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, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2006
MY 2002 ALTIMA IS USING OIL EXCESSIVELY. ONE QUART IN 500 -700 MILES. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 10, 2006
GAS DOOR DID NOT LATCH CLOSED. HAD REPAIRED ON 3/9/06. NOW I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ON 7/7/06 AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS DEFECT WAS NOT IN RECALL STATUS, AND I COULD THEREFORE NOT BE ISSUE A REFUND FOR THE REPAIR. I BEGAN COLLECTING PLATE NUMBERS OF ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I'M AT NUMBER SEVEN SO FAR. I BELIEVE THAT THE GAS DOOR NOT CLOSING COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS DEFECT IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MY CAR. *NM
Structure, Jul 8, 2006
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2002 ALTIMA WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT INNER FENDER SPLASH SHIELD CAME LOOSE AND JAMMED AGAINST THE TIRE. SHE THOUGH SHE HAD A BLOWOUT AND NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. CAR HAD PRIOR NISSAN RECALL TO INSTALL SUPPLEMENTAL SNOW/ICE SHIELDS. ALSO PRIOR OCCURRENCE OF THIS SHIELD DETACHING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NISSAN CHARGED FOR REINSTALLATION. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V223000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 7/25/2006 - THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY 500 TO 800 MILES. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2006
I BOUGHT AN '02 NISSAN ALTIMA IN JAN. 2002. IN 2003 I HAD RECALL WORK PERFORMED FOR THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (CAT CONVERTER DEFECT) AND AT THE TIME I COMPLAINED THAT MY VEHICLE WENT THROUGH EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE OIL CHANGED REGULARLY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT MY CAR DID NOT NEED ANY REPAIRS AND THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. AT 97,167 MILES I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND MY WARRANTY WAS ABOUT TO EXPIRE. ALSO ADVISED THEM THAT I HEARD WATER RUNNING BEHIND THE DASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT ALL I NEEDED WAS A TUNE-UP DUE TO THE MILEAGE BUT OTHER THAN THAT MY CAR WAS GREAT. AT 100,460 MILES MY CAR WOULD NOT START AND FLOODED SEVERAL TIMES. HAD TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD START THE CAR JUST FINE AND THAT I HAD FLOODED THE VEHICLE. AGAIN RECOMMENDED TUNE-UP AND REPLACING SPARK PLUGS. (I HAD JUST REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS MYSELF) NEXT THING I KNOW...MY CAR WON'T RUN AND SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. HAD TOWED TO INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND ADVISED ME THAT MY ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND NEEDED REPLACED DUE TO CAT CONVERTER. I MADE THE DEALERSHIP TOW THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY INFORMED ME OF THE SAME AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $5000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. THE SERVICE MGR. TOLD ME THAT NISSAN KNOWS THAT THIS WILL OCCUR,AND THAT WHEN THEY CONTACTED THE NISSAN REP THEY DECLINED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO THE MILEAGE. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND GOT A TOTAL RUN AROUND AND TOLD ME THAT MY MILEAGE WAS TOO HIGH AND THEY HAVE HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. BULL!!! NISSAN MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM PAYING FOR A CAR THAT HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP BACK LOT FOR 3 MONTHS!!! I AM CONTACTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MAKING MY VOICE HEARD AND OTHERS NEED TO VOICE AS WELL BECAUSE NISSAN IS TRYING TO SWEEP THIS UNDER THE CARPET....NOT ANYMORE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON DRY ROADS, THE MOTOR STALLED. HOWEVER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REMAINED OPERATIONAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 07/25/06. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2006
THE OXYGEN SENSOR ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED ITSELF. THE FRAGMENTS OF THE SENSOR SHATTERED THE MAIN CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND PIECES OF THE PARTS MIXED WITH THE OIL DAMAGING THE ENTIRE ENGINE, IE. PISTONS AND OTHER INTERNAL COMPONENTS, RENDERING THE ENGINE NOT SERVICEABLE. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED AT A COST OF ABOUT SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS. I HAVE NOTIFIED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE AND I AM WAITING FOR THEIR RESPONSE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL FROM THE MAIN CATALYST. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V084000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2006
ENGINE FAILURE: AT JUST UNDER 78,000 MILES THE CAR WOULD NOT START. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER AN EXTENDED CRANK. COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURIZED INSTANTLY UPON COLD START IN A.M. MECHANIC SUGGESTED TOWING TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE HE SUSPECTS A POSSIBLE CYLINDER HEAD PROBLEM. HE SAYS THE 02 ALTIMA HAS A WELL-KNOWN HISTORY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS THE ENGINE WAS CONSTANTLY RUNNING OUT OF OIL AND COOLANT. THE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR CAP WERE REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THAT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A FULL TUNE UP WAS DONE. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE PREVIOUSLY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. AFTER READING MANY CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS I AM CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL WORK THAT I HAD DONE PREVIOUSLY WAS EITHER NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY OR SOMETHING ELSE IS NOT QUITE RIGHT. A NISSAN SHOULDN'T HAVE A RUINED ENGINE WITH THIS FEW MILES. THIS IS MY SECOND ALTIMA AND MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH NISSAN IS FADING FAST. *NM
Air bags, Jun 6, 2006
I HAD A SMALL INCIDENT WHERE SOMEBODY DAMAGED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PUBLIC PLACE. I GOT BODY WORK DONE AFTER ABOUT 15 DAYS (NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG UNTIL NOW) AND WHEN I TOOK THE DELIVERY OF THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE BODY SHOP AND THEY WERE CLUELESS. NEVERTHELESS THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE IT A NISSAN DEALER TO GET IT INSPECTED. NISSAN DEALERSHIP CHARGED $110 AND TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS ALL RIGHT AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AGAIN AFTER 2 DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG CABLES ARE SHORTED AND IT WILL COST $1170 TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE. I DO NOT THINK THE AIRBAG ISSUE IS GOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH INCIDENT I HAD. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE SO WEAK TO CAUSE THIS KIND OF ISSUE AND POTENTIALLY PUT ME AT RISK EVERYDAY NOT KNOWING IF THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THIS FOR NISSAN ALTIMA 2002, BUT THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE VIN NUMBER OF MY CAR. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY TELL ME IT IS NOT RELATED. REGARDLESS WHETHER IT IS RELATED OR NOT I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN SHOULD FIX IT FREE OF COST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2006
MY NISSAN ALTIMA (2002) WITH VIN#[XXX]) ENGINE'S STOPPED WHILE DRIVING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND I NOTICED REDUCED ENGINE POWER AS I DROVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AND SHOWS A CODE P0335 AND I WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC (SERVICE GARAGE) THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2002 ALTIMA'S WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED NISSAN DEALER IN TUCSON AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN # DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALLED GROUP. UPON CALLING THE NATIONAL CONSUMERS AFFAIRS OFFICE @ (888)737-2647 I SPOKE TO MACY SPENCER (EXTENSION 8510). SHE LOOKED UP THE VIN # AN INFORMED ME THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACED IN MAY OF 2004 AND THAT IT ONLY HAD A 12 MONTH WARRANTY. I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE FROM NISSAN IN JULY 2005. *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2006
1) ON 4/15/06 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND COMPLAINED THAT IT WAS NOT RUNNING RIGHT, AND WAS MISSING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN CORONA, CA. 2) THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND STATED CYLINDER #1 MISFIRE, BUTTERFLY BOLT FELL INTO #1 CYLINDER BROKE SPARK PLUG. 3)REMOVED INTAKE MANIFOLD TO REPLACE BUTTERFLY BOLT. REMOVED CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR INSPECTION, MINOR HAIRLINE CRACK NO CODES. CUSTOMER DECIDED TO HAVE OLD CAT REINSTALLED. REINSTALLED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND REPLACED RELATED GASKETS. 4) SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND KNEW WHAT IT WAS RIGHT AWAY. THEY CHARGED ME $727 TO REPAIR AND I STILL HAVE A CRACKED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I HAVE CHECKED OUT MESSAGING FORUMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR NISSAN ALTIMA'S. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2006
AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE (2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S) IN DECEMBER 2001 I HAVE CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL. HOWEVER, GOOD MAINTENANCE HAVE NOT LED TO GOOD PERFORMANCE AFTER ABOUT 10,000 MILES I STARTED EXPERIENCING ALL KINDS OF ENGINE PROBLEMS (RADIATOR, THROTTLE BODY AND NOW THE ENTIRE ENGINE) WHICH I MOSTLY HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TYPES CONCERNING VARIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, THEY TOLD ME SOME OF THE PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE FIXED. I ALSO CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, HOWEVER, THEY BASICALLY TURNED ME DOWN, LEAVING ME WITH ASTRONOMICAL BILLS FOR CAUSES THAT WERE MANUFACTURER RELATED AND NOT OPERATIONAL RELATED. BELOW IS A FEW OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THUS FAR AND HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET: 1. RADIATOR CRACK - $1,000 INCLUDING LABOR (AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES) 2. NEW THROTTLE BODY - $1,200 INCLUDING LABOR (AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES) 3. NEW ENGINE - ESTIMATED $6,500 INCLUDING LABOR (AT 70,000 MILES) 4. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LEADING TO BATTERY FAILURE EVERY 2/3 MONTHS (A NEW BATTERY WAS PUT IN A YEAR AGO AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS) 5. NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS IN WHICH THE DEALER HAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF. AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE DEALER AND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAVE NOT STEPPED IN AND FIXED OR COVER SOME OF THE THESE COSTS DESPITE NUMEROUS VISITS. CONSEQUENCES: 1. ASTRONOMICAL MECHANICAL BILLS 2. NO USE OF A VEHICLE PRESENTLY WHICH IS AFFECTING MY LIVELIHOOD. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A NHTSA RECALL # 03V455000 REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON APRIL 14, 2004 CONCERNING, THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON APRIL 28, 2006. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL. UPDATED 05/16/2006 - THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 27, 2006
THERE WAS A CRANK SHAFT SENSOR RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS REPAIRED 2 YEARS AGO. LAST MONTH THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WENT OUT AND WAS NOT COVER BY NISSAN. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD 2 CRANK SHAFT SENSORS. IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WOULD GO THROUGH 2 CRANK SHAFT SENSORS IF THE PART WEREN'T DEFECTIVE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 21, 2006
HAVE A SLOPING DRIVEWAY - WHEN CAR IS PARKED WITH A FULL TANK OF GASOLINE, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS (USUALLY WARM DAYS), GASOLINE DRIPS OUT OF CAR IN THE AREA AROUND THE REAR OF THE FUEL TANK. HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT UNLESS SOLUTION IS FOUND I'M SURE IT WILL RECUR - I WOULD RATE THIS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Mar 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH FLASHED CONSTANTLY. THERE IS A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, # 02I001000, REGARDING THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 4/17/2006 - THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT EH AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 2000 MILE OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER FOUND ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP WAS INOP. THE TECH REPLACED THE RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB. RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT. THE HEATER BLEW OUT COOL AIR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE TECH FOUND AN AIR POCKET IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM. REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THEY DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH. ORIGINALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED; THE VEHICLE WAS CUTTING OFF, STALLING AND LURCHING. THE RPM HAND WAS MOVING ERRATICALLY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THERE WAS A INTERNAL FAILURE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AFTER HAVING A SECOND CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED, THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2006
A RECALL (R3007) WAS ISSUED ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 TO CORRECT A MANUFACTURING SAFETY DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CONSUME EXCESSIVE OIL, AND IF NOT MONITORED WOULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. CONSEQUENTLY, WORSE CASE, THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. ON FEBRUARY 16, 2006 MOSSY NISSAN (NATIONAL CITY) DEALERSHIP DID A DIAGNOSIS ON MY ENGINE AFTER I HAD STATED THAT MY ENGINE WAS MAKING A NOISE AND CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE RESULTS WERE "ENGINE FAIL" AND "CATALYTIC FAIL". I BROUGHT RECALL R3007 TO THEIR ATTENTION AND SAID THAT THEIR RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT. THEY INSISTED TO THAT I TAKE IT UP WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. I HAVE AND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IS STATING THAT THE RECALL R3007 CORRECTED THE DEFECT AND THAT I CAN'T PROVE OTHERWISE. MY FOUR YEAR OLD CAR IS SUDDENLY A SAFETY HAZARD AS I DRIVE IT TO WORK AND FOR PERSONAL USE WITH MY FAMILY IN IT. PLEASE HELP. THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2006
I WAS TURNING RIGHT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTS CHOKING AND SPUTTERING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, SLIP LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. I SLOWED DOWN AND IT SEEMED TO WORK ALRIGHT BUT WHEN I GOT UP TO 35-40 MPH THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AGAIN AND WOULDN'T GO FASTER THAN 35 MPH. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT BACK UP AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC AROUND AND I WAS CLOSE TO HOME SO I DROVE BACK TO MY HOUSE. LATER THAT NIGHT I WENT TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTED BUT IMMEDIATELY DIED, STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT IMMEDIATELY DIED, STARTED IT A THIRD TIME AND IT IMMEDIATELY DIED, BUT ON THE FOURTH TRY IT STARTED AND STAYED RUNNING. THAT NEXT MORNING I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. THE CALLED ME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR ON THE CAR AT A PRICE OF $700.00 + TAX. I HAVE READ MANY CAR FORUMS AND THIS PROBLEM WITH THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILING SEEMS TO HAPPEN A LOT ON 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMAS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR BECAUSE WITH A CAR HAVING THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. READING THE FORUMS IT SOUNDS LIKE NISSAN FIXED THE PROBLEMS ON THE 2004 AND NEWER ALTIMAS SO WHY CAN'T THEY FIX THEM ON THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2006
DT: THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE WAIS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 16, 2006
THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT IN MY 2002 ALTIMA WENT OUT AND NOW THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE BULB HAS SOMEHOW MELTED THE ASSEMBLY AROUND IT. AS I HAVE SEEN IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM TO FIX WHEN ALL THE WHILE IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT NISSAN PLANS TO DO ABOUT THIS CONTINUING PROBLEM, IF ANYTHING. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO AND OIL HAS BEEN ADDED 8 TIMES. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #03V084000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2006
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH SUDDENLY SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING SINCE AROUND FEBRUARY OF 2003. IN APRIL 2003, IT GREW WORSE & STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND I MANAGE TO GET IT RESTARTED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BE RESET ONLY TO COME BACK ON WITHIN A FEW DAYS TO A WEEK LATER. THEY STATED IT WAS THE ENGINE SENSOR AND THEY REPLACED THAT BUT THAT WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. JUST THIS PAST AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER WHEN I HAD MY CAR TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP & PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE WHICH DETERMINED THAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD & HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONCE THEY DID THAT THE CAR DROVE WELL FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. TOOK IT TO HAMPTON NISSAN WHICH IS A 45 MIN DRIVE FROM MY HOME TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE CAR. THEY DETERMINED IT MIGHT BE THE INTAKE BUT WASN'T REALLY SURE BUT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO CHECK TO SEE IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS GOING TO COST ME $350. ON MY WAY HOME MY CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BUT LUCKILY IN FRONT OF MY HOME BUT THE CAR HAS NOT RESTARTED SINCE NOV 10, 2005. CALLED NISSAN THEY INFORMED ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER & THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT MY ENGINE HAS BEEN DAMAGED FROM THE CATALYST CONVERTER & I NEED TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE COST FOR A NEW MOTOR WOULD BE $4,800 & $3,800 FOR A USED MOTOR WITH OVER 24,000 MILES ON IT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT NISSAN KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYST CONVERTER DAMAGING ENGINES. I FEEL THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE IF THIS PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY NISSAN. I HAD SPOKEN TO A REPRESENTATIVE OF NISSAN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT NOW I CAN'T REACH HIM & I HAVE LEFT NUMEROUS MESSAGES. THE DEALER STATES THAT BECAUSE MY CAR HAS OVER 141,000 MILES ON IT THAT THEY CANNOT REPLACE MY ENGINE FOR FREE AS THE MECHANIC STATED THEY WOULD DO IF IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE CATALYST CONVERTER. *JB