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, May 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). HE CALLED THE DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND A REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED HIM THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2004, THE TECHNICIAN USED THE SAME EXACT PART THAT THEY REMOVED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,555. UPDATED 06/09/2008. *LJ THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 06/09/08. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BUMPING SOUND FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, SHE WAS UNABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 13, 2008
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR STALLED AROUND 70 MPH CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WHILE IN A THUNDER STORM. SINCE THAT MY CAR IS ALSO BURNING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2 WEEKS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 12, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURES THAT ARE INCREASING ACCORDING TO REPORTS WIDELY PUBLICIZED ON THE INTERNET. THERE IS A RECALL IN CANADA FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT IN US. IN SPEAKING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE REASON FOR THE RECALL BEING RECOGNIZED IN CANADA BUT NOT IN THE U.S. IS DUE TO THE FACTORY IN WHICH VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED. SEEMS TO ME THIS REASON IS RIDICULOUS IF THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING IN THE U.S. TOO! SEE INFO BELOW: TRANSPORT CANADA RECALL NUMBER 2003060. UNITS AFFECTED: 30589. 2002-2003: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD WHICH COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. CORRECTION: DEALER WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. ALSO, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY MAY SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. CORRECTION: DEALER WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING. IF THE CONVERSION EFFICIENCY OF THE PRE-CATALYST HAS DETERIORATED, THEN THE CATALYST WILL BE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL PRE-CATALYST WILL THEN BE INSPECTED FOR EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL BE REPLACED. WHILE I HAVE BEEN OBSESSIVE ABOUT ENSURING MY VEHICLE IS SERVICED ROUTINELY, I HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WILL RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. I DO NOT HAVE THE FINANCES TO JUST DROP $2000 ON A NEW ENGINE! MY CASE IS CURRENTLY IN THE HANDS OF A REGIONAL SPECIALIST (FILE # 6149122), BUT I HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW TO DATE. I AM RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING REVIEW OF THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 8, 2008
I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA (2002) WITH UNDER 75,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLANT SYSTEM FOR ROUGHLY 10,000 MILES. THE COOLANT TANK DRAINS EVERY 2-3 DAYS. I REFILL IT, AND IT IS EMPTY 2 -3 DAYS LATER. I HAVE HAD 3 OR 4 SEPARATE TESTS DONE ON THE COOLANT SYSTEM, AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. YET, THE PROBLEMS CONTINUE. RECENTLY, GRAY SMOKE FLOWS OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE UPON STARTING THE CAR. ALSO, WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTTERS, AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT TURN RIGHT OVER (REQUIRING 2 OR 3 TURNS OF THE IGNITION KEY). I WAS TOLD THAT PERHAPS IT IS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WARPED HEAD, OR SOMETHING OF THE SORT. EITHER WAY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COOLANT IS SOMEHOW LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE (BECAUSE NO SIGNS OF LEAKS ANYWHERE ELSE HAVE BEEN DETECTED). WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM. THE COOLANT TANK IS EMPTIED EVERY 2-3 DAYS, THE GRAY SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE HAPPENS AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK, AND THE SHUTTERING (AND INABILITY TO START INITIALLY) HAPPENS 1-2 TIMES A WEEK, WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ONE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH OBVIOUSLY IS NOT THE CASE. I WAS TOLD BY 2 MECHANICS (ONE AT THAT SAME DEALERSHIP, AND ONE INDEPENDENT) THAT THE PROBLEM IS INTERNAL, AND THAT THE ENTIRE MOTOR WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AT THE VERY MINIMUM, THE HEAD GASKET AND / OR HEADER. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS OF NISSAN'S OF THE SAME OF SIMILAR MODEL AND YEAR. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO, AND SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, May 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN REMAINED LIT. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TAKING OFF, THE VEHICLE MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND JERKED AS IF SOMETHING WERE SLIPPING. ONCE THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED, THE NOISE STOPPED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TWO MAJOR SENSORS, AND THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL ON THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND THEN FOUR DAYS LATER, THE OIL WOULD HAVE BURNED OUT COMPLETELY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/ HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE), 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING WERE REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 06/05/08 *BF THE DRIVER SIDE POWER MIRROR WAS REPLACED, THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS STICKING. THE CYLINDER HEAD, GASKET RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED. WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/04/08
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 7, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA FAULTY ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). NISSAN REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS START, IT IS LOSING COOLANT, AND THE OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,400.
