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.
Structure, Jul 23, 2004
DURING A ROUTINE BRAKE JOB AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IT WAS NOTICED THAT I HAD A REAR CRACKED CROSS MEMBER (FRAME). THE FRAME OF THE BODY WAS CRACKED. NISSAN WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP THEY HAD RECOMMENDED SINCE THEY WOULD NOT QUOTE ME A PRICE. I HAD IT FIXED FOR $888.71. THEY REPLACED THE REAR CROSSMEMBER. I DO HAVE THE OLD CROSS MEMBER IN MY GARAGE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2004
RECALL 03V084000 CONCERNING ENGINE COOLANT. CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE CONSUMED TOO MUCH OIL. DEALER CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE SHOULD NOT USE MORE THAN 1 QUART OF OIL PER 5000 MILES, EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS DONE. CONSUMER FELT THAT VEHICLE WAS STILL USING TOO MUCH OIL. AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2004
ON 6/20/04 BOTH HEADLIGHTS IN MY 2002 ALTIMA BURNT OUT AT NIGHT. THE BULBS BECAME SO HOT THEY BURNT THROUGH THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. EVEN THOUGH NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE ALTIMA THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. YOU MUST BUY A LIGHT KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR A NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS RESULT, CONSUMER ALMOST LOST CONTROL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES RELATED TO PROBLEMS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE (RECALL 03V-455 AND 04V-251). IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE CONSUMER HAD THESES RECALL DONE AND IF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THESE NOTICES BEFORE OF AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER HAS RETAINED A LAWYER. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2002 NISAAN ALTIMA AND HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE. IT HAS BEEN IN TWICE ALREADY FOR THE HEATER NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT BLOWS COLD AIR WHEN CAR IS AT IDLE BELOW 2500 RPM. IT WAS TAKEN IN TWICE AND TEMPORALILY FIXED. THIS PROBLEM HAS RECURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME. ALSO THE ENIGINE WOULD RUN ROUGH AND SOMETIMES STALL, THIS WAS INITIALLY RECALLED AS A BAD ENGINE CRANK SENSOR. I HAD IT IN A SECOND TIME WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR AGAIN. THE SAME EVEINING WHEN I GOT HOME THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I CONTACTED THE SERVICE AGENT TWICE WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. NOW THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. IN ADDITION TO THESE REPETIATIVE PROBLEMS THE CAR NOW SMOKES WHEN IT IS STARTED, IT ALSO IS ROUGH STARTING. AT THE LAST OIL CHANGE THE VEHICLE WAS DOWN 2 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL. THE OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 MILES EVERY TIME. THE CAR WOULD NOT EVEN START APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO, I HAD TO TAKE OUT THE SPARK PLUGS AND CLEAN THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE SO FOULED OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE CAR HAS JUST OVER 43000 MILES AND THE LAST INCIDENTS THAT ARE THIRD TIME OFFENDERS ALONG WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BEING FOULED HAVE TRANSPIRED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED OF COURSE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2004
CAR FAILED TO START... CHARGED BATTERY, NO RESULTS...NEXT PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY.TWO DAYS LATER CAR FAILED TO START WITH NEW BATTERY...CHARGE BATTERY FOR AN HOUR...CAR THEN STARTED... WHILE CAR WAS STANDING STILL IN DRIVEWAY WITH MOTOR START CAR OVERHEAD AND CRACK THE RADIATOR HEAD ...CAR TOW TO DEALER ...NISSIAN OF NORTH AMERICA REFUSED TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR......QUESTION HOW DO YOU CRACK THE HEAD OF A RADIATOR AT ZERO MILE PER HOUR IN IDLE WITH NOTHING RUNNING ACCEPT THE MOTOR ON A COOL MORNING ABOUT 70 DEGREE.*AK
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS NOT LISTED AS THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AS THE DEALER DID NOT CHANGE THE NAME. THE CONSUMER CANNOT GET ASSISTED WITH THE RECALLS ISSUED FOR HER VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Steering, Jun 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHOOK, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. ONE MONTH LATER THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD HEAVILY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, Jun 14, 2004, crash
