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 and engine cooling
599 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 15, 2017
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $1,000 FOR A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND $5200 FOR A NEW ENGINE WITH LESS THAN 90,000. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER HAVING REPLENISHED THE ENGINE WITH OIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2015
PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED,SELLER APPEARED HONEST & TRUTHFUL ABOUT THE VEHICLE,HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP I NOTICED HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION,PROBABLY ABOUT A QUART A WEEK,,DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT,EXCEPT THAT I PROBABLY HAVE BAD RINGS,OR LEAKING INTAKE VALVES/SEALS AND WOULD REQUIRE COSTLY ENGINE REPAIR.MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME ONE DAY AND MENTIONED THE CAR WOULDNT GO OVER 15 MPH,SO I TOOK IT FOR A RIDE & AS SHE SAID,INTERMITTANTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO 15-20 MPH,RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,,WHEN I GOT BACK WITH THE CAR I OPENED THE HOOD ONLY TO SEE THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS GLOWING BRIGHT ORANGE AND NO EXHAUST EXITING THE TAILPIPE,,,I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO KNOW THAT CAN ONLY MEAN THE CONVERTER IS CLOGGED SOLID,,,,INQUIRED AT A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHAT THE WARRANTY WAS ON THE THE CAT AND THEY SAID IT WAS 8 YRS,80K MILES,,,DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FIND OUT THERES A RECALL ON IT,THE CAT COMING APART & PIECES OF IT GETTING SUCKED UP INTO THE INTAKE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE,,,NISSAN WAS REPLACING THE CATS,INSTALLING HEAT SHIELDS,AND REPLACING ENGINES TO TO THE DEFECT OF THE CAT,,,,,DEALER SAYS HE CANT HELP ME,,,,,CHECK THE WEB,ITS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ALTIMAS AS WELL AS THE SENTRAS,,,THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN KNOWS IS AN ISSUE AND SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS..
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2014
I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK, IT ACTED UP, AND HAD "ENGINE OVER TEMP" ACCORDING TO MACHINE THAT GIVES CODES WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS, AND SAID OTHER CODES ABOUT RANDOM MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE RECALL YOU ISSUED ON THIS 2002 VEHICLE. ALSO WHAT CAN SHE DO TO ENSURE HER SAFETY. THIS PERSON WAS SOLD THIS WITHOUT BEING TOLD. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE COMPANY COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND "FIXED" SAFETY ISSUES?THE RECALL INFORMATION SOUNDS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 13, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND A FIRE EMERGED FROM THE HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/12/13*CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 09/06/13*LJ
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 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
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 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO RE-START RIGHT AWAY LEAVING DRIVER IN EMINENT DANGER OF BEEN REAR ENDED BY ON COMING TRAFFIC. NO CODES OR LIGHTS TURN ON DASHBOARD SIGNALING A MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE COOL OFF FOR ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MINUTES IT RE-STARTS AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE FAILURE BECAUSE NO LIGHTS ARE COMING UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND WHEN HOOKED TO A SCANNER NO FAILURE CODES WERE PRODUCED. MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS "REPAIRED" UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000( COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ) . THIS RECALL CALLS FOR CAM, CRANK AND VARIABLE TIMING SENSORS TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER ONLY THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43000 WHEN VEHICLE WAS FIRST TAKEN IN FOR RECALL BUT IT IS CURRENTLY FAILING AGAIN AT 160,000 MILES WITH ABOVE SYMPTOMS AND MANUFACTURER WON'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. THEY HAVE ADVICE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AGAIN AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP REPLACING PARTS UNTIL PROBLEM IS "FOUND". DUE TO LACK OF CODES THEIR TECHNICIANS WILL HAVE TO "GUESS" WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ALL THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE OF DIAGNOSIS, PARTS AND LABOR. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011 A DEALER PERFORMED A RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FROM MANUFACTURER CONCERNING VEHICLES STALLING. THIS RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER DID NOT FIX ANYTHING AND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK VEHICLE OUT OF THE DEALER IT STARTED STALLING AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AT HIGH SPEEDS (65MP), THERE ARE NO CODES GIVEN OUT AND MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO ASSISTANCE. AFRAID I AM GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED AS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON AND THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT INQUIRED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 03V084000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,295 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,300. UPDATED 05/03/12*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2012
