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, Engine, Jun 30, 2014
PROBLEMS: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT, NO START CONDITION, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, STOPPED RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN STARTED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15000 RPM - WOULD NOT BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT RESTARTING IT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC FOR HIM TO CHECK WHY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON. CODE HE RECEIVED DID NOT GIVE HIM ANY INFORMATION SO HE TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR. ON JUNE 26, 2014 THE ENGINE STALLED AS I PULLED UP TO A STOP LIGHT. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING ON MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS IT BEGAN RUNNING AGAIN. NO SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR FAILED TO START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT STARTED AND THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN. A RECALL NOTICE FOR ALL OF THESE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ISSUED IN DECEMBER OF 2003.FOR 2002 ALTIMAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 2001 AND JUNE 2002. MY ALTIMA WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER 2001 AND I PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER 2001. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN WHEN I CALLED ON JUNE 27,2014 THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL EVEN THOUGH ALL OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECALL WERE DOCUMENTED ON MY CAR. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2009 AT WHICH TIME THE LOCAL DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM (R0712). NOT SURE THAT WORKED BECAUSE IN JULY 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP WHICH REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE ALSO SINCE ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING). I PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE SAME THING OTHERS ARE GETTING REPAIRED BY NISSAN FOR FREE. RECALL NO. R3022 AND 03V-455 DESCRIBE THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, AND WAS MAKING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE WORST. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT FAILURE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING)THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 85,655 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,100.
Structure, Jun 13, 2014
PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. I BOUGHT MY CAR 2 1/2 YEARS AGO (PURCHASED IN 2012) FROM A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY PUT A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY CAR WHICH IT SHOULD OF NEVER GOT ONE. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE SALE BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY HOLES BECAUSE THEY POPPED RIVETED A PLATE TO COVER THE DAMAGE AND PAINTED IT SO IT LOOKED LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG. I JUST RECENTLY BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND THE PLATE FELL OFF AND YOU CAN SEE MY CARPET FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. GRANTED MY CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD BUT THE RUST IS SO BAD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A 30 YEAR OLD CAR. *JS
Engine, May 28, 2014
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BELOW THRESHOLD LIGHT CAME ON THEN AFTERWARDS IT GOT SUCKED UP INTO ENGINE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL RIDICULOUSLY FAST CAUSING ME TO BUY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN OIL AND OIL CHANGES. NOW THE ENGINE DOESN'T RUN RIGHT IT SEEMS AND NEEDS TO REPLACED AMONG WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
Structure, May 25, 2014
PURCHASED CAR USED FROM NISSAN DEALER IN 2005 WITH 33,936 MILES ON IT. ALTHOUGH I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND AM EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT, I VERY SELDOM DRIVE MY CAR IN THE WINTER, IF AT ALL. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS I'VE NOTICED "ORANGE" SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR WHERE I PARK. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUID LEAK, HOWEVER, WHEN MY HUSBAND WENT TO CHANGE THE OIL WE NOTICED A HOLE, 3-4" IN DIAMETER, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD, WHERE THE OPENER FOR THE FUEL COMPARTMENT IS LOCATED. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, WE OBSERVED A RUSTED AREA APPROXIMATELY 2FT X 1FT WAITING TO BREAK THROUGH. NOW, IF THIS IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. I CURRENTLY HAVE A RAG STUCK IN THE HOLE TO AVOID ANY ROAD DEBRIS FROM HITTING ME AND FUMES FROM ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 MODEL YEAR, BUT MINE IS A 2002. THIS MAY INDICATE NISSAN HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO SELL THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT FOR A MUCH LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES OVER MY LIFETIME, WHICH I KEEP AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED A SITUATION LIKE THIS. IT'S BEEN MY UNDERSTANDING THAT AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS HAD REMEDIED THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO ! PLEASE, SOMEONE, MAKE NISSAN ACCOUNTABLE ! *TR
