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, Jul 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Engine, Feb 26, 2016
I HAVE REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSORS IN MAY CAR AND IT'S STILL STALLING OUT AT TIMES; I HAVE REED OTHER COMPLAINS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME RELATED PROBLEM AND I NEED SOMETHING TO BE DONE BEFORE, I END UP GETTING KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING THIS CAR, MY CAR HAS 162000 MILES ON IT AND WITH KEEPING UP WITH MY MAINTAINS THIS SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. I HAVE CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SNELLVILLE, GA THREE TIMES AND NO ONE HAS RETURNED MY CALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I NEED HELP ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR THE SAME REPAIRS THREE TIMES IN A ROW WITHIN A THREE MONTH PERIOD. THE PROBLEM FIRST AROSE IN DECEMBER 2015, WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR APPEAL TO BE HESITATING AS IF IT WANTED TO CUT OFF AND PROCEED TO SO WHEN I DECIDED TO PULL OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND HAS REMAINED ON SINCE DECEMBER.
Engine, Dec 27, 2015
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE IGNITION COILS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO NOT CRANK. I HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAID THE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE IGNITION COILS. I HAD JUST REPLACED ALL 4 OF THE IGNITION COILS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF DUE TO THEM GOING BAD ONE BY ONE. WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY, AN IGNITION COIL WOULD GO BAD, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE BADLY AS IF TRYING TO STALL IN TRAFFIC AND WHILE STATIONARY. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO WAS FLASHING. VERY SCARY FOR ME. THIS HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE TIMES AS EACH COIL WENT BAD. WHEN THE VALVE COVER GASKET ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK ON THE IGNITION COILS, AN IGNITION COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2015
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. JUST 98000 MILES ON IT DEALER CHARGED ME $900 FOR SET OF SENSOR AND LABOR. CAR WOULD STALL IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, NO WARNING, WE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER. WENT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAID NO ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM.
Engine, Dec 1, 2015
THE PRE-CATALYST ON THE EXHAUST HAS FAILED, AND CAUSED DAMAGE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN VIN #'S BUT MINE IS NOT COMING UP. NHSTA CAMPAIGN 03V084000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING UP A RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND JERK. THE RPMS INCREASED FROM 35 TO 4,000. THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2015
I BOUGHT THIS 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ($4500 AT RANDY MARION DEALERSHIP IN HICKORY, NC) FOR MY WIFE ON JANUARY 20TH, 2015. THE CAR HAD 123,000 MILES ON IT. JUST 5 OR 6 DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN YOU CRANK IT UP AFTER IT HAD SAT FOR A WHILE. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IT NEEDED A QUART OF OIL, SO I ADDED A QUART. THE NOISE CAME BACK AFTER 2 DAYS. THIS IMMEDIATELY BECAME A MANDATORY ISSUE TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND ADD MORE OIL EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. IT IS NOW AUGUST 7TH AND I HAVE TO CHECK AND REFILL THE OIL EVERY DAY! I STARTED MY RESEARCH FOR COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE ALONG WITH RECALLS FOR REPLACING THE ECM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND/OR ENGINE. THE ECM RECALL APPLIED TO THIS CAR, SO I HAD THAT DONE ON JULY 30TH ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGE. ON TOP OF THAT, I JUST SPENT $1006.62 TO GET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED YESTERDAY ALONG WITH A QUART OF OIL. GOT THE KNOCKING SOUND AGAIN THIS MORNING. I TOOK IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND THEY SAID IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. MY WIFE AND I ARE SO UPSET NOW. WE FEEL LIKE WE WERE SOLD SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM (CERTIFIED LEMON) FROM A DEALERSHIP THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE RESOLD IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. HOW MUCH MORE COMPLAINTS IS GOING TO BE NEEDED FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE NISSAN FIX THIS PROBLEM???
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER HAVING REPLENISHED THE ENGINE WITH OIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Engine, Jul 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DEBRIS ENTERED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN 2005. THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2015
PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED,SELLER APPEARED HONEST & TRUTHFUL ABOUT THE VEHICLE,HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP I NOTICED HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION,PROBABLY ABOUT A QUART A WEEK,,DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT,EXCEPT THAT I PROBABLY HAVE BAD RINGS,OR LEAKING INTAKE VALVES/SEALS AND WOULD REQUIRE COSTLY ENGINE REPAIR.MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME ONE DAY AND MENTIONED THE CAR WOULDNT GO OVER 15 MPH,SO I TOOK IT FOR A RIDE & AS SHE SAID,INTERMITTANTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO 15-20 MPH,RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,,WHEN I GOT BACK WITH THE CAR I OPENED THE HOOD ONLY TO SEE THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS GLOWING BRIGHT ORANGE AND NO EXHAUST EXITING THE TAILPIPE,,,I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO KNOW THAT CAN ONLY MEAN THE CONVERTER IS CLOGGED SOLID,,,,INQUIRED AT A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHAT THE WARRANTY WAS ON THE THE CAT AND THEY SAID IT WAS 8 YRS,80K MILES,,,DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FIND OUT THERES A RECALL ON IT,THE CAT COMING APART & PIECES OF IT GETTING SUCKED UP INTO THE INTAKE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE,,,NISSAN WAS REPLACING THE CATS,INSTALLING HEAT SHIELDS,AND REPLACING ENGINES TO TO THE DEFECT OF THE CAT,,,,,DEALER SAYS HE CANT HELP ME,,,,,CHECK THE WEB,ITS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ALTIMAS AS WELL AS THE SENTRAS,,,THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN KNOWS IS AN ISSUE AND SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS..
