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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,062

Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling599 reports · 56% of complaints
Owner complaints1,062Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling599
  2. Structure128
  3. Engine92
  4. Electrical system79
  5. Exterior lighting44
  6. Fuel system41
  7. Power train40
  8. Gasoline38

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 26, 2004

    THE 2002 ALTIMA STARTED TO STALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR HAD 3 RECALLS ON IT AND I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED A YEAR IN A HALF BEFORE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK 3 TIMES AND ON THE THIRD TIME I WAS ADIVSED THAT THE CAR WOULD NEED A NEW MOTOR. THAT WAS ON MAR 15,2004. I CALLED APRIL 24,2004 AT 3 PM AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MANAGER HANDLING THE CAR THAT NISSAN APPROVED THEN DISAPPROVE THE REPLACEMENT ORDER THEN REAPPROVED IT AGAIN. HE ADIVSED ME HE WOULD CALL ME WITH FURTHER. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR THE PASSED 6 WEEKS AND THE CAR IS NO LONGER WORKING BUT I'M PAYING FOR IT.*AK

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2004

    ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO RECALL THAT WAS NOT PERFORMED BY NISSAN. *AK

  3. Tires, Apr 26, 2004

    I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN, ALTIMA THAT CAME WITH CONTINENTIAL TIRES. THE TIRES SIZE IS 200/65-16'S. THEY HAVE 28K WEAR ON THEM . I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. AFTER AN ALIGNMENT, THE CAR IS PULLING TO THE LEFT. NOW THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT ITS MY TIRES, THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE 2 FRONT TIRES BECAUSE OF WEAR. THIS SEEMS OUT OF LINE TO ME BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAD TIRES WEAR TO THE POINT THAT THEY NEED TO BE REPLACE TO PUT MY CAR IN ALIGNMENT. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES SHOULD WEAR (THEY GET NORMAL HIGHWAY AND NEIGHBORHOOD USE) FOR AT LEAST 45K-50K BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?*AK

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2004

    CONSUMER RECEIVED HER THIRD RECALL NOTICE SINCE OWNERSHIP. *PH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE. THE ENGINE SENSOR KIT AND THE ECU CASE HOLDER FOAM RECALLS WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED COMPENSATION FOR ONE MONTH'S CAR PAYMENT. RECALL #03V455000. *SC *JB

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2004

    CONSUMER UNABLE TO GET RECALL WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE. *PH THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *SC RECALL 03V455000. *JB

  6. Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF, FORCING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HEADLIGHT WIRING MELTED. *AK

  7. Tires, Apr 20, 2004

    THE VEHICLE'S TIRES HYDROPLANE FREQUENTLY ON WET SURFACES. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE TREAD WAS NOT DESIGNED TO DISBURSE WATER. *NM *NM

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2004

    VEHICLE KEEPS LOSING POWER AT ANY SPEED. CONSUMER BELIEVES VEHICLE MAY BE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION *AK

  9. Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 19, 2004

    MAJOR GAS LEAKS. *AK

  10. Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2004

    INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED HEADLIGHTS FAILED. *AK

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING ONTO A RAMP AT 15 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND ALMOST COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER, HE DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. *AK *JB

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2004

    I WAS DRIVING FROM MI TO IL ON THE DAY BEFORE MY STARTING MY NEW JOB IN ILLINOIS. THIRTY MILES OUT FROM MY DESTINATION, THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY AND WAIT OVER TWO HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) SENSOR WAS AT FAULT. ALTHOUGH THE MAF SENSOR WAS REPLACED, I DON'T BELIEVE IT WAS THE COMPONENT THAT DISABLED THE VEHICLE ON THIS DATE. THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT FIRST GOING INTO "LIMP" MODE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CPS). AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE CPS. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPLACED PRIOR TO MY DRIVE BECAUSE I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION. THE CPS WAS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE MAF. WHAT PROMPTS THIS COMPLAINT IS THE MAF SENSOR. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ON THE THIRD MAF. THE FIRST ONE WAS REPLACED ON 8/2003. THE SECOND MAF WAS REPLACED ON 1/14/2004, WHICH LASTED LESS THAN SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE MODE FOR THE FIRST MAF SENSOR ALLOWED WARNING: THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, BUT INSTEAD LIMITED THE ENGINE SPEED TO 2500RPM. FORTUNATELY, BOTH MAF SENSORS WERE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN ADDITION TO MAF SENSORS AND OPEN RECALLS, MY VEHICLE HAS A NEW ECM AND THROTTLE BODY (IACS). MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED, AND I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH NISSAN IN GETTING A NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY OUT OF GOODWILL FOR THESE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE LESS THAN TWO YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS NISSAN. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES WERE FORD PRODUCTS, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THOSE AS I HAVE WITH THIS NISSAN. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING DIFFICULTY IN HAVING NISSAN RETURNING MY COMMUNICATION. *JB

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2004

    MULTIPLE ENGINE FAILURES. *PH EVEN WITH A NEW ENGINE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE SERVICE MANAGER REPLACED PLUGS, AND GAVE CONSUMER A LOANER VEHICLE. ALSO, A NEW COMPUTER WAS INSTALLED AND STILL PROBLEM EXISTED. *LA *JB

  14. Tires, Apr 1, 2004

    CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CONTINENTAL TIRES ON HER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *PH THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A TRACTION PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES REGARDLESS OF THE ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS. *JB

