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, Jul 22, 2005, fire
THE CAR HAD BEEN USING A LITTLE OIL PRIOR TO THE EVENT. ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW THE ENGINE
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2005
THE FIRST THING WAS THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THEN THE OXYGEN SENSOR AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM. MEXT THERE WAS, AND STILL IS, THE JERKING TRANSMISSION. WHEN DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC OR DRIVING ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, THE TRANS SHIFTS HARD COMMING OUT OF FIRST INTO SECOND. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR INTO SEVERAL NISSAN DEALERSHIPS AND TO THIS DAY, NO ONE HAS FOUND THE PROBLEM. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER ALTIMAS INCLUDING SEVERAL RENTALS WHILE MINE WASIN THE SHOP AND THEY DIDN'T SHIFT LIKE MINE. THE NEXT PROBLEM IS THOSE HEADLIGHTS. THEY HAVE REPLACED ONE OF MY LIGHT ASEMBLIES AN GREAT RIVER NISSAN BUT THE OTHER HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. NEXT, THERE WAS THE HEATER COIL THAT LEAKED AND IT TOOK ALMOST 6 MONTHS TO DETERMINE BECAUSE IT DIDN'T LEAK INSIDE THE CAR. NEXT THERE WAS THE IGNITION COILS THAT WERE REPLACED 2X WITHIN A WEEK AND STILL CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. AFTER THE IGNITION PROBLEM THE MECHANICS AT STERLING MCCALL NISSAN TOLD MY THAT IT WAS MY SPARKPLUGS THAT HAD HUST BEEN CHECKED ABOUT 2 WEEKS PRIOR AT GREAT RIVER NISSAN IN MISSISSIPPI. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND INVITED THE SERVICE MAN TO A NICE LONG RIDE. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20 MILES, I STOPPED THE CAR AND LE IT SIT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. THE CAR STARTED AND HE SMILED. HE SAID, "SEE THERE IS NONTHING WRONG." AFTER EXPLAINING THAT HE NEEDED TO LET THE CAR SET FOR A WHILE AND THEN TRY TO START IT, HE SAID THAT IT IS STILL GOING TO START.AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS, I ASKED THE SERVICE MAN TO STEP OUTSIDE AND LETS GIV THE CAR A START... TO NO SUPRISE, WHEN I TURNED THE KEY THE CAR PUTTERED, SPITTED, JERKED, AND EVERYTHING ELSE BUT STARTED. IT WAS DETERMINED THE NEXT MORNING THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CATALYST THAT WAS JUST REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL.
Exterior lighting, Jul 18, 2005
I TOO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FRONT HEADLIGHTS IN '02 NISSAN ALTIMA. REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE BULB ONLY ONCE; AND THE PASSENGER SIDE 3 TIMES. LIGHTS WILL WORK FINE FOR AWHILE THEN INTERMITTENTLY; AND THEN NOT AT ALL. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY & NOT JUST THE BULBS BECAUSE THE HOUSING MELTS. REPLACEMENT OF ASSEMBLY WITHOUT PAYING THE DEALERSHIP WOULD BE DIFFICULT (IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE) BECAUSE IT REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OF THE FRONT BUMPER. IF WE COULD REPAIR IT OURSELVES, THE COST FOR THE PART ALONE IS STILL $188. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE IN THE '02'S - NEWER MODELS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED USING METAL TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM; UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAS BEEN AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2005
2002 ALTIMA WITH 54 THOUSAND MILES ON IT JUST DIED TODAY WITH A BATTERY LIGHT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH. DEALER IS ACTING LIKE THEY DONT COVER THIS...BUT I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2003....THIS IS STILL A NEW CAR AND I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF IT!
Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2005
I REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I REALLY RHOUGHT THAT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON EXPERIENCING THOSE HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. I HAVE CHANGED MY PASSENGER SIDE BULB 10 TIMES AND THE DRIVER SIDE 5 TIMES. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET TO AND IT IS VERY TIME CONSUMING. FROM READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE DEALERSHIP WONT TAKE CARE OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR HAS 64000 MILES ON THERE. I AM FRUSTRATED AND I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY IN CHANGING THESE STUPID BLUBS, NOT TO MENTION TIME. ON THE 15 OF THIS MONTH WILL MAKE IT THE 11TH TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER BULB. ON THE 6 OF JUNE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OUT. I AM WONDERING IF IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2005
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *MR THE HEAT FROM THE HEADLIGHT MELTED THE TERMINALS WHICH CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION OF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC
Exterior lighting, Jun 1, 2005
VIN#[XXX] MILES: 50,372 ON 15 MAY 2002, HE LOW BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WENT OUT. AFTER TRYING A COUPLE OF TIMES, LOW BEAM CAME BACK ON.(SOMETIMES IT WORKED, OTHER TIMES IT DIDN'T) A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WAS OUT AS WELL. THE ADVANCE AUTO STORE CLERK TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T REPLACE THE BULB FOR ME BECAUSE THE PARTS HAD TO BE REMOVED TO GET TO THE BULB. A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT I BRING THE CAR IN AND GAVE ME A QUOTE OF $45 EA. HEADLIGHT. HE ADVISED ME OF AN ONGOING DEFECT WITH THE 02 NISSAN ALTIMA HEADLIGHT THAT INVOLVED THE HEAT FROM THE BULB MELTING THE PANEL AROUND IT. HE SAID THAT IF THIS WAS THE CASE, THEN THE ADDITIONAL PART WOULD BE $85 PLUS. THIS PART WOULD PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. AFTER TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, I RECEIVED A CALL BACK ADVISING ME THAT THE DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE HEAT WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES. HE THEN GAVE ME A QUOTE OF OVER $700. (BEYOND BELIEF) I QUESTIONED AS TO WHY THIS WAS NOT A RECALL? HE DIDN'T HAVE AN ANSWER SO IMMEDIATELY I CALLED NISSANUSA AT 800-647-7261.TAMMY TOOK MY COMPLAINT, AND SHE GAVE ME A REFERENCE NUMBER [XXX]. SHE ASSURED ME THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK IN REFERENCE MY ISSUE BY COB 31 MAY 05. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CALL, HOWEVER, I COULD NOT GET THROUGH TO TALK WITH SOMEONE ABOUT THIS MATTER. MY CAR IS BARELY 3 YEARS OLD AND NOT LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL IN GETTING ALL OF MY SERVICES AS REQUIRED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS WASN'T TOLD TO ME WHILE MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONSIDERING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO PAY THE UNEXPECTED DISCOUNTED $617.71 THAT WAS ORIGINALLY QUOTED AT $45 EACH. THIS PAYMENT WAS INDEED A HARDSHIP. ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN GRANT ME IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED [XXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2005
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 CYLINDER HAD A RECALL THAT CERTAIN ENGINES MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF THE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS RESTULTING IN INCREASED OIL COMSUMPTION AND ENGINE FIRE THE PRE-CATALYST WAS TO BE TESTED AND IF THERE IS DAMAGE, A NEW ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN 11/04 TO BE CHECKED. SUPPOSEDLY NOTHING WAS WRONG. LAST MONTH, MY OIL LIGHT FLASHED AND WE CHECKED AND I WAS DOWN 2 QTS OF OIL. I BROUGHT IT IN LAST MONTH AND I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. ONE WEEK LATER, I WAS DOWN ANOTHER 2 QTS AND THEN THEY ADVISED ME THAT I NEED A NEW CATALYST CONVERTER. I BROUGHT IT TO NISSAN AND THEY ARE REQUESTING MY DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL MY OIL CHANGES EVEN THOUGH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT RUN BEFORE THIS PROBLEM STARTED. AUTOSPA IN MEDFORD, LONG ISLAND WHERE I BRING MY CAR HAD A COMPUTER CRASH AND LOST ALL COCUMENATION AND HAD TO GET NEW COMPUTERS. NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I ASKED THEM DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY CAR GOES ON FIRE AND THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WILL BE CHEAPER TO REPLACE AN ENGINE THEN TO CHECK IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. NISSANS VOICE SERVICE EVEN STATES THAT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 5/20/03 ARE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED MINE IN 1/02. I FEEL THE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR ARE MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS. MY OIL CHANGES SHOULD NOT DETERMINE IF MY CAR SHOULD BE LOOKED AT WHEN THE COMPANY IS ADMITTING TO HAVING PROBLEMS. I PULLED MY CAR OUT OF NISSAN AND HAVING MY PERSONAL MECHANIC PUT IN A NEW CATALYST CONVERTER. IF MY CAR GOES ON FIRE AND EITHER MYSELF OR MY SON IS INJURED, THERE WILL DEFINITELY BE A LAWSUIT.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2005
CAR WOULD NOT START. EXTREMELY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN CAR. LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR. GAS LINE CAME OFF GAS TANK. FITTING HAD VIBRATED LOOSE. REPLACED FITTING AND RECONNECTED GAS LINE. LUCKILY NO FIRE AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME. FRIENDS WITH SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING.
