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.
Structure, Apr 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND IT HAS DEVELOPED A LARGE RUST HOLE UNDER THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PAN. THE CAR WAS RUST PROOFED WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS HAVE NOT HAD ANY LUCK WITH NISSAN TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM/DEFECT THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO CORRECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2010
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN RESPONSE TO NISSAN RECALL R3007 WHICH COVERS HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH LEADS TO LOW OIL LEVEL, CATALYTIC CONVERTER DAMAGE, ENGINE DAMAGE AND EVENTUALLY AN ENGINE FIRE. I'VE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR SOMETIME WHERE I NEED TO ADD OIL ON A BIWEEKLY BASIS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SOME TIME. I'VE HAD TWO DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PERFORMED AND SHOWED CODE P0420 - CAT. EFFICIENT LOW, NEEDS EXHAUST MANIFOLD/CATALYTIC CONVERTER/GASKETS REPLACED. BASED ON INTERNET RESEARCH (TYPE: NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 - HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER) I FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH NISSAN CORPORATION. NISSAN REFUSED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT RECOURSE I CAN TAKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2010
MY ENGINE BLEW UP. I CALLED MY NEAREST NISSAN DEALER WHO FORWARDED ME TO NISSAN CORP, WHO SENT ME TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND AFTER TELLING THEM MY STORY 3 TIMES, THEY ADVISED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE IT AS NOT YET A RECALL. I LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND WERE TRYING TO GET THIS TO BE A RECALL. I HAD JUST MOVED TO THAT AREA, I HAD NO JOB, NO MONEY AND WAS ATTENDING SCHOOL. MY CAR SAT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE FOR 6 MONTHS WHILE I PAID $430 A MONTH ON MY NOTE. WHEN I FINALLY HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT, I EXPLAINED TO THEM I HAD JUST GOTTEN A NEW ENGINE AND ONLY NEEDED THEM TO RESTART THE COMPUTER. THEY ADVISED ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT, I ASKED FOR WHAT AND THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN. THEY THEN SAID THEY COULD NOT RESTART MY COMPUTER OR DO THE RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD A CODE THAT NEEDED TO GET FIXED. I SAID FINE, AND PAID FOR THEM TO FIX IT AND THE RECALL. LATER THAT DAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THEY HAD ME COME BACK IN A WEEK LATER AND ADVISED ME A NEW CODE CAME ON. I ASKED WHY THEY DIDN'T TELL ME ABOUT IT WHEN I WAS THERE AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE IT THEN. I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CODES THEY FOUND WERE PART OF THE RECALL, AND THAT WAS THE REASON MY ENGINE BLEW UP. BUT THEY WOULD NOT FIX OR PAY FOR IT. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH ON THIS AND FINALLY I FOUND A NUMBER TO CALL REGARDING NISSAN RECALLS. THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE FIXED THE ISSUE AT NO COST SINCE IT WAS A RECALL AND IT WAS ALL CONNECTED. (HAD THAT RECALL OR PROBLEM BEEN FIXED MY ENGINE WOULD HAVE NEVER BLOWN UP! RECALL OR NO RECALL, THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING ISSUE! THEY NEVER EVEN CONTACTED ME ABOUT THAT RECALL! I FOUND OUT ABOUT IT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN!) SHE FILED A CLAIM FOR ME AND SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME. IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND NO CALL FROM NISSAN NORTH AMERICA YET. I CALL THEM EVERYDAY AND EVERYDAY THEY SAY SOMEONE WILL CALL ME. AT LEAST TOYOTA IS TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS! *TR UPDATED IVOQ 08/20/10 UPDATED 10/27/10
Power train, Apr 9, 2010
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CLUTCH ISSUE. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD STICK TO THE FLOOR, NOT ALLOWING THE CONSUMER TO SHIFT CORRECTLY; IF AT ALL. ONCE IT WAS STUCK, THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CLUTCH TO FUNCTION WAS TO PULL THE CLUTCH MANUALLY BACK UP WITH HIS FOOT. AT 38,333 MILES, THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF$ 1,092.13. A YEAR AFTER HAVING THE CLUTCH REPLACED, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. THE DEALER STATED THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REPLACED AT A COST OF $250.00. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY MORE PROBLEMS.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED CONTINUOUSLY AND SHE SMELLED FUEL. SHE ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED; SHE HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL FROM THE ENGINE ONCE THE ENGINE WAS WARM. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR HER MODEL BUT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Power train, Apr 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND MOMENTARILY, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED HESITATION AND SLIGHT JERKING. THE VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED AS NORMAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY AND REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,100.
