What's New for 2003 Nissan Altima
Knowing how much a vehicle has changed from previous model years can help provide additional context when reviewing reliability ratings. Our Editors give you the bottom-line on what's new, the pros, the cons and more.
What's New for 2003
After last year's debut to critical acclaim, Nissan's midsize sedan receives minor changes for 2003. Two new exterior colors, Sonoma Sunset and Crystal Blue add pizzazz to the wardrobe. There's a new charcoal seat fabric, padded cloth front center armrest cover (genuine leather on leather-equipped vehicles) and bright titanium interior accent colors for all models to spruce up the interior. The 2.5 SL receives a standard automatic transmission, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. For the 3.5 SE, there is a Sport Package, which includes a sunroof and spoiler, and a Sport Package Plus, which includes sunroof, spoiler, Bose audio system and HID headlights. The 3.5 SE Leather Package now includes a Bose audio system, sunroof and heated seats, while the Leather Sport Package adds a spoiler and xenon headlights. Finally, a new 3.5 SE Premium Leather Package sports all of the above plus throws in fake wood to boot. How can you go wrong? Read More
Long-Term Reliability Ratings by Identifix
Portions © 2008 by Identifix, Inc. All rights reserved
Ratings Key
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Minimal Problems |
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Moderate Problems |
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Significant Problems |
2003 Nissan Altima Reliability Rating
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Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Crankshaft Position (CKP) and Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensors and screws falling out of the intake manifold Power Valve on the 2.5L engine. Failure of the CKP Sensor or the CMP Sensor may cause the engine to stall, and may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. When the intake manifold Power Valve screws fall out, they enter the engine through the intake manifold and can damage the spark plugs causing the engine to misfire or may damage the engine block. The cost to replace the CKP Sensor is $17.30 for parts and $26.00 for labor. The cost to replace the CMP Sensor is $58.64 for parts and $39.00 for labor. The cost to remove the intake manifold and replace the Power Valve screws is estimated at $50.00 for parts and $195.00 for labor. The cost to replace the engine short block is estimated at $2650.00 for parts and $1,040.00 for labor. In some cases, problems with the Engine Sensors and intake manifold Power Valve screws may be covered by a factory recall. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
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4 out of 5 |
Reliability ratings displayed above reflect style specific standard features and may vary from aggregated values displayed for the same year in the historical model overview below.
Reliability History for Nissan Altima
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Reliability History for Nissan
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