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: fuel system
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed the State Inspection because the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V251000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted for recall completion and informed the contact that the recall was not applicable to the vehicle because the contact did not reside in the States listed in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle registration could not be renewed due to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 18, 2015
THE FIRST ISSUE I HAVE ARE THE OXYGEN SENOR ARE BAD NO SPEED WHEN GETTING PASS 35 FEEL LIKE YOUR DRIVING IN 25. THE MAJOR ISSUE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH MY UNDER AGE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WHEN THE GEARS WAS IN DRIVE IT STOP AND WENT BACKWARDS THEN I PUT IT ALL THE WAY IN PARK AND IT STOP AND TOOK OFF AND SPEED WENT TO 60 THEN BACK DOWN TO IT NORMAL SPEED. JUST THE OTHER DAY ON 2/16/15 IT WAS PLACED IN DRIVE IT AUTOMATIC WENT INTO REVERSE INSTEAD OF DRIVE BUT THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 27, 2013, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE I 95 HIGHWAY BY PEMBROKE RD THERE WAS A BIG METAL STUFF ON THE LANE I WAS I COULDN'T GO NOWHERE BECAUSE THE HIGHWAY WAS BUSY DIDN'T WANT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THEREFORE I DROVE INTO THAT METAL STUFF AND HIT UNDER MY CAR NOW MY CAR DON'T START I DON'T HAVE NOW WAY TO GO TO WORK AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I CALLED TOWING TO TOWNING MY CAR I DID NOT KNOW I SHOULD POLICE ON THE FIRST PLACE THAT'S REAL SUCK THEY SHOULD HAVE PEOPLE TO CLEAN THE HIGHWAY I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE THING AND I TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2012
WILL NOT START,REPLACED CRANK AN CAM SENSOR NOTHING THEY ARE RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR LOTS OF PROBLEMS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD CAR FOR MY WIFE TWO DAYS LATER IT LEAVES HER AN MY DAUGHTER STUCK ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE DONE RESETS NOTHING WORKS IS THERE SOMETHING YALL CAN HELP ME WITH IM OUT OF POCKET CAUSE THIS CAR. CAN I TAKE IT TO NISSAN DEALER AN THEY FIX IT FOR A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 26, 2011, fire
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. UNIT #1 WAS WESTBOUND ON IR80 IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. UNIT #1 PULLED TO THE RIGHT BERM AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. *LN ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE BURNT WIRES WERE TRACED TO THE FUEL INJECTION. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0425-90)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 14, 2010
DRIVER SMELLED GASOLINE AT STARTUP. WAS ONLY FAINT AT FIRST, BUT GREW STRONGER OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. ODOR BECAME SO OVERPOWERING THAT DRIVER HAD TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN TO VENT FUMES. DRIVER IDENTIFIED GAS DRIPPING FROM FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR VISIBLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF ENGINE. DEALER CONFIRMED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAK, ORDERED REPLACEMENT PART, AND RETURNED VEHICLE TO OWNER STATING THAT IT'S STILL SAFE TO DRIVE. DRIVER CONCERNED OVER POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE SINCE GAS DRIPS ONTO ENGINE WHILE IT'S RUNNING. DRIVER HAS DISCONTINUED USING VEHICLE UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 31, 2009
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S VEHICLE "SHUTS OFF" SUDDENLY WHEN I AM DRIVING, LEAVING ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. NISSAN SENT OUT A SAFETY RECALL IN EARLY 2008 REGARDING THIS ISSUE, BUT THE RECALL ONLY "REPROGRAMMED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE". I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED NISSAN DEALERSHIP/SERVICE CENTER, AND THEY REFUSED TO REPROGRAM THE ECM MODULE UNTIL I PAY FOR REPLACING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CAMSHAFT SENSOR WHICH WOULD COST ME $324. THE CURRENT RECALL FROM NISSAN DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE FOR THE SAME SYMPTOM REVEALS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND REPROGRAMMING THE ECM MODULE HASN'T CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE REAL PROBLEM IS WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED, BUT THE COST FOR FIXING IT IS BEING BORNE BY THE CONSUMER, AND NOT BY NISSAN. *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.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 30, 2008
