2003 Nissan Altima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 883 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,700miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Nissan Altima, 2% of the 883 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11320916, filed 2020-04, 162,900 miles“While driving home from work a couple of days ago, my car's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)assembly on one tire fell apart/rusted out, causing my tire to deflate rapidly. I pulled off the road to a safe, flat area, and attempted to remove the damaged tire so I could attach the spare and be one my way. Unfortunately, I was unable to remove the steel wheel from the hub, and ended up calling my auto club for help. The roadside assistance person sent to help me also attempted to remove the wheel and also failed. I called my auto club again, and this time they sent out a tow truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508812, filed 2013-04, 56,106 miles“I bought a Nissan 2003 Altima 2.5s from drive time on 10-09-2009 , and as soon as I began to drive the cars I started to feel and hear a vibration and loud knocking sound coming from the front left tire. I took the car to a mechanic and was told that the problem is the front strut mount kit that is rattling and make loud bang which make the front left tier shack violently as if it was going to come off the car. This happens every time I drive on even roads or bumpy roads. The remedy is to replace the strut mount kit completely the cost with labor is $360.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10290168, filed 2009-10, 76,119 miles“My husband's 2003 Nissan Altima crashed him into a parked car when the front suspension bar cracked. It break off was a perfectly straight line. The axel and tire couplings were still intact. Thank god no one was else was hurt, it happened on a busy, narrow village street and the parked car stopped his car from going into a store front or a passerby!”
NHTSA complaint #10167396, filed 2006-09, 30,000 miles“I have been having numerous problems with my car moving very slowly,not staying in the road, pulling away from me. I have to drive my car with 2 hands to keep in the road. I have took it back to the dealer numerous times and they have told me many different problems that might be wrong with my car. When I finally decided to take it to another maintenance shop just to make sure I was being told the truth. After 30 min of having my vehicle I was told by a goodyear manager that I have 3x the wrong size tires on my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171263, filed 2006-10Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 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…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
- 10018692Jun 6, 2012Nissan: see document search button for owner letter. Voluntary service campaign rear suspension member replacement/ bushing replacement and sealing. *jb updated 6/12/12.
- 10040510Aug 24, 2011Nissan: axle bolt and torque information.
- 10019894Mar 24, 2006Voluntary service campaign rear suspension member replacement/bushing replacement and sealing.
- 10019178Mar 24, 2006Voluntary service campaign rear suspension member replacement/bushing replacement and sealing.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 11 | 3% |
| 2016 | 12 | 2% |
| 2015 | 64 | 7% |
| 2014 | 132 | 12% |
| 2013 | 289 | 12% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 14 | 6% |
| 2010 | 31 | 8% |
| 2009 | 33 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 121 | 26% |
| 2006 | 18 | 2% |
| 2005 | 21 | 2% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 14 | 1% |
| 2001 | 20 | 13% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
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 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 30, 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