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.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2004
OCCASIONALLY WHEN IT RAINS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO, AT ANY GIVEN TIME (DAY OR NIGHT) THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN COMING ON AT ALL. THIS IS MY SECOND NISSAN ALTIMA PURCHASE. I WAS SO PLEASED WITH MY FIRST PURCHASE I DECIDED TO GET ANOTHER ONE. I FEEL THAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE THAT I MADE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CARE TO ANOTHER CONSUMER. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THE LACK OF CONCERN THAT I RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED THEREFORE, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2004
THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO CHANGE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2004
REF. INVESTIGATION PE 02-078 THE 'CHECK OIL' LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ON 1-16-2004. I STOPPED TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND FOUND THE DIPSTICK TO BE BONE DRY. I FILLED THE OIL RESERVOIR ON THIS DATE AND HAVE CHECKED THE OIL DAILY SINCE. THE OIL LEVEL HAS STEADILY DROPPED. IT APPEARS THAT THE DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL ENGINE DAMAGE DESCRIBED IN ODI RESUME FOR INVESTIGATION PE 02-078 (I.E. SCORING OF THE CYLINDER WALLS) HAS OCCURRED AND NOW MY ENGINE IS CONSUMING MOTOR OIL AT A RAPID PACE. *LA
Air bags, Jan 20, 2004, crash
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT GOING ABOUT 35 MPH IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CORNER AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2004
ENGINE STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEED NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. CAR RESTARTED AND SMAE THING HAPPENED. I HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED A SENSOR AS PART OF A RECLAA (R3022). *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004
REAR BRAKE CALIPERS CORRODED AND FAILED TO PERFORM PROPERLY. CALIPERS SEIZED IN AN APPLIED BRAKE FASHION (CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE ROTORS). BOTH REAR BRAKES HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS NO MORE PAD ON THE BRAKES, ONLY METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE PAD BASE AND THE ROTORS. THE PADS, SHIMS, AND ROTORS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS ONLY 1.5 YRS OLD, WITH 35,000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES ARE CLOSE TO THE SAME CONDITION. DEALER/NISSAN HAVE INDICATED THAT A $200 MAINTENANCE VISIT EVERY 15,OOO MILES IS REQUIRED TO PREVENT THIS. IN 150K+, AND 190K+ ,MILES ON 2 OF MY OLD HONDAS (I OWNED THEM FROM DAY 1) I NEVER HAD TO PERFORM THIS KIND OF MAINTENANCE, AND NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF FAILURE. SAME GOES FOR MY 2000 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (60K+ MILES AND NO PROBLEMS WITH FRONT CALIPERS)
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
CUTCH PEDAL DID NOT RETURN WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE THIRD DAY I PURCHASED. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER (WONDRIES NISSAN IN CITY OF ALHAMBRA)TRY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS (FOUR TIMES). THEY KEPT SAYING THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. ONE DAY THE CLUTCH STARTED HAVING SOME SORT OF NOISE EVERYTIME I STEPPED ON IT AND I BROUGHT IT BACK TO WONDRIES NISSAN AND THEY FINALLY FIXED IT AFTER FOUR FIVE MONTHS I GOT THE VEHICLE.
Fuel system, Other, Jan 5, 2004
ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY NEW 2002 ALTIMA I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS CLANKING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH I NOTICED ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THE DEALER SAID I NEEDED NEW MOTOR MOUNTS. AFTER THE MOUNTS WERE REPLACED I STILL HEARD THE NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK INTO THE DEALER AND BECAUSE I COULD NOT SIMULATE THE PROBLEM, THE DEALER WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE CAR. I THEN FOUND THAT I COULD SIMULATE THE PROBLEM BY TURING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT WHILE THE CAR WAS STOPPED, THEN ACCELERATING. IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WERE ROCKS ROLLING AROUND IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA. THE DEALER SAID I HAD A LOOSE WHEEL NUT AND FIXED THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH MANY MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO SINCE THEN HAVE SAID THE SYMPTOMS SOUNDED LIKE A BAD CV BOOT. MY CAR IS NOW 18 MONTHS OLD AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING TO MY KEY FOB CORRECTLY AND I HAVE COME OUT TO MY CAR TWICE AND THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE DOWN. ON SATURDAY MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I TRIED JUMPING THE CAR AND THAT DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD HAVE IT TOWED SINCE IT IS UNDER WARRANTY BUT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY. I TRIED STARTING THE CAR SUNDAY AND AGAIN TODAY AND NOTHING HAPPENED. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME THE TOW GUY SAID THE CAR SOUNDED FLOODED. HE TURNED THE KEY, PRESSED THE GAS IT AFTER A TON OF SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE EXHAUST, THE CAR STARTED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER ONLY TO HAVE THEM TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS PROBABLY THE TIMING AND BECAUSE I DID NOT TAKE THE CAR TO THEM AT 15,000 MILES TO HAVE THE TIMING CHECKED, IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPARIS AND TOW CHARGE. I RESEARCHED THIS SITE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON A PART THAT CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. IT IS AT THE DEALER RIGHT NOW AND THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, BUT THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP IT OVER NIGHT.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 4, 2004
