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, Feb 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 03/18/11*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2011, fire
I BOUGHT A NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 2.5 ONE MONTH AGO FROM HER PREVIOUS OWNER I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME IT WAS SMOOTH AND PERFECT I PUT A TEMPORARY PLATES ON IT TO DO SAFETY AND EMISSION TEST TO IT PUT BEFORE I DO THAT I REPLACED THE OIL IN IT AND AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS I DROVE IT TO DO THE SAFETY CHECKS ON IT SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS MAKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 100 AND THE CAR ENGINE SHUTDOWN THANK GOD I CONTROLLED THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY FILLED WITH A LOT OF CARS SO I CALLED A TOWTRUCK TO TAKE IT A WAY FROM THE STREET TO THE GARAGE AND WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AND DID SOME TEST ON IT HE TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND IT COST 1,500 TO BUY AN ENGINE I TOLD HIM ITS IMPOSSIBLE I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IT CANT BE , I ASKED HIM HOW DID THIS HAPPEN HE TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR HAS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM THE PROGRAMMING OF THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR GAVE THE ENGINE A WRONG CODES CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND TO BURN MORE OIL AND BECAUSE OF THAT THE ENGINE IS DEAD NOW HE TOLD ME TO CALL THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND GIVE THEM THE V.I.N NUMBER OF THE CAR I LIVE IN OTTAWA BY THE WAY AND TO ASK IF THERE IS ANY RECALL ON IT SO I DID THAT AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN NORTH AMERICA BECAUSE ITS FROM THERE I DID THAT I SPOKE WITH AN AGENT AND HE TOLD ME YES THERE IS A RECALL ON IT BUT WE CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS NINE YEARS OLD NOW AND THE RECALL HAS ENDED TOW YEARS AGO I TOLD HIM WHY? ITS THE DEALERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY RECALL EVERY DAMAGED CARS OR SOME ONE WILL GET HURT BECAUSE OF IT THAT'S FIRST, SECOND THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS ALOT OF CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAMETHING SO ITS THE DEALERSHIP FAULT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY CAR HAS TO BE SAFE AND PERFECT TO DRIVE IT ESPECIALLY ITS A FAMILY CAR TOO SO ALL IM ASKING IS THAT THEY HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS AND TO FIX MY CAR AND EVERY CAR THAT HAS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM IN IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE.... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Feb 17, 2011
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS KNOW HAD TO HAVE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. MOTOR MOUNTS SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR WAS RUINED BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DISINTEGRATED DUE TO PARTICLES ENTERING THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL RAPIDLY AND IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR HEAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,250.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL, THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2011
I HAVE OWNED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S SINCE 2003. I BOUGHT VEHICLE WITH 11000 MILES AS A SHORT TERM LEASE TURN BACK. I HAVE DONE ALL REGULAR SERVICE WORK; OIL CHANGES,TIRES, BRAKES ECT. RECENTLY TOOK TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION ON ENGINE NOISE. VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT AT PRESENT TIME. SERVICE WRITER INFORMED ME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS DISINTEGRATING AND CAUSING THE MATERIALS THAT THIS IS MADE OF TO BE INGESTED INTO ENGINE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE ENGINE NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE DISCOVERED THRU SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND INQUIRIES, WITH OTHER NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THE MODEL YEARS 2002 & 2003. THERE WAS A TSB FOR THIS CAR FOR THE DEALER TO DO A VISUAL INSPECTION ON THE CONVERTER IN 2003. I FEEL THAT A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FACTORY PART. THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE MANUFACTURER DISPLAYS THE VEHICLE BEING TESTED FOR PROLONGED DRIVING . THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE AMOUNT OF THESE VEHICLES THAT ARE ON THE ROAD. A CAR OWNER SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE REPAIRS DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECTIVE PART. THERE ARE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING THIS FAULT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2011
