2003 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 1%of 883 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Nissan Altima, 1% of the 883 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My wife was driving our Nissan Altima with our kid when all of a sudden the car started to stutter and then it just stopped in the middle of the road. Luckily the car behind her did not hit her. She was able to start the car again after a few minutes and then was able to drive it home. After she reached home, I then took the car to a nearby auto shop when the car just stopped again in the middle of crossing an intersection. The steering wheel was stiff and it could not be turned. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10825504, filed 2016-02, 86,000 miles“Was driving 45mph when the engine shut off, steering wheel got stiff, and I had to maneuver to safety. Tried repeatedly to turn on the car, but it didn't work. I came to a complete stop, waited a few minutes, and then the car turned on normally. I have a family of Nissan owners and this was the first incident of this ever happening. I just want Nissan to help fix this, or risk loosing a valued customer to another car brand. Considering infinity just lost 2 ceo's to other brands makes me (as a consumer) uncertain about this brands future.”
NHTSA complaint #10640363, filed 2014-09, 168,365 miles“My daughter was driving home from work in my 2003 Nissan Altima when the car suddenly stopped running, the steering wheel froze and she nearly ran off the road. Thank goodness there were no other cars coming and she was able to pull off the road with no incident. I pulled the codes and found it to be the p0335 (crankshaft position sensor) and p0725 (engine speed sensor). After searching the web, it appears there are many people with the same issue. I looked on the NHTSA website and found NHTSA campaign id number: 03v455000, Nissan recall no. …”
NHTSA complaint #10463031, filed 2012-06, 154,000 miles“I had to replace the steering at 84000 miles because the steering had a knocking sound everytime you turn it left or right,or when you go over a bump,,,,it was very slack and eventually it felt as though it would fall out at anytime.....was advised at the dealership that it needed to be replaced no explanation could have been given . This was done yesterday 08/22/2013. Now there is a very huge rust hole on the passenger side under the car ...this car is 10yrs old with 84000 miles and I take very good care of my car..I bought it in 2006 with about 25000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536851, filed 2013-08, 73,000 miles“My Nissan 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5v6 has shut down and locked up while driving. This has occurred twice in the past 6 months. The last time it occurred was approximately july 20, 2008. Both times it has occurred, I pressed the brake prior to it shutting down. The steering and engine shut off in each instance and I could've been in an accident. Afterwards I put the vehicle in park, restart the engine and continue to drive. I have read other posts that claim they have had the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10238147, filed 2008-08, 145,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10043773Mar 22, 2012Nissan: altima, maxima, quest; power steering hose service part change. The hose now comes without the pressure sensor. Do not damage the pressure sensor upon removal or…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 20 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 3% |
| 2015 | 48 | 5% |
| 2014 | 58 | 5% |
| 2013 | 94 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% |
| 2009 | 859 | 56% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Altima
450 complaintsBody and structure
126 complaintsEngine
117 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 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