Structure, Apr 3, 2010
THE FLOOR PANEL ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY THE HOLE IS APPROXIMATELY 8X8 IT IS ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH I FIND VERY PECULIAR.
Structure, Apr 3, 2010
ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE ROTTED OUT. THERE ARE HOLES OVER 1 FOOT SQUARE ON EACH SIDE BELOW THE PASS AND DRIVERS FEET. THIS IS A WELL TAKEN CARE OF VEHICLE, PURCHASED NEW,WASHED EVERY MONTH (INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE). THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A FACTORY "UNDERCOATING", THAT IS STILL INTACT BUT NO LONGER FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STRUCTURE, IT HOLDS THE WATER AGAINST THE METAL AND ROTS IT OUT, WITHOUT THE OWNER EVER BEING ABLE TO SEE THE DAMAGE BEING DONE UNTIL ITS TOO LATE! IVE NEVER SEEN THIS, EVEN HALF AS BAD, ON ANY CAR THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE (AND IVE BEEN WORKING ON CARS FOR 20 YEARS!) THIS SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,338. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000. UPDATED 07/02/10 *LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 25, 2010, crash
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THE DAY BEFORE, ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED ON A FIVE LANE HWY IN CENTER LANE DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC AT SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH. MY SON AND I WERE STRANDED HELPLESS IN THE MIDST OF CARS HEADING RIGHT TOWARDS US. AN HOUR LATER GEICO SENT A TOW TO TAKE US TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE STALL WAS DUE TO A RECALL ON THE ENGINE SENSOR ISSUED IN 2006. DEALER HAD DENIED RECALL MULTIPLE TIMES PRIOR BUT HAD FINALLY RECOGNIZED IT. LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT TO HAVE ECN REPROGRAMMED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED DIAGNOSTIC FOR $192.14. I STATED I WANTED TO TAKE IT ELSEWHERE AND WAS CALLED THE NEXT MORNING TO COME PICK UP MY CAR. GOT THERE CAR WAS RUNNING, ASKED IF THERE HAD EVER BEEN ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND TOLD NO. GOT 1/2 OF MILE AND LOUD NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED WHILE DRIVING AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. TO AVOID GOING INTO NEXT LANE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I SWERVED OTHER WAY INTO TELEPHONE POLL. ENGINE COMPLETELY DEAD SINCE THEN AND HAS BEEN PROCLAIMED AS TOTALED DUE TO LOCKED ENGINE. ENGINE QR25DE WAS TAKEN OFF SALES FLOOR IN 2006 AND I RECEIVED NO INFORMATION AT ALL. DEALER TOLD ME HE NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. ON RECEIPT FROM DEALER IT STATES CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BUT DEALER NEVER GAVE ME RECEIPT TO SIGN AND NEVER EVEN ELUDED TO CAR DOING SAME THING IT HAD DONE LESS THAN 24 HOURS PRIOR. SAID HE PUT OIL IN CAR AND IT STARTED UP AND WAS READY FOR ME TO PICK UP. I HAD JUST HAD OIL CHANGE AND HAD NO OIL LEAKS WHATSOEVER. MY SON IS TRAUMATIZED AND CAN'T SLEEP NIGHTS FROM FIRST INCIDENT AND I HAVE NO VEHICLE AND CAN'T GET TO DOCTOR FOR MY BACK, LEG, AND KNEE INJURY I SUFFERED IN THE CRASH. NISSAN SAYS 6 WEEKS UNTIL THEY SEND AN INSPECTOR TO SEE CAR AND I'M PAYING FOR EACH DAY IT SITS ON THE LOT OF MECHANIC. STILL HAVE NOT EVEN DISPATCHED ORDERS AND IT IS NOW 9 DAYS LATER. MY LIFE AND MY SON'S WERE KNOWINGLY PUT IN DANGER TWICE DUE TO CORP & DEALER NEGLIGENCE.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF APPROXIMATELY 69 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE WARNING BLINKERS WERE ACTIVATED AND WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE FROM THE CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITH THE FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE TO THE MEDIAN WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE RECALL REPAIRED WAS PERFORMED UNDER CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 REPROGRAMMING OF THE ECU), BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL FAILURE, AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT REFUSED TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET FOR A RECALL ASSOCIATED REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE." THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ONE MILE FROM THE DEALER. THE BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NON-RESPONSIVE WITH EXTREME BODILY FORCE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH AS "DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE." THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76,800.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2010