Power train, Engine, May 14, 2014
NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 AUTO TRANSMISSION. NEARLY KILLED ME. CAR SUDDENLY WENT TO 20 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH 18-WHEEL 30 TON VEHICLE BEHIND ME. BURNS OIL LIKE CRAZY. PUT IN BETTER SYNTHETIC OIL, BURNS FASTER. HAD THE CAR DIE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH RIGHT IN FRONT OF AN 18-WHEELER. COULD HAVE DIED. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY THE NISSAN CORPORATION. KNOW ANY GOOD LAWYERS? THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS, NISSAN SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THIS ENGINE. REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, O2 SENSOR, PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SPARK PLUGS, SOME OTHER RELATED STUFF. BURNS OIL EVEN FASTER THAN BEFORE. COMPLETELY RAN OUT OF OIL IN 300 MILES. I AM TRYING 10-40 OIL TO SEE IF THE OIL BURNING PROBLEM WILL SLOW DOWN. CAR ONLY HAS 125000 MILES ON IT. COMPLETE POS. NEVER BUY A NISSAN, I NEVER WILL AGAIN. THIS WAS MY FIRST, ONLY 125K ON IT. I AM USED TO SELLING PERFECTLY GOOD FORD AND VWS AT 250K MILES. ON THE INTERNET MOST PEOPLE FAIL THE PRE-CAT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BY 95000 MILES, THEN OVERHEAT AND BLOW THE ENTIRE ENGINE. CARS STOPPING SUDDENLY AT 75 MILES AN HOUR ARE GOING TO KILL PEOPLE. SINCE NISSAN IS WELL AWARE, THIS IS PRE-MEDITATED MURDER. OTHER SYMPTOMS: NO POWER, NO ACCELERATION, NO RESPONSE BY NISSAN DEALER. NISSAN "SERVICE" IS A JOKE. NEVER TAKE A CAR TO NISSAN FOR REPAIRS. UNRELATED SIGN OF REALLY REALLY BAD ENGINEERING: PAINT IS FALLING OFF CAR. NEVER HAD THAT HAPPEN TO A CAR BEFORE, I HAVE A 14 YEAR OLD FORD WITH 240K AND THE ORIGINAL PAINT JOB, EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT GARAGED. *TR
Structure, May 12, 2014
THE VEHICLES FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER ARE RUSTING AND THERE IS A WHOLE THAT YOU CAN SEE THE GROUND. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES IN THE SAME YEAR AS MINE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. NISSAN CAN BLAME IT ON SALT ALL THEY WANT, BUT HOW IS IT THAT OTHER VEHICLES DON'T HAVE THIS ISSUE? I THINK IT'S AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR ITSELF, IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR
Engine, Apr 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, SHE HEARD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SPARK PLUGS, BOOTS, AND COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,757.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 1, 2014
DRIVING VEHICLE AT A LOW SPEED AND VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
Structure, Mar 21, 2014
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR 100,000 BASIC TUNE-UP ESTIMATE. I HAVE HAD NO SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR, NOR WITH THE BODY OR RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE. I POINTED OUT TO THE MECHANIC A PIECE OF METAL WAS HANGING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY PASSENGER SIDE AND ASKED HIM IF IT WAS FROM MY EXHAUST. HE CHECKED FURTHER AND INDICATED WITH SHOCK AND SURPRISE THAT "NO, IT WAS FROM MY UNDERCARRIAGE", "THE HOLE APPEARING BEFORE ME CONTAINED MY INTERIOR CARPET". I SCREAMED IN HORROR! LITERALLY, I DID YELL OUT OF FRUSTRATION AND FEAR AS I HAVE SMALL DOGS AND WHEN I TRAVEL, I HAVE ONE THAT DOES GET ON THE FLOOR AND SNIFF AROUND. HE COULD HAVE EASILY FALLEN THROUGH IF THE CARPET WAS NOT SECURE! I WAS IN SHOCK AND ACTUALLY STILL AM AND DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO WITH MY CAR. I AM SAD BECAUSE IT WAS A GOOD CAR. I WANTED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL 200,000 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE STILL HAS THE ABILITY TO GET UP AND GO! SINCE MONDAY I'VE FREQUENTED MANY WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MANY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS AND FIND IT VERY SAD THAT THE MOTOR AND BODY OF A CAR OUTSTAND THE ACTUAL FRAMEWORK. THIS MAKES ME FEEL REALLY SAFE ON THE ROAD TODAY. WHAT ARE WE PUTTING ON OUR ROADS IN THE WINTER, ACID? I KEEP MY CAR CLEAN TOO. I'M NOT A PERSON WITH A LOT OF MONEY SO I AM IN LIMBO RIGHT NOW. I'M HOPING YOU CAN HELP? THANK YOU. *TR
Engine, Feb 20, 2014
I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW IN 2002 AND THERE WAS A SERIES OF RECALLS FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT KEEPING A CLEAN IDLE AFTER ABOUT 69,000 MILES IN 2010 SO I HAD TO HAVE IT COMPUTER TESTED DUE TO MAINTAIN LIGHTS ETC. I GOT P0420 CODE FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE STAR NISSAN DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THERE WAS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAT OR PRE CAT WHICH WAS A LIE! SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE BEEN LOSING ABOUT 2 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN THE ENGINE QUIT ON ME AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS A EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO ANSWER AND THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE!!! NISSAN JUST TOLD ME OH WELL!~ IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS I HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER CONSUMERS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. *TR
Structure, Dec 8, 2013
FRONT FLOORBOARDS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE ENTIRELY RUSTED AWAY. AREA ADJACENT TO THE OUTER SILL ABOUT 14 INCHES IN LENGTH AND 9 INCHES IN WIDTH HAS NO STRUCTURE REMAINING. AFFECTED AREA APPEARS TO HAVE CONSISTED OF TWO THIN SHEETS OF MILD STEEL. *TR
Engine, Nov 30, 2013
MY CAR KEEPS CONSUMING OIL 2QTS EVERY COUPLE HUNDRED MILES. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND THE VEHICLE I HAVE. NOT ONLY THIS BUT ALSO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED!!! PLEASE HELP!! *TR
Structure, Nov 23, 2013
WHILE INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I NOTICED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ROT UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING FURTHER AND LIFTING THE CARPET FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS IT HAS ROTTED THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I'VE FOUND THIS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE OVER THE YEARS AND WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK. *TR
Structure, Nov 20, 2013
WHILE MY MECHANIC WAS REATTACHING THE BUMPER GUARD THAT HAD COME LOOSE, HE NOTICED THE RUST ON THE FLOOR PANS UNDER BOTH FRONT SEATS. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO FLAKE OFF LARGE PIECES OF RUST. HE PULLED BACK THE CARPET AND IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. HE SAID HE HADN'T SEEN THIS KIND OF RUST ON VEHICLES THAT ARE DOUBLE THE AGE OF MINE. THE REMAINDER OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUST FREE. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND THE MANAGER SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SALT/CHEMICALS USED ON THE ROADS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY (APPARENTLY HE WAS NOT INCLUDING NEBRASKA). THE MANAGER STATED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN IN AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY THAT USES CORROSIVE MATERIALS ON THE ROADS. THE FUNNY THING IS THAT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE SAME MAN SAID HE KNEW THE PREVIOUS OWNERS AND THEY TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE VEHICLE, ALWAYS SPOTLESS AND IN FOR EVERY MAINTENANCE CHECK!! WHICH TIME WAS HE LYING!!! COME TO FIND OUT, THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A NISSAN DEALER HERE IN OMAHA, AND STAYED IN OMAHA THE ENTIRE TIME. THE NISSAN DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX IT, AND THEY GAVE ME A BUSINESS CARD FOR A BODY SHOP!!! IT WOULD COST ABOUT $300, HE TOLD ME, BUT I HAVE FOUND IT WOULD BE CLOSER TO $2000. AT THAT TIME, I HADN'T EVEN HAD THE CAR A YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO KNOW ABOUT THE RUST WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO ME, WHICH MAKES ME VERY ANGRY!! THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE! I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I'LL FALL THROUGH THE FLOOR, AND OF COURSE, I WILL BE KILLED, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!! ALSO, EXHAUST FUMES COULD BE GETTING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE MY CAR BECOMES A "FLINTSTONE" CAR AND/OR I AM KILLED. NISSAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!! *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 19, 2013
MY CAR WON'T ACCELERATE BEYOND 20 MPH, THEN ENGINE WOULD STALL WHILE IN DRIVE GEAR. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO TURNED OFF THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT WHICH ALLOWED ME TO ACCELERATE TO NORMAL SPEED. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE KEEPS STALLING WHILE I'M DRIVING. I NEARLY HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AND EXITING THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY I CAN NOTICE THE ENGINE FAILING BEFORE IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN SO I HIT MY HAZARD LIGHTS EACH TIME TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND NOTIFY MOTORISTS BEHIND ME SOMETHING IS WRONG. SEVERAL TIMES CAR HAD TO SWERVED SUDDENLY AROUND ME TO AVOID REAR ENDING MY CAR. THEN YESTERDAY WHEN MY ENGINE STALLED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT MY ENGINE STALLED AGAIN AND THE STEERING WHEELS LOCKED WHICH ALMOST CAUSED MY CAR TO ROLL STRAIGHT INTO A BRICK WALL. I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN OFF THE ENGINE PUT MY GEAR TO PARK THEN TURN BACK ON THE ENGINE TO GET POWER TO STEER AWAY FROM THE BRICK WALL JUST IN TIME. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO MY MECHANIC TODAY WHO RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THE CAR'S CRANKSHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT NEED TO BE REPLACED. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ ABOUT THE RECALL FOR SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACT THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER THEY SAY MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE IF SO MANY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT ONLY A SELECTED VEHICLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND FINE NISSAN FOR THIS FAULTY PARTS ENDANGERING PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE DRIVERS. *TR
Engine, Nov 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Structure, Oct 18, 2013
DURING A SAFETY INSPECTION I WAS RECENTLY SHOWN TWO LARGE HOLES IN THE FLOOR PAN OF THE CAR THAT HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN RUSTING FOR QUITE A LONG TIME. I WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE OF THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE AND THEIR LOCATIONS UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET HAS PROVEN THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL THE ALTIMAS OF THIS ERA. THE INSPECTION SHOP ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN IT MANY TIMES BEFORE ON ALTIMAS. NISSAN IS NOT RECEPTIVE TO ANY COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND IT'S CLEARLY A GENERIC PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. SINCE THIS PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY STARTED A LONG TIME AGO WITH NO ONE NOTICING IT I HAVE MADE AN ESTIMATE AS TO THE DATE AND MILEAGE WHEN IT MAY HAVE FIRST BEEN NOTICEABLE. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 72000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine, Oct 16, 2013
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAS AROUND 70K MILES ON IT AND SO FAR HAD BEEN RUNNING VERY WELL UNTIL VERY RECENTLY, WHEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON LAST WEEKEND. WITHIN A DAY OR TWO, THE CAR STARTED RUNNING A LITTLE ROUGH. A FEW DAYS AGO THE CAR SHOWED LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD. WHEN I CHECKED FOR THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL, THERE WAS BARELY ANY OIL LEFT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT 5 QTS OF MOBILE FULL SYNTHETIC OIL AND TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN DENVILLE, NJ. THERE I GOT A SHOCKER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR OF MY CAR GOT SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND FURTHERMORE SOME OF THAT MATERIAL WAS BRACING AGAINST THE CYLINDER WALLS. IT WAS THE REASON WHY MY CAR WAS RUNNING ROUGH SOMETIMES AND BURNING OIL. I WAS FURTHER TOLD THAT THE ONLY FIX TO THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE BOTH THE ENGINE AS WELL AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. JOB COST WAS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND $6000 TO $6500. THE DEALERSHIP FURTHERMORE WARNED ME ABOUT THE FIRE HAZARD OR ENGINE SEIZURE DUE TO OVERHEATING. WITH SOME INVESTIGATION I FOUND A NHSTA RECALL ON MY GENERATION OF ALTIMAS-NHTSA CAMPAIGN# 03V084000. IN ORDER TO SEEK FURTHER HELP IN THIS REGARDS, I OPENED UP A CASE WITH NISSAN MOTORS USA- CASE # 12257145. I GOT A CALLBACK FROM THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ON THURSDAY- 10/10/2013 WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL WHICH HAD BEEN ISSUED BY NISSAN EARLIER. I ASKED HER ABOUT THE NHSTA CAMPAIGN FOR MY CAR, FOR WHICH SHE ASKED ME TO HOLD ON TO THE CAR FOR A FEW MORE DAYS, BEFORE THEY COULD RESOLVE THE ISSUE. ON, 10/14/2013 I GOT A CALL FROM THE SAME REPRESENTATIVE AND THIS TIME I WAS GIVEN A DIFFERENT ANSWER STATING THAT ALTHOUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR HAS A WARRANTY OF 80,000 MILES BUT IT IS FOR ONLY 8 YRS. I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE WARRANTY, BECAUSE ALTHOUGH I DROVE VERY LESS, BUT STILL MY CAR IS 10+YRS OLD. SHE FURTHER TOLD ME THAT NISSAN WILL NOT BARE ANY EXPENSE ON MY CAR. *TR
Engine, Oct 13, 2013
SPARK PLUG BENTING. *TR
Structure, Oct 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS CORRODED NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,026.
Structure, Oct 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FLOORBOARDS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2013, crash
I WAS AT A LIGHT PROCEEDING TO GO AND A VEHICLE DID NOT YIELD TO TURN AND SHE SLAMMED RIGHT INTO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AT 50 MPH, MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MY HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD .IM GLAD I HAD MY SEATBELT .THE WINDSHIELD OF THE VEHICLE WAS BROKEN BY MY HEAD. *TR
Structure, Sep 11, 2013
ON ABOVE DATE FOUNT THAT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RUST ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS. THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO CAR BEING GARAGE-KEPT AT HOME. RUST IS COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A FEW SMALL AREAS. COST TO REPAIR AT ONE BODY SHOP IS $2303.00. ESTIMATOR AT SHOP STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A CAR THAT IS THIS OLD AND WITH THE MILEAGE IT HAS. HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALTIMAS FROM 2002 TO AT LEAST 2006 MODEL YEARS. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. NISSAN DEALER HAS BEEN USED FOR MULTIPLE REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES AND NEVER INDICATED THE RUST PROBLEM WHICH IS VISIBLE UNDER THE CAR (THEY DO A SAFETY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AS PART OF THEIR NORMAL SERVICE PROCEDURE WHEN THEY HAVE POINTED OUT OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS). I TAKE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN CHANTILLY, VA. *TR
Traction control system, Aug 26, 2013
MY AUTOMOBILE TCS OFF SLIP LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST ACCELERATION. ONCE CAR SHUTOFF THE VEHICLE HESITATES FOR A LENGTH OF TIME BEFORE IT WILL START. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR 3 DAYS IN A ROW. I AM SO AFRAID THIS CAR IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR