2003 Nissan Altima body & structure problems
128 complaints about body & structure have been filed for the 2003 Nissan Altima, which is 12% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 128 12% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 109,000 miles 102 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When body & structure problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 7 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 15 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 16 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 21 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 17 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 16 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 102 body & structure complaints that report mileage, the median is about 109,000 miles, and 8% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash.
What owners wrote
I had to replace the steering at 84000 miles because the steering had a knocking sound everytime you turn it left or right,or when you go over a bump,,,,it was very slack and eventually it felt as though it would fall out at anytime.....was advised at the dealership that it needed to be replaced no explanation could have been given . This was done yesterday 08/22/2013.
The underside of vehicle on the passenger and driver's side floorboard area has rusted through completely through to the inside carpeting. Upon researching, it appears to be a common defect that nissan refuses to acknowledge. There is significant area of deterioration on both sides of underbody of vehicle.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Altima
- Engine 566 complaints
- Electrical system 90 complaints
- Exhaust system 82 complaints
- Fuel system 51 complaints
- Cruise control 33 complaints
- Air bags 29 complaints
- Cooling system 25 complaints
- Transmission 20 complaints