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2003 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

727 reports with mileage · 156 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 450 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports13 fire reports22 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

89 reports
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140,953 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Electrical System

VEHICLE HAS STALLED - ENGINE STOPPED - IN TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS ARE THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THESE PARTS. IT IS ABSURD THAT THE SAME PARTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR OTHER ALTIMAS BUILT IN THE SAME YEAR, YET SEVERAL VINS, INCLUDING MINE, WERE EXCLUDED. THE RECALL FOR MY…

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VEHICLE HAS STALLED - ENGINE STOPPED - IN TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS ARE THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THESE PARTS. IT IS ABSURD THAT THE SAME PARTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR OTHER ALTIMAS BUILT IN THE SAME YEAR, YET SEVERAL VINS, INCLUDING MINE, WERE EXCLUDED. THE RECALL FOR MY VIN WAS TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER TO PREVENT THE FAILED PARTS FROM TELLING THE COMPUTER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. THIS RECALL HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY BUT ALSO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE INTERNET BY OTHER DRIVERS. WHEN WILL THE NHTSA STAND UP FOR THE CITIZENS IT WAS CREATED TO PROTECT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10440506

96,500 miles · May 18, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10401999

44,277 miles · Nov 4, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I GO IN REVERSE AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR CONTINUES TO GO IN REVERSE. STALLS WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT SPEEDS UP WHEN I STEP ON THE BREAKS, I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BREAK TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO CO…

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2003 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I GO IN REVERSE AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR CONTINUES TO GO IN REVERSE. STALLS WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT SPEEDS UP WHEN I STEP ON THE BREAKS, I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BREAK TO AVOID HITTING CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, WHEN IT DOES THE CAR STALLS EVEN MORE. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY GAVE IT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED THAT THEY ENTERED A CODE FOR THE SENSORS, BUT WERE NOT SURE IF THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO NISSAN MECHANICS SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2007 AND IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING IN 2010. THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND IT CONTINUES TO STALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10364044

122,000 miles · Sep 27, 2010
Electrical System

CAR WAS SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL DAYS AGO. I HAVE RESEARCHED BRIEFLY ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER MODELS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COVERED ON A RECALL; HOWEVER, NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5S APPARENTLY IS NOT RECALLED IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ISSUE. *…

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CAR WAS SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL DAYS AGO. I HAVE RESEARCHED BRIEFLY ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER MODELS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COVERED ON A RECALL; HOWEVER, NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5S APPARENTLY IS NOT RECALLED IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10357916

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior LightingTires

I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES ON MY 2003 ALTIMA IT HAS ONLY 78,000 MILES ON IT . I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES THE TIRES SOUND LIKE THEY ARE COMING APART. THE HEADLIGHT LENS ARE TURNING FOGGY AND YELLOW CUTTING DOWN ON THE HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY. MOTOR BUSING WENT BAD CAR WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. ALTERNATOR WENT BAD …

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I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES ON MY 2003 ALTIMA IT HAS ONLY 78,000 MILES ON IT . I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES THE TIRES SOUND LIKE THEY ARE COMING APART. THE HEADLIGHT LENS ARE TURNING FOGGY AND YELLOW CUTTING DOWN ON THE HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY. MOTOR BUSING WENT BAD CAR WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. ALTERNATOR WENT BAD AT 50,000 MILES. DRIVER DOOR HINGE IS BAD WANT STAY OPEN IF CAR IS A LITTLE UNEVEN. HAD TO REPLACE CRANK SENSOR CAUSE CAR WOULDN'T START AT AROUND 65,000 MILES THE DEALER SAID THERE WERE NO RECALL ON ANY THESE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349537

95,000 miles · Jul 20, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

THE ENGINE STALLS WHEN STOPPED OR MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, BETWEEN 1-15 TIMES A MONTH IN NORMAL DRIVING. THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL (06V242000) THAT MATCHES MY PROBLEM BUT MY VIN DOESN'T MATCH THOSE BEING RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344222

74,000 miles · Jun 15, 2010
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TAP THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED FASTER. THE VEHICLE JUMPED OVER A DITCH AND FINALLY LANDED IN A CANAL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TAP THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED FASTER. THE VEHICLE JUMPED OVER A DITCH AND FINALLY LANDED IN A CANAL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING OPEN WOUNDS, FRACTURED RIBS, TWO CRACKED DISKS, HEAD INJURY AND INCIDENTS OF LOOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000. UPDATED EVOQ 07/20/10.*JB THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIAN HE FOUND AN ELECTRIC CROSSOVER CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS AND MAY HAVE BEEN COMPUTER RELATED. UPDATED 11/23/10. *JB UPDATED 12/07/10. *JB UPDATED 12/21/10*LJ UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11. *JB UPDATED 01/12/11. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS A CLEAR DAY AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY LIGHT. HE HAD JUST LEFT HIS HOME AND WAS LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM HIS HOME, DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN HIS VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE TAPPED THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES; EACH TIME THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FASTER. THE VEHICLE JUMPED OVER A DITCH AND FINALLY LANDED IN A WATER-FILLED IRRIGATION CANAL. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 01/13/11 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10336473

