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
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, THAT IS BURNING OIL. I HAVE TO PUT AT LEAST TWO QUARTS OF OIL IN THERE EVERY 2 WEEKS. NOW MY CAR IS SHUTTERING AND HISSING AT ME AND NOT GETTING ANYMORE WHEN I ACCELERATE. I'M BEING TOLD THAT I WILL NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE. NISSAN IS WILLING TO DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I'M SHOWING THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR OF CAR AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY NISSAN. AS A CONSUMER WHAT CAN BE DONE. THIS IS UNFAIR TO US, THINKING WE ARE BUYING A RELIABLE CAR WHEN IT'S REALLY A PIECE OF CRAP. I WILL NEVER BUY A NISSAN AGAIN. STICKING TO HONDA'S. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH HE BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTONS AND CATALYST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN OIL QUICKER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V223000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE RECALL BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXPANSION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE UPDATED RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2010
2.5 ENGINE THE SAME AS ALL THE OTHERS, THIS ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR REPAIRED BY NISSAN. IF NISSAN WOULD HAVE RECALLED THEM BEFORE THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 24, 2010
I PURCHASED MY NISSAN ALTIMA IN AUGUST 2003, I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR FOR 7 YEARS AT 111,000 MILES MY ENGINE WENT ON MY CAR. I WAS GOING THROUGH 3 QUARTS OF OIL IN A WEEK, I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING LEAKING. I HAVE MY SENSORS CHANGE TWICE IN PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS. MY SPARKS PLUG KEPT GOING BAD AFTER SIX MONTHS. I WOULD STARTED IT UP AND WOULD GET A RATTLING NOISE, THEN I WOULD HEAR WATER COMING FROM MY FRONT DASH. MY CAR WAS BEING MAINTAINED VERY WELL. UNTIL IT STARTED TO PUT OIL EVERY WEEK, I HAD IT LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOLD NEEDED MY OIL FLUSHED, THEN MY I HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS. I DID EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO DO BUT THE ISSUE WAS STILL HAPPENING. MY ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, 2 CYLINDER MISFIRE, 02 SENSOR, CAT CONVERTER. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE CENSOR ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF CAME BACK ON 1 WEEK LATER HAD IT REPLACED AGAIN. I WOULD COME TO A STOP AND WOULD JERK PUT IN NEUTRAL AND STOPS, GET HOME CHECK MY OIL BONE DRY. I HAD AN MECHANIC LOOK AT SO MANY TIMES THAT I WAS THROWING MONEY AWAY ENDURING THIS FOR ONE WHOLE YEAR AND NO MECHANIC CAN FIND THE SOLUTION. I WAS TOLD TO KEEP OIL IN MY CAR. THIS WAS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. ON AUGUST 27TH 2010 I WENT TO LEAVE FROM WORK AND SAW A CLOUD OF SMOKE TOOK IT THE MECHANIC ONLY TO BE TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE I WAS APPALLED. BECAUSE MY ENGINE SHOULD NOT HAVE WENT THIS SOON. WELL I REVIEWED COMPLAINTS ON THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND WHAT I COME TO FOUND OUT MANY CONSUMER ALL OVER THE U.S.A. HAD THE SAME ISSUES I EXPERIENCED. THIS VERY UPSETTING. I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE PRODUCTS. I HAVE WENT TO MANY WEBSITE AND FOUND MANY CONSUMERS HAVE MADE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THERE ENGINE REPLACE AND TO NO SATISFACTION NISSAN HAS TURNED THE OTHER EAR. THIS IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT OUT $4800 DOLLARS WHEN IT VERY CLEAR THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE NISSAN ALTIMAS MADE IN 2002. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR RECALL, BUT THE REPAIR DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. ON OCTOBER 19, 2010 WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE THE CRANK SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE CAUSED BY THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. REPORT 69622767 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR NHTSA RECALL 03V455000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING REPAIR ONE TIME. THE CONTACT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2010
THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. FAILURE WAS RECOGNIZED BY CEL P0420. CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WERE REPLACED. NOW ENGINE HAS LOST POWER AND IS EMITTING SMOKE. COOLANT AND ENGINE OIL ARE DROPPING AT INCREASING RATES REQUIRING CONSTANT ATTENTION BUT HAVE NEVER BEEN ALLOWED TO BE "DRY." NOW ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH MANY OTHER CLAIMS WHICH NISSAN DENIES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2010
I HAD A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 125,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE QUART OF OIL IN THE ENGINE AFTER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THEY ADDED OIL AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY THING I CAN DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH ALTIMAS. I REALLY THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AS THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2010