I BELIEVE THAT THIS ENGINE DEFECT CAUSED THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGED THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. THESE PARTICLES ENTERED THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND PROBABLY SCOURED THE CYLINDER WALLS PRIOR TO RECALL 03V-084 IMPLEMENTATION. THIS RESULTED IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION THROUGHOUT THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IN TURN ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE HEATER SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY, COOLANT RESERVES DISAPPEARING, ENGINE STARTED TO HEAT-UP, AND ULTIMATELY ENGINE SEIZED-UP. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD TO BE ADDING ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS SINCE ENGINE WOULD START TO MAKE NOISE AND START TO HEAT-UP, BUT THERE WAS NO LEAKS OR ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON. PREVIOUSLY, MECHANICS DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS WHEN TAKING IT FOR OIL CHANGES AND SERVICE. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATE THAT IT WILL COST ME $2100 TO $5500 TO FIX THIS. I TOLD NISSAN SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT I FOUND THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO MANY NISSAN 2002 OWNERS ON THE INTERNET. I FOUND SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS JUST BY GOGGLING "2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OIL CONSUMPTION". EVEN NISSAN SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL SINCE THESE VEHICLES SHOULD LAST OVER THE 200 THOUSAND MILES, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE ALWAYS DONE ROUTINE OIL CHANGES AND SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME AND THE MANY OWNERS OF THESE NISSAN ALTIMAS WHO HAVE TRUSTED NISSAN IN BUILDING LONG LASTING DEPENDABLE VEHICLES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2012
THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS FAILED TWICE, EACH TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. NOW IT IS DOING THIS AGAIN. NOTICED THERE WERE 3 RECALLS ABOUT THIS. TWO BEFORE I PURCHASED AND ONE AFTER, BUT I DO NOT RECALL GETTING A NOTICE ABOUT THE RECALL. MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT, NOW DEALER IS TELLING ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE. HOW DO I FIND OUT IF ANY RECALL WAS PERFORMED? DO NOT TRUST THIS DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2012
OUR FIRST PROBLEM CAME WHEN THE ALTIMA HAD SEVERAL HOLES BLOWN INTO THE ENGINE WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED TO HOLD UP BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE ENGINE. I DID TAKE THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL, BUT WHAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE, AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE ENTIRE CAR DID NOT SET ON FIRE OR THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN I WAS ON A HIGHWAY. I FOUGHT HARD AND SPOKE TO PERSON AFTER PERSON AND FINALLY FOUND THE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS NUMBER(4 WEEKS INTO CALLING), THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE I HAD KEPT SUCH GREAT RECORDS OF OUR SERVICE HISTORY THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE. NOW I HAVE A NEW DEFECT IN THIS CAR. THE METAL FLOOR PAN HAS A DEFECT AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL! THERE ARE ACTUALLY HUGE HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF MY CAR THAT COULD PROVE DEADLY AND MAKE MY CAR NOT ROAD WORTHY. THEY ARE ASKING $2,000 TO $3,000 TO FIX THIS!!! FRAUD. I AM SO LIVID. THIS CAR HAS BEEN ONE NIGHTMARE AFTER ANOTHER. I WANT TO FEEL AS IF MY FAMILY IS SAFE IN THE CAR I AM DRIVING. WHO WORRIES THAT THE FLOOR MIGHT FALL OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THEM WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING??? OR HEAVEN FORBID, SOMETHING HIT THE BOTTOM AND COME RIGHT INTO THE CAR! I'M SO ANGRY ABOUT THIS CAR. PLEASE TELL ME THAT I AM NOT HELPLESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2012
HI, I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IT SHOWS UP A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH ISSUE ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CONSUMES A LOT OF OIL. I AM VERY MUCH CONCERNED ON THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. REQUESTING NISSAN TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS THIS IS A VERY MUCH KNOWN ISSUE WITH RECALLS. THANKS! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2012
CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A HEAD GASKET LEAK, CONSISTENT DETAILS WITH ALL THE OTHER NOTED HEAD GASKET FAILURES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRE-CATALYST HAD BROKEN DOWN AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTE: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,889. UPDATED 04/25/12*LJ NISSAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. UPDATED 04/30/12
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2012
WILL NOT START,REPLACED CRANK AN CAM SENSOR NOTHING THEY ARE RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR LOTS OF PROBLEMS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD CAR FOR MY WIFE TWO DAYS LATER IT LEAVES HER AN MY DAUGHTER STUCK ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE DONE RESETS NOTHING WORKS IS THERE SOMETHING YALL CAN HELP ME WITH IM OUT OF POCKET CAUSE THIS CAR. CAN I TAKE IT TO NISSAN DEALER AN THEY FIX IT FOR A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND DETECTED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY CONSUMING FOUR QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL IN UNDER A MONTH. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.