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA BEGAN OVERHEATING, LOSING COOLANT RAPIDLY AND GAUGES INDICATED RAPID TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS. UPON TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER, VISUAL DIAGNOSTIC SUGGESTED A REPLACEMENT OF VALVE COVER GASKET. GASKET WAS REPLACED FOR APPROXIMATELY $300. OVERHEATING RESUMED AFTER REPAIRS IN ADDITION TO OVERHEATING, VEHICLE BEGAN PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE AS WELL AS MISFIRING UPON START-UP. COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC WAS THEN COMPLETED. DIAGNOSIS WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. REPAIR COST WAS QUOTED AT $2100 PLUS TAXES. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET WASN'T ISOLATED TO ME ALONE AND THAT THERE ARE MANY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS THAT BLOW THE HEAD GASKET AROUND 70,000 TO 90,000 MILES. MANY CUSTOMERS APPEAR TO HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT NISSAN BUT COMPANY WILL NOT OWN UP TO APPARENT DEFECT WITH THE MODEL. IT IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO BLOW A VEHICLE'S HEAD GASKET AND IT IS UNFAIR FOR A MODEL TO HAVE SUCH A MAJOR DEFECT AND THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND COST OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM - A MAJOR ENGINE OVERHAUL. TO PRESENT, NO INJURIES OR CRASHES HAVE RESULTED, HOWEVER, DEALER HAS WARNED THAT WITHOUT REPAIR, ENGINE PARTS MAY CONTINUE TO WARP AND MAY RESULT IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 L ENGINE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, BURNING OIL NO LEAKS. BLACK SMOKE FROM EXHAUST PIPE WANTS TO STALL AND SHAKES MOST OF THE TIME. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT WILL SHUT OFF, BUT IT REMAINS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THERE MAY BE RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE FOUR OPEN RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER TO GO TO A DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS MADE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REMOVED. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD SHATTERED INTO PIECES AS EXPLAINED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2008
CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE FOR NISSAN ALTIMA RELATED TO POWER VALVE/BUTTERFLY VALVE INTAKE MANIFOLD DESIGN. THIRD GENERATION ALTIMA'S QR25DE 4-CYLINDER AND VQ35DE 6-CYLINDER ENGINES HAVE UNFORTUNATELY BEEN AFFECTED BY A RECALL RELATED TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE POWER VALVES, ALSO KNOWN AS THE BUTTERFLY VALVE. THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN P5202 - DOES NOT MENTION ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES FOR PRODUCTION YEARS W SAME DESIGN. THIS HAS LEFT SOME OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM WITH NO RECOURSE/REMEDY FOR WHAT IN SOME CASES HAS AMOUNTED TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE POWER VALVE IS A SERIES OF FOUR PLATES IN THE QR25DE 4-CYLINDER AND 6 PLATES IN THE VQ35DE 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, ONE PER CYLINDER. THE PLATES OPEN AND CLOSE SIMULTANEOUSLY TO ALLOW MORE AIR INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER FOR INCREASED POWER. EACH PLATE IS HELD IN PLACE BY TWO SCREWS. THE SCREWS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO COME LOOSE AS WELL AS THE PLATES AND ARE THEN INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE VIA THE INTAKE PORTS. PROBLEM IS INITIALLY EXHIBITED BY SES(SERVICE ENGINE SOON) LIGHT COMING ON AND/OR BLINKING. UPON OBD METER READING, CODE WILL BE P0304, OR SIMILAR WHICH IS RANDOM CYLINDER MISFIRE OR CYLINDER 4 MISFIRE. ELECTRODE ON SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN BENT CLOSED AS A RESULT OF THE POWER VALVE RETAINING SCREW VIBRATING LOOSE AND BEING INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE. THE SCREW THEN BOUNCES AROUND IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, HITTING THE SPARK PLUG AND BENDING THE ELECTRODE SHUT, PREVENTING SPARK IN THAT CYLINDER. ADDITIONALLY, THE SCREW(S) AND PART OF THE BROKEN PLATES, IN SOME CASES HAVE MADE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE ENGINE AND INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THUS CAUSING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATE AS WELL AS BECOME INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE. FOR SOME REASON, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS DECIDED TO NOT REMEDY ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS ADMITTED FLAW OBVIOUSLY, THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AT THE WRONG PLACE AND THE WRONG TIME, RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY HARM AND/OR FATALITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AFTER THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WAS REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT NO FAILURE WAS IDENTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 109,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 05/13/08. *LJUPDATED 05/13/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, IDLING IN TRAFFIC, DRIVING DOWNHILL, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYDAY. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL JERK HARD. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN MARCH OF 2008, BUT THE STALLING RECURRED THREE WEEKS LATER. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,685 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2008
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA (2.5L) STARTED OUT WITH O2 SENSORS NEEDING REPLACED, THE OVERHEATING, NO COOLANT, LOOSING OIL, REPLACED CRANK SENSOR, HAD ALL RECALLS DONE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). NOW I AM LEFT WITH HAVING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PROBLEM OUT OF MOST 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 2.5 ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET SEARCHES I HAVE COMPLETED. I FEEL NISSAN NEEDED TO RECALL THE WHOLE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2008
