2003 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 117about this part
- Share
- 13%of 883 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,438miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 117 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Nissan Altima, 13% of the 883 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,438 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my car shut off on me while driving down the road causing it hard to steer almost causing other cars to rear end me. Then the car wouldn't start. Every year I have had to buy a new cam shaft sensor since the install of the new engine that was put in by Nissan. There is a recall on the cam sensor but my car is not under that recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10916709, filed 2016-10, 152,134 miles“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“I was driving on the highway, 60 MPH, coming back from a friend's house when the car started shaking violently I felt like I was in a lot of danger so I got off the highway and came home through the streets, even though it was shaking a lot. While I was going home the engine felt so weak and sounded like a diesel truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460370, filed 2012-06, 166,963 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11343697, filed 2020-08, 147,500 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 20% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 6 | 9% |
| 2020 | 37 | 20% |
| 2019 | 48 | 21% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 39 | 10% |
| 2016 | 86 | 16% |
| 2015 | 66 | 7% |
| 2014 | 77 | 7% |
| 2013 | 158 | 7% |
| 2012 | 68 | 16% |
| 2011 | 36 | 15% |
| 2010 | 50 | 13% |
| 2009 | 107 | 7% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 31 | 7% |
| 2006 | 166 | 20% |
| 2005 | 141 | 13% |
| 2004 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 117 | 13% |
| 2002 | 92 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Altima
450 complaintsBody and structure
126 complaintsElectrical system
89 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 27, 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