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, Feb 26, 2016
I HAVE REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT/CRANKSHAFT SENSORS IN MAY CAR AND IT'S STILL STALLING OUT AT TIMES; I HAVE REED OTHER COMPLAINS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME RELATED PROBLEM AND I NEED SOMETHING TO BE DONE BEFORE, I END UP GETTING KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING THIS CAR, MY CAR HAS 162000 MILES ON IT AND WITH KEEPING UP WITH MY MAINTAINS THIS SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. I HAVE CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SNELLVILLE, GA THREE TIMES AND NO ONE HAS RETURNED MY CALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I NEED HELP ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR THE SAME REPAIRS THREE TIMES IN A ROW WITHIN A THREE MONTH PERIOD. THE PROBLEM FIRST AROSE IN DECEMBER 2015, WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR APPEAL TO BE HESITATING AS IF IT WANTED TO CUT OFF AND PROCEED TO SO WHEN I DECIDED TO PULL OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND HAS REMAINED ON SINCE DECEMBER.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2016
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I TOOK TO GET INSPECTED. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO HEAVY CORROSION IN THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE INSPECTION STATION INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE CAR WAS UNSAFE AND ANY PASSENGERS FOOT COULD PUSH THRU THE FLOOR BOARDS. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THEY INDICATED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS VIN # AND COULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE IN HOUSE. IT WILL NEED TO GO TO A BODY SHOP. WHEN I GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH THE DEALERSHIP, I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THIS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE FLOOR PAN NOT DRAINING PROPERLY. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS, JUST WANTED TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION MAY BE ABLE TO HELP OUT WITH. PLEASE LET ME KNOW SOMETHING ON THIS. THANK YOU.
Engine, Dec 27, 2015
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE IGNITION COILS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO NOT CRANK. I HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAID THE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE IGNITION COILS. I HAD JUST REPLACED ALL 4 OF THE IGNITION COILS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF DUE TO THEM GOING BAD ONE BY ONE. WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY, AN IGNITION COIL WOULD GO BAD, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE BADLY AS IF TRYING TO STALL IN TRAFFIC AND WHILE STATIONARY. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO WAS FLASHING. VERY SCARY FOR ME. THIS HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE TIMES AS EACH COIL WENT BAD. WHEN THE VALVE COVER GASKET ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK ON THE IGNITION COILS, AN IGNITION COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2015
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. JUST 98000 MILES ON IT DEALER CHARGED ME $900 FOR SET OF SENSOR AND LABOR. CAR WOULD STALL IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, NO WARNING, WE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER. WENT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAID NO ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM.
Engine, Dec 1, 2015
THE PRE-CATALYST ON THE EXHAUST HAS FAILED, AND CAUSED DAMAGE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN VIN #'S BUT MINE IS NOT COMING UP. NHSTA CAMPAIGN 03V084000.
Structure, Nov 16, 2015
FRONT FLOOR BOARDS ARE RUSTED THROUGH. DIDNT NOT NOTICE UNTIL AN INSPECTION WAS DONE. FIND THIS VERY ALARMING AS IT CAN BE UNRECOGNIZED WHEN STEPPING ON IT FROM INSIDE, AS THE CARPET HIDES AND SUPPORTS THE PARTIAL BODY WEIGHT WHEN STEPPING INTO THE VEHICLE. EXTREMRELY DANGEROUS FOR ANYBODY IN FRONT SEATS.
Structure, Nov 1, 2015
FLOOR RUSTING OUT FROM FRONT OF CAR TO SEAT. FEET COULD FALL THROUGH. GAS FUMES COME IN CAR.
