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, Aug 29, 2008
AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAD AN ISSUE WHERE THE COOLANT STARTED LEAKING INTO TO COMBUSTION CHAMBER, HAD TO HAVE THE HEADS RESURFACED, AND CAT CONVERTERS REPLACED. NOW THE CAR BURNS OIL, HAS TO BE REPLACED AT ABOUT 1000 MILES (COMPLETELY EMPTY IF I LET IT GO TO 1500 MILES). THE CAR NOW STOPS WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, STARTS RIGHT BACK UP, BUT DIES WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2008
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AFTER PRECATALYST SUCKED INTO ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED NISSAN TO DECLARE MY ENGINE WAS SHOT. THIS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NISSAN. HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE REPORTED IT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED BY NISSAN AND ENGINES REPLACED FOR FREE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2008
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L. I HAD MY CAR LOOKED AT IN EARLY 2008 BECAUSE MY HEATER WAS NOT WORKING. THE MECHANIC SAID THE COOLANT WAS LOW BUT COULD FIND NO PROBLEM SO HE TOPPED IT OFF AND TOLD ME TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT. IN THE SUMMER OF 2008 I NOTICED IT WAS GOING THROUGH COOLANT AGAIN. IT WOULD ALSO SHUDDER WHEN FIRST STARTED AND A FOUL BLACK SMOKE WOULD COME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE. MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE HEAD GASKET WAS OUT. SO HE IS REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET. HE JUST ORDERED THE PARTS AND HIS SUPPLIER SAID THEY WERE SENDING OUT ABOUT ONE A MONTH, WHICH IS A LOT. THEY ALSO HAVE A DIFFERENT NUMBER, SO IT LOOKS LIKE THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE DESIGN OF THE HEAD GASKET. INITIAL COSTS PUT IT AROUND $1500. I DID INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH THIS CAR STARTING AROUND 87,000 MILES. THE INTERNET ALSO MENTIONED PROBLEM WITH THE PRE-CAT AND OXYGEN SENSORS. I FEEL THAT A CAR ONLY 6 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS. I LOVED THE CAR UNTIL I STARTED HAVING SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2008
AFTER REPLACING THE OXYGEN SENSOR VARIOUS TIMES, I BEGAN TO GET HUGE AMOUNTS OF OIL CONSUMPTION WHERE I HAD TO ADD EVERY WEEK. AS A RESULT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SHOT, AND ALSO RUINED THE ENGINE. DURING THAT PERIOD, MY 2002 ALTIMA HAD SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE OPERATING ON CITY ROADS AND INTERSTATE FREEWAYS. DESPITE HAVING PERFECT MAINTENANCE AND COMPLETING ALL RECALLS (SEE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 03V084000 OR NISSAN RECALL R3007), I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE DESIGN IS COMPLETELY FLAWED AND NO RECALL WILL CORRECT THIS BAD DESIGN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5L OIL CONSUMPTION! I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 18 MILES, I HAVE DONE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3K. I LOSE ALMOST A QUART EVERY 1K MILES. I HAVE SEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THE VQ AND STILL NO RECALL. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA - ENGINE IS GOING THROUGH 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 100 MILES. I HAVE DONE SOME SIMPLE RESEARCH ON THIS AND FIND THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY NISSAN IS AWARE OF IT YET CLAIM THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE BASICS OF THE ISSUE ARE THAT AN INTERNAL PART OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS GETTING SUCKED BACK UP INTO THE ENGINE SCORING THE CYLINDER. MY DAUGHTER'S CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT HOWEVER THERE ARE COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT ON VARIOUS BLOGS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING AS SOON AS 50-60,000 MILES. HER CAR HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. THE COST OF REPLACING THE ENGINE IS $5,000. I HAVE READ STORIES OF ENGINES HAVING BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES ON THE SAME CAR. DOES NISSAN HAVE TO ADDRESS THIS OR CAN THEY JUST BLOW OFF THE CUSTOMER AND PRETEND THAT THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE MOTOR, CONVERTER ETC? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 27, 2008
OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA; REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER 6/2005 @ 71K MILES. IT FELL UNDER FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY. 7/2008 SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN AND SEEM TO BE BURNING THROUGH OIL. TOOK INTO BALISE NISSAN - CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, NEEDS MORE EXPENSIVE TESTS TO DIAGNOSE OIL ISSUE. GOOGLED 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS, CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE HAD POST AFTER POST OF OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS I'VE HAD/HAVING. ULTIMATE FIX, NEED TO REPLACE ENGINE. ONE MAN REPLACED ENGINE TWICE AND CAR IS STILL NOT CORRECT. CALLED NISSAN HEADQUARTERS, THE REGIONAL REP, CATHERINE, WHO WAS EXTREMELY RUDE AS THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING TERRIBLE, SAID SHE REVIEWED MY COMPLAINT AND THERE IS NOTHING NISSAN WILL DO BECAUSE THERE ARE NO RECALLS PENDING AND THE CAR IS A 2002 AND NOW HAS 126K ON IT AND MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I TOLD HER THE INITIAL PROBLEM HAPPENED WHILE I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND OBVIOUSLY THAT HAD TO BE A PROBLEM ALSO BECAUSE A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE SHOULD NOT BURN THROUGH 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN 6 YEARS AND ALSO NEED A NEW ENGINE. I ALSO TRIED TO BRING HER ATTENTION TO THE COUNTLESS OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, SHE DID NOT WANT TO DISCUSS IT. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLES...PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DRIVEN. THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,764.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, A ROD FAILED AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THE NISSAN DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2008
RECENTLY THE CAR WOULD BE ROUGH TO START. AND WHEN IT DID START IT WOULD SPUTTER AND SHAKE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO A NISSAN SERVICE FACILITY. AFTER THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS I WAS TOLD THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SHOT. ALSO TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE RESERVOIR. THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON SO I HAD NO WARNING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 105,000 MILES. I HAVE NO OIL LEAKS, SMOKE COMING OUT WHEN I DRIVE BUT MY CAR IS CONSUMING A QUART OR MORE A WEEK. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY SAID THEY HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. BUT ON CAR COMPLAINTS THERE ARE SEVERAL. I AM AFRAID MY ENGINE WOULD BLOW WHEN I AM DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2008
2002 ALTIMA 2.5 ENGINE- BEGAN USING OIL, A LITTLE BETWEEN CHANGES, INCREASED TO USING 4 QUARTS FOR A 16 MILE ROUND TRIP. CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE , BECOMING A HAZARD TO OPERATE, DUE TO THE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE SCREEN. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC , NISSAN HAS ISSUED A BULLETIN, BUT NOT RECALL ON PROBLEM OF CAT. CONVERTER FAILURE, CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL AROUND 100K. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 03V084000. THIS RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA BACK IN 6/2004. IT WAS NOT PERFORMED COMPLETELY. PRECAT WAS FOUND DAMAGED AND REPLACED BUT ENGINE WAS NOT. PRECAT FAILED AGAIN IN 5/2008 AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED A SECOND TIME. ENGINE IS NOW USING EXCESSIVE OIL AND IS A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND I AM RECEIVING RESISTANCE FROM THEM ON REPLACING ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2008
MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE. I TOOK TIME OFF FROM WORK TO GO AND GET MY CAR SERVICED. THE SAME DAY OF THE SERVICE, MY CAR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD POOR PERFORMANCE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK TO EXPLAIN THE SITUATION, AND THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN. I TOLD THEM I NEEDED A LOANER CAR SO I COULD GO TO WORK. THEY INSISTED THAT THEY DO NOT ISSUE LOANERS ANYMORE, SO I PROCEEDED TO OBTAIN ANOTHER WAY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO LET THEM KNOW IT WAS A PROBLEM GETTING MY CAR IN WITHOUT THE COURTESY OF A LOANER. IN JUNE 2008, I TRIED TO OBTAIN MY LICENSE BUT THE CAR FAILED THE EMISSION TEST. I CONTACTED THE NISSAN HEADQUARTERS WITH MY COMPLAINT MAKING SEVERAL CALLS AND LEAVING MESSAGES. A REGIONAL MANAGER ASSISTANT CONTACTED ME TO LET ME KNOW THE MANAGER WILL CALL ME WITHIN 3 DAYS. SHE DID NOT CONTACT ME LIKE SHE PROMISED, SO I KEPT CALLING UNTIL FINALLY I REQUESTED SOMEONE CALL ME ASAP. I RECEIVED A CALL ON THURSDAY, 7/31/08 FROM THE REGIONAL SPECIALIST STATING THAT THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EMISSION TEST FAILURE AND ADDED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SHE REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND STATED SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR DECISION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICEMAN STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO THE REGIONAL SPECIALIST AND WHEN I BRING THE CAR IN I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC COSTS AND REPAIR SERVICES, BECAUSE IT IS PROBABLY NOT THEIR PROBLEM. AS OF NOW, THE PROBLEM OF MY CAR NOT BEING REPAIRED AND UNSAFE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, WHICH WAS STATED COULD RESULT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2008
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L THAT HAS RECENTLY BEEN TOLD MY CAR IS NOT FIT FOR THE ROAD AND AS THE MECHANIC AND SALES PERSON TOLD ME, IS A "TICKING TIME BOMB". THE CAR WAS VOLUNTARILY RECALLED IN 2003 BY NISSAN AND I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE TOO CLOSE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY HEAT UP AND BREAK DOWN THE CATALYST CAUSING IT TO SPRAY PIECES BACK INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT NISSAN TELLS ME HE IS "AWARE OF THE ISSUE" BUT MY CAR IS NOW OUTSIDE OF THE 80,000 MILE WARRANTY AND IT DOESN'T MATTER( I JUST TURNED OVER 100,000). NISSAN REFUSES TO ADDRESS THAT I DID TAKE MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL AND MANY TIMES AFTER WHEN THE SENSORS WENT OFF AND THE MECHANICS NEVER MENTIONED THIS ISSUE OR OFFERED TO CORRECT IT WITH THE "REPLACEMENT ENGINE" THAT NISSAN CLAIMS THEY WOULD GIVE THE CUSTOMERS WHO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. ARE THERE ANY OTHER INSTANCES WHEN MY CAR'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD BREAK INTO PIECES AND SPRAY THROUGHOUT MY ENGINE? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN? I HAD A 90,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER MAINTENANCE AND THEY CHARGED US AROUND $400 AND NEVER MENTIONED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. PLEASE HELP! I HAVEN'T HAD A CAR TO DRIVE IN THREE WEEKS AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY NEXT MOVE SHOULD BE. STACY OLEXY, READING, PA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2008
WE PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S IN JUNE 2008 WITH 69,000 MILES AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER (UNIVERSAL NISSAN) WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER PERFORMED WORK ON SEVERAL RECALLS INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ENGINE USES A QUART OF OIL EVERY 50 MILES SO THE DEALER DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT THE ENGINE FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, THAT THE ENGINE IS BAD AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND REQUESTED THAT THEY REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOING BAD AND ALLOWING MATERIAL FROM THE DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST TO ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION PER THEIR RECALL # NTB03-070C, DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2006. WE HAVE BEEN DENIED OUR REQUEST FOR NISSAN TO PAY FOR AND TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE WITH A NEW ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA RECALL FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE FOR THE ROAD. DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CONSUMER IS OVER THE 80,000 WARRANTY. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH COULD CAUSE HEAT BUILD-UP AND BREAK DOWN THE CATALYST WHICH COULD CAUSE PIECES TO SPRAY BACK INTO THE ENGINE.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 17, 2008