TOO MANY ISSUES TO REMEMBER THAN ALL BUT I'LL TRY: - EXCESSIVE OIL USE - EXCESSIVE COOLANT USE - OVERHEATING TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUES - INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUES - FAILING AIRBAG - ELECTRICAL ISSUES - BROKEN SENSORS - CATALYTIC CONVERTERS GONE BAD - OXYGEN SENSORS GONE BAD - INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO START - INTERMITTENT CAR SHAKING AND SO ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 28, 2007
PURCHASED VEHICLE JULY 3, 2006. AUGUST 8, 2006- SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REPORTED MULTI CYLINDER MISFIRE, SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. FEB 07- SAME CODE FOUND AND SPARK PLUGS AND O2 SENSORS REPLACED. JUNE 07- SAME CODE, ENGINE FLOODS TWICE, CAR CRANK BUT WONT START AND SPARK PLUGS, COILS, FUEL PUMP REPLACED. NISSAN TECH COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT MENTIONED COOLANT WAS LOW AND SO THAT WAS WHY THE CYLINDER MISFIRE AND HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE FIXED. OCT. 07 ENGINE SHUT OFF ABOUT 4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING. NOVEMBER 07- ENGINE FAILS. NO RECOURSE FROM NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS NOR WHERE NISSAN CAR WAS PURCHASED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 12, 2007, fire
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT BOB BELL CHEVROLET NISSAN, 7900 EASTERN AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 21224, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007. IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICING OF ALL THE VEHICLES' RECALLS, A SOFT GRINDING NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND LOW FREON LEVELS FOR AIR CONDITIONING. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 3, 2007 AROUND 5PM, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STRONGLY ADVISED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SERVICE DIVISION CLOSED AT 6PM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT ALL RECALLS AND ISSUES HAD BEEN RESOLVED AND COMPLETED. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AROUND 5:45PM AND PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL HOME. AFTER ONLY FIFTEEN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE PROFUSELY. THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING HARDER AND HARDER AND A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE TEENAGE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VOMIT AND HER EYES STARTED SWELLING DUE TO THE VOLUME OF FUMES EXPELLED FROM THE CARS ENGINE THROUGH THE VENTILATION AND INTO THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER (3700 EASTERN BLVD.) AND RUSHED TO GET HER OUT OF THE SEAT WHERE SHE CONTINUED TO VOMIT ONCE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW DENIES EVER SEEING SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE (SEE ATTACH.), AS WELL AS, DENIED CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT POTENTIALLY RESULTED IN THE ENGINE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007 WITH THE ENGINE RATTLING UNCONTROLLABLY EVEN AFTER BEING RETURNED A SECOND TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DE-ACCELERATE AT A RED LIGHT THE FOLLOWING DAY. UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS WHETHER THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DE-ACCELERATING PROVING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE, WHETHER THE VEHICLES FIVE RECALLS WHERE ALL PROPERLY ADDRESSED, AND IF THE ENGINE WILL START SMOKING AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 6, 2007
