Two problems related to automatic transmission park/neutral start switch have been reported for the 2003 Nissan Altima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Nissan Altima based on all problems reported for the 2003 Altima.
There is no interlock on ignition to prevent removal of the ignition key if shifter is not placed in park position. Car was parked and automatic transmission shifter was in neutral when key was removed. Car rolled out of parking lot down embankment and crashed into tree then proceeded across street into a lower parking lot hitting guard rail before coming to a complete stop. This lack of a safety feature was unknown to owners and consider this a defect safety risk to the public.
Shift lever easily shifting through 1, 2, 3, n causing the vehicle to rollin to a canal.