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, Apr 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, IDLING IN TRAFFIC, DRIVING DOWNHILL, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYDAY. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL JERK HARD. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN MARCH OF 2008, BUT THE STALLING RECURRED THREE WEEKS LATER. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,685 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2008
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA (2.5L) STARTED OUT WITH O2 SENSORS NEEDING REPLACED, THE OVERHEATING, NO COOLANT, LOOSING OIL, REPLACED CRANK SENSOR, HAD ALL RECALLS DONE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). NOW I AM LEFT WITH HAVING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PROBLEM OUT OF MOST 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 2.5 ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET SEARCHES I HAVE COMPLETED. I FEEL NISSAN NEEDED TO RECALL THE WHOLE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2008
'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON & WOULD GO ON & OFF FOR THE PAST 3-4 MONTHS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE AND THE DEALER SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACED. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE FAILING ON THIS CAR. WHEN PICKING UP THE PART FROM THE DEALER, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD MY FATHER THAT THEY KEEP THIS PART (EXHAUST MANIFOLD) IN STOCK B/C THEY REPLACE SO MANY OF THEM. MY DAD ASKED IF THEY WERE GOING TO RECALL THE PART, THE NISSAN SERVICE MGR SAID NO. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOULD NOT BE CRACKING OR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. I GOT THE PART ($400) AND MY MECHANIC IS FIXING IT TODAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2008
MASSIVE OIL LOSS WHICH CAUSES NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, C02 CENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, CAR SHAKES AND RATTLES. PLUG WIRES, SPARK PLUGS ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2008
NO HEAT, OIL LOSS, COOLANT LOSS, CHECK ENGINE STATING MISFIRE, O2 SENSORS REPLACED, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, CURRENTLY CAR WILL NOT START. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2008
CAR MISFIRING ,TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER WAS TOLD THAT POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAME LOOSE IN TO ENGINE DAMAGING #3 SPARK PLUG HEAD CYLINDER AND PRECAT DEALER ESTIMATE REPAIR OVER $3,000 .CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH NO LUCK,RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 04 AND 05 BUT NOT FOR MINE 02 OR 03 ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE IS THE SAME,AND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY GETTING THE RECALL REMEDIED BECAUSE SHE LIVES IN A REMOTE AREA WITH THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER BEING 2.5 HOURS AWAY. SHE IS FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY DEFECT. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THEM TOW THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED HER MESSAGES. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR A 60,000 MILE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, OIL WAS ABLE TO ENTER INTO THE ENGINE VALVE AND EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND THE MANUFACTURER BUILT THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM A REGIONAL SPECIALIST. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BURNED 1 QUART OF OIL PER MONTH. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO BURN 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE OIL WAS BURNING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO FLOW BACK INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE OR SHOULD BE SOLD. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERVICE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE ERROR CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CODE APPEARED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A SERVICE BULLETIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER TO CHECK WITH THE DEALER TO FIND OUT IF THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SERVICE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE DEALER WANTED TO ASSIST, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT LET THE DEALER PERFORM THE SERVICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2008
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED...I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LEVEL HAD DROPPED BUT DID NOT EQUATE IT INITIALLY WITH THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE FAILED CONVERTER ( CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE)....I BOUGHT A NEW CONVERTER AND HAD IT REPLACED WITHIN THE WEEK....AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE FROM . A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I AS I WAS CHECKING FLUIDS IN MY CAR I NOTICED MY OIL WAS VERY LOW......ADDING OIL ( SOON AFTER AN OIL CHANGE DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. I WENT TO NISSAN ( DEALER) AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THEY DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND DETERMINED THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT OTHER CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN DIFFERENT AREAS BUT THEY DECLINED TO FIX THE ENGINE, ONLY STATING THAT I NEEDED TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WORK ON MARCH 16TH 2008 I NOTICED THAT IT WAS BUCKING SEVERELY ON THE FREEWAY AND THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY. MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TEMPE AND HAD IT LOOKED AT ON MARCH 17TH 2008. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN IN THE ENGINE. AFTER HAVING MY WARRANTY COMPANY TAKE A LOOK AT IT I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD IN FACT NEED A NEW ENGINE IN MY CAR. APPARENTLY WHEN THE HEAD GASKET BLEW IT LEAKED COOLANT INTO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THAT HAPPENED AND THE COOLANT HEATED UP ENOUGH TO COMBUST IT STARTED TO DISINTEGRATED THE INSIDE OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MY ENGINE THEN INGESTED SOME OF THE SUB STRAIT OF THE CONVERTER. IN DOING SO I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE BECAUSE ALL OF THE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN A FINE SANDY MATERIAL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE CONSUMING OIL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VIN AND PRODUCTION DATE IS NOT IN THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE THE DEALER TOLD HER THEY CANNOT FIX HER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE OIL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A ROUGH IDLING SOUND. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD GONE BAD, AND BEING THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT OIL AND OTHER DEBRIS HAD EXTRACTED BACK INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED THE PISTONS TO GRIND ON BROKEN CONVERTER PIECES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. SHE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY ALL IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AS ELECTRICAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED IT TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN TAKING HER VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE EVERY 3,000 MILES TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, AND HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINE FAILURE. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WOULD COST BETWEEN $6,000-$7,000 AND A USED ENGINE WOULD COST BETWEEN $3,000-$4,000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2008
I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY CAR UNTIL 1-/9/08 I TOOK MY CAR TO STEWART NISSAN IN FAYETTEVILLE TO DO A COMPUTER UPDATE AND TO SEE WHY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY DID THE UPDATE AND TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND SAID I MIGHT WIND UP NEEDING A CATALYST CONVERTER IF THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. IT CAME BACK ON BEFORE I EVEN GOT HOME. I CALLED THEM BACK AND ASK IF IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY THEY SAID THE ONE THAT TELLS THEM THAT WAS OFF AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TILL THAT MONDAY BUT I CALLED VESTER IN CLINTON. I TOOK IT TO THEM ON SATURDAY BUT THEY HAD TO GET ONE IN. PICKED MY CAR UP THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT IT STARTED SKIPPING AND MY OIL WAS A QUART LOW .DROVE A FEW MORE DAYS ANOTHER QUART LOW CALLED BACK TO CLINTON TOOK IT BACK IN THEY CHANGED PLUGS AND DID OIL CHANGE TOLD ME TO DRIVE A FEW DAYS AND KEEP A CHECK ON MY OIL I HAVE AND IT IS WORSE STILL SKIPPING AND USING OIL BUT CANNOT SEE A LEAK OF ANY KIND I JUST DO NOT UNDER STAND WHAT HAPPEN TO MY CAR I DID NOT HAVE ANY TROUBLE UNTIL THIS CATALYST CONVERTER I AM SUPPOSE TO TAKE IT BACK TO VESTER SATURDAY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS CLOSE TO THIS ONE ON THE INTERNET SO MAYBE YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET MY CAR BACK TO NORMAL AND WHY THIS HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE I REALLY FEEL LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CAME FROM THAT PART . I ONLY HAVE 81,000 THOUSAND MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Equipment, Mar 30, 2008
1. VEHICLE'S EXHAUST PIPE HANGER CAUGHT BAG OF DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD AND FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS FALLING APART IN THE REAR. DEBRIS WAS REMOVED BY DISCOUNT TIRES AFTER PURCHASING NEW WHEELS AND TIRES. 2. SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT IS ON. ENGINE HAS REDUCED POWER AND IT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING OPERATION, WITH VIBRATING NOISES. NISSAN STATES THAT THE CAM SENSOR WITH CRANK SENSOR IS FAULTY AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY IT IS UNDER RECALL AND THEY WANT US TO PAY FOR A RECALLED ITEM. 3. ENGINE LONG BLOCK WAS REPLACED ON 2/14/06 BECAUSE OF CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, AND THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATING AND SLUGGISHNESS. 4. REAR ENGINE MOUNT REPLACED IN 11/03/04 AS RECOMMENDED. NOW, PASSENGER UPPER MOUNT WAS RECOMMENDED TO BE CHANGED ON 3/14/08. 5. AIR CONDITIONING IS BLOWING HOT AIR AND WE REPLACED AIR CONDITIONING HIGH SIDE COMPRESSOR AND OIL RECHARGED SYSTEM IN 6/01/07, AS RECOMMENDED. AS OF TODAY 3/30/08 AIR CONDITIONING IS BLOWING HOT AIR AGAIN. WE PURCHASED NEW WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND STEERING COLUMN WITH LOW SOUNDING NOISE. WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY TAKEN OUR CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE, RECALLS AND ADDITIONAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH VERY MINIMAL RESOLUTIONS. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2008
CAR ENGINE STOPPED WORKING ON THE ROAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND STOP THE VEHICLE WAS SPINNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. PRIOR TO THE CRASH SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TODAY STATING THE POTENTIAL DANGER. THE RELATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS 07V527000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE EITHER FAILED OR ARE LOOSE. WHEN SHE DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKS DRAMATICALLY. THE SENSOR IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 80,000 MILES, THE FAILURE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER NISSAN'S EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE EXCEEDS 80,000 MILES AND WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 116,460. UPDATED 04/21/08 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2008