BOUGHT USED 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3/07 TOOK CAR TO DAVE SOLON NISSAN, PUEBLO CO 12/07. I COMMUTED EVERY OTHER WEEK TO COLORADO SPRINGS ON THOSE WEEKS I WAS PUTTING 3 QUARTS OF OIL. THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK OIL WAS GONE. NISSAN COULDN'T TELL ME WHERE OIL WAS GOING THEY CONTACTED WARRANT & THEY DECIDED ON A REFURBISHED ENGINE. GOT MY CAR BACK END OF DECEMBER. JAN, FEB & MARCH ONLY DROVE CAR EVERY OTHER WEEK TO SPRINGS. NOTICED AT END OF FEB I WAS PUTTING ABOUT 8 QUARTS OIL A WEEK. TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN IN BEGINNING OF MARCH THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO FIND RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES, TOLD THEM I WASN'T SURE I COULD FIND THEM. BUT QUESTIONED THAT IT OIL WOULD NEED TO BE CHANGED WHEN THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR AFTER A TWO DAYS. A WEEK LATER HUSBAND STARTED BACK TO WORK HE TOOK NISSAN TO COLO SPRINGS FOR WORK ON HIS WAY HOME IT JUST DIED OUT GOOD THING FOR US ON OUR NOT SO BUSY STREET AND ONLY A COUPLE OF HOUSES FROM OURS. SO THERE IT STOOD FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS NOT HAVING MONEY TO GET IT TOWED OR EVEN LOOKED AT. IN MAY WE FOUND A MECHANIC A MILE FROM OUR HOME WHO WOULD COME AND TOW IT TO HIS SHOP. HE LOOKED AT IT AND FOUND WE NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PAID $800 FOR IT. WHEN HE WENT TO PUT IT IN HE FOUND WHERE OUR OIL WAS GOING. HE SAID 3 OF OUR 4 CYLINDERS WERE COVERED IN OIL WHICH MADE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXPLODE. HE TOLD USE TO CALL NISSAN WHICH I DID THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE CAR UNLESS WE GIVE THEM RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AGAIN WHY TRIED AGAIN TO FIND THEM OF COURSE COULD NOT LOCATE I THINK WE DID 2 IN THE TIME FRAME. ARGUED WITH THEM FOR A LONG TIME THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME IT WAS OUR PROBLEM NOT THERE'S. WENT ONLINE AND RESEARCHED FOUND MANY MANY PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM AS MYSELF. NEED SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS WE ARE PAYING FOR A CAR THAT IS NOT WORKING. I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS OUR FAULT BUT HOW CAN A 2002 CAR WITH ABOUT 89,000 MILES ON IT NEED ANOTHER ENGINE. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE THE BLAME AND COMPENSATE NISSAN OWNERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2008
IN THE BEGINNING OF MAY MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. I STOPPED AT THE FIRST STORE I CAME TO AND PUT OIL IN THE CAR. BEFORE THIS I HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR BURNING OIL. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL AT A HIGH RATE, ABOUT A QUART A WEEK. I HAD A TECHNICIAN LOOK AT MY CAR AND WAS TOLD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE SOME KIND OF ENGINE FAILURE. AT THIS POINT I WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THAT 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S HAD A PROBLEM THAT CREATED EXCESS OIL BURN AND ENGINE DAMAGE. ON MAY 23RD I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA WHO DID NOT RESPOND. ON MAY 30TH I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AGAIN AND THEY REFERRED ME TO A LOCAL DEALER. ON THE 30TH I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHO CHANGED MY OIL ($36.32) IN ORDER TO DO AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST ON MY CAR. ONE WEEK LATER I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK AND AFTER DRIVING 70 MILES THE CAR HAD BURNED 4 QUARTS OF OIL. WHEN PICKING UP MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN WAS NOT WILLING TO FIX MY CAR BECAUSE MY BROTHER WAS THE FIRST OWNER OF THE CAR AND NOT ME EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 ALTIMA ENGINES. THEY ALSO QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $3,792.70 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ON THURSDAY, JULY 10TH THE ENGINE FAILED AND NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NISSAN HAD A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT WHAT EVER THEY DID DID NOT WORK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2008
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE,SEAMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT .THE GASKET WAS REPLACED,THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE MACHINED. EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE, ANTIFREEZE LOSS FROM OVERFLOW TANK NO LEAKS OR PUDDLES AFTER A TWO WEEKS THE ENGINE BECAME HARD TO START. $1600.00. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2008
