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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Nov 18, 2004, crash
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TODAY AND THE BRAKES NOT WORKING HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT. AS I NOTICED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I APPLIED MY BRAKES ONLY TO FIND THAT IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I TRIED AGAIN (STILL ABOUT TO HIT ANOTHER CAR) AND THEY WORKED FINE. I AM WAITING TO HEAR IF THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THEM, BUT THE FACT THAT THEY WORKED THE SECOND TIME LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL FIND NOTHING WRONG.....I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER BRAKE COMPLAINTS WITH NISSANS, SO I HOPE THIS WARNING HELPS. ALSO, I WAS GOING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 50MPH AND WHEN I HIT THE CAR AHEAD, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS A FRONTAL HIT, MORE TO THE RIGHT SIDE, AND NEITHER AIR BAG WORKED. NO INJURIES BUT MY NECK AND BACK HURT. I HAVE JUST REPAIRED SO MUCH ON MY SENTRA, AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE PROBLEMS I HAVE INCURRED WITH NISSAN, WE'LL SEE IF I EVER BUY ANOTHER.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 9, 2004
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS JUST 37000 MILES ON IT. IN THE PAST 2-3 WEEKS I NOTICED BRAKE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE METAL ON METAL GRIDING. I OF COURSE TOOK IT TO MY DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR SETS OF BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN SHORT, EVERYTHING WAS GONE. AFTER LESS THAN 2.5 YEAR. THIS SEEMS LIKE EXCESSIVE AND PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURE. I HAVE VISTITED SEVERAL OWNER WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN A MULTITUDE OF STORIES REGARDING EARLY BRAKE WEAR ON THE 2002 ALTIMA. THIS VEJICLE HAS ALSO HAD 5 SAFETY RECALL IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THIS IS "NORMAL" BRAKE WEAR. I THINK IT'S A POTENTIAL SAFTEY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT A COST OF $900. I AM NOT A "HARD" DRIVER AND ALL VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST HAVE NOT NEEDED BRAKES TILL 50-60000 MILES. THIS SEEMS LIKE EITHER A DESIGN FLAW OR FAULTY PARTS OR BOTH. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 9, 2004
I HAVE HAD REOCCURING BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH MY 02 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE BRAKES DO NOT ADEQUATELY STOP THE VEHICLE AND GRAB/RELEASE WHEN COMING TO A STOP MAKING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT AT TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE NISSAN DEALER THREE SEPARATE TIMES FOR SERVICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN REMEDIED. I WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.*AK
Power train, Nov 3, 2004
MY CONCERNS ARE ALSO REFLECTED IN 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALITMA 3.5L SE, STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS AT 57,000 MILES. IT STARTED WITH VERY HARD SHIFTING GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK FINE (ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS WARM) IF THE VEH HAS BEEN SETTING OVER NIGHT, AND YOU PUT IT INTO "DRIVE" IF WOULD SHIFT VERY HARD. IF I REVVED THE ENGINE UP BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO GEAR IT USUALLY DID NOT SHIFT HARD. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE ONE EVENING TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE FINE, HOWEVER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. AS I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEH TOWED TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP, I WAS ADVISED THE THROTTLE CHAMBER WAS THE ISSUE AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS COST ME A TOTAL OF $4600.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, A $150.00 TOWING BILL AND THEN HAD TO RENT A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THIS WAS REPLACED. AM SEEING MANY VEHICLE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE, INCLUDING 2 ON YOUR WEBSITE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2004
AT APPROX. 36,400 MILES ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. II TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FRONT LEFT ABS SENSOR, $290.00 TO REPAIR, FRONT BRAKE PADS DOWN TO 10% AND ROTORS NEED TO BE RESURFACED. I INQUIRED ABOUT WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE SENSOR AND THEY SAID NO. I CONTACTED NISSAN EXPLAINED THE SITUATION, THEY CONTACTED THE DEALER AND NISSAN REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR SAYING THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO BRAKES BEING WORN DOWN. THIS WAS MY 3RD NISSAN VEHICLE AND WILL BE MY LAST ONE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2004
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN A HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM THE CONSUMER MADE MANY ATTEMPTS TO NOTIFY REPRESENTATIVE. VEHICLE STALLED 4 TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TC
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2004, crash, fire
REPORTING 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ACCIDENT/FIRE; AND REQUESTING ASSISTANCE ON HOW TO GET REIMBURSED FOR AUTO REPAIRS. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH HE RE ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE. THE OTHER VEHICLE DROVE AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT WITH LITTLE TO NO DAMAGE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2004
