2002 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,062 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lightingApr 7, 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 07E074000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 21, 2007
CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.
Campaign 07E063000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJul 25, 2007
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION OF LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM OPTICSAND CHANGE THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND ILLUMATED LOCATION WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 07E054000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 17, 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 FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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 CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 03V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJul 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.
Campaign 03V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeMar 11, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.
EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Campaign 03V084000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleFeb 27, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CLOCK SPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 03V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 17, 2002
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON CERTAIN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO MARCH 16, 2002, ONE OF THE SENSORS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS EXPECTED IN HIGH-SPEED OFF-SET CRASH SITUATIONS.
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261, CONCERNING THE PROBLEM.
Campaign 02I001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
687 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLS AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO START. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS FAULTY AND A RECALL WAS PENDING FROM 2004 FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL IN 2004; THEREFORE, THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HE IS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2009
A MONTH OR SO AGO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. MY CAR IS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, 104,000 MILES AND THE MECHANIC STATED IT NEEDS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND POSSIBLY A NEW ENGINE . THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) IN 2004, BUT THAT RECALL HAS NOT CORRECTED THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. THIS IS RIDICULOUS- THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF EXACT FAILURES AND NO RECALL??? NISSAN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR NOT REPAIRING THE MATTER. THE SMALL FIX IN 2004 DID NOTHING TO AVERT THE LONG TERM ISSUE. THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS TO THIS CAR ARE IMPECCABLE. OIL CHANGES DOCUMENTS EVERY 3000-5000 MILES USING TOP GRADE SYNTHETIC SYNPOWER MOTOR OIL. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ASIDE FROM DESIGN FLAWS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE CHECKING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OIL LEAK. HE REPLACED THE OIL WITH AT LEAST TWO QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE RINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE ECM FAILURE. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE FAILED. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT PARTICLES FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DAMAGED THE CYLINDER WALLS IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE FAILURE THAT HE EXPERIENCED, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A SERVICE CENTER, THE TECHNICIAN OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE OIL RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. ONE WEEK LATER, THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) IN 2004, BUT THE RECALL HAS NOT CORRECTED THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2009
ONE MONTH AGO OIL LIGHT WENT ON, CHECKED OIL AND LOW. MECHANIC SAID THE OIL WAS NOT LEAKING, YET WE WERE LOSING OIL EVERY 100 MILES. WENT TO NISSAN FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THEY SAID THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, 80,000 MILES NEEDS CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ENGINE .RESEARCHED ON WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE RESEARCH THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE A ENGINE FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2009
AT APPROX 100K MILES, MY ALTIMA WAS CONSUMING ALOT OF OIL, RUNNING POOR, EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE FAILED, HAD ENGINE REPAIRED, BEGAN SAME OIL BURNING PROBLEM AGAIN, HAD CAT CONVERTER HALLOWED OUT, ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOW. HE PLACED 11/2 QUARTS OF OIL INTO THE VEHICLE AND HAD A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP CHANGE THE FILTER AT THE COST OF $42.68. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOSING A QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. EACH WEEK, HE WOULD ADD A QUART TO REFILL THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AT THE COST OF $28.96; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND ERROR CODE PO420 WAS PRODUCED, WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CRANK CASE PRESSURE WERE FAILING. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $4,500. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT IF HE COULD NOT PRODUCE MAINTENANCE RECORDS STATING THAT THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A LACK OF MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT EVEN WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD STILL FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,158 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2009