'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON & WOULD GO ON & OFF FOR THE PAST 3-4 MONTHS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE AND THE DEALER SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACED. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE FAILING ON THIS CAR. WHEN PICKING UP THE PART FROM THE DEALER, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD MY FATHER THAT THEY KEEP THIS PART (EXHAUST MANIFOLD) IN STOCK B/C THEY REPLACE SO MANY OF THEM. MY DAD ASKED IF THEY WERE GOING TO RECALL THE PART, THE NISSAN SERVICE MGR SAID NO. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOULD NOT BE CRACKING OR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. I GOT THE PART ($400) AND MY MECHANIC IS FIXING IT TODAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2008
MASSIVE OIL LOSS WHICH CAUSES NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, C02 CENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, CAR SHAKES AND RATTLES. PLUG WIRES, SPARK PLUGS ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2008
NO HEAT, OIL LOSS, COOLANT LOSS, CHECK ENGINE STATING MISFIRE, O2 SENSORS REPLACED, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, CURRENTLY CAR WILL NOT START. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2008
CAR MISFIRING ,TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER WAS TOLD THAT POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAME LOOSE IN TO ENGINE DAMAGING #3 SPARK PLUG HEAD CYLINDER AND PRECAT DEALER ESTIMATE REPAIR OVER $3,000 .CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH NO LUCK,RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 04 AND 05 BUT NOT FOR MINE 02 OR 03 ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE IS THE SAME,AND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY GETTING THE RECALL REMEDIED BECAUSE SHE LIVES IN A REMOTE AREA WITH THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER BEING 2.5 HOURS AWAY. SHE IS FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY DEFECT. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THEM TOW THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED HER MESSAGES. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR A 60,000 MILE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, OIL WAS ABLE TO ENTER INTO THE ENGINE VALVE AND EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND THE MANUFACTURER BUILT THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM A REGIONAL SPECIALIST. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BURNED 1 QUART OF OIL PER MONTH. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO BURN 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE OIL WAS BURNING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO FLOW BACK INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE OR SHOULD BE SOLD. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERVICE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE ERROR CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CODE APPEARED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A SERVICE BULLETIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER TO CHECK WITH THE DEALER TO FIND OUT IF THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SERVICE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE DEALER WANTED TO ASSIST, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT LET THE DEALER PERFORM THE SERVICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2008
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED...I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LEVEL HAD DROPPED BUT DID NOT EQUATE IT INITIALLY WITH THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE FAILED CONVERTER ( CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE)....I BOUGHT A NEW CONVERTER AND HAD IT REPLACED WITHIN THE WEEK....AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE FROM . A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I AS I WAS CHECKING FLUIDS IN MY CAR I NOTICED MY OIL WAS VERY LOW......ADDING OIL ( SOON AFTER AN OIL CHANGE DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. I WENT TO NISSAN ( DEALER) AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THEY DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND DETERMINED THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT OTHER CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN DIFFERENT AREAS BUT THEY DECLINED TO FIX THE ENGINE, ONLY STATING THAT I NEEDED TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WORK ON MARCH 16TH 2008 I NOTICED THAT IT WAS BUCKING SEVERELY ON THE FREEWAY AND THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY. MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TEMPE AND HAD IT LOOKED AT ON MARCH 17TH 2008. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN IN THE ENGINE. AFTER HAVING MY WARRANTY COMPANY TAKE A LOOK AT IT I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD IN FACT NEED A NEW ENGINE IN MY CAR. APPARENTLY WHEN THE HEAD GASKET BLEW IT LEAKED COOLANT INTO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THAT HAPPENED AND THE COOLANT HEATED UP ENOUGH TO COMBUST IT STARTED TO DISINTEGRATED THE INSIDE OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MY ENGINE THEN INGESTED SOME OF THE SUB STRAIT OF THE CONVERTER. IN DOING SO I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE BECAUSE ALL OF THE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN A FINE SANDY MATERIAL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE CONSUMING OIL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VIN AND PRODUCTION DATE IS NOT IN THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE THE DEALER TOLD HER THEY CANNOT FIX HER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE OIL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A ROUGH IDLING SOUND. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD GONE BAD, AND BEING THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT OIL AND OTHER DEBRIS HAD EXTRACTED BACK INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED THE PISTONS TO GRIND ON BROKEN CONVERTER PIECES. *JB