THE CAR BEGAN TO LOOSE ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE WOULD KICK AND THEN GAINED THE ACCELERATION BACK. AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING STARTED LOOSING ACCELERATION AGAIN AND SHUT OFF ON A UNDER CONSTRUCTION INTERSTATE W/ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC. NO SERVICE LIGHTS AT FIRST AND AFTER CRANKING AND DRIVING ANOTHER 10-15 OR SO IT STALLED AGAIN AND THE CHECK-ENGINE, OIL, AND BRAKE INDICATOR'S LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD CAME ON. CHECKED FOR RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEMS. CONTACTING DEALERSHIP FOR POSSIBLE REPAIR IF ITS A RECALL PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2010
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WITH NO LEAK AND PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING. DEALER STATES HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN. DID NOT LOOK AT CATALYTIC CONVERTER ALTHOUGH I ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AS IT MIRRORED ISSUES CAR WAS RECALLED FOR. NISSAN WILL NOT COVER AS A CONSEQUENCE OF MILEAGE 112,000. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FOR THE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WHO NEED YOUR HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED FRO SOME TIME AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILING. IN ADDITION, THE THIRD CYLINDER WAS BLOWN AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND REPLACED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ UPDATED 04/07/11
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2010
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER STATES PREMATURE BREAKDOWN OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER *TGW THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING A QUART OF OIL EVERY FEW DAYS, DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WAS DETERIORATING AND ITS PARTICLES WERE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE DESTROYING ITS ABILITY TO ADMINISTER POWER TO THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN ACCELERATING. *JB UPDATED 01/21/11
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2010
I MADE A COMPLAINT BY PHONE REGARDING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK OR GET A COPY AS PROMISED OF MY COMPLAINT. DUE TO THE MANY COMPLAINTS, CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS YEAR ,MAKE AND MODEL ,YOU WOULD THINK NISSAN WOULD BE A LITTLE BIT MORE CONCERNED AND WANTING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEMS THAT EXIST TO AVOID LEGAL ACTION FOR IGNORING A POTENTLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT COULD BE DEADLY . ALL THOUGH I HAVE NOT BEEN HURT PHYSICALLY ,MENTALLY I AM BESIDE MYSELF THINKING IF YOU CANT GET NISSAN TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE THEN WHO CAN???? I HAD A ENGINE REPLACED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND IT DID NOT LAST 20,000 MILES BEFORE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FELL APART AND GOT SUCKED UP IN THE ENGINE.. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL???? ITS TIME TO DO SOMETHING AS YOU HAVE PAGES AND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS EXACT THING AND IT IS OBVIOUS NISSAN WILL DO NOTHING BECAUSE THEY GET AWAY WITH IT TIME AND TIME AGAIN..THEY ARE WORSE THAN TOYOTA, AT LEAST TOYOTA ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM...PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT AND WHEN YOU INTEND ON DOING SOMETHING TO GET NISSAN TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT?/? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2010
THE CAR INITIALLY USED A LOT OF OIL AND ANTI-FREEZE. BASICALLY WE NEEDED TO PUT A QUART OF OIL AND ANTI-FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 100 - 200 MILES. WE HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND THIS HELPED WITH THE ANTIFREEZE AND THE OIL BUT AFTER A WHILE IT STARTED TO USE A LOT OF OIL AGAIN. IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS GOING THROUGH A QUART OF OIL EVERY 100 MILES OR LESS. MY SON WENT OUT TO RUN SOME ERRANDS AND WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND IT JUST QUIT. UPON LOOKING AT THE ENGINE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER THE CAR. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND NO ONE HIT ME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2010
NISSAN 2002 ALTIMA 69,00 MILES, ALWAYS SERVICED NOW CONSUMING OIL AT THE RATE OF 4 QTS A WEEK, NO INDICATOR NOTICE ON DASH PANEL UNTIL CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN SLOWS DOWN TO 20 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY SEVERAL TIMES. WENT ON THE WEB AND FOUND OVER 169 + COMPLAINTS. NISSAN HAS NO COMMENT. NEXT TIME SOMEONE IS INJURED DRIVING AN ALTIMA MAY WANT TO CHECK THE OIL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED DUE TO THERE BEING VERY LOW OIL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WAS RECENTLY REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE CONTACT HAD A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE SERVICE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE DESPITE HER JUST HAVING AN OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE OIL LEAK BUT ADVISED THERE WAS OIL WAS LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 2.5 NISSAN ALTIMA . WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE STATED THAT HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE THE OIL WAS CHECKED. HE ADDED OIL TO THE ENGINE AFTER HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE STICK. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED FOR NEARLY A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO USE EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. HE HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 83,000. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/07/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2010