THE CAR, NISSAN 2002 ALTIMA 2.5S, WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS STARTING TO HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH 2009. NISSAN REPLACED THE CRANK & CAM SENSORS. THEY STATED THEY WEREN'T COVERED UNDER ANY NISSAN SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MAIN CATALYST FAILED DUE TO INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION IN THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2009
MAJOR OIL CONSUMPTION AT 80,000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2009
THE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER IN THE NISSAN MOTORS VQ35DE AND VQ40DE ARE PRONE TO FAILURE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES RESULTING IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. NISSAN HAS REVISED THE PARTS TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM HAPPENING BUT THOSE PARTS ARE ONLY INSTALLED AFTERTHE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE COST TO HAVE THIS DONE PRIOR TO FAILURE IS VERY HIGH. SURELY NISSAN SHOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING BEFORE PUTTING THESE MOTORS INTO PRODUCTION...*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED IN JULY OF 2004; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE IS RECURRING DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2009
CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE, HEAD GASKET FAILURE; ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER MUST BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2009
I BOUGHT MY 2002 2.5 NISSAN 72K FOUR DAYS AGO. A DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THERE IS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I PUT OIL IN, AND A FEW MILES LATER I NEED TO ADD MORE. I HAVEN'T CHANGED ANYTHING YET, SIMPLY BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD IT. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO NEVER BUY A NISSAN. I AM NEVER BUYING A NISSAN AGAIN. I'VE READ NUMEROUS POSTS BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BEGAN AROUND 92K MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD TIMELY OIL CHANGES, SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS LOW ON OIL. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN, NY ON 2/22/07, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ORDERED ON 2/23/07 (THIS WAS BACK-ORDERED). THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED ON 3/13/07, APPROX. $600. NOW THE CAR NEEDS ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTED AND THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING SEVERAL COURTS OF OIL A WEEK. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THIS SUDDEN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE ARE OTHER ALTIMA YEARS THAT HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THAT WERE RECALLED BUT NISSAN HAS NOT DONE THAT FOR THE 2002 MODEL. IT IS WIDELY KNOW THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE OIL RINGS AND THE FAULTY PRE-CATS AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. THIS CAR NEEDS APPROX. $8K IS REPAIRS IN ORDER TO STOP BURNING OIL AND TO CORRECT THE EMISSIONS. NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE FAULTY PARTS IN THESE CARS, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT THEY EFFECTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
RECENTLY TRAVELING TO NC AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WON'T START. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ENGAGED CONSTANTLY AND THE CAR BURNS OIL WITH NO ENGINE LEAKS. I PURCHASED BRAND NEW MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN PURCHASED AND CLUTCH WENT STRAIGHT TO FLOOR AFTER 1 MONTH. TOOK CAR TO NISSAN DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE PRESSURE PLATE WAS BAD AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IN AUG. 2006 AT 115K MILES ($850). THEO2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL, HAD IT REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL, AND IT'S STILL CRAP! TO BOOT, THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE, AND NISSAN RECALLED. THEIR 'FIX' BROKE TOO. I WAS TOLD THAT I'LL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEIR 'RESOLUTION' FIXED BECAUSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, BETWEEN 6/08 AND 11/08, I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIATOR, OIL COOLER, ALL MOTOR MOUNTS, FAN BELTS, DRIVER'S AXLE, POWER STEERING BOX, VALVE COVER GASKET ($7K WORTH OF WORK). CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 145K MILES AND I BELIEVE THE CAR IS JUST A LEMON. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN NISSAN, BUT NOW DECLARE IT WILL BE MY LAST ONE. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER $5K TO PUT IN TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, SENSORS OR AN ENGINE. DON'T THINK SO. NISSAN NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