108,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5L V6 SE - THE DOOR LOCKS KEEP LOCKING REPEATEDLY. WILL DO THIS WHILE I AM IN AND OUT OF THE CAR REGARDLESS OF KEY FOB USE. MY HAZARD LIGHTS FLASH EACH TIME. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A WEEK AND HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY AND DURATION. IT IS NOW CONSTANT - GOING ON EVERY 3-5 SECONDS. I HAD TROUBLE …

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2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5L V6 SE - THE DOOR LOCKS KEEP LOCKING REPEATEDLY. WILL DO THIS WHILE I AM IN AND OUT OF THE CAR REGARDLESS OF KEY FOB USE. MY HAZARD LIGHTS FLASH EACH TIME. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A WEEK AND HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY AND DURATION. IT IS NOW CONSTANT - GOING ON EVERY 3-5 SECONDS. I HAD TROUBLE GETTING MY DAUGHTER OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE THE DOOR KEPT LOCKING ON ME. I WORRY ABOUT THE ABILITY TO GET OUT QUICKLY IF NEEDED. IT BRINGS ATTENTION TO MY CAR THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ON MANY LEVELS. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT MAY BE THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10317156

42,038 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS RUST ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED AND THAT IF THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS REMOVED THE BOLTS MAY FALL OFF. THE DEAL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS RUST ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED AND THAT IF THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS REMOVED THE BOLTS MAY FALL OFF. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP AND THE REAR SUB FRAME WERE CORRODED. ALL OF THE ROTORS ON THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STATE AND OCEAN LOCATION MAY BE A FACTOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #10315891

74,444 miles · Oct 14, 2009
Electrical System

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, AT A LOW SPEED, WHEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE VEHICLE DIED. IT WAS DURING THE EVENING HOURS. I WAS LUCKY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME DIDN'T RUN INTO ME. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR, AND DRIVE OFF. THE CAR DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN, BUT A WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, AT A LOW SPEED, WHEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE VEHICLE DIED. IT WAS DURING THE EVENING HOURS. I WAS LUCKY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME DIDN'T RUN INTO ME. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR, AND DRIVE OFF. THE CAR DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN, BUT A WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A CRANK ANGLE SENSOR. IT WAS FAULTY AND THAT'S WHY MY CAR DIED, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I FOUND OUT THAT, NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON THIS ITEM. I CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA INC AND SPOKE TO A PERSON NAME DAVID. DAVID CONFIRMED THAT THEY DID HAVE A RECALL ON THE SENSOR BUT IT WAS ONLY ON CERTAIN YEARS FOR THE ALTIMA. I TOLD DAVID THAT MAYBE ALL THE ALTIMA'S WITH THIS SENSOR SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND A OWNER NOTIFICATION FROM NISSAN TELLING ME THAT MY ALTIMA, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR AND ECM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER RECEIVING THEIR NOTICE. THE DEALER REPROGRAM THE ECM UNIT, BUT NEVER REPLACED THE SENSOR. I TOLD DAVID AT NISSAN THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE SENSOR AT THE TIME WHEN THEY REPROGRAM THE ECM. IT WAS VERY SCARY WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED SUDDENLY. I WAS VERY LUCKY I DIDN'T GET HURT. I AM LETTING YOU KNOW BECAUSE I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD RECALL ALL THEIR VEHICLE EQUIP WITH THIS SENSOR. I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I TOLD DAVID AT NISSAN THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR ANYMORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287321

Official recalls

4

06V242000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Jul 7, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

03V251000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jul 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.

03V084000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Mar 11, 2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ06001 · Engine Stall - Crank Position Sensor

Opened Feb 22, 2006 · Closed Jul 18, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.

Engine And Engine Cooling

ON JUNE 28, 2006 NISSAN SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) A PART 573 REPORT ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA AND NISSAN ALTIMA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES WOULD BE RECALLED TO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V242. THE SUBJECT POPULATIONS OF THE RECALL ARE 14,587 NISSAN SENTRA VEHICLES AND 186,279 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.NISSAN DETERMINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IN ALTIMA AND SENTRA SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS DUE TO THE UNIQUE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS MAY CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.IF THE INTERRUPTION IS BRIEF ENOUGH, SUCH THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED. AS A REMEDY, NISSAN WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM TO PREVENT THE STALLING INCIDENTS DUE TO SIGNAL INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.ADDITIONALLY, AS PART OF THE RECALL QUERY, NISSAN WAS REQUESTED TO PROVIDE COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR MY 2004 ALTIMA FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES.NISSAN HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO THE MY 2003 AS COMPARATIVELY, THE MY 2004 COMPLAINT RATE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE COMPLAINT RATE OF THE MY 2004 ALTIMA. ACCORDINGLY THE RECALL QUERY IS CLOSED.

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