NISSAN ALTIMA · model year

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA

1099 NHTSA complaints, 61 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003NISSANALTIMA carries 1099 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 61 crashes, 16 fires, 34 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 ALTIMA is engine and engine cooling with 256 filings, followed by engine (117) and engine and engine cooling:engine (106). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2003 ALTIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1099
Complaints
61
Crashes
16
Fires
34
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

1099 filings

Crashes Reported

61 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING256
ENGINE117
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE106
STRUCTURE:BODY94
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM75
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM40
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL28
UNKNOWN OR OTHER25
STRUCTURE22
AIR BAGS21
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR14

Recalls (10)

07E05400025/07/2007

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION

07E06300021/08/2007

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FED

03V45500017/11/2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

06E06400017/07/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED

07E07400014/09/2007

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETR

03V25100014/07/2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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 IS

06E02300013/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME

03V08400011/03/2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

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

06V24200007/07/2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

Recent Complaints

20220628FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine will not start. If I get the engine to start the car may act as if it wants to cut off in traffic. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine may stop while in traffic possibly resulting in someone hitting me in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No the dealership service department are refusing to service or even inspect my car. At first he lied like there wasn’t a recall. Now because we are in MS he is refusing to provide service because we are not in a cold state. I called Nissan to verify this information prior to speaking with the dealership and Nissan specifically stated that for my VIN there is an open campaign for a fuel pump screen. Then they were the ones who referred me to the nearest dealership which is Gray Daniels Nissan North in Jackson. MS.

20220323VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

20220323ENGINE

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

20220323UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

20220207VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 65-75 MPH, the sunroof detached from the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

Mileage: 177,000

20211123ENGINE

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road and jump-started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the CAM Sensor. The contact stated a day later the vehicle stalled and shut-off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

Mileage: 187,000

20210824STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired at an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that there was rusting on the front driver’s side floor pan. The contact also noticed that the front driver’s side floorboard was soft to the touch and a fuel odor was detected while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20210824FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired at an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that there was rusting on the front driver’s side floor pan. The contact also noticed that the front driver’s side floorboard was soft to the touch and a fuel odor was detected while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20210327ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I NOTE SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS HAVR RECALLS ON CAMSENSOR AND SPEEDSENSONSOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE ROAD CAM SENSOR WAS CHANGED BUT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE YEARS DOES THE SAME MECHANIC SAYS FAULTY PLASTIC CLIP. ALSO VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED IVER RESTARTED TO GET IT TO RESET OTHERWISE CAR WILL RUN IN LOW GEAR AT HIGH RPMS.. I NOTICED RECALLS ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA FOR FOR THESE SENSORS. HOWEVER NOT THIS MODEL ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.

Mileage: 60,000

20210327ENGINE

I NOTE SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS HAVR RECALLS ON CAMSENSOR AND SPEEDSENSONSOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE ROAD CAM SENSOR WAS CHANGED BUT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE YEARS DOES THE SAME MECHANIC SAYS FAULTY PLASTIC CLIP. ALSO VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED IVER RESTARTED TO GET IT TO RESET OTHERWISE CAR WILL RUN IN LOW GEAR AT HIGH RPMS.. I NOTICED RECALLS ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA FOR FOR THESE SENSORS. HOWEVER NOT THIS MODEL ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.

Mileage: 60,000

20210327POWER TRAIN

I NOTE SOME NISSAN ALTIMAS HAVR RECALLS ON CAMSENSOR AND SPEEDSENSONSOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE ROAD CAM SENSOR WAS CHANGED BUT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE YEARS DOES THE SAME MECHANIC SAYS FAULTY PLASTIC CLIP. ALSO VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED IVER RESTARTED TO GET IT TO RESET OTHERWISE CAR WILL RUN IN LOW GEAR AT HIGH RPMS.. I NOTICED RECALLS ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA FOR FOR THESE SENSORS. HOWEVER NOT THIS MODEL ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.

Mileage: 60,000

20201102ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE OXYGEN (O2) SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO BOSAK NISSAN (220 VERPLANK RD, BURNS HARBOR, IN 46304 (219) 787-1777) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200806ENGINE

I BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST YEAR MAY 2019 AND WITHIN A MONTH THE ENGINE BLEW. I REPLACED THE ENGINE AND NOW IT HAS ISSUES WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 147,500

20200706STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY, WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PALMETTO 57 NISSAN (16725 NW 57TH AVE, MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33055) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20200706ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY, WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PALMETTO 57 NISSAN (16725 NW 57TH AVE, MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33055) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20200412STRUCTURE:BODY

MY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS TO LOW THAT IT HITS EVERY BUMP EVEN WHEN DRIVING SLOW ,WHEN THEY LIFTED THE CAR UNDERNEATH THE CAR THERE'S A YELLOW MARK FROM ALL THE SPEED BUMPS .ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES FROM THE DRIVERS N PASSENGER SNAP OFF WHEN I TRY TO ENTER MY VEHICLE .THE SHOCKS DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS WHY THE CAR IS SO LOW .

Mileage: 162,900

20200412SUSPENSION

MY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS TO LOW THAT IT HITS EVERY BUMP EVEN WHEN DRIVING SLOW ,WHEN THEY LIFTED THE CAR UNDERNEATH THE CAR THERE'S A YELLOW MARK FROM ALL THE SPEED BUMPS .ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES FROM THE DRIVERS N PASSENGER SNAP OFF WHEN I TRY TO ENTER MY VEHICLE .THE SHOCKS DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS WHY THE CAR IS SO LOW .

Mileage: 162,900

20200412UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS TO LOW THAT IT HITS EVERY BUMP EVEN WHEN DRIVING SLOW ,WHEN THEY LIFTED THE CAR UNDERNEATH THE CAR THERE'S A YELLOW MARK FROM ALL THE SPEED BUMPS .ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES FROM THE DRIVERS N PASSENGER SNAP OFF WHEN I TRY TO ENTER MY VEHICLE .THE SHOCKS DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS WHY THE CAR IS SO LOW .

Mileage: 162,900

20200329ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN HEATER IS ON CAR POWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. BATTERY DIES AND BATTERY DRAINS WHEN CAR IS OFF

Mileage: 145,000

20200329ENGINE

ENGINE OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN HEATER IS ON CAR POWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. BATTERY DIES AND BATTERY DRAINS WHEN CAR IS OFF

Mileage: 145,000

Compare 2003NISSANALTIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA have?
The 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA has 1099 NHTSA complaints, 61 crashes, 16 fires, 34 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA?
Yes, the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING with 256 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE.
Is the 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.