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, Mar 16, 2009
I BOUGHT MY 2002 2.5 NISSAN 72K FOUR DAYS AGO. A DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THERE IS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I PUT OIL IN, AND A FEW MILES LATER I NEED TO ADD MORE. I HAVEN'T CHANGED ANYTHING YET, SIMPLY BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD IT. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO NEVER BUY A NISSAN. I AM NEVER BUYING A NISSAN AGAIN. I'VE READ NUMEROUS POSTS BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BEGAN AROUND 92K MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD TIMELY OIL CHANGES, SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS LOW ON OIL. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN, NY ON 2/22/07, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ORDERED ON 2/23/07 (THIS WAS BACK-ORDERED). THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED ON 3/13/07, APPROX. $600. NOW THE CAR NEEDS ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTED AND THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING SEVERAL COURTS OF OIL A WEEK. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THIS SUDDEN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE ARE OTHER ALTIMA YEARS THAT HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THAT WERE RECALLED BUT NISSAN HAS NOT DONE THAT FOR THE 2002 MODEL. IT IS WIDELY KNOW THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE OIL RINGS AND THE FAULTY PRE-CATS AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. THIS CAR NEEDS APPROX. $8K IS REPAIRS IN ORDER TO STOP BURNING OIL AND TO CORRECT THE EMISSIONS. NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE FAULTY PARTS IN THESE CARS, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT THEY EFFECTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
RECENTLY TRAVELING TO NC AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WON'T START. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ENGAGED CONSTANTLY AND THE CAR BURNS OIL WITH NO ENGINE LEAKS. I PURCHASED BRAND NEW MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN PURCHASED AND CLUTCH WENT STRAIGHT TO FLOOR AFTER 1 MONTH. TOOK CAR TO NISSAN DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE PRESSURE PLATE WAS BAD AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IN AUG. 2006 AT 115K MILES ($850). THEO2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL, HAD IT REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL, AND IT'S STILL CRAP! TO BOOT, THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE, AND NISSAN RECALLED. THEIR 'FIX' BROKE TOO. I WAS TOLD THAT I'LL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEIR 'RESOLUTION' FIXED BECAUSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, BETWEEN 6/08 AND 11/08, I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIATOR, OIL COOLER, ALL MOTOR MOUNTS, FAN BELTS, DRIVER'S AXLE, POWER STEERING BOX, VALVE COVER GASKET ($7K WORTH OF WORK). CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 145K MILES AND I BELIEVE THE CAR IS JUST A LEMON. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN NISSAN, BUT NOW DECLARE IT WILL BE MY LAST ONE. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER $5K TO PUT IN TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, SENSORS OR AN ENGINE. DON'T THINK SO. NISSAN NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
CAR IS SUCKING UP OIL MAKES NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT. HEATER CORE WENT OUT, THEREFORE NO HEAT IN THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2009
I PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA 02 ON SEPT 08. AFTER THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THE OIL WAS LOW TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. ONE DAY MY WIFE CAME AND PICK ME UP AT WORK AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND THEY STILL CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WITH IT AND I AM SUSPECTING BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME ONE TIME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD. NISSAN WILL NOT GET AWAY WITH IT AS A MATTER OF FACT MY MECHANICS TOLD ME THAT ALL NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THAT TYPE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 27, 2009
THIS ISN'T FAIR. 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. 5900 MILES. MAN THIS CAR IS JUNK, NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE PEOPLE ABOUT THAT, WORK CAR EVER. AND I NOTICE EVERYONE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR STALL, CAMSHFT PROBLEM.. SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE. ITS NOT SAFE WHEN U DRIVING AND CAR DIE ON YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Feb 23, 2009
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STARTED RUNNING SLUGGISH, AND TOTALLY RAN OUT OF OIL! MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I BOUGHT ONE - AND THAT ONE WENT ON THE FRITZ TWO DAYS AFTER FIXING IT. THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAID IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR. IT RAN OUT OF OIL. NOW I FIND OUT THE CAR IS A LEMON, AFTER I BOUGHT A NEW ENGINE TO BOOT. TWO ENGINES ARE RUINED IN THIS CAR, AND I STILL DON'T HAVE IT PAID FOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2009