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THE VEHICLE NOSED DIVED INTO A DITCH AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONSUMER WAS PINNED IN THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Visibility, Seats, Jun 14, 2004
THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND FUSE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE LEFT FRONT SEAT WAS LOOSE AND THE WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2004
MY CAR STALLED ON RT 9 AT A LIGHT AND DID NOT START RIGHT BACK UP. 6 WEEKS LATER IT STALLED ON THE MASS PIKE GOING 70 MPH HR. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHO HAS TOLD ME THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM SCARED FOR MY FAMILY (MY INFANT) AND I. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THEY BUILT THIS CAR THEY REALLY SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT ITS MECHANICS!*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM TWICE, BUT PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
Air bags, Jun 4, 2004
THE DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR THE VEHICLE'S RECALL (RECALL NO. 03V061000) REGARDING ON DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS INFLATOR MODULE. DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED FIRST. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2004, fire
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED ON MAY 17 2004 FOR THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED DUE TO THE ENGINE BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD TAKE AN EXTREMELY LONG TIME. THE CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT BLACK SMOKE BLEW FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 21, 2004
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVEN TIMES. THE ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON FOUR TIMES. TOTAL THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE NINE TIMES. TWO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ONE FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF) AND NOW ONE REGARDING GAS TANK ICE CRYSTALS (RECEIVED MY NOTIFICATION 5/20/04). BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE A "CRASH WITHOUT WARNING." I HAVE WORKED WITH THE BBB AUTOLINE, HOWEVER SINCE THE CAR HAS NOT SHUT OFF SINCE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE ARBITRATOR BELIEVES THAT THE "MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM" HAS BEEN REMEDIED AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHILE "BEING A CHRONIC PROBLEM, DOES NOT SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECT THE USE, SAFETY, OR VALUE OF THE VEHICLE." I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THE VEHICLE 14,711 MILES IN TWO YEARS BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, THUS USE HAS BEEN AFFECTED. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEMS, THIS SAFETY HAS BEEN AFFECTED. CARFAX IS SHOWING SIX NEGATIVE REPORTS ON MY VIN NUMBER, (THE SERVICE THAT CAR DEALERS USE TO HELP DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS SUCH AS MAJOR ACCIDENTS, LEMON LAW VEHICLE, ETC.), THEREFORE, NO ONE WOULD EVEN BE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, SO VALUE HAS BEEN AFFECTED. EVEN AFTER THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON FOUR MORE TIMES. NISSAN IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO GIVE ME A REFUND ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THESE PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEMS WILL REOCCUR AND I WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY NEXT TIME. I AM PURSING THIS WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA'S LEMOM LAW ARBITRATION BOARD. THIS VEHICLE IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND ALL OTHER ON THE ROAD. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO DRIFT OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 18, 2004
AFTER THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WELD RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 11, 2004
VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 68,400 MILES ON IT. REAR ROTORS AND PADS FAILED AT 33,200 MILES AND 68,400 MILES AND WERE REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AND FRONT PADS REPLACED AT 68,400 MILES WHICH IS NOT UNEXPECTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 11, 2004
CONSUMER STATED BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED BADLY, AND THAT ROTORS WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CHECKED AGAIN, AND FOUND THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS. CONSUMER RESEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. THERE WERE 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM
Suspension, May 10, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA S 2.5 IN NOV. 2001. 1) AFTER A FEW MONTHS, I NOTICED A SHIMMING OR VIBRATION COMING FROM THE STEERING. IT FEELS AS IF WERE COMING UP FROM THE FRONT TIRES THROUGH THE SUSPENSION. HOWEVER, THOUGH IT IS USUALLY PRESENT, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T VIBRATE FOR A WHILE, THEN IT STARTS AGAIN! I HAVE CHANGED THE TIRES (THOUGH USED THE SAME BRAND), HAD THE TIRES BALANCED, ROTATED AND THE WHEELS ALIGNED, YET THE VIBRATION CONTINUES. IN ADDITION, AT THE LAST ALIGNMENT, THE MECHANIC HAD PROBLEMS ALIGNING THE REAR SUSPENSION IN PARTICULAR. THE CAR HAS ALSO SHOWN ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR. I HAVE ALSO CHECKED THE CONSUMER'S COMMENTS SECTION OF EDMUNDS.COM, A CAR-BASED WEBSITE, AND A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE NOTED THIS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING. *LA
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Interior lighting, May 8, 2004
SCHEDULED RECALL WORK ON CAR ON FRIDAY, WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY THREE RECALLS ON MY CAR (WHICH I HAVE OWNED FOR ABOUT A YEAR, PURCHASED USED) THET NEEDED TO BE DONE AND THAT I NEED MY 30,000 MILE SERVICE DONE. $476 AND LATER THAT AFTERNOON, IGOT MY CAR BACK. I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKED SEEM A LITTLE TIGHT, BUT FIGURED THAT WAS PART OF THE SERVICE. THE NEXT DAY, SATURDAY, WHILE MERGING FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER AT ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR, CAR SOUNDED LIKE IT CAUGHT A PIECE OF THIN METAL UNDER FRONT RIGHT QUADRANT OF CAR, AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS NOISE STOPPED AND NOTHING IN ROAD BEHIND ME. I NOTICE MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES, I REALIZE I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING FUNCTION, THE BRAKES LAD LOOSENED UP (BUT FUNCTIONING) AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOW BLOWING HOT AIR. I REALIZE I HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE HAZZARD LIGHTS SWITCH WAS AND NIETHER I NOR MY PASSANGE COULD FIND IT. AFTER 2 MORE MINUTES PASSES GOING UP A SLOW INCLINE, THE CAR STARTED JERKING AT ROUND 55 MPH. AT THIS POINT THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON". WELL NO KIDDING, SERVICE ENGINE SOON! PULLED INTO THE EMERGANCY LANE AND DROPPED MY SPEED TO BELOW 25 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR STOPPED JERKING. FORTUNANTLY, I WAS JUST ONE MILE FROM HOME AT THIS POINT. LIMPED HOME AND CALL DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED TO CROWN NISSAN IN BIRMINGHAM. I WAS ANNOYED THAT THE SERVICE MAN THAT TOOK MY CALL SHOWED NO EMPATHY WHEN I TOLD HIM WHAT HAPPENED ON THE FASTEST FREEWAY IN TOWN . ADDITIONALLY, I WAS ANGERED BY THE RECEPTIONIST WHEN SHE CAME BACK TO ME FROM BEING ON HOLD AND KNOWING MY PERDICTMENT, LAUGHING AND ASKING WHO I WAS ON HOLD FOR. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2004
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH MOTOR LOST POWER. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SHOULDER UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALSO, CONSUMER WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CHECKED THE FLUIDS. AFTER EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OKAY, HE THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. TWO DAYS LATER, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND HE TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. ALSO, CONSUMER CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. HE WAS TOLD TO REPORT IT TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE MOTOR, AND THEY REFUSED. *AK
Steering, Apr 30, 2004, crash
MY CAR WAS UNATTENDED WHEN IT WAS STRUCK, MORE LIKE SIDESWIPED. THERE WAS A CREASE APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF THE WAY OF THE LENGTH OF THE CAR. I AM NOT SURE HOW IT HAPPENED BUT THE ANGLE THE CAR WAS HIT, PERHAPS AT THE WHEELWELL SENT THE CAR ONTO THE SIDEWALK. I EQUATE THE "INCIDENT" WITH HITTING A POTHOLE. AFTER THE POLICE LEFT AND I TRIED TO REMOVE THE CAR FROM THE SIDEWALK POSITION AND PARK IT I HAD NO STEERING WHATSOEVER. THE STEERING WHEEL JUST WENT AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND. I LEARNED THAT A KNUCKLE WAS BROKEN, A BEARING WAS BROKEN AND THE AXEL WAS BROKEN. HOW? I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR. WHAT IF I HIT A POTHOLE, WILL THE CAR LOOSE ITS STEERING AGAIN? *LA