Page 5 of 21 · complaints 201–250 of 1,047

2002 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 201266,000 milesNY

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
Filed Jul 5, 2012160,000 milesWI

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 › Body
Filed Jun 20, 2012150,000 milesPW

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 › Body
Filed May 18, 2012115,000 milesNC

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

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed May 18, 2012129,000 milesNJ

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

Engine
Filed May 16, 201266,000 milesNY

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 BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 2, 201297,000 milesNY

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
Filed Apr 27, 2012100,000 milesIN

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 › Body
Filed Apr 22, 2012OH

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
Filed Apr 12, 201243,000 milesCA

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 VEH

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 9, 2012105,000 milesNY

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 › Body
Filed Apr 5, 2012IL

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 › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 19, 2012148,295 milesNY

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
Filed Mar 15, 201243,000 milesCA

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
Filed Mar 12, 2012102,000 milesCA

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
Filed Mar 6, 2012TN

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
Filed Mar 4, 2012101,000 milesPA

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
Filed Feb 28, 201279,700 milesIL

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
Filed Feb 13, 201292,156 milesSC

CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A HEAD GASKET LEAK, CONSISTENT DETAILS WITH ALL THE OTHER NOTED HEAD GASKET FAILURES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 9, 201294,889 milesPA

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 › Body
Filed Feb 8, 2012OH

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 › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 6, 2012NH

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
Filed Jan 23, 2012160,000 milesCA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 22, 2012AL

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
Filed Jan 19, 201290,000 milesWA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 18, 2012104,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS CORROSION UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 17, 201259,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHEN SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/06/12*BF

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Dec 26, 2011ME

BOUGHT CAR IN 2009, FROM A DEALERSHIP, IN 2010 UPON OBTAINING A INSPECTION, WAS ADVISED THAT IT FAILED BECAUSE THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTING OUT!!! ON PASSENGER SIDE. NOW DRIVERS SIDE . IS NISSAN DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS???? *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 6, 2011NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY CONSUMING FOUR QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL IN UNDER A MONTH. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 5, 2011VA

NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 KEEPS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS AND ONCE YOU REPLACE THEM A COUPLE MONTHS LATER YOU'LL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES YOUR CAR TO STOP RANDOMLY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT OR WORSE DEATH. NISSAN KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BUT THEY CHOOSE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH MANY DEALERS AND AUTO REPAIR TECHNICIANS AND THEY ALL AGREE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN ALTIMA. THIS IS SAD AND I REALLY WISH THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING IN MY CAR WITH MY NIECE WHEN MY CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC SCARED ME TO DEATH!!! BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY HURT AND THE SIMPLE FACT THAT I REPLACED THIS PART 3 MONTHS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED IS REALLY TERRIBLE. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH SENSOR AND I'M STILL HAVING AN ISSUE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO CORRECT BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURTS. THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IS A HORRIBLE CAR ITS JUST MANUFACTURED ALL WRONG AND IS CONSTANTLY GIVING ME ISSUES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 18, 201180,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF AN ENGINE LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE OIL WAS ESCAPING TO. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 12/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 17, 2011118,000 milesFL

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS SERVICED @ RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2003. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THE REMEDY WAS COMPLETED. HOWEVER MY CAR, OVERTIME, SHOWS THE SYMPTOMS OF A DAMAGED CATALYST SUBSTRATE FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THESE SYMPTOMS ARE EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE: NTB03-070D. ADDITIONALLY MY AUTOMOBILE HAS SOOT FROM BURNING OIL IN THE TAILPIPE AND HAS ALWAYS RUN HOT EVEN THOUGH THE DASHBOARD TEMPERATURE GAUGE, ALWAYS STAYED IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN HOT AND COLD. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND OTHER RECALL NOTICES, NOTHING WAS EVER SPOKEN OF ABOUT THIS ISSUE. STRANGE THAT AN ASE TECHNICIAN WOULDN'T SEE THESE SYMPTOMS, & REPORT A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. ONLY AFTER MY ENGINE OVERHEATED AND FAILED DID I FIND THE DETAILS OF THIS PROBLEM; WHILE RESEARCHING MY REPAIR OPTIONS ONLINE. THE INSPECTION PROCESS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN MY CASE SEEMS TO HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY PERFORMED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO ASK FOR THE DETAILED SERVICE RECORDS FOR MY ALTIMA FOR THAT CAMPAIGN. THE SERVICE REP. STATED THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. I ASKED THE SERVICE REP. TO PRODUCE THE INSPECTION DOCUMENTATION FOR MY VEHICLE'S CAT. SYSTEM. HE COULD NOT PRODUCE THAT DOCUMENTATION. I NEXT CALLED NISSAN OF NA TO FILE A NOTICE. I STATED MY ALTIMA MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE PROPER REMEDY TO ADDRESS THE RECALL, AND THAT DAMAGE WAS EVIDENT. I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE CAT. SYSTEM AT MY OWN EXPENSE. AFTER THE