PROBLEM WITH HEAD LIGHTS ON/OFF,AS IF A SHORTAGE. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING WAS LOOSE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 19, 2004
AT 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP AND 37,000 MILES MY REAR BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY; CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS, ETC. ALL NEED REPLACEMENT. FRONT BRAKES ARE "OK" FOR NOW AND ONLY HALF AS WORN AS THE REAR BRAKES. THIS DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME. OF COURSE, IT IS NOT WARRANTIED SINCE IT IS OVER THE 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO THEM TOO. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW IN 2002 AND HAVE DRIVEN MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. WHAT, BESIDES DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE FIRST PLACE, WOULD CAUSE THIS KIND OF PARTS FAILURE?*AK
Power train, Oct 17, 2004
CAR STARTED, BUT AS I WAS SOON TO FIND OUT, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 1000 RPMS. PULLED OUT IN TRAFFIC BEFORE I REALIZED IT WOULD NOT GO. WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM DRIVEWAY AND ALMOST HAS A COLLISION BECAUSE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. MANAGED TO PULL OVER THE CAR TO A SAFE SPOT. TURNED OFF ENGINE. RESTARTED AND WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE. LATER, WOULD HAPPEN EVERY FEW TIMES I STARTED THE CAR. I HAD TO CHECK IF ENGINE WOULD REV BEFORE DRIVING. IF IT DID REV, PROBLEM WOULD NOT RE-APPEAR UNTIL TURNING ENGINE OFF. MANY TIMES, WOULD NOT START AT ALL, AND WHEN IT WOULD AND WOULD NOT REV. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS AT RE-STARTING, ENGINE WOULD START AND REV AND BE OK UNTIL TURNED OFF. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. TURNED OUT TO BE THE "THROTTLE CHAMBER." REPLACED UNDER CALIFORNIA'S 50,000 MILE EMISSIONS WARRANTY, BUT ONLY AFTER I POINTED OUT THAT COVERAGE. SERVICE REP AT DEALER MENTIONED TO ME HE WAS SEEING THIS FAILURE ON NISSAN 3.5 LITRE V6S. POSTERS TO INTERNET NEWGROUP ALSO REPORT SEEING THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2004
ATTEMPTED TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE DONE BY WAL-MART. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THE OIL ON THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLE DUE TO THE DIP STICKS BREAKING OFF IN MANY OF THE CARS THEY HAVE SERVICED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART,BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2004
PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT NOT WORKING ON 2002 ALTIMA. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BULB WAS MELTING THE FIXTURE AND THE ENTIRE FIXTURE NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $300. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AT LEAST 6 OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED. *NM
Suspension, Sep 28, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A STRUTS PROBLEM. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT CONSUMER HAD TO SAY REGARDING THE DEFECT OF THIS NEW VEHICLE. STRUTS WERE REPLACED TWICE, AND THE WARRANTY WAS ABOUT TO EXPIRE. IT SEEMED THAT THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED EVERY 10,000 MILES. *AK
Steering, Sep 10, 2004
VEHICLE WOULD BOTTOM OUT WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD, AND LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2004
LOW BEAM BULB INOPERATIVE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GROUND PLATE INSIDE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I REPLACED THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ON AUG 15, 2004. ON SEPT 4, 2004, THE RIGHT LOW BEAM LIGHT BULB QUIT WORKING. I TOOK THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY OUT AND NOTICED THE GROUND WIRE GOING TO THE LOW BEAM BULB HAD "MELTED". THE OLD HEADLIGHT THAT I REPLACED ALSO HAD A "MELTED" GROUND WIRE. THIS IS A POSSILBE FIRE HAZARD. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND WAS GIVEN TECHNICAL BULLETIN, CLASSIFICATION: EL03-008A, REFERENCE: NTB03-089A, DATED: OCTOBER 2, 2003. THE GROUND PLATE COSTS AROUND $11.00 IF YOU PUT IT IN. THIS IS A DEFECT ON NISSAN'S PART. THEY SHOULD RECALL THESE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT THEIR COST. *AK
Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2004
DUE TO THE BURNED WIRES FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 2, 2004
REAR BRAKES ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WORE PREMATURELY AND WORE BEFORE FRONT BRAKES. I THINK IT IS ODD THAT REAR BRAKES WOULD WEAR BEFORE FRONT BRAKES. ALSO, I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED AT 18,000 MILES AND THEY WERE FINE. JUST 5,000 MILES LATER MY ROTORS WERE SHOT AND CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. TOOK CAR TO PETERS AUTO CENTER IN NASHUA (A NISSAN DEALER), THEY TOLD ME THE FOLLOWING: 1) REAR BRAKES WERE WORN AND ROTORS TORN APART. AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS POSSIBLY SOMETHING GOT STUCK IN THERE. LATER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MORE LIKELY CORROSION. CALIPERS TESTED OK. 2) FRONT BRAKES HAVE CORROSION AND WERE NOT BEING USED PROPERLY. THE RECOMMENDED REPLACING BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. AFTER HAVING PETERS AUTO FIX REAR BRAKES ONLY, I KEPT THE PARTS AND TOOK MY CAR TO FROST NISSAN. THEY TOLD ME