C1103 on 2007-2018 Nissan Altima (S, SV, SL, SR) — ABS/Brake System Circuit Fault (manufacturer-specific)
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $80-$700 repair
How to diagnose and fix C1103: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Nissan Altima · 2007–2018
A failed front ABS wheel speed sensor (or its corroded/damaged wiring) is a common cause of the simultaneous ABS, VDC (vehicle dynamic control), and SLIP warning lights on the Altima. Because the sensor feeds speed data to multiple modules, one bad sensor lights several warnings and disables ABS and traction/stability control. The sensors live at the wheels and fail from road debris, corrosion, and electrical wear. Driving is possible but anti-lock braking and stability assist are inactive until repaired.
Common Symptoms
- ABS, VDC/traction, and SLIP lights on together
- Speedometer dropout in some cases
- ABS not engaging in hard stops
- Stability/traction control disabled
How to Fix
Read ABS codes with an ABS-capable scanner to pinpoint the exact wheel before buying parts (a dirty tip or chafed wire can sometimes be cleaned/repaired instead of replaced). Replace the failed front sensor — OEM front left/right is 47910-JA000 (2007-2013 Altima / 2009-2014 Maxima); later body uses 47910-3TA1A/3TA2A. It is roughly a one-hour-per-wheel DIY job. Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan front ABS wheel-speed sensor 47910-JA000
2007-2013 Altima L32 front, left or right, 2.5L or 3.5L; 2013 requires body-style/VIN confirmation. Sold individually; do not infer that both sides need replacement.
- Genuine Nissan front ABS wheel-speed sensor 47910-3TA2A
2013-2018 Altima L33 front, 2.5L or 3.5L; 2013 requires body-style/VIN confirmation. Catalog requires quantity two for the vehicle, but buy one when only one sensor is confirmed failed.
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Sources for this issue (3)
Nissan Altima · 2002–2012
A recurring higher-mileage Altima problem is front wheel bearing wear, often first noticed as a humming or growling noise that increases with road speed. As the bearing deteriorates, owners may feel vibration, looseness, or see ABS warnings if the integrated wheel speed signal becomes erratic. This is widely reported in repair databases and owner forums, especially on cars driven on rough roads.
Common Symptoms
- humming noise from front wheel
- growling that changes with speed
- vibration
- ABS light
- wheel play
- noise changes when turning
How to Fix
Diagnosis includes road testing for load-sensitive humming, checking for play at the wheel, and using a chassis ear or scan tool to compare wheel speed signals if ABS lights are present. Repair typically requires replacing the affected hub/bearing assembly or pressing in a new bearing depending on model year and setup. An alignment check is wise if other front-end wear is present.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan front wheel bearing 40210-3Z000
Confirm axle-nut and seal requirements by VIN.
- Genuine Nissan QR25DE front hub 40202-9HC1A
2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L QR25DE for this card, within the page's broader 2007-2013 fitment; left or right front. Not for VQ35DE.
- Genuine Nissan VQ35DE front hub 40202-3JA1A
2007-2012 Altima 3.5L VQ35DE for this card, left or right front; verify VIN/current supersession.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipDo not assume tire noise; many owners chased alignment and tire issues before confirming the bearing by loading the car side-to-side during a road test.
- TipIf an ABS light appears with bearing noise, inspect the hub tone ring/sensor signal before replacing separate ABS components.
Sources for this issue (2)
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C1103 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C1103 mean?
C1103 stands for "ABS/Brake System Circuit Fault (manufacturer-specific)." This is a chassis code set by the ABS/brake control module, and its precise meaning is manufacturer-specific. On many vehicles it refers to a fault in an ABS-related circuit such as the hydraulic brake switch or a wheel-speed/control circuit, while some makes (for example certain Mercedes-Benz) assign it to a specific axle circuit. In general it indicates the ABS module found an electrical problem in a brake-system input or control circuit, which can disable anti-lock braking and stability features. Because braking-related faults affect safety, it should be diagnosed against the correct service information for the specific make.
What are the most common causes of C1103?
The most common causes of C1103 are: Faulty hydraulic brake/pressure switch (on applicable makes), Wheel-speed sensor or related circuit fault, Damaged, corroded, or open wiring/connectors, Poor grounds or low supply voltage to ABS module, Internal ABS/EBCM module failure, Manufacturer-specific axle/sensor circuit fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1103?
Repair costs for C1103 range from $80 to $700, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C1103?
Au7o has documented C1103 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Nissan.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.