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, Jun 11, 2007
EXCESS OIL USE, CAR USING WATER, NOT STARTING THEN WHEN IT STARTS IT BLOWS BLACK SMOKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT TAKES HER VEHICLE IN REGULARLY FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND IS UPSET THAT AT 60,000 MILES, THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY ON JUNE 9, 2007 AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. ON MAY 13, 2007, THE VEHICLE BEGAN OVERHEATING AND SHAKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN BATTLING WITH THE CORPORATE OFFICE EVERY SINCE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 60,604 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,493.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND BURNING OIL. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE AND WILL NOT REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD THE ENGINE ATTEMPTING TO TURN OVER, BUT WOULD ONLY START WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE ONLY RESTARTED WITH A JUMP START. THE BATTERY WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC WHO FOUND NO FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE RECALL WAS SERVICED TWICE BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2007
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CUSTOMER STATES THAT IN OCTOBER SHE NOTICED OIL LEAK AND HAS TAKEN CAR IN AND NOTICE HAS BEEN FOUND BUT CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM**CC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD SHE QUALIFIED FOR A NEW ENGINE. HOWEVER WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS TOLD SHE DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR EVEN HAVING THE EXISTING ENGINE FIXED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S STANDARDS THAT A VEHICLE CONSUMING 3/4 QUART OF OIL WAS ACCEPTABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, BEFORE IT JUST FLICKERED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER DAMAGED WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO PREVENT. NISSAN AND THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE MATTER. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED IN JANUARY OF 2004 AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPAIRED THAT SAME YEAR. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 145,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWO TO THREE WEEKS LATER AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET ON THE ENGINE THE CATALYST CONVERTER BROKE CAUSING THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE WALL TO BE DESTROYED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. AFTER DRIVING 645 MILES THE VEHICLE BURNED TWO QUARTS OF OIL. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 ALTIMA. THIS IS THE SECOND CATALYST CONVERTER REPLACEMENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 131654 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97288.
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 112,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2007
THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAS 50700 MILES ON IT. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM BECAUSE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES FLEW INTO THE ENGINE. THESE PARTICLES HAVE SCORED THE CYLINDER WALLS. NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BASED ON NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE02078, NISSAN HAD MADE PREVENTIVE CHANGES TO THE CAR TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM, AS REQUIRED BY LAW IN 2004. BUT WHATEVER THEY DID HAD NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT RECURRED. SO NOW THE ALTIMA 2002 HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE BECAUSE OF THE PRE CATALYST OVERHEATING PROBLEM, AND NISSAN WAS REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM . THEY STATED HAD DONE RECALL PROCEDURES IN 2004. IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR NHTSA TO LOOK TO THIS MATTER AS NISSAN HAD NOT FIXED THE DEFECTS JUST PROLONGED IT. THERE WERE LOT OF ALTIMA OWNERS AT RISK AS THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. SO OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION SHOULD OPEN THIS INVESTIGATION AGAIN TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THE PRE CATLYST OVERHEAT PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2007
MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE NEWER MODEL, AND NISSAN REFUSED TO REPAIR IT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PROBLEMS ONLY PERTAINED TO 2003-2004 MODELS, NOT THE 2002 MODELS *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2007
ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NISSAN OF RIVERGATE WITH 78,903 MILES ON IT WHICH WAS WELL WITHIN THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR BACK AFTER I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES. ON NOVEMBER 22 , 2006 I RETURNED AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE ADVISOR AND A MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THE OIL WAS ABOUT QUART LOW. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UP SOME QUALIFICATIONS ON THE COMPUTER AND DETERMINED THAT I WAS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE A NEW ENGINE. HE SAID THERE WAS AN ENGINE ALREADY IN STOCK, SO HE DID NOT HAVE TO ORDER ONE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR BACK ON NOVEMBER 28, 2006. WHILE THERE I WAS HANDED A BUSINESS CARD WITH A NOTATION ON THE BACK THAT READ DROP OFF ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2006 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ON NOVEMBER 28 I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT THE SHOP, EXPECTING IT TO BE THREE DAYS IN SHOP TIME FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2006 STATING THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO ANOTHER OIL CONSUMPTION TEST . AT THIS TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR EVEN TO FIX THE EXISTING ENGINE. ALSO, HE CLAIMED SINCE THE RECALL OF 2004 ALTIMAS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION EVERYBODY Y HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET A NEW ENGINE. THEN, HE ADDED THAT THE PURPOSE OF A DIPSTICK WAS TO SEE HOW MUCH OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED BECAUSE ALL CARS BURN OIL. A VEHICLE CONSUMING OF A QUART OF OIL WAS ACCEPTABLE OIL CONSUMPTION FOR 1100 MILES. I CONTACTED NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA, WHO ADVISED ME TO GO TO NISSAN OF GALLATIN. I WENT TO NISSAN OF GALLATIN, AND WAS TOLD TO DO ANOTHER OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I RECEIVED THE SAME RUN AROUND FROM NISSAN OF GALLATIN ,AND AS OF 4/24 I ADDED 3 QUARTS OF OIL AFTER DRIVING 1046 MILES. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Visibility, May 3, 2007
2002 NISSAN ATLIMA CUSTOMER STATES SINCE 30,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON**CC THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS, DUE TO THE DEFROSTER BEING INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER, SO HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS AND EVENTUALLY IT WOULD GAIN SPEED. THE CONSUMER HAD VARIOUS REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DETERIORATING, THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED, THE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES, THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO REPLACED THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AFTER EXPERIENCING THE STALLING AND NO START PROBLEMS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING. THROUGH FURTHER INVESTIGATION DEBRIS WAS DISCOVERED IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT REPLACING THE MOTOR WOULD BE THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION # PE02078 FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2003. NISSAN ISSUED A RECALL FROM THIS INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED, AND RECURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 89,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2007
OVERTHE PAST TWO MONTHS BOTH THE CAM SENSOR & CRANK SENSOR FAILED ON MY 2002 ALTIMA. THE CAM SENSOR FAILURE TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HOWEVER THE CRANK SENSOR FAILURE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC MAKING FOR A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. JUST LAST WEEK I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER OF A RECALL FOR THE CRANK SENSOR, TWO WEEKS AFTER IT FAILED. WHY I WASN'T NOTIFIED SOONER IS BEYOND ME. I CONTACTED THE DEALER & WAS GIVEN A 800 TO CALL FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MY EXPENSES. LOOKING OVER THIS SITE IT APPEARS THE CRANK SENSOR RECALL IS A FEW YEAR'S BACK- WHY DID I JUST RECEIVE THE CALL ABOUT THIS RECALL? I ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE ARE CAM SENSOR FAILURE COMPLAINTS. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM INITIATED? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2007
DESIGN FLAW CAUSED CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKDOWN WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE DESPITE PROPER MAINTENANCE. CAR ONLY HAD ABOUT 85,000 MILES WHEN PROBLEMS BEGAN AND 90,500 WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN AND DESPITE PROPER CAR OF VEHICLE. NINETY THOUSAND MILES IS TOO SOON FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ITS REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND PRE CATALYST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MONTH AFTER THE RECALL WAS HONORED A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 1,000 MILES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,444. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Apr 12, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP SCREEN WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL, AND THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. DURING THE DIAGNOSIS THEY FOUND A SERVICE ENGINE CODE PERTAINING TO THE CATALYST. HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CALLED NISSAN, WHO INFORM HIM THAT THE DEALER WOULD FIX IT, BUT NISSAN CALLED BACK REFUSING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 , AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.*AK THE MANIFOLD EXHAUST WAS REPLACED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE, IT WOULD SURGE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/22/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S IN DECEMBER 2001 AND CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 HIGHWAY MILES AND HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR WITH OIL CHANGES AND RECOMMENDED SERVICES. THOUGH I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE DONE ALL RECALLS WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT ADVISED THAT THERE ONE ON IT. ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE INTO PIECES AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO FAIL ($5,000). AFTER PAYING THE $550 FEE FOR NISSAN BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT I HAD A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH CAUSE THE DAMAGE, I WENT HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH. I FIND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF FRUSTRATED ALTIMA OWNERS. I CALLED NISSANS HEADQUARTERS TO ADVISE THEM OF MY SITUATION. I WAS CONTACTED BY NISSAN 48 HRS LATER BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT MY CAR HAD TO MANY MILES ON IT AND PAST THE WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS AWARE OF THE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND CAN'T BELIEVE THAT NISSAN IS CHOOSING TO IGNORE THAT THEY HAVE MADE THIS CAR WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS. I ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE CHOOSING TO RISK PEOPLE LIVES AND IGNORING THE MANY CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEIR EXCUSE IS THAT THE CAR IS PAST THE 80,000 MILE WARRANTY, ALTHOUGH I'M SURE THEY WILL COME UP WITH SOME OTHER POOR EXCUSE. THE MESSAGE I GOT FROM NISSAN IS THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT ONLY UNTIL THE WARRANTY AND ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE MADE THEIR CARS WITH A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART, BASICALLY IT IS THE CONSUMERS PROBLEM FOR PUTTING THEIR FAITH INTO SUPPOSEDLY A COMPANY THAT STANDS BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I'M CURRENTLY AWAITING WORD FROM THE LOCAL DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE AS A GOODWILL. ALTHOUGH I DOUBT THIS WILL HAPPEN. MAYBE NISSAN WILL FINALLY DO SOMETHING WHEN UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE REALLY GET HURT OR LOSE THEIR LIFE! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY ALSO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUE TO CLOSE THEIR EYES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2007
MY VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. AND THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL, WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE BAD, I CAN'T SEE OUT THE WINDOW.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2007
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. SPARK PLUGS DIED. TOOK CAR TO SHOP. REPAIRED AND OTHER ISSUES APPEARED: CATALYTIC CONVERTER-FAIL (IN PIECES) REPAIRED FOR $800. ONE WEEK OF DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, OIL EXTREMELY LOW, COOLANT LOW TOOK BACK TO SHOP NOW ENGINE GASKET BLOWN, ENGINE DAMAGED AND NEEDS REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. THIS NISSAN NA MADE SOME PREVENTIVE CHANGES TO THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AS REQUESTED TO BY LAW. HOWEVER THE CHANGES NISSAN NA MADE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT NOR SUCCESSFUL. IT APPEARS THAT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE NISSAN PROVIDED HAS ONLY PROLONGED THE OUTCOME. THOUSANDS OF 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH A DIRECT RELATION TO A FAILURE IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOTICEABLE CHUCKS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ARE MISSING. NISSAN NA IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SELECTIVELY FIXING SOME CONSUMERS VEHICLES. IF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THEIR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY NISSAN NA REFUSES TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER IS FIXING THE PROBLEM. SAFETY SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO A PERCENTAGE OF MILES OR TO A PERIOD OF TIME. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2007
MY "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LITE BECAME ILLUMINATED JUST PRIOR TO AND RITE AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE SERVICED. I BECAME ALARMED WHEN, "I NOTICED IT WOULD NOT GO OUT". I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE MY FUEL CAP WAS TIGHTLY SECURED. I THEN DROVE MY VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MILES TO RESET THE SENSOR. WHEN THAT DIDN'T WORK, I CALLED NISSAN SERVICE DEPT IN VICTORVILLE, CALIF. TO ASK WHAT ELSE IF ANY COULD BE WRONG WITH MY VEH. THE ANSWER I RECEIVED FROM THE SERV. MANAGER WAS ONE I COULD EXCEPT. HAVING TAKEN MY CAR INTO THE SERVICE DEPT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OF THE PROBLEM. JUST TO BE TOLD THAT MY "PRE CATALYST CONVERTER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE DUE TO SERVER ENGINE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT FROM DEBRIS BEING SUCKED INTO THE CONVERTER. NOW IF THE "PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIN WAS REMOVED", AND HEAT SHIELDS INSTALLED ON THE PRE CATALYST AND SURROUNDING EXHAUST TUBING WAS DONE TO CORRECT OR PREVENT ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. WHY WOULD THE PRE CATALYST CONVERTOR FAIL IF PROPER CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS PERFORMED CORRECTLY IN A VEHICLE NOT 5YRS OLD. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $1092.00 DOLLARS FOR FAULTY MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE PARTS/EQUIPMENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2007
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5, I'VE CONSTANTLY EXPERIENCED COLD STARTS. I'VE ALSO TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A CLICKING SOUND THAT APPEARS TO BE IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM..I STILL HAVE THE CLICKING NOISE.*AK ON MARCH 20, 2007 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH STARTING THE CAR. AFTER 6 OR 7 ATTEMPTS THE CAR STARTS. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THE CAR WAS PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE WHEREBY AIR POCKETS WERE FOUND IN THE RADIATOR SYSTEM. THEY ALSO FOUND THAT ANTI-FREEZE WAS IN MY FIRST AND THIRD CYLINDER. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED AN ENGINE. I MUST SAY THAT I'M TRULY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS CAR. I'VE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASEDIT NEW. NOW IT IS FIVE YEARS OLD AND NEEDING AN ENGINE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT. I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH ENDED AT 100,000 MILES AND I HAVE 101,000. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE WHEN NISSAN KNOWS THAT IS PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE 2002 MODELS. THE SALES AGENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I WILL BE CONTACTING NISSAN TO GET FURTHER COMPENSATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF MY ENGINE. WHY HASN'T A RECALL BEEN ISSUED? THANKS...
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2007
MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED THE 2002 ALTIMA, 64,000 MI, OCTOBER 2007, HER FIRST CAR. IN DECEMBER THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER NEAR TO THE POINT OF ENGINE STALL. PER MECHANIC THE COMPUTER REGISTERED AN O2 SENSOR FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE O2 SENSOR. SAME DAY WE PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE MECHANIC THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. WE IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE CAR TO MECHANIC. THE COMPUTER NOW REGISTERED A MISFIRE PROBLEM. PER MECHANIC RECOMMENDATIONS WE REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUS AND LEADS. MECHANIC REPORTED OIL ON ONE SPARK PLUG. WITHIN 2 DAYS OF PICKING UP CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. IN FEBRUARY WE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC ,AND ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT WE WERE LOSING CONSIDERABLE OIL, AT LEAST 1 - 1.5 QUARTS EVERY 2 WEEKS, ROUGHLY EVERY 800 MILES. COMPUTER NOW REPORTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. MECHANIC ADVISED TO TAKE CAR TO NISSAN DEALER AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY , CAR AT 68,000 MILES. DEALER INFORMED US THAT PREVIOUS OWNER HAD CAR IN THEIR SHOP SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 AND THEY HAD ADVISED TO REPLACE ENGINE. STATED THAT ENGINE COOLANT AND OIL WAS GETTING INTO EXHAUST SYSTEM AND FOULING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. STATED THAT NATURE OF PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER 80,000 MI CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY. NO MENTION OF NISSAN RECALL REGARDING O2 SENSOR FAILURE, HIGH OIL LOSS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. AFTER READING THE MANY COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA DESCRIBING EXACTLY OUR SAME PROBLEM AND NISSAN'S RELUCTANCE TO RESOLVE PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING HOW TO MAKE THE DEALER AND NISSAN OWN UP TO THIS PATTERN OF FAULTY DESIGN AND RELUCTANCE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AIR POCKETS IN THE RADIATOR, PREVENTING IT FROM HAVING HEAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,639. THE DEALER/MECHANIC CHANGED THE ANTIFREEZE AND REMOVED THE AIR POCKETS. THE FAILURE RETURNED AFTER FOUR MONTHS. THE DEALER/MECHANIC AGAIN REMOVED THE AIR POCKETS, CHANGED THE ANTIFREEZE ,AND THIS TIME FLUSHED THE RADIATOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 55,200. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICES. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING OIL AS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURES AS STATED IN THE RECALL ISSUED BY NISSA CONCERNING : EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL DID NOT PERTAIN TO THIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THERE IS A RELATED ODI INVESTIGATION, PE02078. *AK