NISSAN 02 ALTIMA 2.5S HAS PROBLEM WITH ENGINE/CAT CONVERTER, CAR DEVELOPED A P0420 ERROR AND HAS BEEN ROUTINELY CONSUMING OIL, NOW DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED PROBLEM OF CAT CONVERTER DISINTEGRATING AND GETTING SUCKED INTO ENGINE CAUSING IT TO FAIL, ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR IS ~ $6,000. SEE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR THE SIMILAR PROBLEM REPORTED BY OTHERS. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2002/ENGINE/EXCESSIVE_OIL_CONSUMPTION.SHTML. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2011
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE HAS HOLE IN THE SIDE. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD A RECALL TO PUT A SHIED BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I THINK THIS WAS DONE TO STOP THE HEAT FROM THE CAT. CONVERTER FROM FATIGUING THE BLOCK. WELL ON MY CAR THEY DID THE RECALL BUT IT DIDN'T WORK! I HAD TO PUT ANOTHER ENGINE IN THE CAR! I HAVE ALSO PUT A COMPLAINT IN FOR THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTING OUT ON THE SAME CAR! NISSAN DOESN'T CARE THAT THEY HAVE BUILT CARS WITH DEFECTS!!! THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BOTH HAVE BEEN FIXED FOR FREE!!! THESE TWO PROBLEMS WILL COST ME THOUSANDS TO FIX!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2011
WE HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS ABOUT 132XXX MILES ON IT AND IT IS BURNING OIL AT ABOUT 5 QUARTS IN A WEEK. WE HAVE CHANGED THE OIL REGULARLY PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM STARTING, WHICH WAS ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD WE HAD A CATALYTIC SYSTEM FAILURE AND IT WAS GOING TO COST $900 TO FIX, THEN WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED COSTING UPWARDS OF $4000. I HAVE LOOKED INTO THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND A TON OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM JUST OUTSIDE OF THE "WARRANTY". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 22, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5L V6. VIN# IS [XXX]. AT 90,000 MILES MY CAR DIES WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SO I GOT IT TOWED TO AUTO ZONE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. A FAILURE CRANKSHAFT SENOR WAS A RESULT. IT HAS A RECALL FOR CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSORS. IT STATES THAT DUE TO THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS, THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE IN OPERATION RESULTING TO A ACCIDENT/CRASH. SO I BROUGHT INTO NISAAN TO HAVE THIS THESE FIXED ALONG WITH OTHER RECALLS. THEY SAID THAT ONLY THE CAMSHAFT WAS FIXED AND NOT THE CRANKSHAFT. IT WASN'T A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE ACCORDING THE VIN#. I THOUGHT IT RIDICULOUS AND A COINCIDENCE THAT THE SENSOR THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO SHUT OFF WASN'T A RECALL FOR MY CAR. SO I ENDED UP BUYIN THE SENSOR FOR AROUND 80 DOLLARS. BUT AFTER A FEW WEEKS AFTER FIXING, IT MY CARS STALLS OUT AGAIN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH BOTH OF MY LITTLE CHILDREN IN THE CAR ALMOST ENDING UP WHAT WOULD OF BEEN A REAL BAD CRASH. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN THE INSIDE LANE WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC AND ABLE TO QUICKLY PULL INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. MY CAR WOULD STILL BE RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN IN DRIVE. AFTER WAITING FOR A 15 MINS IT WOULD START TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AND WHEN I START TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD STALL AGAIN. THIS WOULD GO ON AND ON UNTIL I FINALLY GOT TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR HELP. MY CAR WAS PUT THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND IT CAME UP TWICE FOR CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILURE. I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND ANOTHER 80 DOLLARS ON A SENSOR THAT WILL FAIL AGAIN. THERE IS ALOT OF COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE FOR THESE NISSAN ALTIMAS. I AM PAYING TO MUCH FOR THIS CAR AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY AT RISK IN THIS CAR WITH THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT BECOMES TRAGIC. THANKS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2010
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH ONLY 80,000 MILES. MY COMPLAINT IS THE SAME COMPLAINT YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM OTHERS, REGARDING THEIR NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L ENGINE. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION/CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES, WHERE THE NISSAN DEALERS SAY WE NEED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF OVER $4,000. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO SERVICE REQUIREMENTS. I AM AMAZED THAT NISSAN CONTINUES TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. JUST LOOK UP NISSAN ALTIMA ENGINE PROBLEMS, SMOKING, EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND YOU'LL SEE ALL THE COMPLAINTS, WITH PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS STATES AMAZED THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. ESPECIALLY, SINCE THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHICH WAS NOTED IN NISSAN RECALL ID# 5449. *TR
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