RE: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE. SINCE APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AGO, I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES. I LIVE IN THE NE WHERE IT GETS COLD IN THE WINTERS, AND ONLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM WHEN THE TEMP. IS APPROX. BELOW 30 DEGREES. THIS PROBLEM HAS TYPICALLY OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR HAS SAT IDLE ALL NIGHT, BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT OTHER TIMES WHEN IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN FOR A FEW HOURS. WHEN FIRST STARTING THE CAR, THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SO STIFF THAT I CAN'T PRESS IT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR - ALMOST LIKE IT IS FROZEN. LUCKILY, I HAVE NOT YET HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED ONE SEVERAL TIMES WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SLOW DOWN, COMING TO A STOP SIGN OR PARKING LOT EXIT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP, OR TRYING TO SLOW DOWN TO TURN A CORNER. I HAVE TO TRY TO REMEMBER TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL 10 - 15 TIMES EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IN COLD WEATHER, AS THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO "LOOSEN" IT UP SO THAT IT WILL WORK CORRECTLY. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSES THIS. WHEN I'M DRIVING THIS CAR, I'M ALWAYS AFRAID THAT THE BRAKES WILL TOTALLY GIVE OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPUTER REPROGRAMMED, HOWEVER THE CONTACT IS STILL EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 213000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WITH THE 2.5 LITER (QR25DE) ENGINE I PURCHASED NEW. THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE THAT THE PROBLEMATIC 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS. MY CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS SERIOUS RECALLS, ORIGINATING WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR AND A HALF I PURCHASED IT. TWO YEARS AGO, MY SES LIGHT WENT ON. MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS POINT AS I'D PURCHASED NISSAN'S "GOLD PLUS" WARRANTY COVERAGE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A LOOSE GAS CAP, THEY'D CHECKED AND PERFORMED ALL OUTSTANDING RECALLS, AND ALL WAS FINE. 8 MONTHS LATER, THE SES LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN.THE CAR BEGAN TO ALSO EXHIBIT SIGNS OF INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAD IT CHECKED, WAS TOLD IT WAS A CRACKED OIL PAN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. FINALLY, I TOOK IT TO NISSAN. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THE EXACT PART THAT HAS BEEN MENTIONED IN SEVERAL RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE, AND SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT. ESTIMATE WAS $1200, WHICH I GOT IN WRITING, FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I ASKED FOR RECORDS OF WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY. THEY HAD NO RECORD OF IT. I CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, WHO TOLD ME THE DEALER KEPT THE RECORDS, AND TO ASK THEM.. FINALLY, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE PART. THE SES LIGHT WENT ON TWO WEEKS LATER. THE INDEPENDANT MECHANIC SAID THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED/FALLING APART, ALSO LISTED IN MY RECALL EXPLICITLY. THE DEALER HAD MISDIAGNOSED THE CAR. CALLED DEALER, WROTE LETTER, BBB COMPLAINT, NISSAN COMPLAINT, NO RESPONSE. HAD PRE-CAT REPLACED FOR $600. SES LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. EVENTUALLY, MY CAR STALLED AND WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHO INFORMED ME MY ENGINE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FOR $4K. A SCREW HAD BEEN FOUND IN THE THIRD CYLINDER. THIS IS ALSO LISTED IN SOME OF THE 'BULLETINS' NISSAN DISTRIBUTED TO THEIR DEALERS. I'VE TRIED A DEMAND LETTER, NO RESPONSE. OBVIOUSLY, NO ONE INSPECTED MY CAR FOR RECALLS, OR REPAIRED THE FAULTY PARTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED TWO DAYS AFTER HE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT STATED HE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS IN THE RECALL 03V455000. THE DRIVER STATES HE CONTACTED HIS NISSAN DEALER AND THEY TOLD HIM TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT AND IF IT WERE THE SAME PROBLEM THEY WOULD FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOW THEY ARE TELLING HIM HIS VEHICLE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 126,100. UPDATED 04/16/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE ON MARCH 10,2010 AND THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN. UPDATED 05/17/10
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 3, 2010
ON 1/25/10, MY 2002 ALTIMA WITH ONLY 27,000 MILES ON IT, KEPT STALLING OR NOT STARTING DURING 3 SHOPPING STOPS. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY BATTERY AND WAS NEAR CLARK AUTO WHERE MY BATTERY IS UNDER WARRANTY... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2010
2002 ALTIMA NISSAN-PROBLEM WITH OIL CONSUMPTION. THERE IS 196 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING OIL CONSUMPTIONS ON 2002 ALTIMA NISSAN WHERE THIS IS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CAR DIES AFTER DRIVING, WHICH CAN CAUSE WRECKS AND EVEN DEATHS. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL NOT HELP WITH ANY OF THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 2 CHILDREN AND AT THIS POINT DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE REFER TO WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2002/.../EXCESSIVE_OIL_CONSUMPTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE STARTED TO LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN CUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER PULLED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER 10 MINUTES BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT NOTHING WAS DONE. OCCASIONALLY HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT START IMMEDIATELY AND HE HAS TO RESTART IT WITHIN 30 MINUTES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,140.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED HE NOTICED A RATTLING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2010
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2/5/10, NEXT MORNING (SATURDAY) WENT OVER CAR LOOKING FOR ISSUE, FOUND LOW OIL LEVEL IN ENGINE, ADDED OIL, MONDAY SCHEDULED WITH DEALER FOR SOONEST APPOINTMENT, WEDNESDAY DEALER CHECKED OUT THE CAR. FOUND THAT THE PRE-CATALYST HAD CRUMBLED INTO DUST WHICH WAS PULLED IN TO THE ENGINE. ENGINE IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY WILL DO NOTHING. THERE IS A RELATED RECALL (NISSAN R3007) - THIS HAD BEEN DONE BY THE DEALER IN JANUARY 2004. ALL OTHER MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE. MY STATEMENT TO NISSAN WAS A. RECALL WAS NOT ACTUALLY DONE (DEALER SAYS IT WAS - HAVE NO REASON NOT TO BELIEVE THEM) B. RECALL WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY OR C. RECALL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY - I BELIEVE IT WAS C THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REALLY FIXED, JUST DELAYED. UNDERSTAND THAT THE CATALYTIC WARRANTY WAS 80,000 MILES, BUT SHOULD A CATALYTIC BREAKDOWN ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO RUIN THE ENGINE? IF NISSAN KNEW IT DID NOT TOTALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE, THEY SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED OWNERS TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC AT XX MILES, OR AT XX YEARS. NEVER HEARD OF THIS WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT THE CATALYTIC FAILURE CAN RUIN THE ENGINE. NOW RATHER THAN $700 OR $800 FOR THE CATALYTIC, FACING THAT PLUS ANOTHER ENGINE (ESTIMATE $3000 TO $4000) FOR A USED, SALVAGE ENGINE. BUT THEN WOULD STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. RECALL STATES THAT THIS CAN RESULT IN ENGINE FIRE. I BELIEVE IT IS FAULTY DESIGN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2010
THE HEATER/ AC HAD MANY PROBLEMS, ALMOST YEARLY-NEEDED TO BE BLOWN OUT & ANTI FREEZE ADDED. HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AT 60,000 & CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED, TIMING CHAIN TENSION REPAIR. NOW ENGINE & TIMING BELT NEED TO BE REPLACED @$4800.00 65,000 MILES-DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT! *TR UPDATED 03/05/10. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2010
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5L ENGINE. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND HAVING TO GET IT REBUILT APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND WHILE I DRIVE A LOT OF MILES EACH YEAR THERE WAS NO INDICATION IN TERMS OF WARNING LIGHTS THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS LOW. THIS PROBABLY LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE IN ADDITION TO THAT POSSIBLY CAUSED BY THE OTHER DESIGN DEFECTS (I.E. PRE-CATALYST) IN THIS MODEL. THERE SHOULD BE SOME PENALTY TO NISSAN FOR LACK OF OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY MUST HAVE BEEN AWARE OF FOR THIS MANY YEARS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE BURNS MOTOR OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,450.
Structure, Jan 27, 2010
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO HAVE HER VEHICLE INSPECTED SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS, THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN UPDATED 05/20/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2010
NISSAN 2002 2.5 SL HAS TO BE CHECKED ONCE A WEEK BECAUSE THE ENGINE LOSES OIL. WHEN THE OIL IS CHECKED IT IS COMPLETELY DRY. OIL HAS TO BE PUT IN THE CAR ONCE A WEEK. THE ENGINE KNOCKS AND COMES CLOSE TO SHUTTING DOWN. *TR