2003 Nissan Altima S review from North America

- Automatic transmission shifter intermittently locked up when trying to shift into another gear. (first happened at around 34000 miles).

Soln: getting the brake switch replaced has remedied the problem for now; will monitor.

- Brake light intermittently did not work.

Soln: same as above.

- Car engine shut off after accelerating from a stop (happened at around 60000 miles).

Soln: replaced crank sensor after getting the part from Kragen, and having a friend help with the replacement (it's in a wierd spot and difficult to replace, but possible with slim, dextrous hands, pliers, and some mechanical visualization) ; crank position sensor was not available for purchase ANYWHERE, including the dealerships (who claimed out of stock for indefinite period of time!) ; problem has not recurred for almost a year now.

- Car would not start, but engine would crank (happened around 73000 miles).

Soln: have not resolved yet, but stepping on the gas pedal while cranking got it started, with smoke leaving exhaust... funny that a flooding problem could occur in a fuel-injected vehicle, the same remedy that works for a carbuerated car seems to have worked in this case; I suspect it's a fuel injection problem.

For the first couple of years, the car behaved like a dream. It seemed like the best car I could have ever gotten for the money: smooth performance and handling, roomy, great sound system, comfortable, decent looks, and pretty reasonably priced. I've moved quite a bit over the last few years, and there have been times when I felt like I couldn't have made a better choice in a car (what other mid-sized sedan could you have fit an IKEA queen-sized bed, 2 side tables, a full sized dresser, and a queen matress, all flat-packed mind you, without having to make 2 trips!). But for all of the good qualities of the Altima, the inconveniences caused by having to take care of the issues that come up from time to time leave a sour taste. The most frustrating thing is dealing with the Nissan dealerships that tell you "we've checked everything, and just made some adjustments", "we can't help you until the specific problems happen again", and "we know what the problem is, but unfortunately, the part is back ordered and we don't know when it will be back in stock". Luckily, I was able to find some good information online and get good help from a mechanic friend to either remedy the problem I was having, or work around the problem. Plus, finding a good mom'n'pop auto shop has cut down some of the headaches. Needless to say, I'll be thinking twice about buying another Nissan not so much for the shortcomings of the vehicle (all cars no matter what make will have some problem eventually), but for the seeming lack of support from Nissan to conveniently remedy situations.