THE FOLLOWING: 1) IT LOOKED LIKE REAR BRAKES WORE NATURALLY. CALIPERS TESTED OK. THEY COULD GIVE ME NO REASON WHY WHEN THEY EXAMINED MY BRAKES JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER AND THEY LOOKED FINE. 2) FRONT BRAKES ARE FINE, SHOULD LAST ANOTHER 3 OIL CHANGES. IS 3 WEEKS TOO LONG TO LET A CAR SIT? COULD CORROSION CAUSE MY BRAKES TO FAIL THIS QUICKLY? I NEVER HEARD OF ROTORS RUSTING IN 3 WEEKS! AND RECENTLY, AT 18,811 MILES, FROST NISSAN OF NEWTON, MA PERFORMED BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECT AND ADJUST. THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. I FIND IT TROUBLING THAT MY REAR BRAKES ARE NOW SHOT, AND THAT MY REAR BRAKES HAVE CONSIDERABLY MORE WEAR THAN MY FRONT BRAKES. NEITHER GARAGE COULD GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATION WHY REAR BRAKES WOULD WEAR BEFORE FRONT BRAKES, AND BOTH GARAGES THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF THE ORDINARY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONCE, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Aug 26, 2004
(1) MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SHUTTERS AND DIES WHEN BEING DRIVEN AT LOW RPMS. I.E.(HEAVY TRAFFIC, OR STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT). (2) IT SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF WHEN IN MOTION. (3) I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED LAST WEEK, FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND IT'S BACK AT THE SHOP AGAIN TODAY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL ISSUE, BUT KEVIN AT URBAN NISSAN IN DUNCANVILLE TOLD ME THAT ACCORDING TO HIS SYSTEM, THERE WERE NO RECALL ISSUES FOR MY CAR. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2004
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR( 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA) THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND A ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I DROVE MY CAR TO THE DEALER MIKE SHAD NISSAN IN JACKSONVILLE ,FLORIDA AND THEY CHECK MY CAR AND ADVICE ME THAT THEY FOUND THE NUMBER ONE SPARK PLUG CLOSED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A POORLY MANUFACTURER CATALYST CONVERTER BY NISSAN AND ADVICE ME THAT MY ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THIS IS THE THIRD ENGINE ON THIS CAR THIS CAR STALLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT HAPPEN TO ME TWICE AND RESENTLY AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE I WAS EXECUTING A TURN THESE CARS 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5 4 CYL ENGINES MUST BE RECALL OR HAVE THE DEALERS ADVICE THE OWNERS TO BRIGN THEIR CARS IN FOR CHECK, BEFORE SOMEONES GEST KILLED AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE NISSAN MAKE ME PAY THE DEALER $498 TO HAVE MY MOTOR LOOK AT .WHY SHOULD I PAY MIKE SHAD NISSAN $498 TO TAKE MY ENGINE APART TO FIND A PROBLEM THAT THE NISSAN CORPORATION KNOWS THAT IS WRONG WITH THEIR CARS THE FAILURE OF MY ENGINE WAS CAUSE BY A FAULTY DESIGN PART. THE 2002 ALTIMAS ARE PLAGUE WITH PROBLEMS.*AK
Power train, Aug 17, 2004
MANUAL TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN BACKING UP A STEEP INCLINE. DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. DURING THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS. THE FIRST OCCURRANCE WAS ABOUT SEPT. 2002. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE LOST POWER BETWEEN 10 TO 15 SECONDS. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY DIDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2004, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THEY WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. *AK
Visibility, Aug 9, 2004
REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARDS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE. THE SUN ROOF OPENED. WEATHER TEMPERATURE WAS COOL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2004
BOUGHT CAR USED IN MARCH 2003 WITH 28451 MILES FROM DECORMIER NISSAN IN MANCHESTER, CT 06040. SINCE I HAVE HAD CAR THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. NO STARTING, CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, IGNITION COILS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, CAM POSITION SENSOR REPLACED (TWICE), 5 RECALLS, BRAKES REDONE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORRISION, AFTER BRAKES REDONE NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WARPED ROTORS, RADIATOR REPLACED AFTER BOTTOM SEAM BLEW OUT. LATEST PROBLEM IS WHAT I FEEL IS EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF ENGINE OIL. CAR ORIGINALLY DID NOT USE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES (3000 MILES). CAR IS CURRENTLY USING JUST OVER 1 QUART PER 3000 MILES. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER WITH 52,281 MILES TO PERFORM OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT CAR BACK WITH 53,924 MILES. IN 1,643 MILES CAR CONSUMED 0.6 QUART OF OIL. DEALER SAID THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. HAVE SINCE CONTACTED NISSAN OF AMERICA (1-800-NISSAN1) TO START CASE #4630040. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT RECALL FOR PRE-CATALYST (DONE ON 9/23/03) BECAUSE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. MATERIAL FROM A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST COULD ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PRE-CATALYST AND THERE WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS. PRE-CATALYST RECALL IS ON THE NISSAN OF AMERICA WEB SITE THEN WHY IS THE DEALER NOT AWARE OF THIS?*AK