  15. Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 1, 2004

    CONSUMER SMELLED A BAD ODOR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP. *AK *MR

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2004

    NISSAN REPLACED THE RADIATOR/PARTS THREE TIMES BUT THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO SMELL ANTIFREEZE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *PH SEVERAL ATTEMPT BY DIFFERENT SERVICE DEALER HAVE BEEN MADE TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM, BUT NONE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. *NM

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2004

    MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH RECALL SERVICE WORK NOT CORRECTING THE MALFUNCTION THE RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT. SPECIFICALLY OF CONCERN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS : 03V455000 & 03V084000 & 03V251000. NOT RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES BY MANUFACTURER OR BEING INFORMED BY NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED NISSAN CORP CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT RECEIVED NO RESOLUTION OR SUGGESTIONS. PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE PERFORMANCE, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST, AND STRONG BURNING SMELL ARE STILL PRESENT ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT REMAINING ON. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR OVER 6 VISITS IN LAST 5 MONTHS - VEHICLE IS STILL AT SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE OVER THESE PAST MONTHS WHILE THESE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE OR TO HAVE TRANSPORTATION TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS DECLINED ANY HELP - EVEN THOUGH ID # 03V084000 NISSAN RECALL NOTICE STATES IT SHOULD BE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE IF CUSTOMER MAKES THIS REQUEST. I AM GREATLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPT (PINE BELT NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE) AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS NOT ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS AND HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED FOR MONTHS. VEHICLE HAS HAD REDUCED POWER, HESITATION, PULLING AND VIBRATION, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST AND AN INCREASINGLY STRONG BURNING SMELL FROM ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED.*AK

  18. Electrical system, Mar 22, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2004

    WELL, I FILED A COMPLAINT ON MARCH 12, 2003 REGARDING MY ENGINE ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WELL, I'VE NOTED SINCE 2002-2004, MY CAR HAS HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. WELL, HERE IT IS 2004, I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING AND THE AIR BAG HAD A DEFAULT. IT WAS TOWED ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO AND ONCE AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CENSOR FOR THE COMPUTER AND THE STARTER WENT OUT AS WELL. I'VE HAD IT AND I'M ABOUT TO SEEK A LAWYER. ALSO, EVERYTIME MY CAR DOESN'T START, IT'S ALWAYS BECAUSE OF A RECALL. EACH TIME I ASK WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS RECALLS, THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER CLAIMS NISSAN DOESN'T SEND OUT LETTERS. WELL, I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO BELIEVE. NOW I'M RIDING AROUND IN A 4 DOOR NISSAN SENTRA THAT IS LOANED TO ME BY THE DEALER. I WANT TO KNOW, DOES NISSAN SEND OUT RECALL LETTERS OR IS IT UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL DEALERS? I'M JUST FED UP WITH NISSAN AND I'M GOING TO GIVE THEIR MAIN OFFICE A CALL ABOUT THIS. PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THIS. THANKS. *AK

  20. Vehicle speed control, Mar 5, 2004

    AT ANY SPEED, MY SPEEDOMETER SHOWS A DIFFERENT SPEED THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED. MY ACTUAL SPEED HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY RADAR, GPS, MILE MARKERS AND TRAVELING ALONG SIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH AN ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER (BASED ON GPS AND RADAR). WHERE MY SPEEDOMETER IS SHOWING LESS THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED, I AM SUBJECT TO MAKE MENTAL ADJUSTMENTS TO INCREASE MY SPEED TO ACTUALLY TRAVEL THE DESIRED SPEED. WHEN I GET IN ANOTHER CAR THAT HAS AN ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER, BY HABIT, I TEND TO INCREASE MY SPEED IN THAT CAR, SUBJECTING ME TO POSSIBLE FINES FOR SPEEDING. NOTE: THE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES AND THIS PROBLEM EXISTED FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THIS CAR. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID THAT AS LONG AS THE SPEEDOMETER IS ACCURATE TO WITHIN 10%, IT'S WITHIN SPECS. THAT IMPLIES THAT IF MY SPEEDOMETER READS 70 MPH AND MY ACTUAL SPEED IS 77, NISSAN IS FINE WITH THAT! :( PLEASE INCREMENT THE INCIDENT COUNT FOR COMPLAINT # 10000521, AS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM/TREATMENT. I HAVE APPROACHED MANY ALTIMA OWNERS AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PERSISTENT PROBLEM.*JB

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 24, 2004

    REPAIRS REQUIRED FOR 3 RECALLS, REPLACEMENT OR RADIATOR AND MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER IS WILLING TO PAY REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR, BUT WON'T PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. *LA *MR

  22. Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 23, 2004

    NHTSA 03V251000 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. CONSUMER RECEIVED THIS RECALL LETTER IN NOVEMBER 2003. DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. *AK

  23. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2004

    AFTER T RECALL 03V08400 REPAIRS WERE DONE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO LET THE VEHICLE COOL DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 16, 2004

    I EXPERIENCED WARPED ROTORS ON MY 2002 ALTIMA AFTER DRIVING FOR LESS THAN 18 MONTHS. THIS WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTEE. PADS WERE ALSO REPLACED.*AK

  25. Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 5, 2004

    THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA 03-V-251-000) FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK, HOWEVER THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE RECALL. *NM