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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,261 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2003 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Mar 202022

Altima

  • miles

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

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

- Columbus , GA, USA

problem #24

Feb 152020

Altima

  • 162,900 miles
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.

- Newport, RI, USA

problem #23

Nov 232018

Altima

  • miles
NHTSA shows 10 recalls for my car, went to Nissan bridgewater and they only found one recall to reprogram ECM and perform idle air volumn learning procedure, after this 2 days later service engine light went, now they want me to pay 140 for diagnostic test, they didn't want to see that my car has 10 recalls and to look into those issues, the car has no power while driving in on the highway, headlights keep going on and off, the gas gage fluctuates, the car goes through gas real fast, Nissan bridgewater needs to fix these issues, if not I will report Nissan bridgewater dealer to the better business bureau, this car has 90,403 miles

- Bridgewater, NJ, USA

problem #22

Oct 042018

Altima

  • miles

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

After about two months of having my vehicle to repair recalls, my service advisor informs me that the recalls will not be completed due to the absence of a specific code. I was informed of the recalls and the risks they create without repair; however, Nissan is still refusing to do them. This specific recall can cause the engine to stop running without warning during operation which would result in a crash. I have been compliant and patient with Nissan, and I feel taken advantage of. The service manager and my service advisor have both seen the problems first-hand while driving my car themselves. After speaking with corporate Nissan, Nissan still wants me to take my vehicle back to drive until the code appears. Having common sense, and a toddler, I do not think this is a smart or safe decision. I would like the recalls completed as I was originally promised.

- Weaverville, NC, USA

problem #21

Feb 272018

Altima

  • 129,640 miles
Dash camera recorded what had happened. Watch until the end of the video to show the broken piece that came off from my car. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=xurgkixxqos I am an owner of Nissan Altima 2003. Some rubber part in the front under my car (I think it's a cover of something) fell off when I was driving on route 1 in New Jersey. It caused a loss control of my car. My car spin and drift 180 degrees and faced against the traffic flow. Then it glided to the side of the road. I contacted Nissan to investigated the accident. However, they refused to do so because I sent my car to the dealer for repair. Nissan stated that there is no recall of the vehicle regarding to that part and I have to be responsible for all the cost of damage. I want to know why that part of the vehicle fall off the car and cause the loss of control. If my car drift to the other direction, I would be dead. There are so many cars with the same model as mine. I hope similar accident won't happen again. Again, please refer to the youtube video that I uploaded.

- Milltown, NJ, USA

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problem #20

Jul 032017

Altima

  • miles
Vehicle stalls when idle. It has stopped working while I was at a stop sign. Car would not go on park and was stuck on drive. Car has stopped under red light on busy intersection. It will start eventually. Maybe 5 minutes, but it does this without warning. My car has 158,000 mi. This has happened three times so far and it's intermittent. Mechanic not sure what the issue is as diagnostic test shows no problems.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #19

Feb 182017

Altima

  • miles

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

Owner of a 2003 Nissan Altima. On 2/18/2016, I took my vehicle to a car wash in linden, NJ. When the car wash was completed, I put my vehicle on drive and proceeded slowly towards the car wash employees as they instructed me to stay on my left side, as the other vehicle was on the right side. While I still had my foot on the brakes, and as the employee placed the towel to dry out my vehicle, my vehicle immediately started to jolt twice while I still had my foot on the brakes and immediately unintended accelerating at a high speed. Smoke started to come out of the front hood and air bag came out. I had to control the steering wheel not to hit any one as there were several parked vehicles and people vacuuming/cleaning their vehicles. Not sure how many parked vehicles were hit and my vehicle hit a parked SUV. Ambulance and police arrived. I was in shocked, surprised and cried and told the police about my vehicle unintended accelerated so quickly without any warning while my foot was still on the brakes. All I kept saying is oh my god, how could my vehicle unintended accelerated while I still had my foot on the brakes. Were there any recalls? I told the officer that my foot was on the brakes and the more I pressed on the brakes, the faster my vehicle unintended accelerated at a high speed with no control of stopping. There were no indicator lights. My vehicle was totaled and taken away by the tow truck. I had injuries swollen/bruised on my knees, ankles, head, neck, should, hands and back. Police report was taken and not available as this takes a couple of days. See also ODI 10956663.

- Colonia, NJ, USA

problem #18

Aug 012016

Altima

  • 110,000 miles
Passenger and driver side floor pans, due to rust/corrosion have failed. This appears from on line resources to have been a manufacturing flaw of 2002 - 2006 Altima. A rusted through floor pan certainly affects the structural integrity of the car as well as the safety of the passengers. Road objects or passengers feet could easily puncture through what is remaining of the floor boards. Ironically, I remember having an issue similar to this on a 1979 chevette. I would have thought engineering and manufacturing process would have eliminated such a design flaw in more recent autos. While the vehicle is older such a substantial failure in sub body structure should not occur.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #17

Feb 122016

Altima

  • 590,000 miles
Both the driver side and passenger side floorboards are heavily rotting out. The passenger side seat is even moving.

