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.

2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,089 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 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2003 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #8

Apr 012011

Altima

  • 85,000 miles

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

www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Altima/2003/engine/engine_burns_oil.shtml.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #7

Oct 032010

Altima 4-cyl

  • 91,315 miles
Brakes, pads, rotors replaced numerous times, car steering wheel vibrates horribly when braking, brakes squeal horribly with braking (metallic). Rotors very cheap, have to be replaced every 20,000 miles for $400. Had complete rear brakes, rotors done last at 90000, then at 121,000, metallic noise again at 125,000-serviced, 130,000 squeak again, 200 miles later brakes bad again, rotor turned, now at 130,000 brakes squeaking again, car vibrates with braking again and cars brakes don't respond as well. Horrible horrible dangerous brakes, rotors, etc.I have never had a car need new rotors every brake job!!!!!!

- Hartland, WI, USA

problem #6

Sep 022009

Altima

  • 180,000 miles
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 sl, in approximately 2008 February, my car stopped on me while driving on the freeway. It turns out that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Had the work done at buena park Nissan then I realized that the car had also starting burning excessive oil. I was told there was an oil pan leak, had that work done at another dealership. Approximately 9 months later, the car stopped again, had the car diagnosed at the Nissan dealer ship in antioch, ca, was advised that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, again. At this point, I was frustrated with the car and I contacted Nissan of North american, and the dealership in buena park who both denied me any help. I was given a reference number of 6594593 when I called for a solution in 2009. Now, 8/2010, I am having acceleration issues again, my check engine light is on, my antifreeze is evaporation along with the engine oil every 300 miles. I called Nissan North America again today and spoke with lisa byrne at extension 41661 who told me there was nothing Nissan would do at this point because my previous claim had already been denied. I am replacing oil on a weekly basis as well as the antifreeze. I called Nissan again today, ref # [xxx]. I asked her who could I contact other than the regional office and she stated no one and that there was nothing Nissan was going to do to right my situation. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brentwood, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 252010

Altima 4-cyl

  • 155,100 miles

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

Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) as stated in my last complaint with ODI id number: 10327349, I have a 2003 Nissan Altima. The car is now in the repair shop the engine blown.... the car was burning excessive amounts of oil. However, I also stated that the check engine light was on, and would stay on. Although, while driving on the interstate an reaching the speed of 70mph the check engine light would begin to start blinking. I don't have $3,000 - $4,000 to have this repaired. I'm still making monthly payments. I don't know if there was a recall on my vehicle engine with VIN: [xxx]. furthermore, I need to know if this can be fixed/ repaired immediately by the Nissan in canton, Ms. The mileage presently on the vehicle is 155,100. I didn't purchase the car new, but used. I truly don't know what to do at this point. I've keep the car maintained, and then this happens. Please someone from ODI contact me regarding this matter immediately.

- Batesburg, SC, USA

problem #4

Apr 252010

Altima

  • miles
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima. This car is burning oil like crazy. There's no smoke or anything of that sort, but I have to keep an eye out and put oil in my car to keep it running at least every 4-5 days or so. Gas is high and oil is getting higher; I have to keep at least 2-3 quarts in my trunk. The check engine light has been on for sometime now. While driving on the interstate if I go over 70mph the check engine light starts blinking. When I take my foot off the accelerator the check engine light stops blinking, but continues to stay on. However, I just had my spark plugs changed and now the car won't start. Please I need some help asap.... I don't have money to purchase a new one at this time, but wish someone can tell me what is going on. The dealer is no help whatsoever. They get you in there and tell you that this, this, and this is the problem. It seems that nothing is under warranty with Nissan, and I don't own the car as of yet I'm still making monthly payments. I think that Nissan needs to go over the engine, electronic, and etc. Because canton, Mississippi is the home of Nissan and you have some big problems on your hands!!!

- Batesburg, SC, USA

problem #3

Jul 242008

Altima

  • 89,296 miles
In August 2007, my 2003 Nissan Altima began to hesitate while driving. The check engine light came on. The light remained on for a few days and the car continued to hesitate while driving. It stalled at a traffic light in the middle of Washington, D.C., so I took it to the shop once I got it started. On Aug. 7, 2007, the dealer replaced the crank position sensor. On May 29, 2008, my car needed new brakes. A 100-point inspection was performed, and no other problems were found. About a week later, the check engine light came on. But dealer said it would likely go off and it wasn't a problem. A couple of weeks later, the car began to hesitate while driving (jumping, etc.) on July 23, the car again stalled while at a stop light at rush hour in Washington, D.C. after several tries, the car restarted. On July 24, 2008, the dealer again said that the crank position sensor that needed to be replaced. I asked about recall number 06V242000, but dealer said that did not apply to crank, only ECM. Now have spent $600 to have same problem fixed in 10 months.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #2

Aug 012005

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Nissan Altima 2003 - vent blows hot air over 100 degrees when temperature outside is comfortable (80's). Manufacturer checked car & claims everything within specs. - their solution is to always use ac. Have brought car several times since purchase new & they will not resolve. My concern is are there future problems to the car connected to this & of course the uncomfortable of the heat.

- Nyc, NY, USA

problem #1

Sep 092003

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
Engine noise (knock, clack or clatter) at idle. Nissan America has published several bulletins/recalls/alerts regarding noise associated with the auto-tensioner, pre-catalyst and/or valves but the manufacturer and dealer now claim the "noise" is normal. Also, the car still has a rattle in dome light that the insulation kit (tape) failed to fix. Service manager stated rattle was not heard while driving the car for 10 miles but if the rattle could be duplicated at 40,000 miles he would repair. Of course, I heard the knock and rattle while driving home from the dealership. Unfortunately, the car only has 12,500 miles. The radiator was also replaced which is when I began noticing the knock. This is a sour deal!.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

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