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, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE SAME PROCEDURE JUST A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL WAS NEVER EXCHANGED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WERE ALSO NO RECALLS COVERING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MIELAGES WERE 66,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2012
MY CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL A MONTH AT LEAST, WERE IS IT GOING ITS TO MUCH TO BE EVAP FROM LOOSE RINGS AND MY GASKETS ARE GOOD AND I CANT JUST KEEP CHANGING CATALYTIC CONVERTER 1 A MONTH ALSO MY CLUTCH DOESN'T SEEM TO HOLD PRESSURE IT STAYS PRETTY SLOPPY AND SOMETIMES STARTS GRABBING REAL LOW. *TR
Structure, Seats, Jun 20, 2012
HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES WITH FLOOR PANS, FLOOR BOARDS HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE SEAT TRACK MOUNTING POINTS ARE LOOSE. YEARS TO INCLUDE 2001 TO 2004 THIS IS VERY CONCERNING CONSIDERING SOME OF THESE CARS HAVE LESS THEN 100000 MILES ON THEM. *JS
Structure, May 18, 2012
I HAD MY OIL CHANGED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME BOTH FRONT SIDE FLOOR PANELS ARE RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WHO DRIVE NISSAN ALTIMA'S HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I SPOKE WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO HELP COVER THE COST TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED. AFTER READING NUMEROUS BOARDS OF INFORMATION I WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT THE NHTSA. I FEEL THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON THE CAR AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THERE ARE TOO MANY CASES OF RUSTED OUT FLOOR BOARDS AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HELP ME WORK WITH NISSAN IN COVERING THE COSTS OF THE REPAIRS WHICH CAN BE EXPENSIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME. *TR
Structure, May 18, 2012
PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD RUSTED OUT, PRODUCING A BASKETBALL SIZED HOLE. THE EDGES OF THE HOLE ARE APPEAR THIN AND CONTINUE TO RUST. DEALER SENT PICTURES FOLLOWING AN INSPECTION TO NISSAN, BUT NISSAN REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. CLAIMS OUT OF WARRANTY (5 YR, 100KMILES). INCIDENTALLY, WE ALSO OWN A 2003 PATHFINDER WHICH HAD A RUST RECALL FOR FRONT WHEEL STRUTS WHICH TOOK A WEEK TO FIX, AND WE NOW HAVE BOTH BACK QUARTER PANELS RUSTING THROUGH, AND NISSAN ALSO REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR. *TR
Engine, May 16, 2012
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 3/23/12. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 3/26/12. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING SOUND ON 4/20/12 AND A MECHANIC RECOMMENDED AN OIL CHANGE BECAUSE THE OIL WAS BLACK AND LOW. HE DID THE OIL CHANGE. THE NOISE WENT AWAY AFTER THE OIL CHANGE. THEN ON 5/6/12 THE RATTLING NOISE CAME BACK. I CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS EXTREMELY LOW. I ADDED 3 QUARTS. THEN ON 5/16/12, I CHECKED OIL AGAIN AND HAD TO ADD 1 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL. THERE ARE NO LEAKS UNDER THE CAR OR INSIDE THE HOOD. THE CAR IS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR ABOUT 100 MILES PER WEEK AND SOMETIMES LESS. . AND THE "CHECK OIL" LIGHT NEVER COMES ON TO INDICATE THAT IT IS LOW. I NOW HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL EVERY OTHER DAY BECAUSE I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL USE IT ALL. I HAVE TO KEEP QUARTS OF OIL IN THE TRUNK, IN CASE IT RUNS LOW AGAIN. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
Air bags, May 2, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA.WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. DURING THE CRASH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL RAPIDLY AND EVERY TWO WEEKS, HE WOULD HAVE TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE DEALER DIDN'T KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM AT A COST OF $2000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT A GUARANTEED FIX.
Structure, Apr 22, 2012
RUSTED OUT FLOOR PAN ON BOTTOM OF CAR UNDERNEATH DRIVERS FEET AREA AND FRONT PASSENGER FEET AREA. TWO SEPARATE LARGE HOLES IN FLOOR. . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO RE-START RIGHT AWAY LEAVING DRIVER IN EMINENT DANGER OF BEEN REAR ENDED BY ON COMING TRAFFIC. NO CODES OR LIGHTS TURN ON DASHBOARD SIGNALING A MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE COOL OFF FOR ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MINUTES IT RE-STARTS AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE FAILURE BECAUSE NO LIGHTS ARE COMING UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND WHEN HOOKED TO A SCANNER NO FAILURE CODES WERE PRODUCED. MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS "REPAIRED" UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000( COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ) . THIS RECALL CALLS FOR CAM, CRANK AND VARIABLE TIMING SENSORS TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER ONLY THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43000 WHEN VEHICLE WAS FIRST TAKEN IN FOR RECALL BUT IT IS CURRENTLY FAILING AGAIN AT 160,000 MILES WITH ABOVE SYMPTOMS AND MANUFACTURER WON'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. THEY HAVE ADVICE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AGAIN AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP REPLACING PARTS UNTIL PROBLEM IS "FOUND". DUE TO LACK OF CODES THEIR TECHNICIANS WILL HAVE TO "GUESS" WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ALL THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE OF DIAGNOSIS, PARTS AND LABOR. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011 A DEALER PERFORMED A RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FROM MANUFACTURER CONCERNING VEHICLES STALLING. THIS RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER DID NOT FIX ANYTHING AND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK VEHICLE OUT OF THE DEALER IT STARTED STALLING AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AT HIGH SPEEDS (65MP), THERE ARE NO CODES GIVEN OUT AND MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO ASSISTANCE. AFRAID I AM GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED AS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR
Structure, Apr 9, 2012
WHILE CHANGING THE SERPENTINE BELT ON MY ALTIMA, I NOTICED AN EIGHT INCH CHUNK OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORPAN RUSTING AWAY STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE CARPETING. I ALSO SAW THE FLOORPAN BEGINNING TO ROT AWAY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL. I WAS SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT A CAR ONLY 10 YEARS OLD WOULD HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY A NISSAN. NOW I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THIS REPAIRED WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK... *TR
Structure, Apr 5, 2012
THE NISSAN ALTIMA HAS SEVERE RUSTING PROBLEMS WHICH WILL RESULT IN DETERIORATION OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FLOOR. I PURCHASED MY ALTIMA BRAND NEW IN 2002. 10 YEARS LATER, MY MECHANIC SAYS THERE ARE HOLES IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $3000. NISSAN WILL DO NOTHING TO AID THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON AND THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT INQUIRED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 03V084000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,295 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,300. UPDATED 05/03/12*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2012
I BELIEVE THAT THIS ENGINE DEFECT CAUSED THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGED THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. THESE PARTICLES ENTERED THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND PROBABLY SCOURED THE CYLINDER WALLS PRIOR TO RECALL 03V-084 IMPLEMENTATION. THIS RESULTED IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION THROUGHOUT THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IN TURN ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE HEATER SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY, COOLANT RESERVES DISAPPEARING, ENGINE STARTED TO HEAT-UP, AND ULTIMATELY ENGINE SEIZED-UP. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD TO BE ADDING ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS SINCE ENGINE WOULD START TO MAKE NOISE AND START TO HEAT-UP, BUT THERE WAS NO LEAKS OR ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON. PREVIOUSLY, MECHANICS DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS WHEN TAKING IT FOR OIL CHANGES AND SERVICE. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATE THAT IT WILL COST ME $2100 TO $5500 TO FIX THIS. I TOLD NISSAN SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT I FOUND THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO MANY NISSAN 2002 OWNERS ON THE INTERNET. I FOUND SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS JUST BY GOGGLING "2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OIL CONSUMPTION". EVEN NISSAN SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL SINCE THESE VEHICLES SHOULD LAST OVER THE 200 THOUSAND MILES, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE ALWAYS DONE ROUTINE OIL CHANGES AND SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME AND THE MANY OWNERS OF THESE NISSAN ALTIMAS WHO HAVE TRUSTED NISSAN IN BUILDING LONG LASTING DEPENDABLE VEHICLES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2012
THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS FAILED TWICE, EACH TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. NOW IT IS DOING THIS AGAIN. NOTICED THERE WERE 3 RECALLS ABOUT THIS. TWO BEFORE I PURCHASED AND ONE AFTER, BUT I DO NOT RECALL GETTING A NOTICE ABOUT THE RECALL. MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT, NOW DEALER IS TELLING ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE. HOW DO I FIND OUT IF ANY RECALL WAS PERFORMED? DO NOT TRUST THIS DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2012
OUR FIRST PROBLEM CAME WHEN THE ALTIMA HAD SEVERAL HOLES BLOWN INTO THE ENGINE WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED TO HOLD UP BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE ENGINE. I DID TAKE THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL, BUT WHAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE, AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE ENTIRE CAR DID NOT SET ON FIRE OR THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN I WAS ON A HIGHWAY. I FOUGHT HARD AND SPOKE TO PERSON AFTER PERSON AND FINALLY FOUND THE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS NUMBER(4 WEEKS INTO CALLING), THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE I HAD KEPT SUCH GREAT RECORDS OF OUR SERVICE HISTORY THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE. NOW I HAVE A NEW DEFECT IN THIS CAR. THE METAL FLOOR PAN HAS A DEFECT AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL! THERE ARE ACTUALLY HUGE HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF MY CAR THAT COULD PROVE DEADLY AND MAKE MY CAR NOT ROAD WORTHY. THEY ARE ASKING $2,000 TO $3,000 TO FIX THIS!!! FRAUD. I AM SO LIVID. THIS CAR HAS BEEN ONE NIGHTMARE AFTER ANOTHER. I WANT TO FEEL AS IF MY FAMILY IS SAFE IN THE CAR I AM DRIVING. WHO WORRIES THAT THE FLOOR MIGHT FALL OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THEM WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING??? OR HEAVEN FORBID, SOMETHING HIT THE BOTTOM AND COME RIGHT INTO THE CAR! I'M SO ANGRY ABOUT THIS CAR. PLEASE TELL ME THAT I AM NOT HELPLESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2012
HI, I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IT SHOWS UP A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH ISSUE ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CONSUMES A LOT OF OIL. I AM VERY MUCH CONCERNED ON THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. REQUESTING NISSAN TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS THIS IS A VERY MUCH KNOWN ISSUE WITH RECALLS. THANKS! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2012
CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A HEAD GASKET LEAK, CONSISTENT DETAILS WITH ALL THE OTHER NOTED HEAD GASKET FAILURES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRE-CATALYST HAD BROKEN DOWN AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTE: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,889. UPDATED 04/25/12*LJ NISSAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. UPDATED 04/30/12
Structure, Feb 8, 2012
I WAS UNDER MY ALTIMA DOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ON THE RIGHT FRONT FLOOR AREA, I NOTICED RUSTED METAL FLAKING OFF OF THE FLOOR PAN. INSPECTING THE AREA REVEALED THAT A LARGE AREA WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED NO OTHER INVOLVED AREAS OF THE FLOOR PAN. I THOUGHT THIS WAS VERY STRANGE INDEED, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CAR IS RARELY DRIVEN IN THE WINTER AND ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS USED IN A SOUTHERN STATE FOR A LARGE PORTION OF ITS OPERATING LIFE. CHECKING ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Feb 6, 2012
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH JUST FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO RUSTED HOLES UNDER THE FRONT FLOOR OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA'S. I EXPECT NISSAN TO STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES AND COVER THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THESE HOLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BY NISSAN. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2012
WILL NOT START,REPLACED CRANK AN CAM SENSOR NOTHING THEY ARE RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR LOTS OF PROBLEMS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD CAR FOR MY WIFE TWO DAYS LATER IT LEAVES HER AN MY DAUGHTER STUCK ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE DONE RESETS NOTHING WORKS IS THERE SOMETHING YALL CAN HELP ME WITH IM OUT OF POCKET CAUSE THIS CAR. CAN I TAKE IT TO NISSAN DEALER AN THEY FIX IT FOR A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND DETECTED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.