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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.

About this comparison →

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

Seat Belts complaints

9 reports
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139,000 miles · Nov 15, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TAKATA RECALL - I WAS TRAVELING ON THE LEFT INSIDE LANE OF A 4 LANE ROAD DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CAME OVER INTO MY LANE THUS PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE MEDIAN. I HIT A CEMENT CULVERT & CAR STILL PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL DOWN MEDIAN WITHOUT AT LEAST 1 BACK TIRE FINALLY HITTING A TREE WHICH STOPPED CAR FR…

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TAKATA RECALL - I WAS TRAVELING ON THE LEFT INSIDE LANE OF A 4 LANE ROAD DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CAME OVER INTO MY LANE THUS PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE MEDIAN. I HIT A CEMENT CULVERT & CAR STILL PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL DOWN MEDIAN WITHOUT AT LEAST 1 BACK TIRE FINALLY HITTING A TREE WHICH STOPPED CAR FROM GOING INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED & THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH ME WITH MY FACE GOING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN FIREMEN ARRIVED ON SCENE & HELPED ME OUT THEY WOULD NOT ALLOW ME BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO RETRIEVE THE REGISTRATION CARD STATING THAT THEY SMELLED AIR BAG ODORS; FIREMEN & HIGHWAY PATROLMAN ALONG WITH WRECKER SERVICE MAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE INFLATED. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY LIFE THREATENING INJURIES -JUST A SORE NECK & BACK; BROKEN NOSE & 2 BLACK EYES. ALSO HURT ANKLE & HIP DURING WRECK. HAVE HAD ALL OVER BODY PAIN ALL THIS WEEK. IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN A PASSENGER SHE WOULD HAVE GONE THRU THE WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY GEICO INSURANCE. REPORTED AIR BAG FAILURE TO NISSAN; HAVE MADE SEVERAL CALLS TO THEM LEAVING NAME & PHONE NUMBER TO CALL ME; TODAY I RECEIVED A FEDX PACKAGE OF INFORMATION FROM NISSAN STATING THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTACT ME & FOR ME TO CALL THE ENCLOSED NUMBER. I DID SO & LEFT ANOTHER MESSAGE & PHONE NUMBER. AGAIN NO ONE HAS RETURNED ANY OF MY CALLS BUT THE INFO IN THE PACKAGE SHOWS THAT THEY KNOW WHAT CAR I WAS DRIVING BY THE VIN NUMBER. ...UPDATED 12/11/17 *BF *JS

NHTSA ODI #11046389

142,000 miles · Feb 24, 2017
Seat Belts

TAKATA RECALL, MY PASSENGER FRONT AND BACK SEATS ARE THE ONLY SEAT BELTS THAT WILL NOT RETRACK WHETHER THE CAR IS ON/OFF. I TRIED DRIVING TO SEE IF THEY THEN RETRACK AND STILL NOTHING HAPPENS.

NHTSA ODI #10956824

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2016
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEAD INJURIES, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER RESTRAINT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEAD INJURIES, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER RESTRAINT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND EXTENSIVE INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED AWAY BY AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10911353

74,000 miles · Oct 28, 2009
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingCrash

MY CAR SHUT OF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH WAS HARD TO SEE BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS DIDN'T GIVE MUCH LIGHT AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK EITHER...I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA...THE CAR WOULD USUALLY TURN OF ON ME LIKE THAT BUT NOT A HIGHER SPEEDS...THE CAR'S ENGINE HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE IT HAD …

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MY CAR SHUT OF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH WAS HARD TO SEE BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS DIDN'T GIVE MUCH LIGHT AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK EITHER...I OWN A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA...THE CAR WOULD USUALLY TURN OF ON ME LIKE THAT BUT NOT A HIGHER SPEEDS...THE CAR'S ENGINE HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE IT HAD 3 RECALLS FOR IT( HEADLAMP RECALL, ENGINE EXHAUST RECALL, & ENGINE COOLING RECALL) BEFORE I HAD THIS DONE I HAD A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON WHICH CAME OUT AS P0420, P0240, AND HAD 3 P0335...AFTER I HAD THE "RECALL DONE"...A WEEK LATER MY CAR "BLEW A HEAD GASKET" AND I HAD A CODE P0300...I IMMEDIATELY GOT IT FIXED FOR LIKE $1300...AFTER THAT...2 WEEKS LATER I GOT A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON WHICH CAME OUT AS P0335, P0240, & P0420...I'VE ALSO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS...I'VE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH A REGIONAL SPECIALIST WHICH CAN'T REALLY HELP ME AT ALL...NISSAN DEALER LIKE TO TAKE MONEY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TELLS ME THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE...MY CAR STILL SHUTS OFF AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T EVEN START...WHEN THE CAR START UP IT MAKES A LOUD ENGINE NOISE...SO RIGHT NOW MY CAR SHUTS OFF AT ANY SPEED RATE NOW JUST LOW SPEEDS, I DON'T HAVE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR, ENGINE MAKES A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S SOMETHING LIKE A ROCK IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND MY CAR'S SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290059

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2009
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic

I WAS SOLD MY CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS HAD PROBLEM SINCE DAY ONE AND I KEEP UP WITH MY MAINTENANCE AND A MONTH AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE I SPENT OVER 2500 IN REPAIRS NOW I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH CATALYST AND THE EXHAUST PIPE WHICH IS ON THE RECALL LIST FROM 7-30-2003 WHEN I START THE CAR IT DOESN'T WANT TO START AND IT I…

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I WAS SOLD MY CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS HAD PROBLEM SINCE DAY ONE AND I KEEP UP WITH MY MAINTENANCE AND A MONTH AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE I SPENT OVER 2500 IN REPAIRS NOW I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH CATALYST AND THE EXHAUST PIPE WHICH IS ON THE RECALL LIST FROM 7-30-2003 WHEN I START THE CAR IT DOESN'T WANT TO START AND IT IS A TAPPING SOUND THAT IS HEARD ALL THE TIME I HAVE TRIED TO GET IN TOUCH WHERE I GOT THE CAR FROM BUT THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS AND I AM STILL PAYING ON THIS CAR I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STRUTS ,SHOCKS, BRAKES, AND AIR CONDITIONER JUST ALOT OF STUFF AND NOW THE TAPPING NOISE IS SO BAD ITS SCARING ME AND I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN THAT RIDES WITH ME IN THAT CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287170

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsSuspension

I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR MOVING VERY SLOWLY,NOT STAYING IN THE ROAD, PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH 2 HANDS TO KEEP IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR MOVING VERY SLOWLY,NOT STAYING IN THE ROAD, PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH 2 HANDS TO KEEP IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MAINTENANCE SHOP JUST TO MAKE SURE I WAS BEING TOLD THE TRUTH. AFTER 30 MIN OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD BY A GOODYEAR MANAGER THAT I HAVE 3X THE WRONG SIZE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE 205/65/16 TIRES ON MY CAR AND I HAVE 225/60/16 TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. I AM FURIOUS BECAUSE I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH THOSE TIRES ON MY CAR AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES TO BE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE AND THEY KNEW THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. MY CAR IS NOT A STEADY VEHICLE I FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY HOLD IT STILL IN THE ROAD. WHEN IT RAIN I FEEL LIKE I WRECK AT ANYTIME. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND IT HURTS ME TO KNOW THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND NOT ONE TIME HAVE THEY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MY TIRES. I HAVE HAD THOSE TIRES ALIGNED AND BALANCE BUT THE TECH TOLD ME IT WOULD DO ME NO GOOD BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE 3 TIMES TO BIG. PLEASE HELP I THINK THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY TIRES WITH THE RIGHT SIZE. ALSO MY SEAT BELTS ON THE CAR WILL NOT EXTRACT I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WILL PULL THEM OUT BUT WHEN I LEAVE AFTER ABOUT 4 TO 5 DAYS MY BELTS WILL GET STUCK AGAIN I ALSO HAD MY SEAT BELTS CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS AND NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME FLAT OUT IT IS NOT THERE PROBLEM I CAN NOT PULL A SEAT BELT. I HAVE TO LET MY DAUGHTER RIDE IN THE BACK AT TIMES WITHOUT A SEAT BELT UNTIL I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SEAT BELTS ARE GETTING HUNG FROM THE CORE OF THE ENTRANCE BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. **NM

NHTSA ODI #10171263

60,000 miles · Oct 10, 2006
Seat BeltsInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, A CHILD LOCATED BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME CAUGHT IN THE SEAT BELT. THE CHILD BEGAN TO YELL BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS TIGHTENING WHICH CAUSED THE CHILD TO CHOKE. THE CHILD WAS CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BELT WITH SCISSORS. ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED SO BAD THE …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, A CHILD LOCATED BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME CAUGHT IN THE SEAT BELT. THE CHILD BEGAN TO YELL BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS TIGHTENING WHICH CAUSED THE CHILD TO CHOKE. THE CHILD WAS CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BELT WITH SCISSORS. ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED SO BAD THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO UNLATCH THE SEAT BELT TO ESCAPE BEING CHOKED ALSO.

NHTSA ODI #10170365

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2003
Seat Belts

ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS ENGAGED. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND IF I HOLD AND APPLY PRESSURE THE SQUEAKING WILL STOP. IT'S NOT A CONTINUOUS SQUEAK; HOWEVER, IT'S WHENEVER I MOVE OR WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. ON 10/07, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER'S SPRAYED SOME SOR…

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ON MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS ENGAGED. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND IF I HOLD AND APPLY PRESSURE THE SQUEAKING WILL STOP. IT'S NOT A CONTINUOUS SQUEAK; HOWEVER, IT'S WHENEVER I MOVE OR WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. ON 10/07, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER'S SPRAYED SOME SORT OF "DRY" LUBRICANT....BUT STILL SQUEAKS. I THINK I NEED A WHOLE NEW PART INSTALLED. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE SEAT BELT, BUT THE PART THAT THE SEAT BELT HOOKS INTO NEXT TO THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT DRIVES ME NUTS! *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045208

7,300 miles · Oct 30, 2003
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. UPON IMPACT, ONLY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES CAUSED BY HIS HEAD HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10046060

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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