Air bags, Tires, Oct 30, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH GENERAL ALTIMAX RT43 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 215/60/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR INVESTIGATIVE PURPOSES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SIDEWALL HAD DETACHED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2015, crash
I WAS INVOLED IN AN ACCIDENT GOING AROUND 40 MPH WHEN THE COLLISION HAPPENED. MY ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS CRUSHED TO AND BEYOND THE RADIATOR, AS WELL AS THE HOOD BENT LIKE AN A SHAPE. NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL AND NISSAN HAS NOT CONTACTED ME AFTER THERE FIRST EMAIL SAYING SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH ME WITHIN 2 TO 3 DAYS. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHEN A VEHICLE FROM THE LEFT LANE MOVED OVER RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND LOCKED UP THEIR BRAKES FOR NO REASON. I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO HARDLY HIT MY BRAKES BEFORE WE COLLIDING. THE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND EVERYTHING , BUT KNOW THEY CANT FIND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I CANT GET NISSAN TO TALK TO ME ABOUT WHY MY AIRBAGS WOULD NOT WORK AT A CRASH AT THAT SPEED. THIS TOOK PLACE IN A CITY. I STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY POLICE REPORT OR ANYTHING AND ITS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH. IM HAVING DOCTOR BILLS PILE UP AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Structure, Oct 17, 2015
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2013 AS A USED 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THIS PAST JUNE OF 2015, MY MECHANIC NOTICED LARGE RUSTED OUT AREAS BEHIND EACH FRONT TIRE ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT ONE COULD EASILY TAKE CHUNKS OF RUSTED UNDERCARRIAGE OFF. I QUICKLY NOTICED A LARGE HOLE, REALIZING THAT WITHOUT CARPET BENEATH MY FEET I WOULD HAVE HAD MY LEFT FOOD THROUGH TO THE GROUND. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ALL TOO FREQUENT OCCURANCE IN NISSAN ALTIMAS MADE IN 2002-2006, AND NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND/OR PAY FOR DAMAGES. WITH THESE FACTS IN MIND, ONE CAN SEE THAT THIS IS CLEARLY NOT AN ISSUE OF POOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE BY THE OWNER, NOR CAN IT BE BLAMED ON SALT AND CHEMICALS ON THE ROAD IN SNOWY AREAS. THIS ISSUE WAS UNSAFE TO MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS. IF THE RUST HAD SPREAD, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR, RISKING PERMANENT DAMAGE, AN UNSAFE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD, AND CAUSING POTENTIAL HARM TO MY PASSENGERS AND MYSELF. THE REPAIR FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE DID NOT COME AT A LOW PRICE, AND THE SCENARIO IS ETERNALLY FRUSTRATING. I WILL NEVER BUY A NISSAN ALTIMA AGAIN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO WARN FRIENDS AND FAMILY AGAINST PURCHASING NISSANS.
Structure, Sep 29, 2015
GOT IN MY CAR AND MY BOOT LITERALLY WENT THREW THE FLOOR IN MY DRIVEWAY NOT ON OR ANYTHING !! THIS IS DANGEROUS NISSAN HAS A BULLETIN NUMBER NTB15-059 BUT WILL NOT PAY TO FIX THE ISSUE THEY CAUSED ??? INSANE A CAR SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS ANYMORE WHERE NOT IN THE 80S THE METAL SHOULDN'T BE ROTTED AND SO THIN THAT IN 10 YEARS ITS SHOT LIKE AN 80S TRUCK. IF THIS HAPPENED IN THE BACK SEATS WITH MY DAUGHTER WHAT WOULD THE PROBLEM BE THEN MY CHILD GETTING CUT ON RUST AND HAVING POSSIBLE HEALTH ISSUES !!! THIS IS DANGEROUS AND IF I WAS DRIVING I WOULD HAVE LOST MY FOOT .. PLEASE MAKE NISSAN FIX THIS ISSUE ITS GETTING WAY OUT OF HAND AND SORRY NOT ALL OF US CAN AFFORD NEW CARS TO REPLACE THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2015
WELL ONE DAY I WAS GOING GROCERY SHOPPING AND WE GET TO THE STORE TAKE THE KEY OUT THE IGNITION LOCK THE CAR UP. SO WHEN I COME OUT THE GROCERY STORE GET IN THE CAR MY IGNITION WAS LIKE IT WAS LOCKING UP ON ME. SO I PLAYED WITH THE IGNITION FOR ABOUT A HOUR THEN FINALLY MY CAR TURNED OVER. NOW ITS A BRAND NEW START AND IGNITION SWITCH ON THERE AND IT KEEPS DOING THE SAME THING I REALLY THING THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM OR THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.
