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, Oct 10, 2006
I BOUGHT A NISSAN ALTIMA SL NEW IN 2002. THE CAR HAS ONLY 34,500 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO ELKINS NISSAN TODAY BECAUSE OF A NOISE. I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW EXHAUST TUBE ASSEMBLY AT THE COST OF 400.00. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS PART HAS ALREADY FAILED IN A CAR WITH LOW MILEAGE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2006
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE WAS USING OIL EVERY 1000-1500 MILES. TOOK CAR TO VANN YORK NISSAN. WAS TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAME APART, WAS SUCKED INTO ENGINE. HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THOUGHT IT WOULD COVER THE PROBLEM. NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA SAID THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THEREFORE DOES NOT COVER THE ENGINE. ASKED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR. WAS TOLD I'D GET A CALL BACK WITHIN 24 HOURS. NEVER HEARD FROM THEM. CALLED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. NEVER WOULD LET ME SPEAK TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE TELEMARKETER. FINALLY RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL TO INFORM THEY WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. TOOK CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN. I BOUGHT 2 NISSANS IN 2002- 1 ALTIMA; 1-QUEST. HAD OWNED A 1998 ALTIMA PREVIOUSLY. THOUGHT NISSAN WAS A GOOD BRAND. THOUGHT NISSAN WAS A GOOD COMPANY. THOUGHT WRONG! WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT AS LONG AS I LIVE. HAVE TOLD EVERY PERSON I KNOW. WILL CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE UNTIL I GO TO MY GRAVE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2006
THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLS REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE INCLUDES THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE CAR SAFELY. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE POWER VALVE SCREWS COMING LOOSE AND GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. THE SCREWS MUST BE REPLACED WITH LOCK TIGHT ONES AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND MUST BE REPLACED. NISSAN HAS A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IS NTB05058. THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS HAVE THE SAME ENGINE AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY NISSAN AS WELL. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 3, 2006
FUEL FILL PIPE CONNECT TO BODY HAS RUSTED ON NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 47K MILES (2002). I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL ON ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS CURRENTLY IS CAUSING CAR TO FAIL EMISSIONS, HOWEVER I WOULD BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY RISK AS WELL. THIS CAR IS CURRENTLY EARLY PRODUCTION OF REDESIGED ALTIMA, COULD POTENTIALLY BE PART OF FIRST IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUE. IN TRYING TO ORDER THE PART DEALER HAS INDICATED THERE IS A BACKLOG FOR THE PART. WOULD INDICATE THEY ARE HAVING HIGH DEMAND IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE. A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN 2004 CONCERNING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 20, 2006
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VENTS WERE BLOWING WARM AIR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO START. *KB AFTER THE DEALER STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM, WHICH THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS TOO MUCH FREON IN THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN TOLD THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2006
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. I HAVE SEEN THAT THEY HAVE ISSUED RECALLS FOR NEWER MODELS BASED ON THE ENGINE CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME THING HAPPENING ON MY CAR FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALER ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS AND HAVE BEEN SORT OF BLOWN OFF AND TOLD I AM NOT CHANGING THE OIL OFTEN ENOUGH. I RECENTLY WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL FOR THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND WHILE THERE HAD A 90000 MILE SERVICE DONE. AFTER THAT SERVICE, THE ENGINE WAS GOING THROUGH OIL ROUGHLY EVERY 500 MILES OR SO. IT USED TO GO THROUGH IT EVERY 4000 MILES OR SO, WHICH SEEMS INCREDIBLY QUICK. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS NOT JUST ON THE NEWER MODELS BUT ON OLDER MODELS AS WELL. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD AND WOULD LIKE THE MATTER LOOKED INTO FURTHER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2006
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S DIFFICULT TO START, WILL FREQUENTLY STALL ONCE STARTED AS SOON AS ITS PUT INTO GEAR. (NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS DUE TO "BAD FUEL"-CHARGED $500 TO DRAIN TANK AND REFILL..PROBLEM STILL EXISTS..) BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE STALLED, STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD, UNABLE TO MANEUVER CAR, HIT TREE AND CRACKED SPOILER/DENT BUMPER. NOT SAFE TO TAKE ON HIGHWAY, AS YOU CANNOT "MERGE" INTO TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.. IF YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, IT WILL BUCK AND STALL. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 8 MONTHS, EVEN AFTER DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY "FIXED THE PROBLEMS" . LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON. VEHICLE STARTED BLOWING WARM AIR THROUGH A/C THIS SUMMER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID "TOO MUCH FREON" AND CHARGED $300. PROBLEM STILL EXISTED THE NEXT DAY. TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP.. CHARGED ANOTHER $100 TO DO "DIAGNOSTICS".. NO PROBLEMS EVER FIXED. LIGHT STILL ON. NISSAN NOT ADDRESSING IT. BASICALLY IGNORING THE LIGHT, EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS BEEN IN THERE FOR OVER $1000 WORTH OF "REPAIRS" IN 1 MONTH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2006