06/29/07 MY CAR SPUTTERED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION OF 33RD AND HIGHLAND DRIVE. I THEN PULLED INTO A BAKERY ON 3100 SOUTH AND HIGHLAND DRIVE WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR I WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE SMELL OF GAS. THERE WAS A TRAIL OF GAS BEHIND MY CAR AND A LARGE PUDDLE UNDER MY CAR. AT THIS POINT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I WAS AFRAID TO START MY CAR SO I ASKED A GENTLEMAN AT BIG O TO COME AND LOOK AT MY CAR TO SEE IF I COULD START IT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT START IT NOT KNOWING WHERE THE GAS LEAK WAS AT. I THEN CALLED THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY DID NOT SUGGEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUT HAVING IT TOWED DOWN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TOW COMPANY PICKED ME AND MY CAR UP AT ABOUT 8:50. THE GENTLEMAN TURNED ON MY CAR AND BACKED IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT TO PUT IT UP ON THE TOW TRUCK. THE MOMENT MY CAR WAS TURNED ON IT BEGAN TO LEAK GAS. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD TURNED ON A WATER FAUCET AND IT CREATED ANOTHER LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE PARKING LOT. ONCE AT THE DEALER SHIP. I EXPLAINED TO SHANE AND NICK WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY CAR WHEN NICK SAID, " I KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED TO ANOTHER CAR THIS WEEK. BUT THAT ONE CAUGHT FIRE" HE TOOK MY CAR BACK INTO THE SHOP AND ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER COME BACK OUT OF THE SHOP AND SHOWED MY GRANDFATHER AND MYSELF WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THE GAS LINE HAD "FALLEN OFF AND THE GAS WAS SOAKING INTO MY BACK SEAT." IT HAD CREATED A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE TANK AND ON THE FOAM OF MY SEAT AND THE SEAT WAS SOAKED FROM THE GAS. I LEFT MY CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP ALL DAY FOR THEM TO ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE SEAT AND GET RID OF THE GAS SMELL. AROUND 6PM THAT SAME NIGHT I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR WITH MY ROOMMATE . WE WERE ABOUT 10 FEET FROM MY CAR WHEN WE BOTH COULD STILL SMELL THE GAS. NEEDLESS TO SAY WITH THE WEATHER TURNING FROM SUMMER TO FALL AND GETTING COLDER THE GAS SMELL IS GETTING WORSE AND THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH HAZARD AND WILL NOT REPLACE MY BACK SEAT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Apr 12, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP SCREEN WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL, AND THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. DURING THE DIAGNOSIS THEY FOUND A SERVICE ENGINE CODE PERTAINING TO THE CATALYST. HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CALLED NISSAN, WHO INFORM HIM THAT THE DEALER WOULD FIX IT, BUT NISSAN CALLED BACK REFUSING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 , AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.*AK THE MANIFOLD EXHAUST WAS REPLACED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE, IT WOULD SURGE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/22/07. *JB
Fuel system, Other, Dec 18, 2006
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT TURNED ON. THE DEALER SAID IT COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE CAR USE AND HAS ALSO HAD THE CAR SERVICED ONCE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 3, 2006
FUEL FILL PIPE CONNECT TO BODY HAS RUSTED ON NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 47K MILES (2002). I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL ON ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS CURRENTLY IS CAUSING CAR TO FAIL EMISSIONS, HOWEVER I WOULD BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY RISK AS WELL. THIS CAR IS CURRENTLY EARLY PRODUCTION OF REDESIGED ALTIMA, COULD POTENTIALLY BE PART OF FIRST IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUE. IN TRYING TO ORDER THE PART DEALER HAS INDICATED THERE IS A BACKLOG FOR THE PART. WOULD INDICATE THEY ARE HAVING HIGH DEMAND IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 18, 2006
CAR FAILED 2 TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND FAILED TO ALLOW ENGINE TO RUN OVER 900 RPM'S. PART REPLACED WAS THROTTLE BODY CHAMBER ASSEMBLY. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 10, 2006
GAS DOOR DID NOT LATCH CLOSED. HAD REPAIRED ON 3/9/06. NOW I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ON 7/7/06 AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS DEFECT WAS NOT IN RECALL STATUS, AND I COULD THEREFORE NOT BE ISSUE A REFUND FOR THE REPAIR. I BEGAN COLLECTING PLATE NUMBERS OF ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I'M AT NUMBER SEVEN SO FAR. I BELIEVE THAT THE GAS DOOR NOT CLOSING COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS DEFECT IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MY CAR. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 21, 2006
