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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

What owners actually said

883 reports
86,000 miles · Feb 10, 2016
EngineSteering

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NISSAN ALTIMA WITH OUR KID WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER AND THEN IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND HER DID NOT HIT HER. SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. AFTER SHE REACHED HOME, I THEN TOOK THE …

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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NISSAN ALTIMA WITH OUR KID WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER AND THEN IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND HER DID NOT HIT HER. SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. AFTER SHE REACHED HOME, I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO A NEARBY AUTO SHOP WHEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND IT COULD NOT BE TURNED. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO START AND DRIVE THE CAR. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN DROVE THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP. THE MECHANIC MENTIONED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS BAD AND UPON SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND SIMILAR DRIVERS MENTIONED THE SAME ISSUE AND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE ALL THE PAPER WORK FROM THE MECHANIC AS PROOF THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THIS LINK. HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/NISSIAN-CRANKSHAFT-AND-CAMSHAFT-SENSOR-RECALL-492 I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS. THEY WEREN'T WILLING TO ADMIT THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WILL ACT ONLY WHEN THERE IS A SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.

NHTSA ODI #10825504

200,000 miles · Feb 8, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI #10824809

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2016
Air Bags

AIR BAG SENSOR THE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN A PASSENGER SIT IN THE SEAT. THE SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED IN 4/2104 . THE OCS SENSOR CONTINUES TO COME ON AND OFF STILL DEFECTED. I HAD IT RECHECKED WHEN THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FRONT HOOD LATCH AT THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR ON THE AIRBAG WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED A…

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AIR BAG SENSOR THE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN A PASSENGER SIT IN THE SEAT. THE SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED IN 4/2104 . THE OCS SENSOR CONTINUES TO COME ON AND OFF STILL DEFECTED. I HAD IT RECHECKED WHEN THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FRONT HOOD LATCH AT THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR ON THE AIRBAG WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST ME $700. I REFUSED TO PAY AND IT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF FROM NISSAN AS IT IS A DEFECTED PART NOT FROM A WEAR AND TEAR. DEALERSHIP CALLED NISSAN THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR PART BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOR. I CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD VERY CONTRADICTING ANSWERS FROM THEM AND THE REGIONAL SPECIALIST. I WILL SAY THE PEOPLE I TALKED WITH SOUNDED VERY UNEDUCATED ABOUT THE PRODUCTS AND ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS. IT SOUNDED AS THOUGH THEY WERE READING SCRIPTS AND NEVER HEARD MY SITUATION OF ALL THAT HAD OCCURRED WITH IS OCS SENSOR. I TALKED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO CALLED REGIONAL SPECIALIST AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OF WHICH REPRESENT NISSAN . I HAVE 4 DIFFERENT REFERENCE NUMBERS. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NISSAN HAS NOT BEEN COOPERATIVE OR HELPFUL AT ALL. I CONTINUE TO HEAR IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY CAN NOT HELP ME. THIS COULD BE A LAWSUIT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND THIS AIRBAG DOES NOT OPEN.

NHTSA ODI #10822707

97,284 miles · Jan 22, 2016
Engine

LOOSE POWER VALVE SCREWS - WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ARBITRARILY RAN SUPER ROUGH TO THE POINT OF ALMOST COMPLETELY CUTTING OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LANES. ONE INSTANCE WAS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC LANES, AND THE ENG…

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LOOSE POWER VALVE SCREWS - WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ARBITRARILY RAN SUPER ROUGH TO THE POINT OF ALMOST COMPLETELY CUTTING OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LANES. ONE INSTANCE WAS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC LANES, AND THE ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF OPPOSING TRAFFIC LANES AND I WAS ALMOST T-BONED BY ONCOMING CARS. FINALLY THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START AT ALL ONE DAY, SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH INTAKE POWER VALVE SCREWS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A SIGNIFICANT PRICE. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED ONCE BEFORE, AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALLS, BUT OBVIOUSLY A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FOR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. AFTER DOING MY OWN RESEARCH, THERE SEEMS TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF OWNERS OF THIS SAME CAR EXPERIENCING THE SAME POWER VALVE SCREW PROBLEM ALSO. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 NISSAN ALTIMAS FOR THIS PROBLEM, WHICH HAVE THE SAME ENGINE AS MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10821704