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2005
I'M THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN 6 MONTHS I'VE NOW SPENT $600 ($300 EACH INCLUDING LABOR) TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON MY AUTO ALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE A $6 BULB. THERE IS A SEVERE DESIGN FLAW AND SHOWS LACK OF QUALITY PRODUCED BY NISSAN. APPARENTLY NISSAN IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ONCE THE PAPERWORK IS SIGNED AND THE DEAL IS DONE ON THE SALE OF THEIR AUTOS. I PLAN TO RETURN TO TOYOTA FOR MY NEXT AUTO PURCHASE.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2005
I AM VERY UPSET. JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN, I STARTED HEARING A NOISE THAT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR STORE FOR NEW TIRES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK OUT THE NOISE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND THAT IT WAS A VERY SERIOUS, DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE 02 VALVE BACKED OUT OF THE CATALITIC CONVERTER AND BECAUSE THE CATALITIC CONVERTER AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WERE ONE PIECE, THEY ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADIVSED ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT ON THIS AND IT WAS VERY SERIOUS. IT COST ME $900.00 TO GET THIS FIXED AS I WAS IN FEAR OF MY LIFE TO DRIVE THIS ANY LONGER. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE WAS NOT RECALL ON THIS AND I AM REQUESTING MY MONEY BE REFUNDED. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING FOR A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. IF I DO NOT RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF CONTACT ON THIS COMPLAINT, I PLAN TO CONTACT THE BBB AND POSSIBLY AN ATTORNEY. IF THIS PROBLEM WARRANTED A SERVICE ADVISORY, IT CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE WARRANTED A RECALL.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD BANG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED IT AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. AS THEY ACCELERATED SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAS WALKING AWAY FROM IT TO CALL FOR HELP WHEN IT BURST INTO FLAMES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2005
MY CAR HEATING SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN MY CAR HAD OVERHEATED. MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO OVERHEAT CAUSING A CRACK IN MY ENGINE. CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH 75,781 MILES.
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2005
ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND THE CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. CAR WAS RESTARTED BUT QUICKLY SHUTDOWN AGAIN WHEN TRYING TO RETURN TO HIGHWAY SPEED. MANAGED TO PULL OVER, BUT WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO PARK THE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN REVERSE AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AND IS BEING LOOKED AT. CAR HAS A RECENT HISTORY OF STALLING 1 SECOND AFTER COLD START, INCLUDING AT LEAST ONCE WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AS IT STALLED WHILE STILL IN PARK. PRIOT TO THIS SHUTDOWN, THE DEALER WAS NOT VERY COOPERATIVE AND HAD ONLY FOUND TWO SETTINGS OUT OF SPEC IN THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND RESET THEM (TWICE, 2 DAYS APART).
Latches/locks/linkages, May 4, 2005
I ALWAYS USE MY KEY CHAIN WHEN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING MY VEHICLE. ON THIS DAY MY DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT ON FIRST TRY SO I HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON AGAIN AND IT CLOSED. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I LEFT FOR WORK, DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE THE CAR. TIRED UNLOCKING KEYLESS AND MANUALLY AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. TOOK TO NISSAN SERVICE TO HAVE REPAIRED, THEY HAD TO REMOVE DR SEAT, INSIDE PANNEL (IF DAMAGED WHILE REMOVING WOULD BE AT MY COST $400.00). AFTER A FEW HOURS THEY FINIALLY GOT THE DOOR OPEN TO TELL ME THAT THE DOOR LOCKED HAD GOTTEN JAMMED. THE REPAIRS OF THEM REMOVING MY DOOR PANNEL FROM A CLOSED DOOR FROM WITHIN THE CAR AND TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LOCKING SYSTEM IS ESTIMATING ME $250.00. THIS IS NOT A OPERATOR ERROR THAT CAUSED THIS ISSUE JUST A MALFUNCTION, YET CUSTOMER HAS TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE INCURRED BECAUSE NISSAN HAS BUILT A LOCK SYSTEM THAT IS IRREPARABLE! IF IT HAD DECIDED TO "JAM" UP IN A AUTO ACCINEDT INVOLVING FIRE, I WOULD NOT BE HERE TYPING TODAY.
Seat belts, May 3, 2005
CONTACT STATED: REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTED, AND THE BUCKLE WAS NOT VISIBLE. HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER YET.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 2, 2005
THE CONSUMER STATED A NEW ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE CAR IN NOVEMBER, THEN TWO MONTHS LATER, IT NEEDED A NEW DRIVESHAFT, AND CURRENTLY NEEDS MOTOR MOUNTS. THERE WAS A MOVING SENSATION WHEN FIRST TAKING OFF. WHEN THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE OWNERSHIP. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V455000 CRANK SHAFT FAILURE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS RECALL REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED FOR THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER THE PERFORMANCE CHANGED. THEN, VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE REAR. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THE ENGINE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK CONSUMER KEPT OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES, ENGINE FAILURE. *BF
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2005
BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE HALOGEN HEADLIGHT WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY BEFORE FINALLY GOING OUT FOR GOOD. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER (HERB GORDON NISSAN), I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BACK OF THE HALOGEN HEADLAMP WAS PLASTIC HAD THE HEADLAMP OVERHEATED WHICH MELTED THE PLASTIC BACK TO THE HEADLAMP CAUSING THE LAMP TO BLOW. I WAS TOLD THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED THEREFORE IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE DEALER. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND A RECALL NOTICE SHOULD BE ISSUED. IT COST ME OVER $700 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HALOGEN HOUSING UNITS. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENT HALOGEN HOUSING UNIT IS NOW METAL AND WILL NOT MELT. THIS IS NOW THE TWENTIETH COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS WILL IT TAKE BEFORE A RECALL NOTICE IS ISSUED? *JB
Tires, Apr 1, 2005
THE TREAD ON THE TIRES IS WEARING DOWN COMPLETELY IN SHORT TIME SPAN, WHICH IS MAKING THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.*AK
Seats, Mar 26, 2005, crash
I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 2002 OFFSET TO DRIVER SIDE OF CAR AT AN ESTIMATED 30-40MPH. DRIVERS SEAT IN ALTIMA IS 8-WAY ELECTRIC AND DURING IMPACT, THE SEAT TILTED BACK ALL THE WAY. THE IMPACT DROVE MY CAR INTO THE BACK OF A 1982 DODGE RAM CHARGER WHICH WAS ALSO OFFSET IMPACT ON FRONT SIMILAR TO REAR. THE DODGE WAS THEN DRIVEN INTO THE BACK OF A SUZUKI GRAND VATARA. I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AS WAS THE DODGE IN FRONT OF ME. DURING IMPACT FROM REAR, DRIVER SEATBACK FAILED AND ALLOWED SEAT TO TILT ALL THE WAY BACK AND IT REMAINED THERE. WHEN I IMPACTED THE DODGE IN FRONT OF ME, I SUBMARINE'D UNDER THE SEATBELT UNTIL IT CAUGHT ME IN THE RIBS. MY ALTIMA WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE. NONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS IN THE CAR DEPLOYED. I SUSTAINED LOW BACK INJURIES, THAT I FEEL SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT FAILURE. I DID DO SOME DIGGING AROUND AND FOUND THIS ALARMINGLY COMMON. TO ME THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, FOR IF IMPACT HAD BEEN MORE SEVERE THE CHANCES OF SPINAL INJURY WOULD BE EVEN GREATER.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Mar 23, 2005
FIRST WAS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND OFF. THEN I NOTICED AS I ACCELERATE THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE, WHICH WAS GETTING MORE PRONOUNCED DAILY, FINALLY THE LAST TWO DAYS AS I WAS TRAVELING AND ACCELERATED TO GO FASTER IT WAS ALMOST LIKE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD OF INCREASING IN SPEED. THE NOISE ALSO IS OBVIOUS IN PARK NOW. I WENT ON-LINE AND NOTICED A RECALL (03V455000) FOR THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS SO I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD "NO THAT DOES NOT INCUDE YOUR VIN #, WE GO BY VIN#'S AND YOURS ISN'T LISTED. I SAID"BUT THIS IS WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR AND IT SAYS IT CAN STALL AT HIGH SPPEDS AND CRASH". SHE SAID SHE COULD CHARGE ME $85 TO HOOK IT UP AND CHECK IT OUT BUT IT IS NOT UNDER A RECALL NOR WARRANTY. PERHAPS THEIR RECALL IS NOT BROAD ENOUGH AND SHOULD INCLUDE MORE VIN#'S... NOT SURE WHAT TO DO FROM HERE, AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, AND THE DEALER IS 50+ MILES AWAY. ANOTHER RECALL (03V061000) IS FOR DRIVER AIR BAG INTERMITTENT WHICH IS ALSO WHATS GOING ON IN MY CAR. *AK
Suspension, Mar 21, 2005
I OWNED THIS NISSAN ALTIMA FOR THREE MONTHS, AND DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS INCIDENT. OVEMBER 25, 2004 DROVE OVER 200 MILES TO MARYLAND. TRAFFIC WAS NOT BACKED-UP AT ALL. WEATHER WAS PERFECT. *AK NOVEMBER 28, 2004, APPROXIMATELY 4AM, I WAS DRIVING, AND A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME (DRIVING), ON A WELL PAVED, TWO LANE (ONE LANE FOR EACH DIRECTION) ROAD WITH NO SIDEWALKS AND ABSOLUTELY ZERO POTHOLES. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 1 (ONE) MILE, THE ROAD BEGAN TO BEND TO THE LEFT. FOLLOWING THE ROAD AS IT WAS BENDING TO THE LEFT, I FELT A SLIGHT DROP/BUMP, THEN PROCEEDED TO SPIN AROUND, MORE THAN 360 DEGREES, TO THE LEFT. AS I STARTED TO SPIN, I HIT A MAILBOX ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STREET (LUCKILY THERE WASN?T ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) IN THE FRONT OF A HOUSE, WHICH CAUSED MINIMAL DAMAGE ON MY FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THEN CONTINUED TO SPIN AND STOP IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR TO THE MAILBOX I HIT. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS LAYING ALMOST PARALLEL TO THE GROUND. TWO TOW TRUCK DRIVERS CAME AT SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST TOW TRUCK DRIVER DID NOT SEE THE ROAD I TRAVELED AND COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM, OR WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE SECOND TOW TRUCK DRIVER DID SEE EXACTLY WHERE I DROVE (HE TOWED THE CAR BACK TO WHERE I LEFT FROM), AND COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TOLD ME THE SUSPENSION BROKE DUE TO ME HITTING A POT HOLE OR A CURB. THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING ON DID NOT HAVE ANY POT HOLES OR CURBS. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS SUSPENSION DAMAGE AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PAY FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS. THE WHEEL, FRONT SUSPENSION, FRONT DRIVER AXLE, FRONT STEERING LINKAGE/GEAR, AND ROCKER/PILLARS/FLOOR WERE REPLACED, AND MY FRONT DOOR WAS REPAIRED. PORTIONS OF THE CAR WAS PAINTED. I AM NOT SURE IF THE OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Mar 18, 2005
NISSAN ALTIMA 2002, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS A LATENT DESIGN DEFECT. *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MELTED WHICH WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL POWER SURGES. *JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Mar 15, 2005, crash
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE DAY ONE, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR ONE REASON OR THE OTHER, IT STARTED WITH THE CAR RUNNING HARD, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE BROKE THE CAR IN AND NOW THIS IS HOW THEY RUN, TOOK IT BACK AGAIN 3 TO 4 MORE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM,TOLD THEM CAR IDLES HIGH, SHIFTS BAD, RUNS BAD, THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG, I DO ALOT OF HIGHWAY MILES AND AS SOON AS I WAS OVER THE MILES AND OUT OF THE WARRENTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE GONE ONLY 800 TO GET FIXED, I WAS THEN HIT BY A CAR HEAD ON AND REALLY HURT I SUFFERED MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS , COME TO FIND OUT I PROBABY COULD HAVE PREVENTED SOME OF THE DAMAGE TO MY SELF IF I HAD A SAVER CAR, MY AIR BAGS DIDN;T DEPLOY. I HAVE HAD EVERY RECALL TO THIS CAR , THE SERVICE MEN AT THE DEALSERSHIPS ARE THE RUDEST MEN I HAVE EVER DELT WITH. I WAS RIGHT THE WHOLE TIME !!!!! I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING WITH THE LIGHTS COST AROUND 800 TO FOX KEPT CHANGING THE LIGHTS NOT TO MENTIONS THE TICKETS I RECIEVED FROM THE COPS , I EXPLAINED TO THEM THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, THEY ARE LIKE THIS IS A 02 THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, IF THEY ONLY KNEW!!! I AM REALLY TIRED OF THIS CAR , NOW I WAS JUST TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS ANOTHER PROBLEM, IT OVER HEATS THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE THE THEROSTAT BUT THEY DON'T KNOW. HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THAT COST ME??? I AM ONE ANGRY PERSON WHEN IT COMES TO THIS CAR!!!!!!!*AK