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, Oct 6, 2007
PROBLEM STARTED WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON.. HAD IT PUT ON COMPUTER AND CODES READ OFF WERE REFERRING TO CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS. HAD DEALER LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. CARS ENGINE HESITATES, LOSES POWER, GOES THROUGH WAY TO MUCH GAS FOR OUR DRIVING. SO NOW LIGHT HASN'T COME BACK ON SINCE THEY ERASED THE CODES! NOW SEVERAL MONTHS LATER CAR DRIVES AWFUL. STILL SAME ISSUES BUT NOW CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND DOES AT OTHER TIMES..ENGINE SPUTTERS AS TO WANTING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND JUST TODAY VEHICLE NO LONGER STARTS!!! BUT DEALER WAS STILL SAYING HEY THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE. SO MY VEHICLE NOW SITS AT THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. WHILE I HAVE NO CAR AND WE WAIT TO SEE IF THEY WILL REMEDY THE ISSUE AGAIN OR STILL SAY NOTHING IS FOUND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST OF 2005. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED, BUT OBVIOUSLY IT WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART HAS SINCE FAILED. UPDATED 12/31/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 12, 2007, fire
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT BOB BELL CHEVROLET NISSAN, 7900 EASTERN AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 21224, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007. IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICING OF ALL THE VEHICLES' RECALLS, A SOFT GRINDING NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND LOW FREON LEVELS FOR AIR CONDITIONING. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 3, 2007 AROUND 5PM, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STRONGLY ADVISED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SERVICE DIVISION CLOSED AT 6PM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT ALL RECALLS AND ISSUES HAD BEEN RESOLVED AND COMPLETED. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AROUND 5:45PM AND PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL HOME. AFTER ONLY FIFTEEN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE PROFUSELY. THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING HARDER AND HARDER AND A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE TEENAGE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VOMIT AND HER EYES STARTED SWELLING DUE TO THE VOLUME OF FUMES EXPELLED FROM THE CARS ENGINE THROUGH THE VENTILATION AND INTO THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER (3700 EASTERN BLVD.) AND RUSHED TO GET HER OUT OF THE SEAT WHERE SHE CONTINUED TO VOMIT ONCE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW DENIES EVER SEEING SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE (SEE ATTACH.), AS WELL AS, DENIED CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT POTENTIALLY RESULTED IN THE ENGINE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007 WITH THE ENGINE RATTLING UNCONTROLLABLY EVEN AFTER BEING RETURNED A SECOND TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DE-ACCELERATE AT A RED LIGHT THE FOLLOWING DAY. UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS WHETHER THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DE-ACCELERATING PROVING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE, WHETHER THE VEHICLES FIVE RECALLS WHERE ALL PROPERLY ADDRESSED, AND IF THE ENGINE WILL START SMOKING AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE FOUR MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER, THEY STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED DURING WARM WEATHER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY MADE THE REPAIR, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW HEAD GASKET. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2007
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S MODEL FROM MY 75 YR OLD AUNT ,IN TRYING TO SMOG IT . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON W/ P0420 CODE , CAR HAS 61450 MI. USES ALOT OF OIL , ALHAMBRA NISSAN CHECKED AND STATED ENGINE NO GOOD RUINED CATALYTIC. CATALYTIC HAS FEDERAL WARRENTY 8YR-80K,ALSO ALOT OF SMOKE EARLY AM START UP..INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE./ IATN SAYS CATALYTIC BREAK UP CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE ,SCORING CYLINDER WALLS, DEALER HAS REPLACED 23 ENGINES & CATALYTICS MOSTLY UNDER WARRANTY. POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED 01/07.. FIRST INSPECTED 03/97 & AGAIN 08/07. I BELIEVE PROBLEM COME FROM CATALYTIC, SMOKE ,OIL CONSUMPTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I THINK NISSAN SHOULD WARRANTY PROBLEM..A RESPONE WOULD BE APPRECIATED...
