Model year guide

2003 Nissan Altima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 292 on record.

2003 Nissan Altima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Nissan Altima at a glance

Safety recalls10
Owner complaints883
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$2,190

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Nissan Altima recalls 10

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #03V455000 · 17/11/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED…

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #06V242000 · 07/07/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #07E054000 · 25/07/2007

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION OF LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM OPTICSAND CHANGE THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND ILLUMATED LOCATION WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE…

Fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #07E063000 · 21/08/2007

CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #03V251000 · 14/07/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK C…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #07E074000 · 14/09/2007

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe NHTSA Campaign #03V084000 · 11/03/2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Nissan Altima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2003 Nissan Altima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Nissan Altima 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,875

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Nissan Altima worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$2,190
High
$3,600

From 287 comparable 2003 Nissan Altima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,375
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,250
Total$15,625
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,190) with the same model 5 model-years older ($960), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5 SL · 3.5 SE · 2.5 S
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl

2003 Nissan Altima vehicles on record

2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11D63C325283 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D93C157604 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D93C181658 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11DX3C321930 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11DX3C145011 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11D93C329568 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D43C144422 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D63C225339 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D23C351357 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C132665 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE1N4BL11D53C214465 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D93C254558 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D43C327867 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D93C329923 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D93C229904 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C175421 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D43C150267 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C341145 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D43C144405 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C224004 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D43C263216 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C184023 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D33C287653 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL1N4AL11D13C237284

Other Nissan Altima model years

2025 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

2003 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2003 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Altima?

Based on 883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, structure.

What is the 2003 Nissan Altima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Nissan Altima crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Altima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Nissan Altima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2003 Nissan Altima worth?

Comparable 2003 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $900–$3,600, typically around $2,190 (from 287 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.