CarComplaints.com Notes: Here's a disturbing trend for the 2002 Nissan Altima: the engine starts burning oil like crazy, the catalytic converter goes bad, the head gasket blows and eventually the entire engine needs replacement. Sound familiar? Like a script from a horror film, these Altimas seem doomed to fail around 95k miles.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,022 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Nissan Altima engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #46

Mar 152007

Altima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While driving 65 mph the vehicle slowed down and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. On three occasions the vehicle shut off while driving without any warning. The mechanic, during a tune up, stated the crank angle sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that recall #06V242000 repair was performed on the vehicle 3 months prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The failure mileage was 72000, and the current mileage was 80000.

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

problem #45

Mar 082007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,945 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The vehicle stalled, causing another vehicle to crash into contact's vehicle. There were no injuries. The police was not notified. The contact requested the dealer to pay since the failure was due to recall#06V242000 ; however, the dealer advised the contact that she was responsible for cost of the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer informed her that there was a recall on the crank position sensor and the electronic control module. Also, the dealer stated that the computer could reprogram the failure and repair itself;. however, after diagnosing the vehicle they determined that the computer was defective and must be replaced. The contact was advised to write a letter to Nissan for reimbursement. The failure mileage was 75945, and the current mileage is 77694.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #44

Mar 062007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The vehicle lost power while driving at 40 mph. The contact waited approximately 20 minutes before the vehicle was able to restart. The dealer stated that the computer needed reprogramming, and made the repair. Approximately three days later the vehicle began to hesitate and completely lost power again. The dealer recommended that the cam and crank shaft sensors be replaced. There was arecall # 30V455000 for a 2002 Nissan Altima for the cam and crank shaft sensors. The dealer stated that the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall, although the contact felt otherwise. The current and failure mileage were 112,000.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #43

Feb 162007

Altima 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recalls on 2003 Nissan Altima concerning crank angle sensors and ECM, engine computer, received. Took it to a Nissan dealer, and they reprogrammed the ECM. They said this would fix my problem. 2 days later light was back on, and car continued to cut-off just as the recall letter stated it would do. Took car back to Nissan, and they refused to honor they recall, and have asked me to pay for it, and then they will investigate and will send me a refund for repairs. Over $200 for repairs. Advised them of their recall letter that I received only to say they were sorry. Check engine light is still on, car cuts off while driving are, and while just sitting still. It continued to jerk or drive like it was skipping, and they claimed it was the crank angle sensor that needed to be replaced, same as recall.

- Haughon, LA, USA

problem #42

Feb 092007

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S bought in January of 2003. Car intermittently will not start. Nissan dealers have performed all recalls including ECM software replacement and engine crank sensor replacement but the problem remains. This is an ongoing problem which has not been resolved.

- Pinon Hills, CA, USA

problem #41

Jul 082006

Altima

  • 103,200 miles
2003 Nissan Altima customer paid for service and now recall notice and wants to be reimbursed for repairs* the vehicle's electronic control module failed prior to recall notification. This caused the check engine light to illuminate and the vehicle to stall intermittently. The consumer requested reimbursement for all charges associated with the recall.

- Columbia , SC, USA

problem #40

Jan 172007

Altima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Service engine soon light comes up on my dashboard of Nissan Altima 2003. When I took it to the dealer, they said that there are a few recalls on this vehicle and they will fix it. After about 15 minutes of driving from their location, the light came up again. The car runs like its brakes are on. It once stopped at a traffic light. There is a big concern if it stops in the middle of the road and causes accident. How can I get Nissan to address it?

- West Jordan, UT, USA

problem #39

Jan 052007

Altima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,844 miles
-the contact stated that she took vehicle to dealer to be serviced on December 26, 2006 under recall 06V242000 that she received from Nissan. The contacts stated that since the work was completed for the recall to the engine and cooling system the failure happened again. She returned the vehicle to the dealer yet they refused to repair the vehicle again for free. They insisted that the current failure was caused by an oil leak. Updated 1/26/2007 -

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #38

Dec 182006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 38,450 miles
Update to ODI 10176518. Power valve screws were found missing. Screws were ingested into combustion chamber of engine.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #37

Dec 182006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 38,500 miles
Slowed vehicle and sees light began to flash. Vehicle died. Restarted vehicle. Ses light on constant. Vehicle 'pulses' - like not getting enough fuel.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #36

Sep 132006

Altima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Courtesy copy re defective 2003 Nissan Altima. She is seeking reimbursement from Nissan. The vehicle stalled weather the vehicle was acceleration from a stop or while driving at various speeds. The check engine light illuminated the vehicle was taken to a dealer who indicated that the vehicle needed the crank case replaced, throttle sensor adjusted, fuel injection flushed, power steering flushed, and brake fluid flushed. The consumer did some research and found recall 06V242000 in reference to faulty engine crank angle sensor. The consumer vehicle fell within the range of the recall but the consumer was told by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. Therefore the consumer had to pay for the replacement of the sensor. Several months later the check engine light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who checked the recalls. The dealer replaced a faulty chamber. The faulty chamber resulted in a throttle chamber replacement.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #35

Oct 212006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,600 miles
My 2003 Nissan Altima VIN 1N4al11D33C2xxxxx was displaying a service engine soon light with a code of P0 507- idle system too high.....this appeared approximately 3 weeks following the R0606 recall for a ECM re-porgram for a crank engine sensor. The intresting thing, my sister has the same car, did the same recall around the same time and had the same service engine soon light appear the same day with the same code. Searching the web, it appears many folks are having the same problem. I paid about $140 to have the problem fixed and want Nissan to refund my money, however 6 calls to them has gotten me no where.

