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 10, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH UNDER DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE THE FAILURE, BUT ONCE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. THERE WAS RECALL 03V455000 FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, AND WAS IS THE SAME FAILURE THAT AUTOWAY OF NISSAN TOLD HIM HE HAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL ON 12-4-06 FROM THE DEALER, STATING THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN . THE CONTACT HAS A DIAGNOSTIC REPORT, AND REPAIR ORDER STATING THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *AK THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL BACK IN MARCH OF 2004, THE RECALL REPLACEMENT FAILED ON JAN 9, 2007. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. UPDATED 02/02/07. *JB
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2007
THE REARVIEW MIRROR ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS FOGGED UP ALMOST COMPLETELY, LEAVING ABOUT 20 PERCENT STILL CLEAR, MAKING IT ALMOST VERY CONFUSING AND HARD TO SEE. CALL TO NISSAN AND DEALER RESULTED IN "SO WHAT" ... LIKE ITS OK FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS GARAGED, ONLY 21142 MILES OF USE, TO HAVE A KEY SAFETY FEATURE GO AWRY. DEALER QUOTED PRICE FOR NEW REARVIEW MIRROR AS "$278 PLUS TAX" *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 2, 2007
NISSAN WEBSITE : HTTP://WWW.NISSANUSA.COM/OWNING/RECALL_INFO/ALTIMA/2002/INDEX.HTML#RESULT1 APPLIES TO 2003 ALTIMA MODELS IN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RANGE: 1N4AL11**3C100003 - 311983 REASON FOR RECALL THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CAUSE A FIRE. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. MATERIAL FROM INSIDE A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST COULD ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT 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. WHAT NISSAN WILL DO IN ORDER TO PREVENT THESE INCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING, YOUR NISSAN DEALER WILL SHORTEN THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE TO PREVENT ANY FUTURE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL HEAT SHIELDS ON CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON VEHICLES THAT DO NOT ALREADY HAVE THEM. THIS FREE SERVICE SHOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE HOURS TO COMPLETE, BUT YOUR NISSAN DEALER MAY REQUIRE YOUR VEHICLE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME BASED UPON THE DEALER''S WORK SCHEDULE. 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. NISSAN ANTICIPATES THAT FEW ENGINES WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. IF THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, THIS ALSO WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE AND WILL TAKE SEVERAL DAYS. IN THIS CASE, A CAR RENTAL ALLOWANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR NISSAN DEALER UPON REQUEST. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2006
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHICH FALLS UNDER THE ENGINE & COOLING SYSTEM RECALL, ALONG WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER RECALLS. I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE, HOWEVER, BECAUSE MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DUBLIN NISSAN FOR INSPECTION. THEY NOTED THE RECALL AND APPARENTLY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN THE EVENING, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE NEXT MORNING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY APPARENTLY DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND JUST RESET THE SENSOR FOR THE LIGHT. THE NEXT TIME I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEY DID THEIR JOB AND TO DO AN INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE THEY WOULD NEED TO CHARGE ME. AT THIS TIME I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER DEPT. TO SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO CONSUMING OIL VERY EXCESSIVELY (OF WHICH I WAS NOT AWARE OF SINCE I JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE), THEREFORE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE RADIATOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE, LICENSED MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR. THEY ALSO RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BUT IT STILL CAME BACK ON. AT THIS TIME I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FREMONT NISSAN, WHERE THEY DID DIAGNOSIS OF THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND 2 OF THE CYLINDERS ARE MISFIRING ON THE TEST. THEY SAID THAT IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND DETERMINE THE EXACT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NEED TO TAKE APART THE ENGINE AND PHYSICALLY EXAMINE IT INSIDE (COST APPROXIMATELY $900). I AGAIN CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER SERVICES, THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY. THE LADY TOLD ME THAT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO COMMIT TO ANY REPAIRS, I WOULD NEED TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP TO EXAMINE THE ENGINE AND IF THEY DEALERSHIP DETERMINES THAT THE PROBLEM IS WARRANTY RELATED THEN NISSAN WOULD LOOK INTO REPAIRING. I SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE ARE ALL THOSE DESCRIBED ON THE NISSAN'S WEBSITE. *JB
Air bags, Dec 18, 2006
TURNED ON CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. AIR BAG MODULE AND SWIRL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT $1500.00. *NM
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THERE WERE SOME FUMES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE CATALYST CONVERTER CAME APART INTERNALLY AND SENT THE DEBRIS TO THE ENGINE, DAMAGING THE ENGINE. UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2006