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR 90,000 MILE MAINTENANCE ON 2/26/08. AT THAT TIME, WE WERE INFORMED THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE ECM. THE MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AND THE ECM WAS "REPROGRAMMED" PER THE SERVICE DEPT. 3 DAYS LATER ON 2/29/08, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON WHILE WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY. WE STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, BUT NOTHING UNUSUAL APPEARED, IE NO LEAKING FLUIDS, NOT OVERHEATING, ENGINE RUNNING SMOOTHLY, ETC. WE CHECKED THE OIL; THE LEVEL WAS AT FULL AND WAS CLEAN AS IT SHOULD BE FROM AN OIL CHANGE 3 DAYS EARLIER. THE NEXT DAY, WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THEY TOLD US THE ERROR CODE INDICATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ITS EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 80,000 MILES. LOOKING FOR KEY WORDS "ALTIMA CATALYTIC CONVERTER" ON THE INTERNET TO DO A COST ANALYSIS, WE HAVE FOUND MANY BLOG ENTRIES BY OTHER 2002/2003 ALTIMA DRIVERS DISCUSSING THIS SAME ISSUE. MANY OF THEM INDICATED THAT THE CAT CONVERTER WILL BREAK APART AND BACKFLUSH PARTS INTO THE ENGINE, DAMAGING THE CYLINDERS AND ULTIMATELY REQUIRING ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THIS HAS APPARENTLY HAPPENED BEFORE AND ALSO AFTER CONVERTERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE CONVERTER OR ASSOCIATED PARTS APPARENTLY HAVE SERIOUS DESIGN FLAWS THAT CAN ULTIMATELY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE A DRIVER IS ON THE ROAD. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS DEPENDING ON WHERE AND WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS. REPLACEMENT OF OUR CONVERTER IS PENDING; IN THE MEANTIME, THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2008
I PURCHASED A NEW 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT FALLS WITHIN NHTSA RECALL # 03V-084 (CAMPAIGN ID# R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016 & R3017). THE RECALL CAMPAIGN (NTB03-070B) WAS DONE IN 2003 WITH APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, SOMETIME BEFORE 95,000 MILES ON THE CAR, A FAILURE OF THE PRE-CAT OCCURRED WITH EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN. MATERIAL FROM INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST ENTERED THE CYLINDERS AND RESULTED IN HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION AND NOW NISSAN IS RECOMMENDING A NEW ENGINE. THIS DEMONSTRATES THAT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR OR THE DEALER DID NOT FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES. EVEN WITH A NEW CATALYST THERE IS STILL A HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF ANOTHER FAILURE AND POSSIBLE FIRE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2008
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 . THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR, MY CAR LIS BONE DRY IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. ACCORDING TO MANY OWNERS THEY HAVE HAD TO GET THE ENGINE REPLACED DO TO THIS PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T NISSAN BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? NO CAR OWNER SHOULD HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY POURING OIL INTO THEIR CAR. MYSELF AND OTHER OWNERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE NISSAN RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM INSTEAD OF CASHING IN ON IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 29, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 02 ALTIMA IN MARCH 02. THERE WAS SEVERAL RECALLS OVER THE YEARS AND ONCE FIXED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. IN 2007 I REACHED 80K MILES AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTING COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOING BAD AND SINCE I WAS PAST THE MILEAGE FOR WARRANTY I WOULD HAVE TO FIX IT AT A COST OF $1000+. THE CAR IS HESITANT TO START AT TIMES, IT RATTLES UNDER THE HOOD AND BLOWS COLD AIR WHEN IDLING. THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER RECALL ISSUED THIS YEAR WHERE THE ENGINE IS SAID TO STOP AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I'M GETTING THE CAR FIXED THIS WEEKEND WHICH IS TOTALING ME $3700, OF WHICH THE MECHANIC IS SAYING NISSAN REALLY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN ANOTHER LOOK BECAUSE HE'S HAD TO FIX MORE THAN 100 OF THIS SAME VEHICLE AT HIS DEALERSHIP ALONE. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO WITHOUT NISSAN'S APPROVAL BUT TO FIX IT AT MY COST. I CALLED NISSAN AND ALL THEY COULD TELL ME IS THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO EXCEPT FIX THE LATEST RECALL THAT CAME OUT AT THE END OF 07 INTO 08. WELL THE MECHANIC CAN'T FIX THE RECALL WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM WHICH IS CAUSING THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND OFF. OXYGEN SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS WHAT THE CODE IS COMING BACK SAYING NEEDS TO BE FIXED. FROM THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS IT LOOKS LIKE THIS CAR HAS A DEFECT IN THESE PARTS, NOT DUE TO OWNER MISUSE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY NOT LIGHTLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2008 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, SHE NOTICED THE SAME SYMPTOMS WITH THE ENGINE, BUT OF A MILDER DEGREE. THE VEHICLE APPEARED AS IF IT WOULD STALL AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, BUT DID NOT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,900.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 22, 2008
WELL I HAVE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 I HAVE ABOUT 66,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT HAS BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM . IT FIRST STARTED WHEN THEY HAD RECALL OXYGEN SENSOR. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME SENSOR 3 TIMES ALREADY AT ABOUT COST OF $350 EACH TIME . NOW MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON THE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND TOLD ME I HAD TO CHANGE MY ENGINE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS FOR ABOUT $1000 DOLLARS . AFTER THAT WAS COMPLETED THERE WAS NO CHANGE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON ENGINE IDLES ROUGH ALWAYS HAVING TO FILL COOLANT . AND HAVE HAD TO BEEN TOWED SEVERAL TIME TO THE DEALER WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT IS WRONG. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUES. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,496.