems, our mechanic checked it and said we need a new motor
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle seemed as if it would stall and she smelled a burning odor. She also noticed that the lights on the instrument panel flickered. The failure was frequent and occurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who informed her of recall 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was not notified. The current mileage was approximately 49,000. The failure mileage was approximately 48,686.
This situation has happened a few times; I park my car (turn engine off) do groceries, shopping, etc, come back, I turn the car on and the car is like stalling, like its idle but you can feel the shaking on the steering wheel. I didn't want to drive on this situation. I turned the engine off, turn it back on and still the same situation. I have to wait 3-5 minutes with engine off, then I turn it on and the car starts working normal. There is no "service engine soon" light on the dashboard. This is happening time to time. At first I thought it could be someting with the gasoline in the tank, that is not the case because I left my tank almost to empty and load a new tank, different gas station and still does the same. I called the dealer where I bought it, asked for any recalls on my car's model/year. They say no recalls for this year/model. I started searching for similar problems and I read a few articles that the '02 models have been recalled for similar issues, also that the same '03 model in canada has been recalled and serviced for same issue. Although I cannot prove that what I read is true, I believe this problem should be checked by nissan dealership maintenance centers since there is no alert signs on the dashboards.
Tl*the contact owns 2003 nissan altima. The contact noticed the engine was consuming oil faster than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test that located the failure in the catalytic converter. The oil escaped into the catalytic converter causing the engine and the catalytic converter to fail. The dealer stated that the engine and the catalytic converter had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer filed report 7135820 but would not assist with the repair because the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 14,000.
I own a 2003 nissan altima. Back in september of 2010, I was driving on my way to work. About 4 miles from my home. (my car is right under 107k miles at the time). I was driving normal, or correctly. All of a sudden my car shuts off! I have to jerk my wheel to the right and break my car before I caused an accident. I am so thankful I was not on the freeway when this happened. My life and the lives of others were put at risk that day because of this problem with your car. There is a recall for your car, actually quite a few, but the one I'm most interested in getting fixed is the one that determines my lively hood. All I am asking is you please fix this. I can go without the AC or having weak headlights to drive at night with. I just can't depend on this car to not kill me one day. Please, I am begging you. Once again for my life & the lives of many others that will be involved. Please fix this problem! I cannot afford to pay for a new engine for the altima out of pocket. Recalled on : 7/7/2006 influenced by: office of defects investigation recalled for: engine and engine cooling.
Http://www.carcomplaints.com/nissan/altima/2003/engine/engine_burns_oil.shtml.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While driving approximately 30 MPH the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. He stated that the vehicle continued t function normally and was immediately driven to an authorized dealer. The dealer advised him that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been on going for three to four weeks. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle stalling while driving, burning oil quickly doing oil changes every month, nissan service station said catalytic coverter. Car still making noise other complaints that this is a normal problem then engine blows due to debris from converter getting into engine. This should be a recall
2003 nissan altima 2.5 litre engine. Blowing oil out tailpipe with 101,000. Many blogs report same problem with same make and model. *tr the consumer stated a couple of months after purchasing the vehicle, she discovered the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of oil in a short time. The consumer found a recall regarding the engine. However, the recall has since closed. The consumer was informed the catalytic converter, engine and throttle body needed to be replaced. The consumer stated she has documentation the vehicle was fixed under the recall in 2003. However, she did not purchase the vehicle until 2010, but the problem has since resurfaced. Updated ivoq 08/07/12
The car would intermittently stall and sometimes would lurch when driving. We replaced spark plugs and a coils, but periodically the check engine light would still come on. I was driving around town and was stopped at a stop light. As I took off from the light, the car stalled and suddenly stopped. I tried to restart the vehicle, the engine revved and smoke filled the interior of the vehicle and a strong burning oil/gas smell. I then had to have the car towed as it would not turn over. The person behind me nearly ran into me since the car stopped so suddenly. The mechanic replaced the crank position sensor and the pre catalyst and catalytic converters. It was discovered at that time that the vehicle had used about 2.5 qts of oil and no oil light came on. Today, I drove the car for the 2nd time since the repair and it is losing power and lurching while on the highway. There is a ticking noise in the engine, and the car shudders like it is going to stall. It is being brought back to the mechanic today. The engine light started flashing and then turned solid. Clouds of smoke began coming out of the exhaust. I'm afraid that the car will turn off while I'm driving on the highway and cause a crash. This problem has been ongoing for 2 years (begin around 65,000 miles) and occurs at various speeds from stopped to 65mph.