1. THE FAILURE FOUND AT JUNE, 6 2008 AT MILEAGE 65,000 MILES 2. IT HAS MISFIRE CODE CAUSE BY VERY SMALL CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEAK 3. THE GASKET IS REPLACED AND THE HEAD CYLINDER IS RESURFACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS IT DID PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN RESTART. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED THE STATE SMOG EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THESE FAILURES, BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS COULD ONLY BE PERFORMED ONCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2008
I OWN A NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 (54,000 MILES) THAT CONSUMES 3.5 PINTS OF OIL EVERY 350 TO 400 MILES. MY MECHANIC HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM RELATED TO NHTSA # 03V-084 ON 11/29/07 AND TELLS ME THAT MY ENGINE SHOULD BE CHANGED BY NISSAN. MY MUFFLER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER O2 SENSORS HAD TO BE CHANGED ON 3/28/08 THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE RELATED TO THE RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER RELATIONS WITHOUT SUCCESS. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2008
IN LATE 2007, I WOULD HAVE TO START UP MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD CRANK UP. ON THE WAY HOME ONE DAY, AS I WAS GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR SHUT OFF AT LOW SPEED. I REVIEWED MY PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THINKING THAT THIS WOULD BE A FREE FIX, NOOOTTT! IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. I PAID ABOUT $300 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS YEAR I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. AROUND MAY I HAD MY ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. MY BELT WOULD ALSO START TO RATTLE WHENEVER THE CAR WOULD BE STOPPED IN DRIVE WITH THE A/C ON. THIS WOULD NOT OCCUR WHEN THE CAR WAS IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, ONLY IN DRIVE. THE RATTLING WOULD GO AWAY ONCE THE CAR WAS MOVING, BUT AS SOON AS YOU STOP, THERE IT WAS AGAIN. IF YOU TURN THE A/C OFF WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED, THE RATTLING WOULD GO AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS HAVING TO REPLACE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND THE FRONT RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT. BOTH WERE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME FOR $1,300.00. THE NEXT DAY, MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE CAT CONVERTER WITH O2 SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS FIXED FOR $1,000.00. OF COURSE MY BELT RATTLING PROBLEM WAS NOT REPAIRED YET. TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN AND AFTER SPENDING 2 HOURS AT NISSAN TALKING TO THE MECHANIC, HE SAID THAT TENSIONER PULLEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER $200.00, THE RATTLING PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I AM OUT OF IDEAS OF WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE WITH MY CAR TO STOP THE RATTLING NOISE, AND I THINK THE MECHANIC AT NISSAN FEELS THE SAME WAY. BY THE WAY, MY SISTER HAS A 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA AND HER CAR IS THE DOING THE EXACT SAME RATTLING NOISE. THIS MUST BE A PROBLEM WITH NISSAN AND NOT WITH INDIVIDUAL CARS. PLEASE HELP HOLD NISSAN RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT THEIR CARS HAVE!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2008
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SE SEDAN THAT HAS A DESIGN FLAW, (ADMITTED BY NISSAN) THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM BUT NISSAN HAS ARROGANTLY DENIED ALL OF ITS CUSTOMERS. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AT ANY TIME AND INJURY DUE TO FIRE. PLEASE DEMAND THAT NISSAN RECALLS THESE MODELS AND DOES THE RIGHT THING. ONE THING THAT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MENTION IS THAT MY CHILDREN RIDE IN THIS CAR WITH ME. IF THIS PROBLEM WERE TO ENDANGER THEIR SAFETY, NISSAN WOULD BE OUT OF BUSINESS, I'D MAKE SURE OF IT!!! THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR