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, Engine, Jun 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *TR
Engine, May 18, 2013
MY CAR IS USING 2 TO 3 QUARTS OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 200 TO 300 MILES. I'VE BEEN PUTTING THE BEST OIL IN IT ALONG WITH GETTING THE OIL CHANGED REGULARLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 7, 2013
THE NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 HAS MUFFLER RECALLS PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED WITH THE SMOKE ,ALL ALTIMAS HAS MISSFIRE PROBLEMS CAN GET KILLED WHILE DRIVING ,ELECTRICAL RECALLS PLEASE DO SOMETHING OR ARE THEY PAYING YOU SO YOU DON'T DO NOTHING ?????????? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2013
THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO MY CAR IS LOOSING COOLANT AND DON'T KNOW WHERE THE COOLING IS GOING, TOOK IT TO NISSAN THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE EITHER. ALSO I SOMETIME SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR START UP AFTER A LONG STALL CRANK. *TR
Engine, Feb 13, 2013
AFTER ONE OF MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LIGHT FLICKERED. CHECKED THE DIP AND NOTICED I WAS EXTREMELY LOW IN OIL. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT 400MILES SINCE THE LAST OIL CHANGE. A QUART EVERY 100 MILES. NO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, NO LEAK WHEN PARKED SO I BRING IT TO A MECHANIC. NOTIFIED ME THAT ITS POSSIBLY MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WILL COST $2K SINCE THIS MODEL HAS 2 OR IT COULD BE THE ENGINE RUNNING A TOTAL OF $3K TO $6K FOR THE ENGINE AND INSTALL PLUS THE $2K FOR THE CONVERTERS MAKING THE GRAND TOTAL OF $5K TO $8K. DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT IS LOOKING LIKE THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THE CONVERTERS AND ULTIMATELY THE DEMISE TO THE ENGINE. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE HELPFUL. COLLEGE AND BROKE. *TR
Engine, Feb 4, 2013
CAR WAS PURCHASED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO, USED. IT DROVE WELL AND ANY MAINTENANCE SHOWED THE CAR IN GREAT SHAPE UNTIL RECENTLY. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO FIND THAT THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY LOW ON OIL, WHICH HAD NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE AND OIL CHANGES DONE ON SCHEDULE. THE CAR NOW GOES THROUGH ABOUT ONE QUART OF OIL PER TWO WEEKS. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED WHILE DRIVING TO INDICATE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE OR THE LOW OIL. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2013
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING. DIAGNOSIS: THE CAM POSITION SENSORS WERE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT (REPLACED 2 SENSORS). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AFTER REPLACING THE SENSOR WITH PARTS OBTAINED FROM THE DEALER. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE WHICH WAS NEVER FULFILLED, HOWEVER, NISSAN CLAIMS IT DOES NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Jan 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A STRANGE NOISE AS SMOKE BEGAN TO BELLOW FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT BITS AND PIECES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE BECOMING CAUGHT IN THE ENGINE. HE WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,316.
Engine, Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE MOVED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 18, 2012
THE CAR HAS AN UNUSUAL OIL CONSUMPTION RELATED TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS SEEMS LIKE. IT IS TOO MANY OWNERS OF THIS CAR HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND BASE ON THEIR INFORMATION THERE IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY FROM NISSAN. THIS ISSUE MUST BE INVESTIGATED BY THE AUTHORITIES AND ENFORCE THE QUALITY MATERIAL FROM NISSAN FOR THESE CAR PARTS (CATALYTIC AND ENGINE). THIS COULD BE A HAZARD ISSUE FOR POSSIBLE FIRE OR UNDESIRED GASES ON LUNGS AND/OR ENVIRONMENT. NISSAN MUST ACCEPT THEIR WRONG DOING AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR QUALITY MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY SELL BY THEM IN OUR COUNTRY. WE MUST BE PROTECT FROM THIS CHEAP COMPANIES PRODUCTS WITHOUT ANY WORK ETHICAL. IF YOU CHECK WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM YOU CAN FIND OVER 200 COMPLAINTS ABOUT NISSAN ABUSING PEOPLE FOR THE SAME MATTER. YOU ALSO CAN SEE HOW IN CANADA THERE IS AN ORGANIZATION WHO PROTECTED THE CONSUMER AND WAS ABLE TO GET A FULLY REFUND OF THE CUSTOMER MONEY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND LET JUSTICE REINS. *TR
Engine, Dec 13, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUSTSYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE ) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE SMOKE WOULD BLOW OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT NEED REPLACING AND THAT THEY HAD HONORED THEIR END OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AGREEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine, Nov 24, 2012
SOON AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY WHEN STARTED OR WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRINGING IT TO THE PLACE WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE SHAKING STOPPED FOR A WHILE THEN WEEKS LATER IT BEGAN AGAIN AND ONLY GOT WORSE. NOW IT SHUTS OFF WHEN RUNNING OR WON'T TURN ON AT ALL. *TR
Engine, Nov 6, 2012
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT AND DESTROYED ENGINE. NOW CAR USES 1 QT OIL EVERY 100 MILES. NISSAN CLAIMS ENGINE IS OLD AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. TOO MANY CARS HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM FOR IT TO JUST BE OLD ENGINES AND NOW THE OUT OF WARRANTY PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT. *TR
Engine, Sep 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP SIGNAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH A HESITATION. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE OIL AND THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL HAD BECOME EXTREMELY LOW. IN ADDITION, BLACK AND GRAY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP TWICE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE CYLINDER SEAL WERE DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INELIGIBLE FOR REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Sep 17, 2012
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; HE STATED THAT THE EXHAUST AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM, 3RD SUCH REPAIR. OXYGEN SENSORS, A NEW ECM REFLASH AND A NEW ENGINE THE 1ST CATALYST HAD APPARENTLY CAUSE PARTS TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO THE FAILURE OF ADDITIONAL CONVERTERS AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING A REMANUAFACTURED ENGINE, CATALYST AND SENSORS REPLACED AT A COST OF NEARLY $3000. *TR
Engine, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE HAD AN OUTSTANDING RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER NONE FOR THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2012
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I BOUGHT THE CAR IN THE FALL OF 2001. I RELIGIOUSLY CHANGE THE OIL ON TIME AND HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED THE CAR. THE CAR HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. I HAVE RECEIVED ALL OF THE NISSAN RECALLS. SINCE DECEMBER 2001, I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING AND ALSO, AT TIMES, LOSING ALL POWER IN THE CAR, AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE TWO ACCIDENTS. AFTER FOUR RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING, THIS YEAR THE CAR IS AGAIN STALLING WITHOUT WARNING AND I AM TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED IN 2004 BY ONE OF NISSAN RECALLS. I AM TOLD A CRANK SENSOR SHOULD LAST OF THE LENGTH OF CAR'S LIFE. I AM ALSO TOLD THAT THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE 2009 VERSION OF THE SENSOR HAVE HAD NO SUBSEQUENT PROBLEMS ONLY THOSE WHO HAD THE OLDER SENSORS ARE APPARENTLY AT GRAVE RISK. I WAS IN THE CAR TRYING TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK OF CAR WHEN MY ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WHEN THE ENGINE DIES I AM WITHOUT POWER. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE LAST RECALL THAT THE CAR STALLED ON ME. THIS MAKES THE STALLING PROBLEM EVEN MORE DEADLY. PEOPLE THINK THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY THE EARLIER MULTIPLE RECALLS AND ARE INSTEAD DRIVING CARS THAT ARE TIME BOMBS. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Engine, Aug 16, 2012
MY CAR HAS BEEN BURNING OIL AT A VERY FAST RATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS TURNED ON, AND MY GAS HAS LOWERED. MY CHECK OIL LIGHT HAS NEVER TURNED ON, NOT EVEN ONCE IN THE 2 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. *TR
Engine, Jul 15, 2012
ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE (1+ QT PER 2,000+ MILES). DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEGINNING DECEMBER 2011. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, IT SUCKS IN PIECES OF THE CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DURING THE NEGATIVE CYCLE. THE SMALL PIECES OF THE CONVERTER THEN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF THE DEALERSHIP MONITORING THE OIL CONSUMPTION, I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE CYLINDER COMPRESSION TEST INDICATED THE FIRST CYLINDER WAS AT ABOUT 82 PSI AND THE OTHER THREE CYLINDERS RANGED FROM 111 TO 118 PSI. BACK AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FIRST CYLINDER IS THE ONE THAT IS INITIALLY DAMAGED BY THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING. NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN GETTING A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE I DID NOT GET A WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND ALSO BECAUSE THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 90,000 MILES WAS NOT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP (NISSAN CASE # 8897586). THE CAR IS SUFFERING THE EFFECTS IDENTIFIED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V084000. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THE ENGINE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CAMPAIGN. I HAVE METICULOUSLY RECORDED ALL OF THE REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES TO THE CAR, ONLY TO HAVE NISSAN TELL ME THAT THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENTLY CASING GRAVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE SAME PROCEDURE JUST A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL WAS NEVER EXCHANGED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WERE ALSO NO RECALLS COVERING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MIELAGES WERE 66,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2012
MY CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL A MONTH AT LEAST, WERE IS IT GOING ITS TO MUCH TO BE EVAP FROM LOOSE RINGS AND MY GASKETS ARE GOOD AND I CANT JUST KEEP CHANGING CATALYTIC CONVERTER 1 A MONTH ALSO MY CLUTCH DOESN'T SEEM TO HOLD PRESSURE IT STAYS PRETTY SLOPPY AND SOMETIMES STARTS GRABBING REAL LOW. *TR
Engine, May 16, 2012
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 3/23/12. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 3/26/12. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING SOUND ON 4/20/12 AND A MECHANIC RECOMMENDED AN OIL CHANGE BECAUSE THE OIL WAS BLACK AND LOW. HE DID THE OIL CHANGE. THE NOISE WENT AWAY AFTER THE OIL CHANGE. THEN ON 5/6/12 THE RATTLING NOISE CAME BACK. I CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS EXTREMELY LOW. I ADDED 3 QUARTS. THEN ON 5/16/12, I CHECKED OIL AGAIN AND HAD TO ADD 1 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL. THERE ARE NO LEAKS UNDER THE CAR OR INSIDE THE HOOD. THE CAR IS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR ABOUT 100 MILES PER WEEK AND SOMETIMES LESS. . AND THE "CHECK OIL" LIGHT NEVER COMES ON TO INDICATE THAT IT IS LOW. I NOW HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL EVERY OTHER DAY BECAUSE I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL USE IT ALL. I HAVE TO KEEP QUARTS OF OIL IN THE TRUNK, IN CASE IT RUNS LOW AGAIN. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL RAPIDLY AND EVERY TWO WEEKS, HE WOULD HAVE TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE DEALER DIDN'T KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM AT A COST OF $2000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT A GUARANTEED FIX.