Tl* the contact owns 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall without warning when driving various speeds. The failure would also occur when first starting the vehicle and shifting into gear. The dealer was contacted and the contact was advised that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling) and that the contact would be liable for any further repairs. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current was 100,253. Updated 04/06/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. While having the vehicle serviced by an independent mechanic for excessive oil consumption, the contact was informed that materials from the pre-catalyst were fracturing and entering the engine which was caused by the excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with 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 100,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.
On numerous occasions our 2003 nissan altima will just stop running while at a light or just slowed down in traffic. The car has been repaired numerous times for the same sensor replacement. I do not feel safe in this car any more.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but it would not respond. After approximately twenty-seven attempts, the vehicle started. The failure recurred whenever the contact attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on numerous occasions where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The engine was replaced but the failure persisted. The failure and current mileage was 63,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the pre-catalytic converter failed; there was debris in the engine that caused the engine to fail which overheated the catalytic substrate. The contact referenced recall 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) but the vehicle was not included. The contact called the manufacturer and was awaiting a return call. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that when taking her vehicle in for routine maintenance, the mechanic advised her that there was a recall 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). Once the repairs were performed, they notified the contact and advised her that the vehicle was inoperable due to metal being jammed in the engine. Since the metal was not included in the recall they are not willing to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the mechanic advising her of the problem, she had never been informed of the recall. The vehicle was repaired for the engine components but not for the metal. The failure and current mileages were approximately 115,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 05/02/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter failed causing the engine to burn oil excessively. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 134,147. Updated 03/24/11*lj the consumer stated after the repair, the engine began to burn oil through the tail pipe excessively. Updated 04/22/11
2003 nissan altima. Consumer expresses concern that other 2003 nissan altima vehicles were not identified or included in campaigns related to the airbag/driver control module, airbag sensor and the crankshaft position sensor *tgw the consumer stated her vehicle was serviced at the dealer due to the continuous flashing of the air bag light. The dealer informed the consumer the air bag sensor was defective. As a result, the entire unit needed to be replaced. The consumer stated her vehicle was excluded from the air bag recall even though the vehicle was manufactured in 2002. On january 15, 2010 the vehicle began displaying problems such as difficulty cranking, sudden jerks while accelerating and loss of power. On january 16, 2010 the service engine light later illuminated. Testing revealed a defective crankshaft sensor. Also, the o2 sensor and catalytic converter had to be replaced.
1. Engine stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low spped. And check engine light came on 2. Four times, first to second about 3 weeks. Second to third 2 weeks. Fourth one same day. 3. Reset the code, to clear check engine light. No one knows the actual problem.
This 2003 2.5s altima failed to start on february 6, 2011. Upon taking the car to mossy nissan in san diego, where the car was sold, the mechanic working on the car diagnosed the car as having a screw from the power valve over the 4 cylinder that came loose and damaged the intake manifold and catalytic converter to the extent that they must be replaced. The car only has 41,000 miles. This problem has been documented extensively on the internet, including here: http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/2002-2006-nissan-altima-discussion-2-5-3-5/267734-butterfly-valve-power-valve-intake-manifold-issue.html. I believe there was a recall for the 2004 and 2005 altima for this issue. My understanding is that the 2003 2.5s altima has the same engine, yet no recall was made. After contacting nissan customer relations, they offered no assistance with fixing the problem, despite the blatant design flaw. Other drivers that have had this issue with their altimas have been put at risk of death, as the cars have been known to stop running entirely while moving, because of damage done by the loose power valve screws to the engine. I hope that the federal safety agency will take this issue seriously. Thank you for your help.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and completely stopped. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the engine contained no oil. The oil had been changed three months prior to the failure. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who told him to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan altima. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the vehicle began to jerk abnormally and then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle as it operated as normal.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that the oxygen, crank shaft and cam shaft sensors would need to be replaced. The sensors were replaced yet the failure persisted after repairs. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told that the engine would need to be replaced. The authorized dealer told the contact they could not perform the recall remedy associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling) due to the failure of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 95,602.
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