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
1,062 reports, newest first.
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
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
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
Structure, Nov 3, 2010
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA FLOORBOARD RUST THROUGH. 90,000 MILES, DISCOVERED LARGE HOLE FROM RUST THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOORBOARD. CAR IS WASHED ON NORMAL BASIS AND WAS PARKED IN UNHEATED GARAGE DURING WINTER MONTHS. *TR
Structure, Nov 1, 2010
WHILE GETTING NEW TIRES PUT ON MY CAR THE MECHANIC NOTICED A LARGE HOLE IN MY PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND HE MENTIONED THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST CASE ON THIS MODEL OF CAR HE HAD SEEN. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION IT BECAME CLEAR THAT SOMEONE HAD PLACED TAPE AND SOME TIN TO MASK THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM MY GRANDMA WHO HAD NO IDEA OF SUCH AN ISSUE. SHE HAD BOUGHT IN WHEN IT WAS A YEAR OLD. CLEARLY A CAR THAT AGE SHOULD HAVE NO REASON TO RUST AND HAVE A HOLE IN IT, SINCE I MUST ASSUME THE ORIGINAL OWNERS PLACED THE TIN. EVEN A CAR AT 8 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THE RUST THAT IS FOUND UNDER ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AND A HOLE THE SIZE OF A DINNER PLATE. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL. *TR
Structure, Oct 29, 2010
UNDERBODY RUST. AUTO BODY SHOP STATED THIS WAS A VERY UNUSUAL CONDITION FOR A VEHICLE THIS AGE . *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2010, crash
MY DAUGHTER HAD COMPLAINED OF THE CLUTCH IN HER CAR LOOSING PRESSURE AND BASICALLY DROPPING TO THE FLOOR, INTERFERING WITH HER ABILITY TO SHIFT GEARS, AND IT SOMETIMES LURCHING FORWARD ON OCCASIONS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IN AUGUST 2010, SHE WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, IN FIRST GEAR WITH HER FOOT ON THE CLUTCH WHEN THIS OCCURRED, CAUSING THE CAR TO JUMP FORWARD INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THE TIME, I FELT THAT HER FOOT MAY HAVE SLIPPED OFF THE CLUTCH INSTEAD, UNTIL IT LOST PRESSURE AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS. I STARTED RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL EXHIBITING VERY SIMILAR BEHAVIOR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC IT'S DANGEROUS, BECAUSE IT CAN LURCH BY ITSELF OR YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING VEHICLES, LIKE IF YOU'RE CROSSING TRAFFIC. IT ALSO INHIBITS THE ABILITY TO DOWNSHIFT WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. NISSAN DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH MANY PEOPLE HAVE BADGERED THE DEALERSHIPS INTO REPLACING THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND/OR SLAVE CYLINDER UNDER WARRANTY, AND NISSAN HAS NOT HAD A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM. MINE IS WAY OUT OF WARRANTY, SO MY ONLY RECOURSE IS TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT SO THAT HOPEFULLY OTHERS WILL NOT BECOME INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF FAULTY PARTS OR FLUID BEING USED IN THE CLUTCH SYSTEM. THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER IS ALLOWING AIR, AND/OR MOISTURE, TO ENTER THE SYSTEM, BUT MOREOVER, THE DOT 3 FLUID THAT IS USED SEEMS TO BE THE MAJOR FACTOR IN THE FAILURE, WHERE AS DOT 4 OR 5.1 SHOULD BE USED INSTEAD. I HAVE NOT DONE ANY REPAIR TO THE CAR SINCE SHE HAS IT AT SCHOOL, BUT I WILL HAVE IT FIXED AS SOON AS I GET IT BACK HOME.
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.