I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN MIDDLETOWN, CT. AUG. 2006 BECAUSE I WAS LOOSING ANTIFREEZE. THEY TOLD ME I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND MY ENGINE SEEMED TO BE USING OIL. THEY WANTED TO DO AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND ASKED ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN AT 500 MILES. I DID THAT AND WAS TOLD IT WASN'T CONCLUSIVE ENOUGH SO BRING IT BACK IN ANOTHER 1000 MILES. WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK THEY TOLD ME I WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE SINCE IT WAS BLOWN. THEY TOLD ME THE HEAD GASKET IS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE ENGINE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR I WAS SOLD ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SINCE IT COVERED THE WHOLE CAR EXCEPT FOR MUFFLERS, SPARK PLUGS, BRAKES ALL THE THINGS THAT NORMALLY WEAR OUT ON A CAR. BACK IN JUNE OF 2004 I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR RECALL # R30071 THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AT LIA NISSAN IN ENFIELD, CONN. IN THE RECALL IT STATES THAT IF THE MATERIAL FROM THE RECALLED PRE CATALYST GETS INTO THE ENGINE IT COULD DO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND MAY CAUSE A FIRE. I NOW HAVE AN ENGINE THAT HAD THE RECALL FIX DONE AND THEIR FIX DID NOT WORK. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE AND HURT ME OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS. I HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE CHANNELS AVAILABLE TO ME AT NISSAN AND HAVE GOTTEN NOWHERE. I EVEN GOT A LETTER BACK FROM NISSAN TELLING ME THAT I HAVE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE RECORDS. I CHANGE MY OWN OIL AND FILTERS BUT THE REST I BRING TO THE DEALER IF I HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FAILURE OF THEIR FIX. ON A SIDE NOTE I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET CONCERNING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND MANY CASES OF PEOPLE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR NISSAN ALTIMA 2002. THEY HAVE HAD THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH NISSAN ALSO. ANY HELP FROM YOU WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED MY CAR IS FAILING FAST AND IT IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORT TO WORK. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH PRODUCED A FAILURE CODE, AND INDICATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V084000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Nov 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR TWO DAYS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO THE HEATER DEFROSTER WAS NOT WORKING.
Wheels, Nov 22, 2006
THE ALLOY WHEELS ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS BEND VERY EASY CAUSING DANGER TO DRIVER/PASSENGERS DUE TO UNEVEN TIRE WEAR AND LOUD ROARING NOISE INSIDE THE CARE. QUALITY OF WHEELS ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA LESS THAN WHAT IS EXPECTED OF NISSAN CAR PARTS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL AT A RATE OF 5 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED WITH THE PROPER OIL SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS TURNING THE IGNITION ON. THIS OCCURRED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE VIN # TO SEE IF IT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL AND STATED THAT THEIR SYSTEM SHOWED THAT VEHICLE PART HAD BEEN FIXED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER BROUGHT IN FOR ANY RECALL WORK IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER, NOR DID THE CONTACT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER ON THIS MATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS A FAILED CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND RECALL INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 03V455000 FOR ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/5/2006 - *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2006
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. LOST THE ENGINE DUE TO "NO OIL". DEALERSHIP STATED CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND CAUSED ABUNDANT OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED ON RECALL AT 50,000 MILES. THE NEW CONVERTER ONLY HAD A 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY, UNLIKE THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. ADVISED TO CONTACT NISSAN AND I DID. THEY STATED CONVERTER AND CAR WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE Y COULD ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME 4,500.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND THE CONVERTER. VANN YORK NISSAN SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE WITH ONE FROM THE FACTORY IN A MIRACLE OF 2 DAYS FROM GETTING MY APPROVAL. (3) WEEKS LATER THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE AND I DISCOVERED IT WAS THE ORIGINAL BELT FROM THE OLD ENGINE. THIS IS A RIP OFF AND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE CARS. PLUS DEALERS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION AND MAKING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY. I'M SUING..........*NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2006
MY DOORS WILL LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHILE THE KEY IS IN OR OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE CAN BE RUNNING AT TIMES. OR IF I UNLOCK MY CAR USING THE KEY FOB, AND I DON'T OPEN THE DOOR RIGHT THEN, THEY RELOCK THEMSELVES AUTOMATICALLY. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A SERVICE AND I INQUIRED ABOUT THIS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE CHECKED OUT FINE WHEN THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. BUT MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STILL LOCK IT SELF. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2006