NEW 2002 ALTIMA, WELL MAINTAINED, BUYING NISSANS SINCE 1992 RECEIVING MILEAGE OVER 260,000 MILES. LOOKING BACK CAR CONSTANTLY LOW ON OIL W/NO LIGHT REGISTERING THEN LIGHT NEVER CAME BACK ON FOR 3 YEARS, YET OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW. CHECKING OIL EVERY 2 WEEKS AND EVERY OIL CHANGE AT DEALERSHIP-OIL LOW AT TIP OF THE DIP STICK. HAD CAR SERVICED-NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS; SEPTEMBER THE CAR SMELLED HOT; NOT REGISTERING OR SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF IT RUNNING HOT. CAR CONSTANTLY NOT STARTING, STALLING AS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD. GO TO DEALERSHIP, NEED A MOTOR REPLACED, WARPED HEAD GASKET COST $4,000 PLUS DOLLARS. THE DEALERSHIP OWNER ASKED HOW MANY CARS HAS COME IN (ALTIMA 2002) PER MECHANIC SEVERAL HUNDREDS FOR THE MOTOR AND/OR RADIATOR PROBLEMS (REPLACING MOTORS). HE HAS ORDERED A LARGE NUMBER OF NISSAN MOTORS FROM THE COMPANY TO REPLACE THE ENGINES. OWNER WAS SURPRISED OF THIS MOTOR HAVING TO BE REPLACED AND HAS KEPT MY CAR IN STORAGE UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. HE WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP ON A RECALL FOR THE ENGINES WITH THAT MANY CARS BEING REPAIRED. THIS HAS CHANGED MY MIND ON PURCHASING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THE RUDENESS WHEN REPORTING THE PROBLEMS TO THEIR CUSTOMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE (PER THE REP). THIS NEED TO TAKE SOME PRIORITY WITH THE NUMBER OF ISSUES REPORTED AS COMPLAINTS ON ALL THE WEBSITES. II HAVE FOUND 114 HERE PLUS ONE MORE 115 PLUS I HAVE ABOUT 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THEN THE REPORT THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS FIXED OVER 200 CARS. PLEASE HELP US GET OUR MONEY AND/OR ENGINES REPAIRED. WITH THE STALLING AND SHUT DOWN OF THE MOTORS, THANKS TO GOD THE LOW DEATH RATES. CAR IS STILL IN STORAGE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT STALLED ON ROUTE 29 INTERSTATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2009
NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THEIR RECALLS BUT CAR STALLED ON A HWY WHERE SPEED LIMIT WAS 70 MY FAMILY & MYSELF COULD HAVE GOT KILLED. I PAID 1100 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON DID OIL CHANGE CAR KEEPS BURNING OIL EVERY DAY I HAVE TO CHECK IT AND ADD OIL THEN THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE HAVE CALLED OVER 50 TIMES & LEFT MESSAGES THEY TELL ME THEY CAN NOT GIVE ME A NEW ENGINE BUT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM & THEY KNOW ABOUT IT. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR & SAME PROBLEM THEY NEED A NEW ENGINE & NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SHOULD GIVE THEM A NEW ENGINE FOR FREE BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURE THESE CARS WRONG & ARE STILL MANUFACTURING CARS WITH PROBLEMS THEN THEY WONDER WHY PEOPLE AREN'T BUYING THERE CARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ANYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR & UNTIL PEOPLE START GETTING KILLED THEY WON'T DUE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX THIS LEMON. THEY ALSO TELL YOU THAT YOU NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SEVERAL DEATH PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING IMMEDIATELY. ALL MY RECALLS ARE UP TO DATE SO THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ABNORMAL AMOUNTS OF OIL. SHE HAS A 2.5 LITER ENGINE IN HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $5,000. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/08/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2009
1. EVENTS- VEHICLE CONSTANTLY MISS-FIRED. 2. FAILURE- SCREWS IN BUTTERFLY VALVE CAME OUT, WERE PASSED THROUGH PISTON, DAMAGED SPARK PLUGS AND CAME TO REST IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. 3. CORRECTION- PART "AIR PLENUM GASKET". LABOR "R&R UPPER AIR PLENUM INTAKE" AND "R&R EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO REMOVE SCREW". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING ENGINE FAILURE. HE NOTICED A SILENT RECALL ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE LIABILITY FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, ALTHOUGH HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $3,000, BUT WITH LESS THAN 2,500 MILES, THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND IT WAS BURNING OIL AT RAPID SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,785 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2009
I HAVE AN 02 NISSAN ALTIMA. IT IS CONSUMING MY OIL AND ANITFREEZE. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND A NEW CAT. MY CAR RANDOMLY DIES AND WILL NOT START MOST OF THE TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 31, 2009
POWER VALVE SCREWS FELL INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLATE ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 NISSIAN ALTIMA 2.5 STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR HAD BEEN IDLING VERY ROUGH AND ENGINE VIBRATION AS WELL AS INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ISSUE. TOOK IT TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE PVC VALUE SCREW FELL INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY NISSAN. HOWEVER IT WAS ONLY RECALLED ON THE 2004-2006 MODELS. IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT NISSAN HAD TO REPLACE MY ENGINE ON MY VEHICLE IN 2004, THEREFORE MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT BECAUSE MY CALL IS 02 NISSAN WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM. 2002 MODELS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST AROUND THE FUEL TANK. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE KNOCKING NOISE ORIGINATED FROM THE OVERHEAD CAM COMPONENT OF THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT MAINTAINED REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS THAT DESCRIBED THE SAME FAILURES HE EXPERIENCED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 03V455000 AND 03V455000). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED AND SHATTERED. THE SHATTERED PIECES ENTERED INTO THE MOTOR, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO COMPLETELY FAIL. THE ONLY REMEDY WOULD BE TO INSTALL A NEW ENGINE AND A NEW EXHAUST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REASON FOR THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WAS MANUFACTURED INTO THE VEHICLE BY NISSAN. SHE BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2009
MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALTHOUGH VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALER PROPERLY. ENGINE RATTLES. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ALTHOUGH PREVIOUS RECALLS WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM HAVE BEEN HONORED NISSAN FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2009
WELL MAINTAINED 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA.... FOLLOWED ALL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES, HAD ALL RECALLS PERFORMED ALL WORK PERFORMED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIPS. HAS HAD CONTINUAL OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES, HAD HEAT ISSUES, CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE LEADING TO FULL ENGINE FAILURE. NISSAN DENIES ANY WRONG DOING AND WILL NOT HELP DUE TO MILEAGE ON THE CAR. HOWEVER THIS PROBLEM STARTED WELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE DEALERSHIP(S) DID NOT DO LET US KNOW ABOUT A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN (CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN FRONT OF THE EXHAUST). THERE ARE 1000 OF CONSUMERS ON THE INTERNET WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, SHE NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE BEGAN CONSUMING AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $900. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 02-11-09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS PLACED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST. UPDATED 02/12/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 ALTIMA 2.5 STANDARD. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2007 WITH 72,000 MILES AND HAD A MISFIRE READING FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT TILL I REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AND GOT SOME HEAD WORK DONE ON THE CAR. MILEAGE NOW TOTALS AT NEARLY AROUND 110,000 MILES. NISSAN LOOKED AT MY CAR ALL THE WAY FOR ANY PROBLEMS AND I HAD A FEW RECALLS DONE ON IT INCLUDING REPLACING THE HEADLAMPS. LITTLE DID I KNOW WHEN I HAD MY MECHANIC (NON-NISSAN MECHANIC LATER ON FROM MY DEALER VISIT) REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET ( W/VALVE GUIDES AND OIL RINGS) FOR $1600 THAT MY FRONT ENGINE FAN WAS UNPLUGGED NEAR THE HEADLAMPS WHICH HAD CAUSED SOME REALLY BAD OVERHEATING ISSUES. MY CAT IS BAD (VIA A ENGINE CODE) WHICH I HAVE YET TO REPLACE AS I SEE NO NEED TO AT THIS POINT... ALSO MY CAR HAS BEEN EATING UP MORE THAN 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK AS I DRIVE OVER 460 MILES A WEEK AS A COMMUTER TO DALLAS, TX. AT THIS POINT THE OPTION WOULD BE TO EITHER RE..RE-BUILD THE ENGINE OR REPLACE WITH A NEW VERY EXPENSIVE ENGINE NOTHING THAT I HAVE ALREADY SPENT TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND HESITATE TO START. SHE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL AND HESITATE. THE CONTACT FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE AND WAS CONCERNED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GAS STATION FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THEY REFERRED HIM TO A DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST THREE QUARTS OF OIL AFTER 630 MILES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE EXPIRED WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 103,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. MATERIAL FROM THE DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS DAMAGED THE ENGINE CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. UPDATED 03/26/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2009
WE OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA S 2.5 LITER ENGINE. WE HAD A RECALL DUE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN POSSIBLY IGNITING WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. AFTER THAT WAS DEALT WITH, THE DEALER CHARGING ME $80.81, SAID THE ENGINE NOISE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS DUE TO FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONVERSION EFFICIENCY OF THE PRE-CATALYST HAS DETERIORATED AND NOW THE CATALYST HAS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO HEAT WHEN THE CAR IS AT IDLE AND NOW HAVE INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION, 5 QUARTS EVERY 2 WEEKS. BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE A NEW ENGINE MAY BE IN THE PICTURE. THERE ARE ONLY 85000 MILES ON THE CAR. WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR EVEN CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THEIR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ENGINE PROBLEM? NISSAN IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT! WE AREN'T TALKING ABOUT BUYING A GALLON OF MILK! WE ARE DRIVING A CAR THAT COULD POSSIBLY START ON FIRE WHILE WE ARE IN IT! SEARCH "NISSAN CATALYTIC CONVERTER"; CAR AND DRIVER ALTIMA CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE AND WWW.CANADIANDRIVER.COM/ARTICLES/CC/02-06ALTIMA.HTM THE COMPLAINTS ARE NUMEROUS PLEASE REPLY WITH WHAT RECOURSE WE HAVE. *TR