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, TWICE I LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND MIRACULOUSLY AVOIDED A CRASH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED THE SECOND TIME HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE PLACING MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP, I'M SURPRISED THE GOVERNMENT (LEMON LAW) REQUIRES A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES SAME OCCURRENCE,REPORT AFTER THE THIRD TIME, THEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS ANOTHER SHOT OF REPAIR #4, ONLY THEN, THEY WILL CONSIDER REPLACEMENT OR BUY BACK , AFTER 5TH TIME OF ENGINE FAILURE. THIS TO ME IS RUSSIAN ROULETTE, THE WORSE PART IS , I'M PAYING FOR IT (CAR PYMT.)WHO IS IT THAT ACTUALLY CHOSE THE CRITERIIA FOR THE LEMON LAWS? AND WHOSE FAVOR ARE THEY IN ? THE CONSUMER AND THEIR FAMILIES AT RISK, OR THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR A YEAR CAR MANUFACTURERS? I WANT A SAFE CAR!!!! AND I WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN MATTER AND WE'RE NOT JUST ANOTHER NUMBER. WOULD MR. GHOSN (NISSAN CEO), DRIVE HIS CHILDREN IN A CAR THAT HAS TOTAL POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL?? DO I PAINT BIG LEMONS ON THE SIDE OF MY CAR,WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET SOMEONE'S ATTENTION, A DEATH??? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME KIMFLINK@YAHOO.COM *LA
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2004
HEADLIGHTS BLEW OUT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE BULB BURNING OUT THE ASSEMBLY BOARD, PER THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
Tires, Dec 11, 2003
2ND PROBLEM W/ CONTINENTAL BRAND TIRES ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ORIGINAL SET WAS REPLACED (50/50% PAYED) BETWEEN NISSAN CORPORATION & CONTINENTAL CORPORATION AT APPROX. 18,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.*AK REPLACEMENT SET SHOWING/DISPLAYING SAME PROBLEMS....PRE-MATURE WEAR, CRACKS IN TREADS, FLAT SPOTS. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED AT SUGGESTED MANUFACTURER INTERVALS, AND I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS TO VERIFY AGAIN.
Structure, Nov 26, 2003
WHILE DRIVING IN SEVERE WIND GUSTS, WE HEARD A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE EMANATING FROM THE FRONT, LEFT POST AREA. SOMETIMES THE SOURCE WAS THE RIGHT FRONT. THE NOISE ERUPTED AS THE WIND GUSTED AT SHARP ANGLES AND THE CAR STEERED INTO OR AWAY FROM THE GUSTS. THE NOISE WAS HIGHLY PRONOUNCED. I RULED OUT ANYTHING MECHANICAL BECAUSE WE EXPERIENCED THE SAME NOISE WHENEVER THE GUSTS INCREASED AND THE CAR WAS THROWN LEFT OR RIGHT. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO CUT RIGHT INTO THE GUSTS AND THE SOUND WAS SO INTENSE THAT WE THOUGHT IT RESEMBLED A BUZZSAW TRYING TO CUT ITS WAY INTO THE WINDSHIELD/POST AREA. WE MENTIONED THIS PHENOMENON TO OUR CAR DEALER (HARBOR NISSAN, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL). THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD US HE HAS HAD THIS COMPLAINT FROM OTHER NISSAN OWNERS AND THAT HE, TOO, THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIND REACTING AGAINST THE CONFIGURATION OF THE VEHICLE. OUR VEHICLE IS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE NOISE LASTS ONLY A SPLIT SECOND, SOMETIMES AS LONG AS A SECOND. BUT IT IS PERSISTENT IN HIGH GUSTS. WE LEASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2002 AND HAD NEVER BEFORE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED SUCH HIGH GUSTS UNTIL THE PERIOD I REPORT HERE. WE WERE ON AN EXTENDED TRIP AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED OUTBOUND AND INBOUND. I'M CONFIDENT THERE IS NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM. BUT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW OF SORTS. *LA
Exterior lighting, Nov 25, 2003
LEFT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY - DEFECT- LIGHT BULB CONTINUES TO BLOW OUT WHEN TURNED ON. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2003
WAS DRIVING 40-MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER HAD MANAGED TO GET VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. DEALERSHIP HAD REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR TWICE. DRIVER DON'T FEEL SAFE ANY MORE TO DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *PH
Tires, Nov 20, 2003, crash
MY RIGHT FRONT BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42 (P205/65R16) TIRE CAME OFF THE RIM AS A WHOLE WHILE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. MY CAR VIOLENTLY TURNED RIGHT AND BEGAN HEADING SOUTHBOUND AGAINST ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR THEN SMASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AT 70 MPH AND SPUN INTO THE LOCAL TRAFFIC LANES ON THE OTHERSIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2003
I PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IN NOVEMBER OF 2001. TWICE WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, I WAS STRANDED WHEN MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER TURNING IT OFF. BOTH TIMES THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE TOLD ME THAT SOME MINOR ADJUSTMENTS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE THIRD TIME MY VEHICLE FAILED WAS THIS WEEK, AND IT PUT MY BABY DAUGHTER AND I IN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. AS WE TRAVELED DOWN I-10 AT THE RATE OF 70 MPH MY CAR STALLED. I LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. COME TO FIND OUT, NISSAN KNOWS OF A FAULTY SENSOR THAT EXISTS IN SOME OF THEIR LATER MODEL VEHICLES, AND IS WAITING UNTIL DECEMBER TO LAUNCH A RECALL CAMPAIGN. I FIND THIS TO BE HIGHLY UNACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IN THE MEANTIME DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES ARE AT GREAT RISK. *LA
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2003
COLD MORNING, CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE REACHED 45 DEGREES. DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY CRANK ANGLE POSITION SENSOR AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START DURING "COLD WEATHER", FIRST TIME THEY'RE WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. HOPE THEY WE'RE CORRECT THIS TIME!*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S HAS STALLED AND LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LANES. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES (INCLUDING ONCE BEING STALLED ON RAILROAD TRACKS). MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CO-OPERATE WITH ME, TELLING ME ONE TIME THAT IT WAS THE "CAM SENSOR," ANOTHER I WAS TOLD "THE VEHICLE WAS FLOODED," AND THE LAST TIME I GOT NO ASSISTANCE (INCLUDING NO LOANER VEHICLE!). THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY MY ACTIONS (AS THOUGH I AM UNABLE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE CORRECTLY). I AM CONSIDERING TAKING LEGAL ACTION, AS THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR ME AND OTHERS AROUND ME. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE LATEST RECALL UNTIL RESEARCHING ONLINE FEW WEEKS AGO (3 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED), I NOW HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS SITUATION REMEDIED NEXT WEEK. I HOPE TO GET THE EXCESSIVE USE OF OIL SITUATION SOLVED AS WELL. I AM APPALLED AT THE LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT NISSAN AND THE AFFILIATED NISSAN DEALERSHIPS AFFORD THEIR CLIENTS THAT SHELL OUT UPWARDS OF $25,000 FOR ONE OF THEIR DEATH TRAPS! *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 4, 2003
CAR USING 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. *AK
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 28, 2003
WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED FUEL WOULD OVER FLOW. ALSO, FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT, CAUSING THE FRONT END TO WOBBLE. SOMETIMES IT WA SHARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2003
WHILE DRIVING INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD BLINK AND SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPLACED THE CLUSTER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2003
CONSUMER SAID VEHICLE WAS TAKING IN TOO MUCH OIL. EVERY 800 MILES VEHICLE NEEDED 8 OUNCES OF OIL. DEALERS WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 7, 2003
DEFECT ROTOR: I HAVE BEING DRIVING MY ALTIMA 02 FOR 2 YEARS. THREE WEEKS AGO (22 MONTH), AT LESS THAN 17000 MILES, I TOOK MY CAR FOR A BRAKE CHECK BECAUSE IT MADE A LOT OF NOISE. THE TECHNICIAN AT PERFORMANCE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT BOTH REAR ROTORS AND PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE FRONT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AND MACHINED. IT SURPRISED ME SINCE IT IS SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND MILEAGE. BY THE WAY, I PLACED A ORDER FOR REAR ROTORS FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TX. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE TO PLACE A NATIONAL ORDER TO FIND THE PART, AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A UNKNOWN PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE PART TO COME IN. SO EVERYDAY, I HAVE TO WALK TO WORK. RUSTY GAS INTAKE PIPE: THERE IS A HOLE AT THE INTAKE ABOVE THE LEFT REAR TIRE, SO MUD AND WATER CAME IN DURING SNOW WEATHER, THEN THE INTAKE MOUTH BECAME RUSTY.*JB
Steering, Sep 26, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S STEERING SYSTEM.*MR SIX DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED ON FIVE OCCASIONS TO REPAIR THE VIBRATIONS WHICH RETURNED DESPITE THE REPAIRS (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *NLM
Tires, Sep 23, 2003
THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *MR THE LEFT REAR AND RIGHT REAR TIRE DEVELOPED A DEFECT HIGH ON THE WALL. THERE WERE NO FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE A TOTAL LOSS OF PRESSURE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES. *PH *JB *SC