Structure, Oct 18, 2010
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. A FEW MONTHS AGO I NOTICED RUST ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS WORSE THAN THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THERE IS AN ACTUAL HOLE IN THE METAL WHERE IT HAS CORRODED. IT HAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, SO IT APPEARS TO ME AS IF IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT. I CALLED NISSAN AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. SHE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN COULD DO BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I TALKED TO HER SUPERVISOR AND SHE TOLD ME ALSO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HER 3 REASONS WERE: (1) IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO FIX (2) SHE DOES NOT KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE AND (3) THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS DEFECT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN NEED TO FIX IT. *TR
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
Structure, Oct 18, 2010
I HAVE MAILED AN OFFICIAL LETTER SINCE THE SPACE PROVIDED IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR MY COMPLAINT. THE CONSUMER STATED DURING A RECENT OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED AN ENORMOUS RUSTED HOLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FLOOR PANEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO HAD A BIG RUSTED SPOT WHERE ANOTHER HOLE WAS DEVELOPING. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY A REPAIR SHOP TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FLOOR PANEL SINCE IT WAS SO BADLY RUSTED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF DRAIN HOLES IN THE FLOOR PAN UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DRAIN HOLES WERE VISIBLE TO HAVE BEEN OUTLINED, BUT THEY WERE NEVER DRILLED THROUGH. THE WATER FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD GET TRAPPED ON TOP OF THE FLOOR PANEL AND COLLECT THERE, EVENTUALLY CAUSING RUST. UPDATED IVOQ *JB *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
Structure, Oct 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE NEW TIRES INSTALLED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME EXHIBITED AN UNUSUALLY LARGE HOLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Structure, Oct 7, 2010
PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IS RUSTED THROUGH. VEHICLE WAS GETTING INSPECTED LAST WEEK AND I WAS INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND APPEARS I'M NOT THE ONLY ALTIMA OWNER WITH THIS ISSUE. THE RUST IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE RUST HOLE I HAVE IN THE FLOORBOARD. THE RUST IS ONLY OF THE PASSENGER SIDE NO WHERE ELSE ON THE VEHICLE. APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT ON THE 2002-2005 NISSAN ALTIMAS. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS AS WELL: ODI #10357667 ODI # 10358132. *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
Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Sep 28, 2010
RE: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THERE IS SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION IN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS DIRECTLY UNDER BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGERS SEATS AND FLOORS. THE CORROSION APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO TWO FACTORY HOLES IN THE FLOOR, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CORROSION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR CAR IS LESS SEVERE: A LARGE AREA OF RUST BUT A RELATIVELY SMALL HOLE (TENNIS BALL SIZE) THROUGH THE SHEET METAL. THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR HAS A LARGE HOLE (SOCCER BALL SIZE) IN THE FLOOR. THIS IS THE ONLY MAJOR CORROSION ON THE CAR (THE "REAR SUBFRAME" ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN 2006 DUE TO CORROSION UNDER A NISSAN WARRANTY PROGRAM). THE FUEL FILLER NECK IS ALSO RUSTY AND DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE ALERT WHEN THE FUEL VAPOR SEAL LEAK REACHES THE POINT WHERE THE ALERT IS TRIGGERED. THERE IS LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELLS OR FENDERS. BASED ON TWO BIDS FROM AUTO BODY SHOPS IN THIS AREA, THE COST TO REPAIR THE RUST DAMAGE WILL BE BETWEEN $2500 AND $3200. I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOGRAPHS OF APPROXIMATELY FORTY ALTIMAS IN THIS AREA. ALL BUT FIVE HAVE CORROSION IN THIS SPECIFIC AREA TO VARYING DEGREES. IT IS CLEARLY NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THE CAR WE OWN. NISSAN HAS A WARRANTY PROGRAM WHICH COVERS RUST PERFORATION FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT A DEALER IN THIS AREA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ON 2001 THROUGH 2005 ALTIMAS, BUT HAS CHOSEN NOT TO WARRANT IT DUE TO THE EXPENSE, PREFERRING INSTEAD TO REFUSE TO BE RESPONSIBLE. NISSAN WILL APPARENTLY TAKE THE CARS IN TRADE AND SELL THEM TO WHOLESALE AUTO OPERATIONS WHERE THEY ARE SOLD TO CUSTOMERS WHO MAY OR MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. UPDATED IVOQ 11/05/10 THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/22/10 *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
Structure, Sep 26, 2010
RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS FRONT . FLOOR BOARDS RUSTED SPECIALLY PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO DEFECT IN THE DRAINAGE INSIDE OR POOR DESIGN. PERSONS COULD INHALE GAS FUMES OR FLOOR BOARD SUDDENLY FALL DOWN IF A PERSON IS UNAWARE THAT A RUSTED HOLE IS UNDERNEATH. TOLD OUT OF CORROSION WARRANTY WHICH IS ONLY 5 YEARS. *TR