Structure, Sep 12, 2015
WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, NOTICED A SOFT-MATERIAL FLAP HAD DISLODGED FROM UNDERNEATH PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, NOTICED EXCESSIVE RUST THAT HAS LEFT A HOLE THAT GOES THROUGH AND REACHES THE INTERIOR CARPET. THE SURROUNDING AREA IS VERY SOFT AND BRITTLE, SAME ON DRIVERS SIDE. CONCERNED ABOUT WEAKENING STRUCTURE OVERALL ESPECIALLY SEAT PLACEMENT, AND POSSIBLE INJURIES CAUSED BY NOT HAVING A PROTECTIVE SURFACE FROM THE OUTSIDE ROAD.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING UP A RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND JERK. THE RPMS INCREASED FROM 35 TO 4,000. THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Structure, Aug 25, 2015
FLOOR PANELS RUSTING OUT. HAD CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS MAJOR RUST IN THE FLOOR BOARDS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED SOON. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED DAILY SINCE IT WAS PURPOSED NEW AT JEFF WYLER NISSAN, CINCINNATI AREA. NOT A LOT OF ROAD SALT USED IN THIS AREA. UNDERSTAND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS IN PLACE.
Engine, Aug 7, 2015
I BOUGHT THIS 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ($4500 AT RANDY MARION DEALERSHIP IN HICKORY, NC) FOR MY WIFE ON JANUARY 20TH, 2015. THE CAR HAD 123,000 MILES ON IT. JUST 5 OR 6 DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN YOU CRANK IT UP AFTER IT HAD SAT FOR A WHILE. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IT NEEDED A QUART OF OIL, SO I ADDED A QUART. THE NOISE CAME BACK AFTER 2 DAYS. THIS IMMEDIATELY BECAME A MANDATORY ISSUE TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND ADD MORE OIL EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. IT IS NOW AUGUST 7TH AND I HAVE TO CHECK AND REFILL THE OIL EVERY DAY! I STARTED MY RESEARCH FOR COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE ALONG WITH RECALLS FOR REPLACING THE ECM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND/OR ENGINE. THE ECM RECALL APPLIED TO THIS CAR, SO I HAD THAT DONE ON JULY 30TH ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGE. ON TOP OF THAT, I JUST SPENT $1006.62 TO GET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED YESTERDAY ALONG WITH A QUART OF OIL. GOT THE KNOCKING SOUND AGAIN THIS MORNING. I TOOK IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND THEY SAID IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. MY WIFE AND I ARE SO UPSET NOW. WE FEEL LIKE WE WERE SOLD SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM (CERTIFIED LEMON) FROM A DEALERSHIP THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE RESOLD IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. HOW MUCH MORE COMPLAINTS IS GOING TO BE NEEDED FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE NISSAN FIX THIS PROBLEM???
Structure, Jul 29, 2015
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PANEL RUST EATING AWAY AT FLOOR BOARDS. *SMD UPDATED 09/25/15*LJ UPDATED 12/06/2017*CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER HAVING REPLENISHED THE ENGINE WITH OIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure, Jul 28, 2015
I DISCOVERED AROUND THIS DATE THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTED OUT AND ALMOST HAVE HOLES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD.
Structure, Jul 28, 2015
THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING MULTIPLE LARGE WHOLES IN THE FLOOR UNDER BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHERE YOU WOULD NORMALLY PLACE YOUR FEET. AT THIS POINT THE CAR CANNOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION.
Structure, Jul 20, 2015
THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT HAVE RUSTED THROUGH.
Structure, Jul 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES WERE ROTTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Engine, Jul 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DEBRIS ENTERED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN 2005. THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
Structure, Jul 10, 2015
MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD SCRAPING SOUND WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK HALF MY DRIVERS FLOOR WAS ON THE FLOOR SO I GO CHECK MY PASSENGER SIDE AND IT IS ALSO COMPLETELY RUSTED BUT DIDN'T FALL YET. *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2015
I HAVE NOTICED THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUST AT THE FLOORBOARD AT THE DRIVERS SEAT. THAT IS VERY LOCALIZED AND APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW THAT RETAINS WATER THERE. I ALSO FEEL THIS COULD BE A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM.