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.
Engine, Aug 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE FINALLY STARTED BUT IDLED ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Engine, Aug 20, 2013
THE VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT GOES BAD VERY QUICKLY WHICH RESULTS INTO JUNK BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE GETS BLOWN OR BURNS OIL AT AN ALARMING RATE. EVERYONE WITH THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS THIS PROBLEM AND NISSAN REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND MAKE A RECALL. NISSAN SIMPLY CHARGES US THOUSANDS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES WHICH OF COURSES DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 13, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND A FIRE EMERGED FROM THE HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/12/13*CN
Structure, Aug 7, 2013
JUST PURCHASED THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER IN IL. CAR OVERALL SEEMED TO BE IN GOOD OVERALL CONDITION FOR IT'S AGE NO VISIBLE RUST OR ISSUES NOTED DURING TEST DRIVE OR MY BASIC OVERSIGHT OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING CHECKING FLUIDS, HOSES BELTS TIRES ETC... I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AS IT WAS IN NEED OF SOME ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FLOORBOARDS ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WERE COMPLETED ROTTED OUT IN SOME SPOTS THE CARPET IS THE ONLY THING COVERING THE HOLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION I WAS TOLD BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO FUMES IN THE VEHICLE OR POSSIBLY THE WHOLE PAN FALLING OUT, WORSE CASE WEAKENING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED I TAKE THE CAR BACK BUT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND "AS IS" I DID NOT THINK I HAD A RECOURSE. I CALLED THE DEALER ANYWAY WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM ABOUT THE ISSUE AND ASKED WHY THIS ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME HE SAID TOO BAD YOU SIGNED THE PAPERS IT'S A DONE DEAL SUE US IF YOU WANT YOUR MONEY BACK AND SAID HE HAD TO "GO". I AM NOW STUCK WITH THIS CAR AND TRYING TO GET IT FIXED.MY MECHANIC TELLS ME HE CANNOT GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT UNTIL HE TAKES THE SEATS, CARPET AND CENTER CONSOLE OUT TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED, TIME AND MATERIAL. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS REPAIR WILL COST BUT HE TOLD ME IT WILL TAKE 3 HOURS OF LABOR JUST TO GET TO THE FLOOR TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT NISSAN HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED FOR 2002-2006. THIS IS MY FIRST NISSAN MY NEXT NEW CAR WAS TO BE A NISSAN AS WELL, I DON'T THINK SO ANY LONGER. HELP! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 27, 2013, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE I 95 HIGHWAY BY PEMBROKE RD THERE WAS A BIG METAL STUFF ON THE LANE I WAS I COULDN'T GO NOWHERE BECAUSE THE HIGHWAY WAS BUSY DIDN'T WANT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THEREFORE I DROVE INTO THAT METAL STUFF AND HIT UNDER MY CAR NOW MY CAR DON'T START I DON'T HAVE NOW WAY TO GO TO WORK AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I CALLED TOWING TO TOWNING MY CAR I DID NOT KNOW I SHOULD POLICE ON THE FIRST PLACE THAT'S REAL SUCK THEY SHOULD HAVE PEOPLE TO CLEAN THE HIGHWAY I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE THING AND I TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Structure, Jul 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD AREA ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Structure, Jul 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO HOLES IN THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 09/06/13*LJ
Structure, Jul 1, 2013
WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING PURCHASED IT IN 2008. ONE OF THE REASONS WE PURCHASED THE CAR WAS ITS REPUTATION FOR RELIABILITY AND FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS IT HAS LIVED UP TO ITS REPUTATION. RECENTLY, I NOTICED SOMETHING "HANGING FROM UNDERNEATH" THE CAR AND UPON EXAMINATION (AND TO MY UTTER AMAZEMENT) FOUND THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH! WHAT I REALLY FIND INCREDULOUS IS THAT, AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS APPARENTLY AS PREDICTABLE AS THE SUN-RISE!! ADDITIONALLY, ALTHOUGH THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE CARS HAVE COMPLAINED TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, NISSAN CONTINUES TO DISAVOW ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM NOR ANY CULPABILITY. I FIND IT DISCONCERTING THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANY VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WOULD SHOW THIS EXTENT OF RUSTING. THOUGH NOT A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, I WOULD HAVE TO DEDUCE THAT THIS DEFECT WOULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES SEEING HOW BOTH THE FRONT SEATS AND SEAT BELTS ARE SECURED TO THE CAR IN THIS AREA. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS CAR AT THIS POINT. SHOULD I SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON? HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS ARE BEING DRIVEN BY AN OWNER WITH NO KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY ARE ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED INTO OBLIVION IF EVER IN ANY TYPE OF A CRASH. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY NISSAN AND THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 28, 2013
ON 6/27/2013 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH PER HOUR. THE CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY AND I LOSS ALL POWER TO THE CAR. I WAS STUCK AND THE CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME FROM BEHIND. I PUT THE HAZARDS ON AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. I SAT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. IN PREVIOUS YEARS I HAD TO START THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BUT IT NEVER SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION UNTIL TODAY,6/27/2013 AND THE SERVICE SOON ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO THE TCS, SLIP. I AM NOW SEEING THAT THERE IS A RECALL. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A HAZARD AND THERE IS A RECALL. THANK YOU. I WILL ALSO CALL NISSAN AGAIN AND REPORT THIS PROBLEM, AND I HOPE THAT THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED ALSO OTHERS AND THERE IS A PRODUCT RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT, TIMING CONTROL SENSORS, ETC...WHY WAS A PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE NOT MAILED TO ME ABOUT THIS SERIOUS DEFECT/ PROBLEM? *TR
