2003 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling (218) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (89) · Structure:body (88)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Nissan Altima model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
726 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (101)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure:body 2026-04-13 · NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certification label and vin plate replacement service information because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “certification label” or “vin plate/label” may be needed. hint: certification label = fmvss (federal motor vehicle safety standards) label. these items may be availabl
Structure:body 2026-04-13 · NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certification label and vin plate replacement service information because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “certification label” or “vin plate/label” may be needed. hint: certification label = fmvss (federal motor vehicle safety standards) label. these items may be availabl
Electrical System 2024-05-21 · NTB13-107G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start this bulletin has been amended. see amendment history on the last page. please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Visibility/Wiper 2024-04-30 · NTB17-019H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
window glass warranty information this bulletin has been amended. see amendment history on the last page. please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Visibility/Wiper 2024-04-30 · NTB13-028I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
removing foreign material from the window glass this bulletin has been amended. see amendment history on the last page. please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Visibility/Wiper 2024-04-30 · NTB09-081K · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
windshield cracking this bulletin has been amended. see amendment history on the last page. please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Showing the 6 most recent of 101 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-06-28 · Fuel/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. …”
2022-03-23 · Vehicle Speed Control“faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors unkown…”
2022-02-07 · Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly · 177,000 mi“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 assi…”
2021-11-23 · Engine · 187,000 mi“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.…”
2021-08-24 · Structure · 87,000 mi“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 drivi…”
2021-03-27 · Power Train · 60,000 mi“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 …”
2020-11-02 · Engine · 150,000 mi“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 …”
2020-08-06 · Engine · 147,500 mi“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.…”
2020-07-06 · Steering · 110,000 mi“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…”
2020-04-12 · Unknown Or Other · 162,900 mi“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 .…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.