2003 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2003 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 883 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2003 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2003 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2003 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Nissan Altima has 883 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 883
- Crash-related complaints
- 41
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2003 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2003 Nissan Altima?
The 2003 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2003 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2003 Nissan Altima has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, heavily concentrated in engine problems. While the data suggests potential issues, the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints (567 out of 883).
- Structural problems are the second most reported issue with 126 complaints.
- There are 10 recalls associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2003 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 567 | 8 | 7 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 126 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 89 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel System | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 34 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 33 | 9 | 2 | — | |
| Gasoline | 28 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 28 | 18 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 17 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 4 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Other | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors UNKOWN
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 contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road and jump-started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The …
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired at an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that there was rusting on the front driver’s side floor pan. The contact also noticed that the front driver’s side flo…
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE…
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY, WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING DIFFIC…
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 KN…
ENGINE OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN HEATER IS ON CAR POWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. BATTERY DIES AND BATTERY DRAINS WHEN CAR IS OFF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL WRAPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED DARLING HO…
TAKATA RECALL WHILE SITTING IN IDLE THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF RANDOMLY. I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR BACK UP AFTER A FEW SECONDS, BUT IT'S BEEN HAPPENING TO OFTEN WHILE IN IDLE
NHTSA SHOWS 10 RECALLS FOR MY CAR, WENT TO NISSAN BRIDGEWATER AND THEY ONLY FOUND ONE RECALL TO REPROGRAM ECM AND PERFORM IDLE AIR VOLUMN LEARNING PROCEDURE, AFTER THIS 2 DAYS LATER SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT, NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY 140 FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO SE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. FRED ANDERSON NISSAN OF ASHEVILLE (629 BREVARD RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806, (828) 348-6850) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT TH…
AFTER ABOUT TWO MONTHS OF HAVING MY VEHICLE TO REPAIR RECALLS, MY SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMS ME THAT THE RECALLS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A SPECIFIC CODE. I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALLS AND THE RISKS THEY CREATE WITHOUT REPAIR; HOWEVER, NISSAN IS STILL REFUSING TO …
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STARTING AT 94,000 MILES. NO LEAKS OR EXHAUST SMOKE. HAVE READ CATALYTIC CONVERTORS WERE POORLY DESIGNED RESULTING IN LOW OIL LEVEL AND ENGINE DAMAGE. CAR STILL RUNS WELL BUT CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND RELIABILITY. NISSAN FORUMS FULL OF SIMILAR COMMENTS …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED JERKING AND SPUTTERING UNTIL THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO NISSAN OF MOBILE (1015 EAST INTERSTATE 65 SERVICE RD S, MOBI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED TO REACH HER DESTINATION. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER (NISSAN OF MOBILE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Nissan Altima.
2003 Nissan Altima Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Nissan Altima. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2003 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 883 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (567 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (126 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (89 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 41 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 883 total complaints. 25 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2003 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.