Structure, Jun 27, 2013
DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE FLOOR BOARD, DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE, THE FLOORS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THERE WAS 2 DRAIN HOLES ON BOTH FLOOR BOARDS WHICH WELCOMED SAND/SALT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2005 FROM NISSAN OF MIDDLETOWN NY. THEY DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THE TIME. AT SOME POINT A TAR TAPE OVERLAY WAS PLACED OVER THE HOLES TO DISGUISE THE HOLE FROM THE INSIDE. THIS SEEMS DECEIVING TO ME AND NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE. I FEAR THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. THESE HOLES COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND STILL BELIEVE THIS TO BE A ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT BE EXISTENT ON MANY 3RD GENERATION ALTIMAS IN THIS DAY AND AGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *TR
Engine, May 18, 2013
MY CAR IS USING 2 TO 3 QUARTS OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 200 TO 300 MILES. I'VE BEEN PUTTING THE BEST OIL IN IT ALONG WITH GETTING THE OIL CHANGED REGULARLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 7, 2013
THE NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 HAS MUFFLER RECALLS PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED WITH THE SMOKE ,ALL ALTIMAS HAS MISSFIRE PROBLEMS CAN GET KILLED WHILE DRIVING ,ELECTRICAL RECALLS PLEASE DO SOMETHING OR ARE THEY PAYING YOU SO YOU DON'T DO NOTHING ?????????? *TR
Structure, Apr 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FLOORBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR
Steering, Mar 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE A SECOND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2013
THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO MY CAR IS LOOSING COOLANT AND DON'T KNOW WHERE THE COOLING IS GOING, TOOK IT TO NISSAN THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE EITHER. ALSO I SOMETIME SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR START UP AFTER A LONG STALL CRANK. *TR
Engine, Feb 13, 2013
AFTER ONE OF MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LIGHT FLICKERED. CHECKED THE DIP AND NOTICED I WAS EXTREMELY LOW IN OIL. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT 400MILES SINCE THE LAST OIL CHANGE. A QUART EVERY 100 MILES. NO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, NO LEAK WHEN PARKED SO I BRING IT TO A MECHANIC. NOTIFIED ME THAT ITS POSSIBLY MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WILL COST $2K SINCE THIS MODEL HAS 2 OR IT COULD BE THE ENGINE RUNNING A TOTAL OF $3K TO $6K FOR THE ENGINE AND INSTALL PLUS THE $2K FOR THE CONVERTERS MAKING THE GRAND TOTAL OF $5K TO $8K. DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT IS LOOKING LIKE THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THE CONVERTERS AND ULTIMATELY THE DEMISE TO THE ENGINE. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE HELPFUL. COLLEGE AND BROKE. *TR
Engine, Feb 4, 2013
CAR WAS PURCHASED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO, USED. IT DROVE WELL AND ANY MAINTENANCE SHOWED THE CAR IN GREAT SHAPE UNTIL RECENTLY. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO FIND THAT THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY LOW ON OIL, WHICH HAD NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE AND OIL CHANGES DONE ON SCHEDULE. THE CAR NOW GOES THROUGH ABOUT ONE QUART OF OIL PER TWO WEEKS. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED WHILE DRIVING TO INDICATE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE OR THE LOW OIL. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2013
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING. DIAGNOSIS: THE CAM POSITION SENSORS WERE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT (REPLACED 2 SENSORS). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AFTER REPLACING THE SENSOR WITH PARTS OBTAINED FROM THE DEALER. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE WHICH WAS NEVER FULFILLED, HOWEVER, NISSAN CLAIMS IT DOES NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Jan 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A STRANGE NOISE AS SMOKE BEGAN TO BELLOW FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT BITS AND PIECES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE BECOMING CAUGHT IN THE ENGINE. HE WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,316.
Engine, Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE MOVED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 18, 2012
THE CAR HAS AN UNUSUAL OIL CONSUMPTION RELATED TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS SEEMS LIKE. IT IS TOO MANY OWNERS OF THIS CAR HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND BASE ON THEIR INFORMATION THERE IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY FROM NISSAN. THIS ISSUE MUST BE INVESTIGATED BY THE AUTHORITIES AND ENFORCE THE QUALITY MATERIAL FROM NISSAN FOR THESE CAR PARTS (CATALYTIC AND ENGINE). THIS COULD BE A HAZARD ISSUE FOR POSSIBLE FIRE OR UNDESIRED GASES ON LUNGS AND/OR ENVIRONMENT. NISSAN MUST ACCEPT THEIR WRONG DOING AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR QUALITY MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY SELL BY THEM IN OUR COUNTRY. WE MUST BE PROTECT FROM THIS CHEAP COMPANIES PRODUCTS WITHOUT ANY WORK ETHICAL. IF YOU CHECK WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM YOU CAN FIND OVER 200 COMPLAINTS ABOUT NISSAN ABUSING PEOPLE FOR THE SAME MATTER. YOU ALSO CAN SEE HOW IN CANADA THERE IS AN ORGANIZATION WHO PROTECTED THE CONSUMER AND WAS ABLE TO GET A FULLY REFUND OF THE CUSTOMER MONEY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND LET JUSTICE REINS. *TR