2003 Nissan Altima problems and complaints

Owners have filed 883 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas: Engine And Engine Cooling (450), Structure (126), Engine (117).

Key takeaways

  • 883 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 41 involve a crash, 13 a fire, 25 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine And Engine Cooling45051%
Structure12614%
Engine11713%
Electrical System8910%
Fuel System354%
Power Train344%
Vehicle Speed Control334%
Gasoline283%
Air Bags283%
Unknown Or Other253%
Exterior Lighting172%
Equipment172%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2003 Nissan Altima 4-DR.Not ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2022-06-28

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 s...

Vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2022-03-23

Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN

Visibility - filed 2022-02-07

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 fa...

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More for the 2003 Nissan Altima

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.