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER I WENT TO START MY CAR AND WOULD NOT START. AFTER MAKING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS I LEFT THE CAR PARKED WHERE IT WAS. ABOUT 3 HOURS LATER I STARTED THE CAR FINE. A WEEK HAD PASSED WITH NO KNOW PROBLEMS WHEN SUDDENLY MY "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN BACKING UP FROM THE DRIVE WAY, AND AGAIN WHILE I WAS TURNING A CORNER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE CHECK ENGINE CODE CAME UP AS "APP POSITIONING SENSOR" WHICH IS THE THROTTLE CHAMBER. I THOUGHT THIS WAS WARRANTED FOR UP TO 60,000 MILES? *NM
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2006
IN 2003, NISSAN CONDUCTED A RECALL OF 2002 ALTIMA'S, REF #03V-084, IN WHICH THEY WERE TO CORRECT A FIRE HAZARD RESULTING FROM ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. ON 9/8/03, A NISSAN DEALER COMPLETED REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL. OVER THE LAST YEAR, MY VEHICLE HAD VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES UNDER THE HOOD AND BEGAN CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. IN AUGUST 2006, THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR HAD FAILED AND WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER WHO PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN 600 MILES AND ADVISED ME THE ENGINE WAS MOST LIKELY DAMAGED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY REFUSED TO COMPLETE ANY DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR REPLACED AGAIN AND THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE CONVERTOR INSTALLED AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL ARE CLEARLY DISINTEGRATED. I HAVE THE OLD PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. THE REPAIRS NISSAN COMPLETED IN ITS RECALL DID NOT RESOLVE THE DEFECT AND ARE A CONTINUING SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2006
CAR NEEDS AN OIL CHANGE EVERY MONTH BECAUSE IT BURNS SO MUCH OIL. NO HEAT IN THE WINTER BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONING RADIATOR. ALMOST HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ACCIDENTS ON HIGHWAY FROM THE ENGINE STALLING, LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. *JB
Power train, Aug 31, 2006
THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5SE INEXPLICABLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, FALLS TO THE FLOOR AND BECOMES INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY DURING 'STOP-AND-GO' TRAFFIC. THE PEDAL SIMPLY DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLICATE THE SYMPTOMS FOR MY MECHANIC, WHO GAVE THE CLUTCH A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. ONCE IT FAILED ME AT 60 MPH!!
Power train, Aug 27, 2006
I BELONG TO HTTP://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM AND MANY OWNERS OF THE NISSAN ALTIMA WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM 2002 TO CURRENT 2006 MODELS HAVE HAD PREMATURE MASTER/SLAVE CYLINDER FAILURES WHICH ARE A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN YOU CAN NOT SHIFT YOUR CAR INTO OR OUT OF GEAR WHILE IN MOTION. MANY OF US FIND OURSELVES IN A PANIC MODE WHEN WE CAN NOT STOP OR GO BECAUSE OUR CLUTCH PEDAL HAS NO PRESSURE AND WE CAN NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. MY PERSONAL INCIDENT INVOLVES ME HAVING NO ABILITY TO SHIFT WHILE IN ANY DRIVING SITUATION, SUCH AS PARKING LOTS AND UP TO HIGHWAY DRIVING. I NEARLY GOT HIT WHILE DRIVING SOUTH THEN MAKING A LEFT TURN (WEST) WHEN I COULD NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND AND ANOTHER CAR WAS COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION (NORTH). I HAD TO REV MY CAR TO REDLINE JUST TO MAKE IT PAST THE INTERSECTION. IF YOU GO TO NISSANCLUB.COM YOU'LL FIND MAY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD FAILURES WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2006
I HAVE HAD MY 02 ALTIMA FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND HAVE ABOUT 85000 MILES ON IT. AROUND 15000 MILES AGO, THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, BURN OIL, BURN SPARK PLUGS AND BURN O2 SENSORS. I HAVE SINCE SPENT $1000'S OF DOLLARS TRYING TO PREVENT/REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT TO NO AVAIL. NISSAN WON'T TALK TO ME AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE CROOKS WHO HAVE BEEN CHANGING RANDOM PARTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. SOON MY ENGINE WILL BLOW JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHERS. BEING IN THE MILITARY, I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO KEEP THIS UP. THIS CAR HAS PROBLEMS AND NISSAN IS DODGING A HUGE BULLET. I HAVE NOTIFIED EVERYONE I CAN THINK OF AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM DESPITE THE MASSIVE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM! I HAVE TOLD EVERYONE I KNOW ABOUT THE CAR AND THE WAY NISSAN IS ADDRESSING THE SITUATION, NEITHER MYSELF OR ANYONE I KNOW WILL EVER BUY A NISSAN AGAIN! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2006
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. CONTINUOUSLY FAILS TO START. REDUCED ENGINE POWER. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 18, 2006
CAR FAILED 2 TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND FAILED TO ALLOW ENGINE TO RUN OVER 900 RPM'S. PART REPLACED WAS THROTTLE BODY CHAMBER ASSEMBLY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2006
MY 2002 ALTIMA HAD THE RECALL FOR THE HEAT SHIELDS AND EVERY OTHER ONE I WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT. MY CAR STARTED CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. ON APPROXIMATELY MAY 5 I DROVE THE CAR IN THE MORNING, PARKED IT IN MY MOMS YARD, WENT TO LEAVE AND IT WOULD NOT START. I CALLED THE DEALER AND HAD TO TOW AT MY EXPENSE THE CAR TO THEM. THE CAR HAS 71,000 MILES ON IT BUT I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I THOUGHT I WAS OKAY. WELL DEALER SAYS THAT TO TEAR IT APART AND FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG HE NEEDED TO GET AUTHORIZATION FROM THE WARRANTY COMPANY. I WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE I DID ALL THE OIL CHANGES MYSELF, THEY WOULDN'T AUTHORIZE IT, EVEN THOUGH I COULD GET A STATEMENT FROM THE GARAGE ATTESTING TO THIS FACT ALONG WITH MY OWN PERSONAL LOG WHERE I RECORDED ALL MY GAS UPS AND OIL CHANGES. ANY IDEAS HOW I CAN GET THEM TO FIX THIS CAR I STILL OWE THREE YEARS ON IT. AND I THINK IT IS BS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG, THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO PAYUP. MY CAR FAILED EXACTLY HOW THEY DESCRIBED IT WOULD ON AOL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I READ ABOUT, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOLDER AND THEY KNOW IT!!! THANK YOU, [XXX]. *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Aug 5, 2006
I HAVE FOLLOWED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERS MAINTENANCE AND HAVE SO MANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. I THINK NISSAN NEEDS TO REVISIT THIS MODEL AND DETERMINE IF IT IS A DEFECT. I HAVE AN 02 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE HEATER WAS REPLACED IN THE 2ND YEAR, THIS YEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED AND NOW THE STRUTS ARE WORN OUT. TO MY UNDERSTANDING, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE LONG RUN, NOT WITH A NEW CAR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2006
THE ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CAME ON, I BROUGHT IT INTO MY LOCAL SERVICE STATION FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY GOT A CATALYTIC INEFFICIENCY CODE BUT WERE POSITIVE THE CATALYTIC NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DECIDED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT EVERYTHING ELSE LOOKED GOOD. ONE WEEK LATER THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE NISSAN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILED AND PIECES OF IT BROKE OFF AND GOT INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH THE CONVERTOR AND ENGINE. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE ON MY CAR THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM BUT APPARENTLY IT DIDN'T. I HAVE PLACED SEVERAL CALLS TO THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK FROM ANYBODY, FOR NOW MY CAR IS SITTING AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, INOPERABLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 ALTIMA WITH 35,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FACT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THE #1 CYLINDER WAS SHOWING UP FAULTY ON THE COMPUTER READING FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE DEALER HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND REPLACED THE PLUGS. THE WHOLE TIME THEY WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE NISSAN FACTORY TECH TEAM. 2 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND AFTER ANOTHER TRY TO THE DEALER THEY INSTRUCTED ME THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE COOLING SYSTEM AND FILLED IT. 2 WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE COOLANT LEVEL DROPPED. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND NISSAN TECH SAID TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. BOLTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND THEY TOOK A MONTH TO COME IN. THEY REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AND THEN DISCOVERED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I HAVE NOW BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 2 MONTHS, MADE 2 CAR PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT I DID NOT HAVE, AND AM GETTING PRETTY ANNOYED. I CONTACT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, WHO WAS SOOOO VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THE PROBLEM SINCE I HAD A WARRANTY AND THE MONEY WAS NOT COMING OUT OF MY POCKET. FURTHERMORE, THEY HAD MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO ATTEND TO SINCE THE 2006 ALTIMA RECALL. THESE TOOK PRECEDENCE AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN MY ENGINE WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I AM SO FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF CARING FROM THIS COMPANY. I HAVE YET TO DECIDED WHERE TO TURN NEXT. IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. 8JB
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2006, fire
OIL CONSUMPTION VERY HIGH , ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT.ON HIGHWAY ENGINE STALLED AND BURNED SOME RUBER HOSES ETC..CAR INOPERABBLE.NISSAN STATED IT WAS MY PROBLEM DUE TO MILES ON CAR WERE HIGH..I PAID $7,000.00 IN CANADIAN MONEY FOR REPAIR THAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT..I AM ANGRY AT NISSAN FOR SAYING IT WAS MY PROBLEM...WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER WARNING , I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS NORMAL...
Air bags, Jul 17, 2006
I NOTICED MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED BLINKING FOR NO REASON. I PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A CALL FROM NISSAN WORLD,SPRING FIELD NJ STATING THERE WAS A RECALL OUT ON MY CAR. I WENT ON LINE AND CHECKED WWW.NISSANUSA.COM WEBSITE TO SEE IF I CAN IDENTIFY IF MY CAR WAS AFFECTED. I SAW A NOTICE ON THE SAME 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AIR BAG CONNECTOR CLIP CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO BLINK ON AND OFF WHICH IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. AS NOTED BY NISSAN, I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS OUT FOR MY VEHICLE (MY VIN). JUST BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE APPROXIMATED RANGE AS POSTED ON YOUR WEBSITE, I SEE NO REASON WHY A COMPANY SUCH AS NISSAN WILL NOT RE-COMPENSATE ME FOR THE COST TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED ON THEIR WEBSITE. I DO HOPE NISSAN USA CAN RE-EVALUATE THIS AIR BAG ISSUE SINCE IT DEFINITELY NOT LIMITED TO THE VIN RANGE AS POSTED. ALL IT REQUIRE IS A MINIMAL COST OF REPAIRING A CONNECTOR CLIP. THIS SMALL DUTY WILL AND CAN PROVE TO SAVE LIVES. NISSAN SHOULD EXTEND THE POSTED RECALL TO ALL 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS, AND COMPENSATE THOSE OF US WHO HAD TO PAY FOR THE SAID PROBLEM THEY CLAIM TO AFFECT THE SELECTED FEW. THANK YOU. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 16, 2006
FAULTY REAR SPEED SENSOR TURNING THE ABS SYSTEM ON/OFF. THIS FAILURE WOULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PUSH TO THE GROUND AND NOT ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING. IN FACT IT WOULD FEEL AS IF I WERE LOOSING THE BRAKES ENTIRELY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2006
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAD SPARKS PLUGS CHANGED AS A MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED SERVICE. AFTER I PICKED THE CAR UP AND DROVE IT FOR SOME TIME I WOULD PERIODICALLY SMELL GAS COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS PROBLEM. LATER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CEASED WORKING AND I AM TOLD THE CAR HAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE 60,000 MILE MARK. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT MY CAR'S ENGINE WAS ALSO USING EXCESSIVE OIL AS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE MEDIA. I AM TOLD BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS PASSED, THERE IS NOTHING THAT NISSAN WILL DO. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR. I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT MY CLAIM THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE CAR. I HAVE READ IN THE NEWS REPORTS THAT NISSAN WILL RECALL ALL ALTIMA'S BACK TO THE 2003 MODEL YEAR. I HAVE THE 2002 MODEL WHICH WAS THE FIRST LINE PUT OUT OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. I AM WONDERING WHAT RIGHTS I HAVE. IF NISSAN DOES RECALL ALL THE WAY BACK TO 2002, HOW CAN MY CAR BE REPAIRED IF THE ENGINE HAS ALREADY FAILED? I WOULD LIKE TO SEND IN ALL OF MY DOCUMENTATION SO MY CASE CAN BE STUDIED AND I CAN KNOW WHERE I STAND. *JB