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.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2005
PASSENGER LOW/BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT-TOOK IT TO RACEWAY NISSAN-WAS TOLD THE GROUND WIRE CLIP THAT HOLDS THE BULB MELTED,CREATED THE BULB TO BURN OUT-WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOUD COST $296.00. I HAD SOMEONE ELSE FIX THE PROBLEM FOR JUST $40.00!-IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE HOUSING UNIT THAT CAUSES THE LIGHT TO BURN OUT. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL - NISSAN REFUSES TO AKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. I LIVE IN A VERY DARK NEIGHBORHOOD AND I REALLY NEED BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO WORK FOR SAFETY ISSUES. NISSAN DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FACTORY DEFECT HEADLAMP HOUSING UNIT - THAT IS THE 'REASON' WHY NISSAN CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLAMP HOUSING UNIT FOR IN 2003. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR NISSAN TO PAY ATTENTION TO ALL THESE COMPLAINTS? I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM NISSAN EVER AGAIN!!, I SHOULD HAVE STAYED WITH HONDA. *AK
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT DRIVER WAS INFORMED BY A POLICE OFFICER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BLEW OUT, AND THE BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ,AND REPLACED. THEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THEN, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. MY PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAD GONE OUT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET TO THE BULB TO REPLACE IT. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE BACKSIDE HOUSING HAD MELTED AND I NEEDED A NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE LIGHT/BULB REFLECTS OFF OF THE BACK OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND SHINES OUT. APPARENTLY, THE HEAT FROM THE LIGHT/BULB HAD GOTTEN SO HOT IT MELTED THE BACKSIDE HOUSING (WHERE IT IS GROUNDED). THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF THIS WILL HAPPEN TO MY OTHER HEADLIGHT, WHETHER IT WILL HAPPEN TO MY NEW HEADLIGHT, OR IF IT WILL HAPPEN TO BOTH LIGHTS. IN MY MIND, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO, I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO THIS HAS HAPPENED TO (ACCORDING TO TWO DEALERS). I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BULB COULD GET SO HOT AS TO MELT SOMETHING ELSE IN THE CAR. I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT HOW CARS ARE ASSEMBLED AND ABOUT CAR ENGINES, BUT WHAT IF THE HEAT FROM THE BULB COULD MELT FURTHER INTO THE CAR, OR EVEN START A FIRE? THE CHANCE OF MORE DAMAGE TO A CAR OCCURRING FROM A HOT LIGHT BULB SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. IT SEEMS THERE IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE LIGHT OR OF THE MATERIALS USED. I THINK THE 2002 AND 2003 ALTIMAS HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND NISSAN CHANGED THE HEADLIGHTS IN LATER MODELS. I NO LONGER LEAVE MY AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON FOR FEAR OF THE BULB GETTING TOO HOT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND, IF THERE IS A FLAW, GET NISSAN TO TAKE CARE OF IT.
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Feb 23, 2005
HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2005
LOST OF HEAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE WATER PUMP,HEAT BOX,TERMOSTAT'S, FLUSHED COOLING SYSTEM & STILL I LOSE HEAT. THEY HAVE CONTACTED THE ENGINEERS IN CALIF. AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT WRONG EITHER. ONE SHOULD BE HERE IN DETROIT BY MARCH 22,2005 TO TRY AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE CAR IS BURNING OIL, WHIN IN A WEEK I HAVE TO REPLACE OIL IN THE CAR BECAUSE ALL THE OIL IS GONE AND IT'S NOT LEAKING. *AK
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2005
I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT STRUTS OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. EVERYTIME I DRIVE OVER A WASHBOARD OR SPEEDING BUMP, THE STRUTS MAKE A POPPING SOUND AS IF A HAMMER IS HITTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, ANY SORT OF IRREGULARITIES FROM THE ROAD CAUSES SUCH NOISES. IF YOU TAKE TIME TO GO TO 3RD GENERATION ALTIMA FORUMS, YOU WILL REALIZE TONS OF PEOPLE GOING THROUGH MY SAME SITUATION. PLEASE, IF ANYONE FROM NISSAN IS READING THIS, YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ALTIMA HAS IT'S FAULTS, FIX THEM!!!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2005
ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING UP INTO PIECES AND THIS PIECES GOING INTO THE ENGINE. *JB
Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2005
THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AND THE BULB WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AND THE BULB WAS REPLACED. THE BULB REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE AT A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP TO AVOID DRIVING IN THE DARK WITHOUT A HEADLIGHT. HE CHARGED ME $70 TO REPLACE EACH LIGHT VERSUS $145 THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE FOR EACH LIGHT. ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER THE LAST REPLACEMENT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT FIXTURES WERE DEFECTIVE. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR, SOMETHING WAS MELTING THE BASE OF THE LIGHT BULB CAUSING THEM ONLY TO LAST A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES (OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL) HAD BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR A RECALL. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE COVERED THE EXPENSES UNDER 60,000 MILES, WHICH I THINK WAS IRRELEVANT IF THIS WAS HAPPENING ON OTHER VEHICLES. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I TRAVEL A LOT, AND I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A UNFAMILIAR AREA AT NIGHT WITH NO HEADLIGHTS!! *AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2005
I BROUGHT MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WOODBURY NISSAN TO HAVE THE DRIVERS-SIDE HEADLIGHT REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I NEEDED A WHOLE NEW ASSEMBLY AROUND THE HEADLIGHT BECAUSE IT MELTED. THE TOTAL COST IS $305. I WILL HAVE MY CAR 3 YEARS AT THE END OF THIS MONTH BUT I AM OVER MY MILEAGE. MY CAR HAS 43,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY JOSH HILL AT WOODBURY NISSAN THAT IT NOW COMES WITH A METAL PART TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. *JB
Structure, Feb 2, 2005
REQUEST FOR RECALL OF 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S BASED ON SERVICE BULLETIN-CLASSIFICATION BT02-017, REFERENCE NTB02-042. *BF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD A SEVERE LEAK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DEFECT CAUSED EXTREME AMOUNTS OF WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2005
THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY SHORT OUT. DEALER REPLACED HEADLAMPS 8 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2005
THE DRIVER SIDE HALOGEN HEADLIGHT WOULD WORK INTERMITTINGLY BEFORE FINALLY GOING OUT FOR GOOD. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER, 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 A NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED REGARDING THIS MATTER BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED THEREFORE IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE DEALER OR MY WARRANTY. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND A RECALL NOTICE SHOULD BE ISSUED. IT COST ME OVER $300 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HALOGEN HOUSING UNIT. THE PASSANGER SIDE HEADLAMP BLEW AND WAS REPLACED 6 MONTHS EARLIER. I WAS TOLD THE RE[LACEMENT HALOGEN HOUSING UNIT IS NOW METAL AND WILL NOT MELT. THIS IS NOW THE ELEVENTH COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS WILL IT TAKE BEFORE A RECALL NOTICE IS ISSUED? *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2005, fire
NO COLLISION- WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE MADE A LARGE NOISE AND SUDDENLY EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN.THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE AND WE HAD CAR TOWED. CAR NEEDS COMPLETE NEW ENGINE. TWO DIFFERENT AUTO SHOPS SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. CAR HAD ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NISSAN WAS NOTIFIED AND CAME TO TAKE PICTURES OF CAR IN NOVEMBER 2004. HAS BEEN UNDER "LEGAL REVIEW" EVER SINCE AND COMPANY HAS BEEN LESS THAN COOPERATIVE WHEN WE'VE TRIED TO CONTACT THEM NUMEROUS TIMES, SO WE'VE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 25, 2005
NISSAN'S RECALL DEALS SEVERELY WITH THE MOTOR. HEAT SENSORS WERE NOT INSTALLED ON THE MOTOR ALLOWING THE MOTOR TO REACH EXTREME TEMPERATURES, THUS BURNING OFF THE OXYGEN SENSOR INTO THE PRE-CATALYST CONVERTER CAUSING MY MOTOR TO LOSE 3 QTS. PLUS OF OIL PER DAY. NISSAN KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND HAVE TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH I HAVE 117,000 MILES HAVE KEPT UP WITH OIL CHANGES, NISSAN WANTS ME TO PAY 50% OF THE COST TO FIX MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO NISSAN'S 800 NUMBER AND OVER 20 PLUS CALLS WENT UNANSWERED. I THEN DROPPED MY VEHICLE OFF AND LEFT IN ORDER TO GET SOMEONE TO RETURN MY CALL. NISSAN THREATENED ME WITH THE TOWING OF MY VEHICLE OFF THEIR PREMISES AND HAVE DONE SO. I AM NOW OUT OF A VEHICLE AND NISSAN WONT BUDGE OFF OF THEIR 50% SPLIT FOR A MOTOR. THIS WAS NISSAN'S FAULT IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE VEHICLE NOT MINE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2005
THE HEADLIGHT FAILED ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED ON THE CAR, AND THAT IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 35K MILES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 38K MILES ON THE ODOMETER, AND THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2005
I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS TOLD BY A TECH FROM BILL HOOD NISSAN THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION PROBLEM WITH MY HEADLIGHTS BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COSTS TO REPAIR IT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HEADLIGHTS. I MADE A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO ISSUE A RECALL. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 12, 2005
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM FAILED WITHIN 20 MONTHS OF PURCHASE AND TWO MONTHS LATTER THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM FAILED. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS BY YOURSELF. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (UNDER WARANTY) AND REPLACED LIGHT BULBS AND NOW ONE OF THE HORNS DOESN'T WORK. REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS IS SO DIFFICULT THAT THE DEALER DAMAGED ONE OF THE LIGHT ASSEMBIES AND HAD TO REPLACE IT ALL.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2005
WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BE HARD TO DEPRESS. THIS WOULD CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Jan 5, 2005
WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATES, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO FEEL IT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK DEC 15 DEALER PICKED UP CAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM OF VIBRATION CAR RETURN 12/17 CAN STILL NOT FOUND AND THERE WAS NO PAPER WORK GIVEN ON WHAT WAS DONE. *TT
Power train, Jan 1, 2005
CLUTCH WAS NOISY. CLUTCH BEGAN SLIPPING AT 30K MILES. DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. PAID OVER $700 FOR NEW CLUTCH. DISCOVERED THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS VEHICLE FOR A REPLACEMENT CLUTCH WITH UPDATED FRICTION MATERIAL. WAS WRONGFULLY ADVISED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO POOR DRIVING HABITS. *JB
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Dec 23, 2004
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PARTS ON THIS ALTIMA ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THE ACTUAL DEFECT CAUSED BY THE LIGHTS BEING TOO HOT AND THEN MELTING THE PLASTIC WAS NOT BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION UNTIL EXPENSES HAD BEEN INCURRED ON REPLACEMENT OF THE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES. WHENTHE LEFT SIDE WAS PROPERLY DIAGNOSED FINALLY, THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER DENIED REPLACEMENT AND REFUSED TO ATTEMPT ANY SOLUTION. DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THE LIGHTS AND THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART, I HAD TO WAIT TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE. THE PARTS COMPONENTS FOLKS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. MORE IMPORTANTLY NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERAL MECHANICS INCLUDING ONE SERVICE PERSON AT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL ALTIMAS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 22, 2004
RECALL CAMPAIGN, REPLACED EXHAUST CAT SHIELDS AND FRONT PIPE. SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS. *BF AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE CONSUMER EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT HE NEEDED A LONG BLOCK ENGINE ASSEMBLY, A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR. *NM
Exterior lighting, Dec 14, 2004
BOTH FRONT LOW/HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER. UPON INSPECTION, HAS BEEN CAUSED BY FAILURE OF SIMPLE GROUND WIRE (I.E., BURNED OFF). NISSAN SERVICE INSPECTOR STATED THAT IT WAS A BAD, UNSAFE DESIGN. CHANGED DESIGN FOR 2003 BECAUSE OF THIS REASON. SAFETY ISSUE: HEADLIGHTS JUST WENT OUT DURING NORMAL TRAVEL ON ROAD. FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN (REF: 4773934). NO ACTION/RELIEF BY NISSAN. MAJOR EXPENSE TO REPAIR. NISSAN WANTED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT $350 EACH. REQUIRES A SIMPLE GROUND WIRE REPLACEMENT.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY IGNITION WILL NOT START. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2004
ENGINE HAD A CLICKING SOUND. THERE WAS NOISE WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THEN, PEDAL WAS LOOSE, AND ENGINE WAS HARD TO START.*AK