TL*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; HOWEVER, HE STATED THAT THE EXHAUST AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM, OXYGEN SENSORS, A NEW ECM REFLASH AND A NEW ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, AFTER ADDITIONAL TESTING, THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE ALSO WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE RECALL WOULD ONLY COVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,996
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING ENGINE OIL AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD OFTEN BLOW BLACK SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING APPROXIMATELY ONE QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING ONE QUART OF ENGINE OIL PER WEEK. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD DISINTEGRATED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,505 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,908.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2010
CAR SHUTS OF WHILE DRIVING. CAR WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF. VERY DANGEROUS ALMOST WRECKED. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA DOESN'T FEEL SAFE. THERE ARE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. ALL WHICH COULD CAUSE POTENTIALLY FATAL AND OR SEVERE ACCIDENTS. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW ON MY 2002 2.5 S QR25 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. I HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND IT BLEW AGAIN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE HEAD HAD BEEN CRACKED AND THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF MARKS IN CYLINDER 1. ONE OF THE POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF THE ENGINE CAME LOOSE AND SHOT THROUGH THE ENGINE, RUINING ENGINE COMPRESSION (IN TURN DESTROYING THE ENGINE) AND IT ALSO DESTROYED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, O2 SENSOR AND POWER VALVE INTAKE AND POWER VALVE PLATES. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THIS IS OVER 6000. APPARENTLY ONE OF POWER VALVE SCREWS HAD GOTTEN LOOSE AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE ENGINE. APPARENTLY THIS CAN RUIN THESE ENGINES. I EXPERIENCE POWER LOSS BECAUSE OF THIS. MY CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES NEARLY CAUSING A SEVERE ACCIDENT EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE STARTS RIGHT UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT STOPS. BESIDES THE COST TO REPAIR THESE ISSUES IT IS VERY CONCERNING DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. IT IS DEFINITELY UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO BE MASS PRODUCED IN MY OPINION . I BELIEVE MANY OTHERS WOULD AGREE. THE IS A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THE 04 AND 05 MODELS, BUT 02 AND 03 OWNERS HAVE THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AND ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RECALLS? IT'S RIDICULOUS AND SOMEONE WILL GET HURT OR KILLED IF THESE ISSUES AREN'T ADDRESSED. NISSAN SHOULD BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO FIX THESE ISSUES. T HE RESULTS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO TOYOTAS RECENT PROBLEMS WHICH KILLED SEVERAL. APPARENTLY NISSAN IS TRYING TO USE SOME KIND OF LOOPHOLE BY VOLUNTEERING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN. BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WITHIN A FEW HOURS, SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BURNED OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT SHE THE OIL WAS CHANGED AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR HER VIN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2010
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO NISSAN APRIL 6, 2010, DUE TO DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT, I HAD TO PAY $630.00 FOR A NEW CLUSTER, AFTER 4HRS OF DIAGNOSIS TESTING NISSAN HAD TO ARRANGE FOR ME A RIDE HOME TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT LIT AGAIN I RETURNED THE CAR BACK TO NISSAN AND WAS TOLD I NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SENSORS $1668.00, THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM , BUT I DO NOT THINK NISSAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2010
AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 L ENGINE FAILURES, I'VE DECIDED TO WRITE. CAR BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. MECHANIC SAID AN OXYGEN SENSOR WAS OUT, BUT WAS PROBABLY THE CAT. CONVERTER. PAID FOR BOTH, AND CAR IS STILL RUNNING ROUGH AND USING 2 QUARTS/OIL PER WEEK. MECHANIC SAID WHEN THE CAT CON WENT, IT BLEW REFUSE INTO THE ENGINE, REQUIRING A NEW ONE. I'VE JOINED THE RANKS OF THE 1000'S WHO ARE GETTING NO HELP FROM NISSAN CORP. IN RECTIFYING THIS EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. *TR