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 16, 2015
CAR WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT IT WAS CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. AFTER REPAIR WAS MADE I FOUND THE RECALL ON THIS WEBSITE. ACCORDING TO NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. LOOKING IN NISSAN DATABASE THIS REPAIR WAS MADE AT 28K MILES BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE SAME THING REPAIRED AND NISSAN WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIRS. ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY INFORMATION POSTED ABOUT THIS RECALL THE SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT AND CAUSE LOSS OF POWER TO THE ENGINE AND CUT OFF THE ENGINE COMPLETELY. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, BUT PRIOR TO THAT I WAS OUT ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND IT WAS GETTING DARK. IF IT HAD HAPPENED THEN I MAY HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. SINCE THIS PART IS STILL DEFECTIVE OR NOT REDESIGNED IT IS PUTTING OTHER NISSAN OWNER'S AT RISK OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. THERE SHOULD BE A SECOND RECALL TO REPLACE THIS PART AGAIN. THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE "SENSOR" THAT CAUSES YOUR CAR TO NOT START, THIS IS LIFE THREATENING! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE ANY DISTANCE FOR FEAR OF THIS HAPPENING FURTHER FROM HOME AND EITHER CAUSING ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT OR HAVING A HUGE TOWING BILL. NISSAN WAS VERY UNCOOPERATIVE IN NUMBER ONE, NOT WILLING TO REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND NOT A DEALER, I'M PSYCHIC LIKE THAT, AND TWO, NOT ISSUING ANOTHER RECALL WHEN THE NISSAN SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT THESE HAVE BEEN REPAIRED MORE THAN ONCE AFTER THE RECALL. I HOPE THE NHTSA DEPARTMENT CAN SEE THE URGENCY OF THIS COMPLAINT TO ISSUE A SECOND RECALL. THANK YOU.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2015
POWER VALVE SCREWS IN THEIR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE WITH VINS STARTING WITH 1N4AL11. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID FOR THIS PROBLEM IS P5202. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AFFECTS THE 2003 ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE, BUT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ADDED THE 2003 YEAR MODEL TO THE RECALL. BOTH THE 2003S AND THE 2004S HAVE THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AND I AM A CASE IN POINT OF SOMEONE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER, NISSAN HAS OF YET NOT STATED WHETHER THEY WILL ADD THE 2003 TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. I WANTED TO FIRST LET OTHER 2003 ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE BECOME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. SECONDLY DON'T PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, IT NEEDS TO BE REPORTED TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THAT THE 2003 MODELS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. HERE IS THE KICKER: MORE THAN HALF THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR. PLEASE BE SURE AND NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND MY DEALERSHIP. MY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HONEST WITH ME AND IS WORKING WITH ME TO GET NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO ADD THE 2003-YEAR MODELS TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND HAD TO PAY FOR IT, OR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS, HEARING ENGINE RATTLE, UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATION, OR HEAR A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE TYPE NOISE OR MUFFLER TYPE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THAN YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER VALVE. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION SAVES SOMEONE OUT THERE BOTH MONEY AND TIME. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE THAN PLEASE LET ME KNOW. WE ARE CURRENTLY MOUNTING EVIDENCE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADD THE 2003 MODEL TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AS WELL AS ADDRESS THE DAMAGE. IF NOT WE WILL NEED TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OIL WAS CONSTANTLY LOW AND HAD TO BE REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE 02 SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE TRAVELING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYLINDER WALLS FAILED CAUSING OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH LEAKED INTO THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING DAMAGES. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 10/06/2017*CN
Engine, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,900.
Engine, Apr 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE SERVICES LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 11, 2015
MY CAR IS BURNING 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVRY 2 WEEKS..I TRYD REPLACING PARTS..USING DIFFERENT OIL..NOTHING WORKS..I LOOKED ONLINE TO GET SOME IDEAS OF WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE..BUT MOST PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND STILL HAVEN'T FOUND A ANSWER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 18, 2015
THE FIRST ISSUE I HAVE ARE THE OXYGEN SENOR ARE BAD NO SPEED WHEN GETTING PASS 35 FEEL LIKE YOUR DRIVING IN 25. THE MAJOR ISSUE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH MY UNDER AGE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WHEN THE GEARS WAS IN DRIVE IT STOP AND WENT BACKWARDS THEN I PUT IT ALL THE WAY IN PARK AND IT STOP AND TOOK OFF AND SPEED WENT TO 60 THEN BACK DOWN TO IT NORMAL SPEED. JUST THE OTHER DAY ON 2/16/15 IT WAS PLACED IN DRIVE IT AUTOMATIC WENT INTO REVERSE INSTEAD OF DRIVE BUT THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE. *TR
Engine, Feb 11, 2015, crash, fire
FIRST THERE WAS A RANDOM MISFIRE WHEN I FIRST STARTED IT THAT MORNING. EVENTUALLY GOT IT TO START, ALLOWED IT TO RUN FOR A FEW MINUTES, AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. ONCE I PUT IT IN DRIVE IN AND MOVED A FEW MILES THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. GOT IT BACK HOME, CHANGED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE NEAR THE SENSOR. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 6, 2015
DID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPAIR FIXED CRANK POSITION SENSOR . I DRIVE TO THE STORE CAR SHUTS DOWN TO 5MPH I PULL OVER RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN IT WORKS FINE. *JS
Engine, Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,573.
Engine, Dec 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,027.
Engine, Nov 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ANTI FREEZE AND OIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, EIGHT MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE CODES WHICH CAUSED THE PISTONS TO FREEZE AND AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine, Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME OIL RAPIDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Engine, Oct 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER SUSPECTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROBABLY ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2014
THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT BUT A MANUFACTURER FAULT. THE ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL TO THE TUNE OF 1 QT PER 200 MILES. *TR