- Ashland, MA, USA

problem #34

Sep 272006

Altima

  • 49,868 miles
2003 Altima throttle body was defective causing check engine soon light to illuminate. Chamber assembly had to be replaced. The consumer believes that the recall she received for the crank angle sensor and electronic control module is related to the throttle assembly which had to be replaced.

- Tamarac, FL, USA

problem #33

Oct 162006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,500 miles
I have a problem with my crank sensor on my 03 Nissan Altima, the car will shut off while driving creating a very dangerous situation if on a heavy traveled road. I'm afraid that it will result in a accident possibly injuring me. I tried to have the Nissan dealership fix this prob under their recall and they refused stating it was only for the 02 models. Many other Altima owners are experiencing the same thing if you searched on www.nissanclub.com you would see numerous entries of the same thing. I just want this fixed for safety reasons.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #32

Sep 302006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
: the contact stated the recall repair work #06V242000 was performed on the vehicle in 10/06. Three days after the recall repair, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began to run idle. It was taken to the dealer where diagnostic testing identified that the idle was off and needed to be relearned, which was performed. 12 miles after leaving the dealer, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began idling worst than it did before. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined the computer was bad because it would not accept the relearning of the idle. The computer was replaced. Four days later the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was jumped and taken to a independent repair shop who determined that there was not a problem with the alternator, battery and starter. They all tested normal to manufacturer specifications. The independent repair shop mechanic stated that the vehicle would probably not start due to a defective computer. The manufacturer was contacted, and recommended the vehicle be taken to a dealer.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #31

Sep 172006

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Dear NHTSA, recently I have been having problems with my 2003 Nissan Altima, more specificity, the engine has stopped running without warning while driving at a low speed. I researched this issue and found a recall on the Nissan website for the crank angle sensor on all 2002 Altima, but nothing for 2003 Altima. However, while researching on the web I found several reports, including the NHTSA website (campaign # 06V-242), indicating that a few 200,000 2003 Altima/Sentra (2.5 liter) were being recalled for the same crank angle problem. I brought this issue up with the Nissan service department (cerritos) and was thoroughly disappointed with the support and service from the technicians. First, I was informed that my car was not under the recall. Then, I was informed that not all recalls are listed in the website and I would have to get my car serviced first and only after could they determine whether or not my car is under the warranty. And I would need to pay for whatever repairs that was needed to be done. I do not have an issue with paying for the repairs if it is not a recall issue; however, shouldn't the Nissan's technicians know exactly what is under recall by looking into the VIN number or the parts number? also, the recall is not listed or announced on the Nissan website but is reported in several articles. It should have been Nissan's responsibility to inform the public of this safety issue, even if it is only a small number of vehicles. And the dealerships responsibility to check into the problem, especially since there have been other instances with this particular car. I have yet to receive any correction for this issue and am hoping you will be of some assistance to me with this problem since I have had no luck with the dealership. Cindy lin.

- La Palma, CA, USA

problem #30

Jul 242006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,070 miles
My 2003 Nissan Altima stalls at intersections for no apparent reason. I'll come to a stop, and it will die. I'll get the vehicle started, try to go and it will stall. I blocked traffic momentarily, and made some other drivers fairly irritated. The car is going into the shop next week to hopefully correct the problem.

- Marietta, OK, USA

problem #29

Jun 182006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,561 miles
The service engine soon light began to appear in mid to late June. I have taken my vehicle to two different mechanical establishments and they have ran the vehicle through their scanners and can not find the problem. They have replaced the resister on the transmission however the car continues to shift hard. Nissan has a bulletin about problems on the transmission solenoid but it has not been reported as a recall. My car has reduced engine power and has stopped on me once while I was driving. My vehicle has been serviced thoroughly and the service engine soon light is still on.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #28

Jun 132006

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
Driving on interstate car died almost had wrecks, car shut down. Thought maybe bad gas. Husband on the crosstown car died, it is at the dealers now. The service personal at the dealer ship said a lot of the Altima's were having that trouble and he would see if the might be a recall. Have not heard anything yet.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #27

Jul 022006

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. for the last 6 months my car has been stalling periodically. The stall occurs anytime at any speed. When the engine stalls I lose power steering and power brakes. I have had several close call potential accidents, while trying to stop the vehicle with no brakes and no steering. I took the vehicle to the dealer but they could not tell me what the problem was. Just yesterday the car stalled 5 times and finally the service engine light went on. The code indicated that the camshaft position sensor is faulty.

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

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