- Belleville, NJ, USA

problem #16

Feb 092015

Altima

  • 200,000 miles
Takata recall

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #15

Nov 102015

Altima

  • 156,000 miles

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

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.#

- Southbury, CT, USA

problem #14

Oct 282015

Altima

  • 3 miles
Car suddenly stops while your fmdriving at a low speed. Check engine comes on andturns vehicle off. This is very dangerous and I font understand why it hasnt been recalled. Most of the comments are said to be either the camshaft or crankshaft. They replaced the part and it was fine for 3 months and it ccontinues to do it. Im going to end up causing an accident and Nissan doesnt even care....

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #13

Aug 262015

Altima

  • miles
Like many others my 2003 Nissan Altima has stalled in traffic while driving. It reads no codes. There could have been a serious accident! this is a major concern I could have been on the interstate or in having traffic. I called Nissan and they state there was a recall for a problem to this affect and it was already fixed on this vehicle in 2007. They will not fix it again. Unbelieveable! also like many other my floor board has rusted. I had a patch repair to pass inspection. This car is a saftey hazord. After reading numerous reports that others have experienced similar situations of cutting off in traffic! I have not read any fatalities yet thank goodness! recall this car befor someone is killed!

- Harrisonburg, VA, USA

problem #12

Aug 102015

Altima

  • 96,000 miles
Rusted floorboard- driver and front passenger. Section of floorboard has completely rusted--all that remains between driver/front passenger and street surface is auto's carpet. I strongly believe this is a safety issue. I feel that rusting of the floorboards compromises the auto's integrity, and the weakening of the auto's structure can definitely lead to an accident and result in injury to driver and others. Nissan contends they have no responsibility, since the auto is out of warranty. Such rusting which compromises the auto's integrity and safety should be indefinitely warranted. Also, in this day and age of technology, I feel that the consumer should have confidence that an auto's floorboard won't rust out under the consumer. Nissan advertises quality/safety and should stand behind its products. I realize this is a 2003 model. But, with today's technology, 2003 is not really old for a vehicle. Should I expect another crucial part to fail"? maybe, the hood of the auto will fly off. Another comment-----is this problem an Altima issue, or do other vehicles have the same floorboard issues"

- Upper Chichester, PA, USA

problem #11

Mar 102015

Altima

  • 150,000 miles
The car has given repeated problems starting and the check engine light has shown a crank and cam positon sensor error. I have paid to have these sensors changed with genuine Nissan parts and the car will not start at all.

- Providence, RI, USA

problem #10

May 162015

Altima

  • 75,000 miles
Rusted passenger side floorboard. 13" by 10" hole.

- Springfield, PA, USA

problem #9

Aug 262013

Altima

  • 108,000 miles
My trunk latch will randomly pop open. The first time was while driving in a residential neighborhood. The second time, I came out of a store to find my trunk open. It keeps popping open every time I drive now. It's very dangerous on the highway to suddenly have your trunk fly up blocking your view to the traffic behind you. I have jimmy rigged it with a bungee cord inside so that it only pops up about an inch or two when the latch pops. I would just duct tape it, but I need access to my daughter's stroller. I also unplugged the interior trunk light so that my battery would not be worn out. The weird thing too is that the door open light did not go on when the trunk opened. Hoping my husband can fix this during the weekend.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #8

Apr 012011

Altima

  • miles
Smell of wet carpet/mold after having driven in rainy conditions. Found that the driver's side mat was soaked and moldy smelling. Took car to dealer to determine source of leak. Passenger side under carriage toward door had a rusted area about 11 X 5 inches; nothing on driver's side. Explanation from dealer service department was that water was migrating to the driver's side from this leak even though passenger side was not wet. Dealer service rep said this rusted area seen on other Altima. Estimated $900 to repair. Called Nissan for explanation and assistance. Nissan denied any responsibility for the problem and would not make any attempt to resolve the issue. This was their position even when told of the numerous complaints I had found from other owners. This car was purchased new and only serviced by dealer.

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #7

Apr 052007

(reported on)

Altima

  • miles
Customer states that she received information about a recall on her car and she has paid for the car to get fixed already customer wants to know about getting refund*

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #6

Dec 052005

Altima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Arm rest in the front of car has on, several occasions cut my elbow. I feel that if I was driving the cut could cause a distraction resulting in an accident. The result from cutting my elbow is stains of blood on the interior front seats of the car.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

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