2003 Nissan Altima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 89about this part
- Share
- 10%of 883 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,890miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 89 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Nissan Altima, 10% of the 883 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,890 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was sitting at a red light and when it turned green I went to go and my car stalled out. My check engine light came on and it's due to cam and crankshaft sensors. Drove the car to work today the car stalled out again completely shut itself off. Once again had to pull over on the side of the rode the best I could turn the car off and thankfully it turned back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10552448, filed 2013-11, 131,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11405159, filed 2021-03, 60,000 miles“Car was shaking while driving. I had the cam sensors replaced several days ago. I have researched briefly online and found other people have the same issue. Other models on the vehicle have been covered on a recall; however, Nissan Altima 2003 2.5s apparently is not recalled in this area. This is a potentially hazardous issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10357916, filed 2010-09, 122,000 miles“I have a Nissan Altima 2003 3.5 with 60,000 miles and it just turned off on me and when I was able to turn it back on if wont drive more than 5 miles left it unused and when the mechanic came he turned the car on took it to auto zone and they said its the throttle control actuator this car does not have the miles for this part to be damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10245193, filed 2008-10, 60,000 miles“Car stalled two times within 20 minutes when slowing car down to make a turn. Meineke and paul miller Nissan of fairfield, ct identified that parts 23731-al61a (crankshaft/camshaft sensor) and 23731-6j90b (camshaft position sensor) need to be replaced. These sensors were part a recall for the same make, year and model of car that I own. Nissan n.a. Claims that my VIN was not a part of the recall. 630,000+ vehicles were affected by this recall but my vehicle does not apply. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705426, filed 2015-04, 159,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE 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…
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE 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…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
- 10017563Jun 29, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) stored p0444, p0447, p0605, p1122, p1444, p1490.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 37% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 21 | 30% |
| 2020 | 46 | 25% |
| 2019 | 58 | 25% |
| 2018 | 37 | 16% |
| 2017 | 27 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 71 | 6% |
| 2013 | 159 | 7% |
| 2012 | 44 | 10% |
| 2011 | 32 | 13% |
| 2010 | 74 | 19% |
| 2009 | 466 | 30% |
| 2008 | 90 | 9% |
| 2007 | 37 | 8% |
| 2006 | 72 | 9% |
| 2005 | 97 | 9% |
| 2004 | 32 | 12% |
| 2003 | 89 | 10% |
| 2002 | 77 | 7% |
| 2001 | 19 | 12% |
| 2000 | 25 | 16% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 14 | 13% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Altima
450 complaintsBody and structure
126 complaintsEngine
117 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology