Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems of the 2003 Nissan Altima

While my son was driving, the engine began missing and started to smoke. At the same time the heater quit producing heat. The check engine light came on. Engine diagnostics indicated cylinder # 4 misfire. Took to independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine was destroyed by failed catalyst in the pre- catalyst. Oil had fouled the missing cylinder's spark plug. The engine oil level was full and there had no previous indication of oil consumption, but the oil was found to contain coolant. These cars are popular for parents to purchase for teenagers and appear to be hazardous. Nhtsa campaign id number: 03v084000 indicated that this pre-catalyst issue was a fire hazard back in 2003. It appears whatever was done in this recall did not solve the problem. This failure seems to be fairly common occurrence.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed a large amount of the oil that had recently been replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised the contact that the catalytic converter would have to be replaced. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 03v084000(engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. So the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer discovered metal chips in the engine due to a faulty catalytic convert. The dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign I. D. Number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised that based on the VIN, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 128,000. Updated 03/28/lj the consumer had the work performed at a repair shop. Updated 06/18/12.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed spark plugs needed to be replaced along with the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN failed to qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:03v084000 ( engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 109,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

As I was driving on the freeway during rush hour, my 2003 Nissan Altima began to jerk back and forth, as if it was misfiring. The check engine light came on and then started flashing. At the next exit I got off the freeway to drive to a safe place to stop the car. Getting off the freeway, my car stalled in a busy intersection (all red lights came on and there was no power to my car). I could not restart it and was stranded just past the busy intersection near the center divide. I put on my emergency lights and was almost hit several times, and I am very lucky to not have been hurt. After about 30 seconds I was able to restart the car, pull over to the side in a safer area and had my car towed by aaa straight to the Nissan dealership, who had performed an oil change on the car a day before. It took them 2 days to figure out that a power valve screw failed and was sucked up into the engine, causing irreversible damage to the engine -the piston top, cylinder walls, spark plugs, valves and catalyst. Nissan recommends a long block replacement with new exhaust manifold with converter ($4500). After much research and speaking with the Nissan service manager, I have found that this was an issue with all Altimas (manufacturer's defect) until the screws were redesigned for the 2006 model year. I have also found that there was a recall for 2004 Nissan sentras and 2004-2005 Altimas with the 2. 5 l engine for this reason. But the 2003, which has the same engine, was not part of this recall. I have been told by Nissan that since I am past the warranty period that this is not covered, even though it is a known defect. I am thankful I was not hurt, and I am very upset that Nissan knew about this defect and did nothing about it for my model year. I have seen other similar complaints on-line and hope that they will be analyzed as well for possible recall & compensation.

This 2003 2. 5s Altima failed to start on February 6, 2011. Upon taking the car to mossy Nissan in san diego, where the car was sold, the mechanic working on the car diagnosed the car as having a screw from the power valve over the 4 cylinder that came loose and damaged the intake manifold and catalytic converter to the extent that they must be replaced. The car only has 41,000 miles. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when taking her vehicle in for routine maintenance, the mechanic advised her that there was a recall 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). Once the repairs were performed, they notified the contact and advised her that the vehicle was inoperable due to metal being jammed in the engine. Since the metal was not included in the recall they are not willing to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the mechanic advising her of the problem, she had never been informed of the recall. The vehicle was repaired for the engine components but not for the metal. The failure and current mileages were approximately 115,000. Updated 03/24/lj updated 05/02/11.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number (03v084000- engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) and took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs; however, she continued to experience the same failure. The dealer was not contacted. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 158,300. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, she noticed that the vehicle started losing power. She drove the vehicle to a repair shop where she was informed that the catalytic converter was replaced. A few days later, the mechanic noticed that the vehicle was becoming low on oil. The contact filled the fuel tank and noticed that there was very little oil left. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was told that she needed a new engine and the problem was widespread with the catalytic converter. The contact called the manufacturer who advised her to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic fee before they could escalate her case to a regional specialist. The contact took the vehicle into the dealership where it was confirmed that she needed a new engine; the manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact believed the failure to be related to recall 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) but the manufacturer refused to repair it since the mileage was too high. The current mileage was approximately 124,000. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. Updated 12/02/10 updated 12/08/jb updated 05/26/11.

Driving down the interstate all of a sudden the car began to 'hesitate" and I was losing 'power/speed" . Got off freeway and a "rattle" type noise coming from engine bay. The muffler sounded like it was "sputtering". Drove via city streets at 20 mpg - 40 mpg towards a repair facility ( all the while feeling as though the car was going to die) and 20 minutes later the "engine light" came on. Pulled over and had car towed the last 4 miles to the repair facility. First diagnosis was a "foreign matter" hit the #1plug and closed the gap. The plug was regapped and installed. Car seemed fine , but 2 days later the same symptoms happened on the interstate again. Pulled over and drove to repair facility where it was discovered a common problem with 2002 thru 2005 Altimas have. The butterfly valves screws had come loose and they could not find the screws. Ran a magnet in that area but pulled nothing. Tech thinks it may have blown out of the exhaust if I remember correctly. So the first time it occurred was probably a screw hitting the plug and closing the gap and the second time was because of the missing screw/screws not letting the valve functioning properly. The intake plenum was removed and the secondary butterfly plates were inspected. The #1 plate lodged by intake valve and 2 plate screws were missing(passed into cylinder #1), all 4 plates were replaced and all screws secured with red loctite thread locker, total cost for first repair was $200 which included decarb service(because they thought "loose carbon" hitting the plug closed the gap). The second time to cure the actual cause was $460. 87 which included replacing a gasket also.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While having the vehicle serviced by an independent mechanic for excessive oil consumption, the contact was informed that materials from the pre-catalyst were fracturing and entering the engine which was caused by the excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter failed causing the engine to burn oil excessively. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 134,147. Updated 03/24/lj the consumer stated after the repair, the engine began to burn oil through the tail pipe excessively. Updated 04/22/jb.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The vehicle started to make noise in engine after oil change. Two days after oil was topped off, oil level showed it burned 4 quarts with no leaks. Since, it has consumed an excessive amount of oil. The low engine oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel again. The contact placed more oil into the vehicle before it was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic verified the low oil level and vehicle was burning oil at an alarming rate. There was no evidence of oil leakage anywhere in the vehicle. The contact found over 700 complaints on the NHTSA web site for the same failure. The failure and current mileages were less than 88,000 miles. Internet complaints show 4 cylinder Altima engines had design flaw and pre-catalytic converter overheats and ash material enters engine and scores cylinder walls causing excessive oil use and engine failure. Nhtsa had recall for this in 2003 (NHTSA recall #03v08400 . Odi) Nissan only inspected engines but did not repair. Engine failures continued to occur to date as NHTSA closed recall and did not monitor Nissan since. Nhtsa is negligent in due diligence and follow up with Nissan by allowing failures to continue. In last several years, the pre converter has continued to fail and destroy engines. Original recall only delayed converter failure until warranty expired and $5000 engine replacement costs was pushed onto owner. Nissan will not acknowledge design flaw still destroying engines. Reinstate recall and payment by Nissan. *"tr.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 60 mph smoke was expelled from the air vents inside the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. There was light smoke underneath the hood. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle. The failure was contributed to a clogged catalytic converter. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 115,000.

Well as usually I took my 2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5s into the shop and for regular work. I have proof that my car is up to date on tuneup, coolant change, transmission change, and oil change. Tires are in good condition. I took a trip to texas and the car was fine for the 2 1/2 weeks I was down there. Three days before leaving the ses light come on, but I thought it was a minor issue being the fact that they look at my car weekend before going on my trip. When I hit louisiana I experienced a jerking back and forth motion when I was using the gas. Only things kept getting worse when I start seeing the lost of gas, lost power in my car, and hearing metallic noises coming from the engine. Lucky, I made it to my sister's house in augusta. I didn't want to cause anymore damage driving it back to columbia, SC so I had tow truck come and pick it up 190. 00. So they look at the car and called me telling that one of the power valve screws came loose and damage two spark plugs. Now they want to replace the manifold and my catalytic converter is crack and needs to be replace. The cost of it would be around 1350. 00. I know this is defect issue and Nissan should take care of this issue. I hope all the information helps for current and future Nissan buyers. I will never in my life buy another Nissan again.

2003 Nissan Altima has had multiple problems with the engine. The consumer was informed, the cylinder 1 misfired which caused the engine light to illuminate. There was a problem with the head gasket consuming 3 quarts of oil every 4000 miles and running terribly rough. The consumer believed her vehicle was among the hundreds of vehicles having problems with the pre-catalytic converter where it deteriorates and becomes sucked into the engine, scorching the cylinders causing massive oil consumption then followed by the engine running rough.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the oil in the engine was burning and damaged the engine. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The failure and current mileages were 85,000.

Car stalled. Wasn't firing on all cylinders. Car towed to dealer. Power valve screw that was fixed 11/20/2007 on recall by Nissan has been sucked into engine thus requiring new engine & catalytic converter.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While the vehicle was in park, it idled very roughly and made a loud whistling noise. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the throttle positioning sensor. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. The dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket; however, the failure recurred shortly afterwards. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact has not filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 76,000 and current mileage was 78,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that her vehicle was excessively burning oil. She replenishes two quarts of oil every two weeks. When she adds the oil, white oil leaks from the engine compartment. She discovered recall number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall, even though it is experiencing the same failure. The current mileage was 36,000 and failure mileage was 4,000.

- the contact stated that when she drove the 2003 Nissan Altima;the service engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle shook and rattled generally when she stopped at a light. The road conditions werenormally clear. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic, and was advised that the crank sensor was the reason that the vehicle shook and rattled. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a recall on the crank sensor. The Nissan dealership advised the contact the crank sensor was not the reason for the vehicle shaking and rattling. The dealership stated that the reason for the vehicle shaking was due to the headlights. The contact stated the dealership repaired the headlight however, the vehicle continued to shake. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership again and they advised her it was the engine angle sensor that was causing the vehicle to shake. The dealership reprogrammed the sensor however, the vehicle continued to shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealership again and they informed the contact that the manifold gasket bearing needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle continued to shake after the repair. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership again and they informed the contact the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The dealership replaced the crank sensor. The vehicle no longer shakes. The contact stated she received a recall notice for the crank sensor however, the dealership refused to replace the crank sensor at no additional cost. The vehicle currently has 81000 miles. Updated 04/12/07.

2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5 stalled on the highway. Car had been idling very rough and engine vibration as well as intermittent power loss 24 hours prior to issue. At time of failure, the power steering and brakes locked up while traveling at 70 mph on busy highway mountain pass. I was almost killed as car drifted with no control into other traffic. Car was able to be restarted. Took car to the dealership. The motor started shaking on drive back to dealership. Dealer found that there was a screw loose. They found the screw missing had come from the power valve intake in the power valve. They had to the remove the exhaust manifold to get the screw out, the dealer had to replace the manifold intake/valve and cylinder #4/ 02 sensor/ the gasket exhaust/gasket adapter, and the gasket manifold as the screw had shot trough the engine destroying most of it. The dealership stated that there was a recall for this problem, but only on some 2004 and 2005 models, not my 2003. This problem is documented in other 2002 and 2003 models on this odi website and on internet forums as per my research. Nissan north America refuses to address the problems in the 2002 and 2003 models as I have attempted to work with them in a reasonable manner. This is a potentially fatal issue as noted in different individuals experience the same problems with engines catching on fire or car stalling and locking up in traffic. Interested in pursuing a class action lawsuit. Odi has done nothing to make contact with me or open an investigation. Problem started on September 24, 2005.

1) the power valve screws located in the engine intake valve on my 2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5s have started to come loose, causing power loss in the engine. One of the power valve screws actually came loose and was sucked into the engine, damaging the cylinders, thus ruining the engine. The exhaust manifold, O2 sensor and other components in the engine compartment have been damaged also. This has resulted in several thousand dollars worth of damage, anywhere between $1500 to $7500+ worth of damage. 2) the failure is that these power valve screws have come loose and started being sucked into the engine causing high dollar value damage to the vehicle. More important is that the loss of power and the destruction of the engine during driving almost caused a fatal crash that would have resulted in my death and the death of other individuals on the highway. Additionally, exhaust is escaping the engine as a result of this problem because the power valve screw, after being sucked into the engine and causing damage, went into the exhaust manifold and cracked it. Exhaust fumes were leaking from the crack in the exhaust manifold polluting the environment and causing me personal damage from the fumes and other complications. Nissan north America is already aware of this exact issue in their 2004 and 2005 Nissan Altimas with the same engine as mine, which is the 2. 5s engine. They are in the midst of conducting a service recall related to this issue. However, they are not addressing the issue in my 2003 Nissan Altima. 3) Nissan has done nothing to correct this issue. My dealer, woodmen Nissan of colorado springs has worked to communicate with Nissan north America to make them aware of the issue and add the 2003 model to the recall. However, Nissan north America has declined both my and the dealerships request to address this costly and seriously dangerous/fatal flaw in the automobile.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, there was a loud noise outside of the vehicle and smoke emitted from the tailpipe. The vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was towed to the dealer. The crank shaft sensor was replaced. The failure continued three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on six occasions for the identical failures. The repairs on the vehicle consisted of an engine tune up and replacement of the engine intake manifold. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and independent mechanic in which they informed that the failure was contributed to internal defects within the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.

On December 14, 2003 consumer received NHTSA recall 03v084000, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited. Dealership still does not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs.

Engine noise (knock, clack or clatter) at idle. Nissan America has published several bulletins/recalls/alerts regarding noise associated with the auto-tensioner, pre-catalyst and/or valves but the manufacturer and dealer now claim the "noise" is normal. Also, the car still has a rattle in dome light that the insulation kit (tape) failed to fix. Service manager stated rattle was not heard while driving the car for 10 miles but if the rattle could be duplicated at 40,000 miles he would repair. Of course, I heard the knock and rattle while driving home from the dealership. Unfortunately, the car only has 12,500 miles. The radiator was also replaced which is when I began noticing the knock. This is a sour deal! .