140,000 miles · Dec 23, 2015
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #10811945

149,000 miles · Dec 22, 2015
Structure

THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD AREA HAS RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE INSIDE CARPETING. UPON RESEARCHING, IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT AREA OF DETERIORATION ON BOTH SIDES OF UNDERBODY OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10811711

132,000 miles · Dec 20, 2015
Engine

MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5 SL HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOT OF VIBRATIONS AND POWER LOST WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, THE PROBLEM SEEMS GET WORSE ONCE YOUR EXIT THE HIGHWAY SITTING AT THE LIGHT THE CAR WANT IDLE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF. NOW MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON SO I TOOK THE CAR TO TIRE PLUS C…

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MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 2.5 SL HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOT OF VIBRATIONS AND POWER LOST WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, THE PROBLEM SEEMS GET WORSE ONCE YOUR EXIT THE HIGHWAY SITTING AT THE LIGHT THE CAR WANT IDLE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF. NOW MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON SO I TOOK THE CAR TO TIRE PLUS CAR CARE, THEY TOLD ME THE ECM PROGRAM IS OUT DATED AND THE CODE THEY READ INDICATE NEW PROGRAM UPDATE AND POSSIBLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM, I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED $400.00 DOLLARS THEY CLEARED THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND SAID THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE VIBRATION AND ENGINE IDLE PROBLEM, ONE WEEK LATER ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME BACK ON, PROBLEMS OF VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO COURTESY NISSAN DEALER HAD THEM TO PERFORM DIAGNOSES SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE ECM WAS OUT DATED SO I PAID $120.00 DOLLARS TO UPDATE ECM PROGRAM, THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME THE VIBRATION IS BECAUSE MAYBE THE THROTTLE BODY (POWER VALVE SCREW) MAY BE GOING BAD AND IF POWER LOSS HAPPEN AGAIN I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AT MY EXPENSE. NOTE: I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA (IN THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN PAPERS) REFERS TO IT AS THE POWER VALVE. THERE ARE SMALL SCREWS ON THE VALVE THAT COME LOOSE AND GET SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. EVEN THOUGH THE 2002 THROUGH THE 2005 ALTIMA 2.5S' ALL HAVE THE QR25DE 2.5S ENGINE (WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME ENGINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS), THE MANUFACTURER, IN THIS CASE NNA IS ABLE TO LOOPHOLE THE LAWS CONCERNING A RECALL. LIKE IN MY CASE AND OTHER PEOPLE'S CASES, WE HAVE THE 2002 AND 2003 ALTIMA THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, BUT NNA WON'T TAKE CARE OF IT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF IT AND CURRENTLY HAVE A VSC ON THE 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. *DT

NHTSA ODI #10811352

75,000 miles · Dec 11, 2015
Structure

THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD, COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR CARPET.

NHTSA ODI #10809618

122,000 miles · Nov 20, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OPERATIONAL AFTER MANUALLY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OPERATIONAL AFTER MANUALLY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM, CRANK CAM POSITION SENSOR, AND CAM POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ; BREAK DOWN HAPPENING DAILY ANDSERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME UP UPDATED 04/24/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ODI #10795029

156,000 miles · Nov 18, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT HAS CRACKED. NISSAN REPLACED IT THE 1ST TIME, I PAID TO REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE THE 2ND TIME AND NISSAN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT AGAIN DUE TO MILEAGE ON THE CAR. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE MOTOR FALLING OUT. PART SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE. DON'T KNOW IF IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT…

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THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT HAS CRACKED. NISSAN REPLACED IT THE 1ST TIME, I PAID TO REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE THE 2ND TIME AND NISSAN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT AGAIN DUE TO MILEAGE ON THE CAR. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE MOTOR FALLING OUT. PART SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE. DON'T KNOW IF IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT. I WANT NISSAN TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE.#

NHTSA ODI #10794636

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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