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Equipment, Aug 28, 2007
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OVERHEATS, AIR CONDITIONER AND ENGINE FAILURES. CUSTOMER STATES THAT SHE HAS BROUGHT THE CAR IN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR THE OVERHEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND ENGINE FAILURES. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND NO STEERING CAPABILITY. THE STARTER, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND RADIATOR WERE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT WAS STICKING WHICH WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN USING THE INTERNAL LATCH. THE GEAR WAS DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF PARK. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2007
VARIOUS SERVICES PERFORMED BY DEALER DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM---SUCH AS THROTTLE BODY CLEANING, CHECKING SPARK PLUG COILS, CRANKCASE SENSORS, O2 SENSORS---AFTER 6 MONTHS DEALER DECIDED HEAD GASKET BLOWN WHICH I TOLD THEM FROM BEGINNING PLUS OIL USAGE AND ANTIFREEZE USAGE---HEAD GASKET REPLACED ON "EXTENDED WARRANTY" WHICH I DID NOT PURCHASE WITH CAR- SO THERE IS SOME ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PROBLEM---CURRENTLY OIL CONSUMPTION ABOUT 1 QT FOR 400 MILES, PROBABLY THE RESULT OF HEAD GASKET AND PRE CAT CAUSING DAMAGE TO OIL SWEEPER RING ON PISTON WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL INTO CYLINDER---THUS A REASON FOR ROUGH RUNNING AT LOW IDLE PLUS SMOKE ON ACCELERATION---NO SMOKE ON NORMAL RUNNING SINCE CAT CONVERTER IS COOKING---BUT SURE WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER CAT CONVERTER FAILURE- THIS PROCESS STARTED WITH DEALER 01/07. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE CATALYST WAS SCORCHED AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REMOVED THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2007
AT 6:30 PM I TURNED LEFT OUT OF A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME TO CROSS TRAFFIC AND ENTER THE VACANT TURN LANE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA LOST POWER LEAVING ME IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE APPROACHING TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO BRAKE BEFORE HITTING ME BROADSIDE. IN THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS THE CAR HAD BRIEFLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THESE OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. THIS WAS THE SAME PART RECALLED IN 2005. IT WAS REPLACED THEN ALSO. THERE WAS ALSO A NEAR ACCIDENT BEFORE THE FIRST REPLACEMENT. THIS PART HAS FAILED TWICE, WITH NEAR ACCIDENTS. BOTH WERE POTENTIALLY FATAL. *TR THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A EXHAUST HANGER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL AFTER EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT WOULD NOT SELL THE CONTACT A WARRANTY. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 50MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING INTERMITTENTLY. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE OCTOBER 5, 2006. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY; HOWEVER, THAT DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE COST OF $42.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE RE-SET DUE AN IDLE ERROR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS GIVEN THE CONTACT FIVE AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS; HOWEVER, THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE.THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HIS TWO TOP TECHNICIANS ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS CHARACETISTIC OF THE CATALYST THROTTLE ON THE EXHAUST. THE FUEL PUMP AND CATALYST THROTTLE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAS DETAILED INVOICES REGARDING REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VIN IS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,432 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON JULY 23, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 110,000 MILES. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,800.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED OR STATIONARY HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER; HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR SHOCKS WERE BAD. UPDATED
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING AND CONSUMED LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND COOLANT. THE DEALER CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE FAILURES BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2007
CAR CONSUMING LOTS OF OIL. NO OIL LIGHT EVER CAME ON LEADING TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 4 QUARTS OF OIL COMPLETELY GONE WITH NO TRACE (NO OIL SPOTS IN GARAGE, NO SMOKE, ...NOTHING) IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. ALSO A PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR SPLIT.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2007
CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" DASHBOARD LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS SOMETIMES FLASHING. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE CAR AT LESS THAN 80 KPH (PER OWNER'S MANUAL RECOMMENDATION) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, DEALER ADVISED THAT "POWER VALVE" (PART OF INTAKE MANIFOLD) CAME APART ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, RESULTING IN METAL PARTS ENTERING THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. DEALER MADE REPAIRS, BUT NOW THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY (HAVE HAD TO ADD 2.5 L OVER 1400 KM). THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2.5L ENGINE FOR THE 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHICH APPARENTLY HAS IDENTICAL ENGINE TO THE 2002 MODEL. CAR HAS 230,000 KM SO IS BEYOND WARRANTY. DEALER NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A SMOOTH SURFACE, THE TAIL PIPE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AT 33,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL, BUT THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOSS OF COOLANT. NISSAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2007
MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, OIL BURNING, IN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L STANDARD. CATALYTIC CONVERTER SETTING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW HEAD GASKET. $1200. STILL BURNING OIL. NISSAN HAS MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE AND REFUSES TO HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2007
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE ALTIMA JUST CUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE STEERING LOCKED NOT GIVING ME TIME TO PULL OVER OFF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. TWICE AT HIGH SPEED AND 2 TIMES AT LOW SPEED AND ONCE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND ACTUALLY SPOKE TO ONE DRIVER WITH THE SAME EXACT CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT DRIVER TOOK THE CAR IN, AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR TO DEALER AT A RATE OF $110.00 TO HAVE IT CHECKED . SOMEONE SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE CARS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR SO MANY PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, NOT INCLUDING THE ONE'S THAT HAVE NOT TAKEN OUT TIME TO VOICE THEIR COMPLAINTS. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY RECALLS INVOLVING THIS MATTER. I ALSO, HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THEY AGAIN CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE AND NOT AFTER SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THEY PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AND HALF LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL TEN DAYS AFTER THE OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,739 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,633.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2007
MY ENGINE STILL DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2007
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 BEGAN TO CHUG VIOLENTLY WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEXT EXIT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. SHUT OFF THE CAR, AND RESTARTED TO EXAMINE THE ENGINE WHILE IDLING, NOTICING AN INTERMITTENT SHUDDERING OF THE ENGINE. DROVE THE CAR A FEW MILES TO MY DESTINATION, AND IT STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER THE LAST STALL O THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. HAD IT TOWED THE NEXT MORNING TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP. AFTER RUNNING THE CODE, THEY IMMEDIATELY WENT TO WORK ON THE POWER VALVE. BOTH SCREWS HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE METAL PLATE IN THE POWER VALVE, AND THE SCREWS HAD GONE THROUGH THE ENGINE CRUSHED THE SPARK PLUG IN CYLINDER #1, AND THEY MADE THEIR WAY INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE SCREWS, THE PLATE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, THE EXHAUST AND ADAPTER GASKETS, AND THE SPARK PLUG. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS, THOUGH NOT ON 2002 AND 2003 MODELS, WHICH SHARE THE SAME ENGINE. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED IN OTHER 2002 AND 2003 MODELS ON THIS ODI WEBSITE AND ON VARIOUS INTERNET FORUMS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 2007
TWICE LAST MONTH THE CAR JUST CUT ITSELF OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THANK GOD I WAS ON A SECONDARY ROAD AND NOT GOING OVER 35 MPH. I GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ROANOKE VA DEALERSHIP AND TOOK THE CAR IN. *AK BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, THE SERVICE MGR STATED THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR--HE THEN CHARGED ME $77 AND TOLD ME TO DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD IN CASE IT HAPPENED AGAIN!! I COPIED REPORTS OF THE RECALL FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND LEFT FOR TH SERVICE DEPT, BUT BECAUSE THE "CODE" DID NOT SHOW UP, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A CAR FROM FIRST TEAM NISSAN AGAIN. THEY REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR IN 2004 AFTER I RECEICED A RECALL LETTER. BUT I FOUND OUT THAT SOME OF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE TOO-I LEFT THAT INFORMATION AND HI-LITED THE PART ABOUT BAD REPLACEMENT PARTS. NO HELP FROM DEALER AT ALL!!