HAVE A SLOPING DRIVEWAY - WHEN CAR IS PARKED WITH A FULL TANK OF GASOLINE, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS (USUALLY WARM DAYS), GASOLINE DRIPS OUT OF CAR IN THE AREA AROUND THE REAR OF THE FUEL TANK. HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT UNLESS SOLUTION IS FOUND I'M SURE IT WILL RECUR - I WOULD RATE THIS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 3, 2005
IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE NISSAN 2.5 LITER POWER PLANT HAS ISSUES WITH INTAKE BUTTERFLY VALVE SCREWS THAT HAVE BECAME LOOSE AND ARE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN STALLING AND SEVERE DAMAGE THAT COULD CAUSE GRAVE HARM OR DEATH. I MYSELF HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS HOWEVER THERE IS GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND A CURRENT RECALL FOR SOME OF THE 04-05 NISSAN ALTIMA MODELS. I AM A CURRENT 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNER AND THIS ISSUE HAS ME CONCERNED TO THE POINT THAT FOR MY OWN SAFETY I AM GOING TO HAVE ALL OF THE 8 SCREWS LOCK TIGHTENED SO I CAN FEEL SAFE WHEN DRIVING. PLEASE SEE THE DISCUSSIONS ON THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM(ONE FOUND >20% HAD MISSING SCREWS): HTTP://WWW.B15SENTRA.NET/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=86248 AND HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=192671 AND HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=192671 PEOPLE HAVE TO USE THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE THEMSELVES JUST TO FEEL SAFE HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.THEVBOARD.COM/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?T=64780 THEY HAVE A CURRENT RECALL (04-05) WHY NOT OLDER MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM? HTTP://WWW.NISSANHELP.COM/OWNERSHIP/BULLETINS/NISSAN/2005/NTB05-058.HTM *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 25, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L. MY CAR RECEIVES REGULAR MAINTENANCE EVERY 3 MONTHS AND/OR 3,000 MILES (DOCUMENTATION CAN BE PROVIDED), IT NEVER SITS LONGER THAN 2 OR 3 DAY, AND IT'S DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR MY WORK COMMUTE. TWICE MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T START WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS FIXED, WHICH WAS AROUND APRIL, THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR MY CAR. ONE WAS FOR THE FUEL PUMP SCREEN AND THE ENGINE SENSOR THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO NOT START OR SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING. THIS SECOND TIME (10-24-05), MY LOCAL MECHANIC SHOWED ME A 6-PAGE SERVICE TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED BY ALLDATA FOR MY NON-STARTING PROBLEM. THE DOCUMENT SUGGESTED REPLACING THE STARTER, ADDING A NISSAN BRAND FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER AND/OR REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS SECOND REPAIR WILL COST ME ABOUT $500 TO FIX WHEN I PICK UP MY CAR TOMORROW. I THOUGHT THE RECALL REPAIRS WOULD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, BUT THOSE REPAIRS PROVED TO ONLY PROVIDE A TEMPORARY FIX, BUT NOT RESOLVE THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM. SINCE THERE'S A SERVICE TECHNICAL BULLETIN ABOUT MY NON-STARTING ISSUE, 2 RECALLS RELATED TO THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN TWICE, I THINK MY CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED. I'M FORTUNATE THAT I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING OR THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN TWICE IN 6 MONTHS. IF MY CAR FAILS TO START TWICE IN 6 MONTHS AND THE RECALL REPAIRS DON'T REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEN THERE MUST BE SOMETHING ELSE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I'D HATE TO FIND OUT IN A FEW MONTHS THAT THE $500 START REPLACEMENT WASN'T THE CULPRIT, BECAUSE I'D BE BACK AT SQUARE ONE. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN GET THIS ISSUE ESCALATED TO A RECALL STATUS OR WHAT I CAN DO TO PREVENT A 3RD FAILURE. THANK YOU, JENNY R. BAKER. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 18, 2005
I HAD BEEN SMELLING GAS FUMES INSIDE THE CAR AND OUTSIDE FOR 2 MONTHS. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR $160.00. ON MY SERVICE RECEIPT IT SAID THEY FOUND GROSS EVAP LEAK: FUEL TANK SEAL NOT SEALING: REPLACED FUEL SENDER SEAL. I QUESTIONED WHY WOULD A 3 YEAR OLD CAR START LEAKING GAS FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK AND THEY SAID "IT'S JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR." I CAN UNDERSTAND WEAR AND TEAR ON TIRES AND BRAKES BUT GIVE ME A BREAK, THE ONLY THING I DO TO A GAS TANK IS FILL IT WITH GAS! MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH 46,000 MILES AND THEY SAID THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I EVEN SPENT $900.00 FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY FIANCE IS A SMOKER AND I WAS WORRIED FOR HIS SAFETY IN THE CAR SO I TOLD HIM NOT TO SMOKE IN THE CAR FOR FEARS OF SOMETHING HAPPENING IF THE FUMES WOULD IGNITE SOMEHOW. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND GOT NOWHERE. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL NISSAN'S CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND STILL AFTER AT LEAST 5 CALLS THEY WILL DO NOTHING. I SWEAR THEY ARE JUST THERE TO "HEAR" COMPLAINTS AND WORK YOU DOWN UNTIL YOU JUST FORGET ABOUT IT. I WILL NOT GIVE UP. ALSO, THE CLEAR COAT ON MY PAINT IS STARTING TO CHIP ON THE FRONT BUMPER AND PLASTIC GRILL> GUESS WHAT THEY SAID? NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I AN FED UP WITH NISSAN AND WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SWAY PEOPLE AWAY FROM BUYING ANY NISSAN OR INFINITI. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2005
CAR WOULD NOT START. EXTREMELY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN CAR. LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR. GAS LINE CAME OFF GAS TANK. FITTING HAD VIBRATED LOOSE. REPLACED FITTING AND RECONNECTED GAS LINE. LUCKILY NO FIRE AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME. FRIENDS WITH SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Aug 26, 2004
(1) MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SHUTTERS AND DIES WHEN BEING DRIVEN AT LOW RPMS. I.E.(HEAVY TRAFFIC, OR STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT). (2) IT SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF WHEN IN MOTION. (3) I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED LAST WEEK, FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND IT'S BACK AT THE SHOP AGAIN TODAY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL ISSUE, BUT KEVIN AT URBAN NISSAN IN DUNCANVILLE TOLD ME THAT ACCORDING TO HIS SYSTEM, THERE WERE NO RECALL ISSUES FOR MY CAR. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 21, 2004
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVEN TIMES. THE ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON FOUR TIMES. TOTAL THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE NINE TIMES. TWO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ONE FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF) AND NOW ONE REGARDING GAS TANK ICE CRYSTALS (RECEIVED MY NOTIFICATION 5/20/04). BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE A "CRASH WITHOUT WARNING." I HAVE WORKED WITH THE BBB AUTOLINE, HOWEVER SINCE THE CAR HAS NOT SHUT OFF SINCE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE ARBITRATOR BELIEVES THAT THE "MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM" HAS BEEN REMEDIED AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHILE "BEING A CHRONIC PROBLEM, DOES NOT SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECT THE USE, SAFETY, OR VALUE OF THE VEHICLE." I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THE VEHICLE 14,711 MILES IN TWO YEARS BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, THUS USE HAS BEEN AFFECTED. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEMS, THIS SAFETY HAS BEEN AFFECTED. CARFAX IS SHOWING SIX NEGATIVE REPORTS ON MY VIN NUMBER, (THE SERVICE THAT CAR DEALERS USE TO HELP DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS SUCH AS MAJOR ACCIDENTS, LEMON LAW VEHICLE, ETC.), THEREFORE, NO ONE WOULD EVEN BE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, SO VALUE HAS BEEN AFFECTED. EVEN AFTER THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON FOUR MORE TIMES. NISSAN IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO GIVE ME A REFUND ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THESE PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEMS WILL REOCCUR AND I WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY NEXT TIME. I AM PURSING THIS WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA'S LEMOM LAW ARBITRATION BOARD. THIS VEHICLE IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND ALL OTHER ON THE ROAD. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 19, 2004
MAJOR GAS LEAKS. *AK