CAR WAS LOSING COOLANT. DEALER SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BLAMED THE ENGINE OVERHEAT PROBLEM ON THE LEAKING GASKET. ENGINE IS WORKING FINE. I DO NOT WANT THEM TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET BECAUSE I CAN GET IT DONE BY AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR HALF THE PRICE AND I DO NOT TRUST THEM SINCE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED BY WARRANTY UP TO 80K MILES. I HAVE 71K MILES ON THE CAR. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKED FOR FOUR HOURS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SUMMONED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER DOOR AND COULD BE ELECTRICAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2006
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S STARTED ENGINE MISFIRING AND STALLING WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURRED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS OR UNUSUAL PERFORMANCE FROM THE ENGINE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT THEN STARTED ALTERNATING FROM FLASHING TO CONSTANTLY ON. I CONSULTED MY VEHICLE MANUAL AND FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 45 MILES PER HOUR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THAT A POWER VALVE SCREW HAD COME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE SPARK PLUG. THE SUGGESTED REPLACING ALL OF THE POWER VALVE SCREWS, BUT THEY INDICATED THAT I MAY HAVE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE AND CATALYST FAILURE THAT COULD NOT BE SEEN. THEY FURTHER ADVISED THAT I MAY HAVE FUTURE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE 2003, 2004 ,AND 2005 VERSIONS OF THIS CAR MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT NISSAN HAD A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR 2004 AND 2005 ENGINES. I BELIEVE THAT THE DAMAGE WHICH MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED IS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC AND SHOULD BE ATTENDED TO BY THE MANUFACTURER IN THE FORM OF A RECALL AND REPAIR OF ANY DAMAGES. *NM
Air bags, Oct 14, 2006
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING, SO A BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE SENSOR AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED OR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT WORK IN A CRASH. AT THE TIME I WAS PURCHASING THE CAR THE SAME AIR BAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING DURING OUR TEST DRIVE OF THE CAR. THE DEALER CHECKED INTO THE FLASHING WARNING LIGHT AND RESET THE MODULE BEFORE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS STOPPED THE FLASHING WARNING LIGHT FROM FLASHING. ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS LATER THE SAME AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. THE DEALER RESET THE MODULE A SECOND TIME. ON MY LAST VISIT FOR THE WARNING LIGHT FLASHING ON 9/29/2006 THE DEALER SAID THE MODULE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESET AND THAT IT HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,100.00 PARTS/LABOR. I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 59,000 MILES ON IT. IT CURRENTLY HAS 79,000 MILES. THE DEALER SAID THIS PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALL R3001. I AM CONCERNED THE FLASHING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A PROBLEM EARLY ON, IT NEEDED TO BE RESET TWICE BEFORE IT FINALLY FAILED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2006
THE CAR EITHER HESITATED OR STALLED (ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING) ON ABOUT 3 DIFFERENT TRIPS WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 30 MPH AND 50 MPH. THE CAR STARTED RIGHT BACK UP EACH TIME. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN THOUGH A RECALL ON 11/17/2003 (R3021/R3022) TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR. I WAS NOT THE OWNER OF THE CAR WHEN THE RECALL WAS DONE. THE DEALER SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THAT RECALL. THE PROBLEM HAS APPEARED AGAIN OR A SIMILAR PROBLEM IS HAPPENING A SECOND TIME. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER ON 9/29/06 AND THEY REPLACED THE CAM SENSOR TO STOP THE STALLING. SINCE THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION APPEARED TO BE THE SAME AS IN THE 11/17/2003 RECALL, THE DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ONCE AND THEREFORE THE SECOND REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I'M CONCERNED WEATHER THIS COULD BE A RECURRING PROBLEM AND IF THE ORIGINAL REPAIR WAS ADEQUATE TO REMEDY THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2006
2002 ALTIMA SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND VEHICLE STALLED. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HAD BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIME BY THE DEALER BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LACKED POWER, JERKED AND WOULD STALL. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACKED BLOCK WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK IN THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED REGULARLY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 11, 2006
REAR BRAKES HAVE FAILED AGAIN - AFTER BEING REPLACED AT 37,000 MILES AND 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP IN 2004. NOW AT 57,000 MILES I NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES COMPLETELY AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY THE NISSAN 'GENUINE' PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE IF AFTER ONLY 20,000 THE BRAKES ARE SHOT TOTALLY AGAIN. WHY DOES NISSAN KEEP RIPPING OFF THE CONSUMERS THIS WAY AND WHY ISN'T SOMETHING DONE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. NO FIRE WAS PRESENT, ONLY SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OIL WAS DRY IN THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. THE INSPECTOR CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONSISTENT FROM A LACK OF HAVING THE OIL CHANGED. UPDATED 10/12/06. *JB *NM UPDATED 1/17/2006 - AT NO TIME DID THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE LOW OIL. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE OIL LIGHT HAD NEVER ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE RECEIVED REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS DUE TO A KNOW DEFECT IN THE 2.5 LITER ENGINES. *NM THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ENGINE SHE HAD TO REPLACE. UPDATED *JB