Nissan›Altima›2003›Overview/nissan/altima/2003/base/

2003 Nissan Altima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2003 Altima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2003 Nissan Altima is a passenger car that calls for 5W‑30 API engine oil with a 4.4‑quart capacity. According to owner data, it generated 883 total complaints, with the Engine & Engine Cooling area being the most frequent issue, and it was subject to ten recalls. Compared with the Altima’s complaint history from 1993 through 2025, the 2003 figure sits well below the 2013 peak of 2,304 complaints but above the 2025 low of just six. This places the 2003 model year in a moderate reliability position within the vehicle’s long‑term complaint trend.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2003

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Note the factory battery is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tire size205-65R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6.5-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	152089E01A alt 1520865F0E
Engine air filter	165460Z000
Spark plug	224015M015 alt 224015M016
Battery	244109B900 discontinued
Front wiper blades	288903Z610 alt 288903Z600
Serpentine belt	119508J100 alt 117206N200
Thermostat	212306N20A alt 21200EA000
Cabin air filter	27277VP01A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	191.3 in
Overall width	70.5 in
Overall height	57.9 in
Wheelbase	110.2 in
Curb weight	3023 lb
Track (front / rear)	61 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Altima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.9–7.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.90 sec — 2003 3.5 SE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2003	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	5.90 sec	14.60 sec	240 hp	FWD
2003	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	5.95 sec	14.46 sec	240 hp	FWD
2003	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	7.10 sec	15.40 sec	240 hp	FWD
2002	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	5.90 sec	14.40 sec	240 hp	FWD
2002	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.28 sec	14.72 sec	240 hp	FWD
2002	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.30 sec	14.80 sec	240 hp	FWD
2002	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	7.30 sec	15.60 sec	240 hp	FWD
2005	SE-R V6 3.5L V6	6.10 sec	14.80 sec	260 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.4 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.4 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	76-83 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	13-15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	29-32 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	21-24 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5.0-6.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	202 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	NGK
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.043 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	24F

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	11.6-14.9 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13.5-17.5 ohms
Engine Compression	181-154 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression	185-142 PSI. Maximum variation 14 PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure	43 psi @ 2000 rpm, 57 psi @ 57 rpm psi
Engine Oil Pressure	43 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	53-72 ft-lbs / 23-30 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	73-86 ft-lbs / 28-38 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0059 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0028 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	0.866 in / 0.315 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.865 in / 0.314 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.354 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Finger tight, Step 2

2 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

14 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-95

14–15 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

28-34 ft. lbs., 60

28–34 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

29-36 ft. lbs., step 2: 60

29–36 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	Loosen all bolts.
3	26-32 ft. lbs.	26–32 ft. lbs
4	90-95 degrees.	90–95 degrees
5	90-95 degrees.	90–95 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	Loosen all bolts completely.
3	26-32 ft. lbs.	26–32 ft. lbs
4	75-80 degrees.	75–80 degrees
5	75-80 degrees.	75–80 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4-7 ft. lbs., step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., step 3: 20-23

4–7 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

27–30 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

24-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 95

24–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Brake System (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In the year‑by‑year federal record, 2002 recorded the highest complaint count (1,063) and 12 recalls, while 2004 dropped to 276 complaints and 5 recalls, indicating a downward trend after the peak. The 2003 model generated 883 complaints, 10 recalls, and 1 investigation, placing it well above the 2004 level but below the 2002 peak, marking the tail end of a high‑complaint period. The most frequently cited defect categories for 2003 were Engine & Engine Cooling (384 complaints), Structure (107), Engine (74), and Electrical System (48), with 41 crash‑related and 13 fire‑related complaints documented. The data does not specify a root cause for these complaints, only that the volume remains elevated relative to later years. Consequently, while a 2003 Altima can be found at lower prices, its complaint profile suggests it is less reliable than later model years, making it a cautious purchase unless price advantage outweighs the risk.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

101

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

883

Owner complaints

41 involved a crash · 13 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02’03’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 883 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling384

Structure107

Engine74

Electrical System48

Power Train20

Air Bags19

Unknown Or Other14

Engine & Engine Cooling,Electrical System14

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT…

03V455000Engine And Engine CoolingReported 17/11/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 101 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB17-019H	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY…
NTB13-028I	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Altima. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 24F battery Vehicles taking 4.4 qt Engine oil filter 152089E01A Engine air filter 165460Z000 Spark plug 224015M015 Battery 244109B900

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2003 Altima take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2003 Altima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.