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2003 Nissan Maxima engine problems

96 complaints (47% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
96
of this car's complaints
47%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Engine
    10
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    3
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    1
  • Engine: gasoline
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Maxima engine problems in other years

199019952000200520102022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Nissan Maxima engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 38Check engine light 34Won't start 10Loss of power 6

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2003 · 630,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Risk
This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.

Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details

What 2003 Nissan Maxima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Engine · 225,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

Please fix your auto fill --- it just erased everything! Anyway, the engine cuts out while driving in traffic. The engine cuts out while waiting at a red light. The engine cuts out while turning. It's ALL random! The engine code shows P0340, Bank 1 and Bank2, and sometimes P0345. I have replaced the camshaft position sensors FIVE times!!!!! I have tried both Auto Zone and Hitachi, and neither of them solves the problem. I also paid to have the crankshaft sensor below replaced, and that didn't help. I am told that this problem has been posted online and it was recommended to only use OEM parts. This is very dangerous to lose power while in traffic, and then having to wait until the engine will restart, which eventually it does. This is an ongoing problem. PLEASE help!!!

Filed Feb 23, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 220,000 miles · VA

As I was driving on the highway the car jerked and felt like it was losing acceleration. The check engine light, tcs and slid light turned on. I began to feel scared I had my child, sister and brother in the vehicle. I proceed to drive home with caution. Once I arrived home, I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it. The car would not start.

Filed Oct 6, 2020 · Engine · 170,000 miles · TX

When driving down the street it just turned off. Said it was crank/ cam position sensors well changed them and put new throttle body. And now to find there is a recall however my VIN is not part of it. Well it should be. And be fixed. I have been trying to fix for 9 months. Been sitting longer. First had to figure out where to start.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 188,000 miles · CA

It has the check engine light on, when the car is up, it takes time to start and when it is driving it sometimes turns off, but if they turn it on again if it starts.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 188,000 miles · CA

It has the check engine light on, it takes time to start and when it is driving it turns off (but it turns on).it goes off on flat surfaces, and when you are on a rise that's where it takes to catch on.

Filed Mar 20, 2020 · Engine · 143,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while attempting to exceed 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle stalled while stopped at a traffic light. The contact shifted the transmission to neutral and the vehicle remained on. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the VIN was subjected to the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Engine · 91,694 miles · MO

The vehicle has twice lost power and engine died while moving down the street. The check engine light was on after this incident and showed code p0345: camshaft position sensor a (bank 2). This vehicle does not show up on the r3022 crankshaft/camshaft sensor recall. However, the vehicle was manufactured 06/2002 and the recall dates include from 02/2001 to 07/2002. This vehicle has 91,694 miles on it and thus should not be exhibiting this problem from normal wear and tear. This is a very serious problem and could cause a crash in the future.

Filed Apr 14, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 123,000 miles · KY

Camshaft position sensor failed

Filed Nov 8, 2018 · Engine · NJ

Car won't start. It turns on and it cranks but it doesn't start

Questions about the 2003 Nissan Maxima engine

Does the 2003 Nissan Maxima have engine problems?

Owners have filed 96 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Nissan Maxima, 47% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Maxima engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2003 Nissan Maxima engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V455000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2003 Nissan Maxima problems

Airbags 35Lights 26Electrical 17Acceleration 8Brakes 7Fuel system 7Transmission 7Body 6Driver assistance 4Visibility 4Steering 3Suspension 3Tires 3Locks 2Seats 2Wheels 1

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