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, Feb 18, 2015
RUST PROBLEM UNDERNEATH DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE. FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTING OUT. NISSAN IS AWARE AND IS DOING NOTHING. I AM 61 YEARS OLD AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIX. I'M DRIVING EVERY DAY PRAYING NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO ME OR MY GRAND KIDS. NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT. I FOUND THIS OUT JUST BY ACCIDENT-WENT ON WEBSITE SEE IF MY CAR WAS ON THE LIST FOR RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS ISSUES. OVER 400 COMPLAINTS ON NISSAN WEBSITE UNDER COMPLAINTS. *TR
Engine, Feb 11, 2015, crash, fire
FIRST THERE WAS A RANDOM MISFIRE WHEN I FIRST STARTED IT THAT MORNING. EVENTUALLY GOT IT TO START, ALLOWED IT TO RUN FOR A FEW MINUTES, AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. ONCE I PUT IT IN DRIVE IN AND MOVED A FEW MILES THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. GOT IT BACK HOME, CHANGED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE NEAR THE SENSOR. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECREASED IN SPEED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Feb 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BODY WAS RUSTING UNDER THE SEATS. UPDATED 04/14/15
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 6, 2015
DID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPAIR FIXED CRANK POSITION SENSOR . I DRIVE TO THE STORE CAR SHUTS DOWN TO 5MPH I PULL OVER RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN IT WORKS FINE. *JS
Engine, Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,573.
Engine, Dec 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,027.
Structure, Dec 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ANTI FREEZE AND OIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, EIGHT MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE CODES WHICH CAUSED THE PISTONS TO FREEZE AND AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2014
HARD STARTING. *TR
Engine, Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME OIL RAPIDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Engine, Oct 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER SUSPECTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROBABLY ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2014
THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT BUT A MANUFACTURER FAULT. THE ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL TO THE TUNE OF 1 QT PER 200 MILES. *TR
Engine, Oct 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE RADIATOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS USING ONE QUART OF OIL PER TANK OF FUEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HE COULD SMELL SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2014
- FAULTY INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE CIRCUIT POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - FAULTY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (POS) SINCE THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE USES OIL FLOW TO CONTROL TIMING, DIRTY OIL CAN CAUSE THE VALVE TO STUCK OPEN OR CLOSE. BEFORE REPLACING THE VALVE, CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER AND RESET ENGINE CODE. WHEN THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN ANGLE OF TARGET AND PHASE-CONTROL ANGLE DEGREE, THE VALVE WILL STOP WORKING AND THE ECM WILL TRIGGER THE P0021 CODE. POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS - ENGINE LIGHT ON (OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT)- LACK/LOSS OF POWER- ENGINE ROUGH IDLE P0021 NISSAN DESCRIPTION THIS MECHANISM HYDRAULICALLY CONTROLS CAM PHASES CONTINUOUSLY WITH THE FIXED OPERATING ANGLE OF THE INTAKE VALVE. THE ECM RECEIVES SIGNALS SUCH AS CRANKSHAFT POSITION, CAMSHAFT POSITION, ENGINE SPEED, AND ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE. THEN, THE ECM SENDS ON/OFF PULSE DUTY SIGNALS TO THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE DEPENDING ON DRIVING STATUS. THIS MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE SHUT/OPEN TIMING OF THE INTAKE VALVE TO INCREASE ENGINE TORQUE IN LOW/MID SPEED RANGE AND OUTPUT IN HIGH-SPEED RANGE. THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE CHANGES THE OIL AMOUNT AND DIRECTION OF FLOW THROUGH INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL UNIT OR STOPS OIL FLOW. THE LONGER PULSE WIDTH ADVANCES VALVE ANGLE. THE SHORTER PULSE WIDTH RETARDS VALVE ANGLE. WHEN ON AND OFF PULSE WIDTHS BECOME EQUAL, THE SOLENOID VALVE STOPS OIL PRESSURE FLOW TO FIX THE INTAKE VALVE ANGLE AT THE CONTROL POSITION. *TR
Structure, Sep 18, 2014
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 I BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS 83000 MILES. LIKE OTHERS, MY FLOOR PANS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE RUSTED OUT. I FOUND THIS OUT ON 8/6/14. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT ALL THESE YRS. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY FROM THE HARSH WINTER AND SALT ON THE ROAD. IF THIS WAS TRUE ALL THE CAR'S IN NJ THIS YEAR SHOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A NISSAN REP. THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE, THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON IT, IT WAS TOO FAR OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I LIVE IN AN AREA THAT HAS A LOT OF SNOW AND SALT. I THINK NISSAN NEEDS TO READ THEIR COMPLAINTS ON THEIR WEB SITE AND STOP SAYING THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. MY ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THIS IS $2800. I AM ALSO SCARED TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN I STEP INTO THE CAR IT FEELS LIKE I AM GOING TO END UP ON THE GROUND. I WAS ALSO TOLD IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT IT COULD BE BAD BECAUSE NORMAL FLOOR PANS HELP PROTECT YOU. PLEASE HELP ALL NISSAN OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Sep 18, 2014
IF YOU GOOGLE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING FROM ABOUT 60K TO 100K ABOUT A DESIGN FLAW OF HAVING THE PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST VALVES. THE PRE-CAT WAS FOUND TO BE A PROBLEM OF BREAKING DOWN THE METALS INSIDE AND CAUSING THEM TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND RUINING THE PISTON RINGS AND ULTIMATELY BLOWING THE ENGINE. NISSAN HAD SAID MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL BUT LOW AND BEHOLD I EXPERIENCE THE SAME SYMPTOMS. 2 QUARTS A WEEK OIL CONSUMPTION, SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, NO HEAT UNTIL ABOUT 4K RPM. MANY CALLS AND COMPLAINTS WENT UPON DEAF EARS. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR THEM TO SEE THAT THEY MISSED SOME ON THIS RECALL. MANY WITH THIS ENGINE LIKE SENTRA'S WITH THE 2.5 ENGINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME HAVE REPLACED THE PRE-CAT JUST TO HAVE IT FAIL AGAIN AND RUIN THE ENGINE AFTER REPAIRS. *TR
Engine, Sep 9, 2014
THIS CAR ALMOST KILLED ME. WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED, THERE ARE NO POWER, NO STEERING, NO BRAKE, AND WILL NOT START AGAIN THIS TIME. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN EATING OIL AND COOLANT LIKE CRAZY. *TR
Tires, Sep 5, 2014
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP, TIRE LINE: SPORTS 7000, AND TIRE SIZE 215/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE SHIMMY AND SWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TIRES WAS FEATHERING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE TIRES HAD A BUMP IN THE TIRED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS 221,947. BT
Engine, Aug 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Structure, Aug 15, 2014
A SECTION OF THE FLOOR-PAN UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER FEET RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. BOTH HOLES LOOK IDENTICAL A RECTANGULAR HOLE JUST FORWARD OF THE SEATS BETWEEN THE FRAME RIDGE AND THE ROCKER PANEL ABOUT 16 INCHES LONG.AND 4 INCHES WIDE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2014
I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK, IT ACTED UP, AND HAD "ENGINE OVER TEMP" ACCORDING TO MACHINE THAT GIVES CODES WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS, AND SAID OTHER CODES ABOUT RANDOM MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE RECALL YOU ISSUED ON THIS 2002 VEHICLE. ALSO WHAT CAN SHE DO TO ENSURE HER SAFETY. THIS PERSON WAS SOLD THIS WITHOUT BEING TOLD. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE COMPANY COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND "FIXED" SAFETY ISSUES?THE RECALL INFORMATION SOUNDS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HAZE COVERING THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLEANED THE HEADLIGHTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2014
ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AFTER REPLACEMENT OF SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. CAR SHAKES AND STALLS. IDLES ROUGHLY AND WILL NOT "GO" UPON ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND AND RECENTLY VIEWED RECALLS ONLINE FOR FAULTY ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED. PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND ONLY GOTTEN WORSE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS. *TR
Structure, Jul 9, 2014
I BROUGHT MY CAR IN 2002 FROM NISSAN. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR NOW FOR 12 YEARS AND NISSAN IS THE ONLY PLACE I TAKE IT TO ALWAYS HAVE IT SERVICED. MY MILEAGE ON IT IS VERY LOW AS I DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING. I LOVE MY ALTIMA AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS WITH IT. ON JULY 8 2014, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICE WHILE WAITING FOR IT THE RECEPTIONIST CAME AND ASKED ME HAD I CONSIDERED BUYING ANOTHER VEHICLE, I SAID NO I'M NOT ABLE TO AND MY CAR I DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL WITH IT. SHE SAID FOLLOW ME I NEED TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING. LORD AND BEHOLD MY CAR WAS UP ON THE LIFT AND WHAT DID THEY SHOW ME BUT THESE TWO HEAVILY ROTTED AREAS ON MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. ALL I COULD SAY WHEN I SEEN IT WAS THAT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD FOR NOT ONLY ME BUT ALSO A PASSENGER THAT SITS IN MY FRONT SEAT. YET NISSAN DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY FAULT FOR THIS AND THE MANY OTHER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT THIS IS AND HAS HAPPEN TO WITH THESE VEHICLES. I LIVE ON A LIMITED INCOME AND FEEL THEY SHOULD BE THE ONE TO REPAIR THE ROTTED FLOORINGS ON THE MANY VEHICLES THAT HAVE ROTTED FLOORING. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SEND A REPORT ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HEAVILY ROTTED FLOOR THAT THEY HAD NEVER INFORMED ME OF UNTIL IT IS NOW HEAVILY ROTTED AND MY FOOT OR A PASSENGER FOOT CAN NOW END UP AT ANY GIVEN TIME GOING RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR WHEN I AM SURE THAT THEY KNEW MUCH EARLIER THAT MY FLOOR WAS RUSTING OUT AND THEY JUST WAITED TILL NOW WHEN IT IS HEAVILY ROTTED. FEELING DISGUSTED AND VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN. *TR