CAR IS SUCKING UP OIL MAKES NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT. HEATER CORE WENT OUT, THEREFORE NO HEAT IN THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
I PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA 02 ON SEPT 08. AFTER THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THE OIL WAS LOW TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. ONE DAY MY WIFE CAME AND PICK ME UP AT WORK AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND THEY STILL CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WITH IT AND I AM SUSPECTING BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME ONE TIME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD. NISSAN WILL NOT GET AWAY WITH IT AS A MATTER OF FACT MY MECHANICS TOLD ME THAT ALL NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THAT TYPE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 27, 2009
THIS ISN'T FAIR. 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. 5900 MILES. MAN THIS CAR IS JUNK, NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE PEOPLE ABOUT THAT, WORK CAR EVER. AND I NOTICE EVERYONE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR STALL, CAMSHFT PROBLEM.. SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE. ITS NOT SAFE WHEN U DRIVING AND CAR DIE ON YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 23, 2009
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STARTED RUNNING SLUGGISH, AND TOTALLY RAN OUT OF OIL! MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I BOUGHT ONE - AND THAT ONE WENT ON THE FRITZ TWO DAYS AFTER FIXING IT. THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAID IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR. IT RAN OUT OF OIL. NOW I FIND OUT THE CAR IS A LEMON, AFTER I BOUGHT A NEW ENGINE TO BOOT. TWO ENGINES ARE RUINED IN THIS CAR, AND I STILL DON'T HAVE IT PAID FOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2009
NEW 2002 ALTIMA, WELL MAINTAINED, BUYING NISSANS SINCE 1992 RECEIVING MILEAGE OVER 260,000 MILES. LOOKING BACK CAR CONSTANTLY LOW ON OIL W/NO LIGHT REGISTERING THEN LIGHT NEVER CAME BACK ON FOR 3 YEARS, YET OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW. CHECKING OIL EVERY 2 WEEKS AND EVERY OIL CHANGE AT DEALERSHIP-OIL LOW AT TIP OF THE DIP STICK. HAD CAR SERVICED-NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS; SEPTEMBER THE CAR SMELLED HOT; NOT REGISTERING OR SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF IT RUNNING HOT. CAR CONSTANTLY NOT STARTING, STALLING AS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD. GO TO DEALERSHIP, NEED A MOTOR REPLACED, WARPED HEAD GASKET COST $4,000 PLUS DOLLARS. THE DEALERSHIP OWNER ASKED HOW MANY CARS HAS COME IN (ALTIMA 2002) PER MECHANIC SEVERAL HUNDREDS FOR THE MOTOR AND/OR RADIATOR PROBLEMS (REPLACING MOTORS). HE HAS ORDERED A LARGE NUMBER OF NISSAN MOTORS FROM THE COMPANY TO REPLACE THE ENGINES. OWNER WAS SURPRISED OF THIS MOTOR HAVING TO BE REPLACED AND HAS KEPT MY CAR IN STORAGE UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. HE WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP ON A RECALL FOR THE ENGINES WITH THAT MANY CARS BEING REPAIRED. THIS HAS CHANGED MY MIND ON PURCHASING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THE RUDENESS WHEN REPORTING THE PROBLEMS TO THEIR CUSTOMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE (PER THE REP). THIS NEED TO TAKE SOME PRIORITY WITH THE NUMBER OF ISSUES REPORTED AS COMPLAINTS ON ALL THE WEBSITES. II HAVE FOUND 114 HERE PLUS ONE MORE 115 PLUS I HAVE ABOUT 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THEN THE REPORT THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS FIXED OVER 200 CARS. PLEASE HELP US GET OUR MONEY AND/OR ENGINES REPAIRED. WITH THE STALLING AND SHUT DOWN OF THE MOTORS, THANKS TO GOD THE LOW DEATH RATES. CAR IS STILL IN STORAGE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT STALLED ON ROUTE 29 INTERSTATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2009
NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THEIR RECALLS BUT CAR STALLED ON A HWY WHERE SPEED LIMIT WAS 70 MY FAMILY & MYSELF COULD HAVE GOT KILLED. I PAID 1100 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON DID OIL CHANGE CAR KEEPS BURNING OIL EVERY DAY I HAVE TO CHECK IT AND ADD OIL THEN THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE HAVE CALLED OVER 50 TIMES & LEFT MESSAGES THEY TELL ME THEY CAN NOT GIVE ME A NEW ENGINE BUT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM & THEY KNOW ABOUT IT. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR & SAME PROBLEM THEY NEED A NEW ENGINE & NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SHOULD GIVE THEM A NEW ENGINE FOR FREE BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURE THESE CARS WRONG & ARE STILL MANUFACTURING CARS WITH PROBLEMS THEN THEY WONDER WHY PEOPLE AREN'T BUYING THERE CARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ANYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR & UNTIL PEOPLE START GETTING KILLED THEY WON'T DUE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX THIS LEMON. THEY ALSO TELL YOU THAT YOU NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SEVERAL DEATH PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING IMMEDIATELY. ALL MY RECALLS ARE UP TO DATE SO THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ABNORMAL AMOUNTS OF OIL. SHE HAS A 2.5 LITER ENGINE IN HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $5,000. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/08/09.*JB