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 9, 2011WA

AFTER GOOGLING THE MAKE, YEAR AND PROBLEM OF OIL CONSUMPTION AND ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, IT IS OVERWHELMING WHAT YOU FIND. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OF TROUBLED CONSUMERS WHO HAVE GONE TO NISSAN FOR AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN PRODUCT TO NO AVAIL. MY CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER THAT THE FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS MADE THAT YEAR ARE NOT COVERED AND WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE OF WHAT IT WOULD COST THEM. PLEASE HELP US..... *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Nov 8, 2011GA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 2, 201172,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER THIRTY MINUTES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 28, 2011109,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND AS A RESULT, BECAME CLOGGED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 26, 2011100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 21, 201199,000 milesIL

THE FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 HAS RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS WELL ON THE WAY. THE CAR UP TILL NOW HAS BEEN AN RELIABLE, EXCELLENT VEHICLE. BUT WITH ONLY 99,000 MILES ON IT, IT IS BASICALLY TRASHED. IT'S LIKE A SEEMINGLY HEALTHY, ACTIVE 50 YEAR OLD GOING TO THE DOCTOR FOR A YEARLY CHECKUP, AND BEING TOLD "YOU HAVE STAGE FOUR CANCER. IT'S OVER." NISSAN WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP OR COMPENSATE, STATING IT IS BEYOND THE PERFORATION WARRANTY. CARS BUILT IN 2002 AREN'T SUPPOSED TO RUST OUT. THERE'S NO VISIBLE BODY RUST ON THE CAR, BUT THE FLOOR IS RUSTED THROUGH. THIS SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT, AS IT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY ALTIMAS. IT IS TRULY A CRIME. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 7, 201180,000 milesWI

I HAD PURCHASED MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND HAD NOTICED IT WAS BURNING AN USUAL AMOUNT OF OIL WHEN I TOOK IT ON ITS FIRST LONG DISTANCE DRIVE A WEEK AFTER I HAD PURCHASED IT. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PARTY I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HELP RESEARCH THE ISSUE BUT COULD NOT REFUND MY MONEY. WE FOUND THIS PARTICLE MODEL HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IF NOT REPAIRED IN TIME COULD AND WOULD DAMAGE THE ENGINE. WE THEN FOUND THAT MY CAR HAD BEEN FIXED AT THE 50,000 MILE RANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHOM THE PREVIOUS PARTY HAD PURCHASED THE CAR. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED TO PAY TO GET AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST DONE TO ENSURE THAT IS WAS INDEED BURNING OIL. AFTER I PAID A HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS DONE THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO ( AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE STILL HAD UNDER 90,000 MILES). SINCE THEN I HAVE REPLACES ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER, VALVE COVER, AND NUMEROUS GALLONS OF OIL. MY LAST VISIT TO THE SHOP I WAS TOLD I'M NOW BURN ANTIFREEZE AND I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 4, 201196,000 milesOH

PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM A DEALER IN RITTMAN, OHIO, ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2011. CONSUMER REPORTS RATE THIS MODEL AS VERY RELIABLE FOR THE YEARS MANUFACTURED. LESS THAN ONE WEEK LATER, 9-15-11, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO A QUICK CHANGE OIL PLACE ON THE MORNING OF 9-16-11, AND THE WORKER COMMENTED THAT IT ONLY HAD 1 QUART OF OIL IN THE ENGINE. DROVE FOR 2 DAYS AND WAS CHECKING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICE THERE WAS AGAIN NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. ON 9-19-11, TOOK CAR TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEAR THE ENGINE HAD BROKEN INTO PIECES AND BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN MANSFIELD, OHIO CONFIRMED THIS DIAGNOSIS ON 9-20-2011. ALERTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF A VEHICLE RECALL EXECUTED BY THE NHTSA IN 2003. (CAMPAIGN ID 03V084000) WHILE THE RECALL AFFECTED 338,000 VEHICLES, NISSAN SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED? NISSAN SAID THAT THEY WOULD BE UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME WITH THE COST OF THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR THAT REASON AND THAT THE MILEAGE WAS TOO GREAT. HOW CAN A CAR THAT EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT THE RECALL DESCRIBES NO MATTER WHAT THE MILEAGE NOT BE INCLUDED IN A SAFETY RECALL? THE NHTSA WEBSITE LISTS 982 COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS, MANY FOR ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED BY A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER DESIGN. CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE NHTSA HAS NOT OPENED ANOTHER INVESTIGATION TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE? THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT CONCERNED

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 4, 201190,000 milesVT

I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALER USED (2ND OWNER) IN 2005 WITH APPROX 37,000 MILES. RAN FINE. DURING THE FIRST YEAR IT WAS NOTICED IT BURNED ALOT OF OIL, HOWEVER HAD NO OIL LEAK. ALSO BEGAN HAVING HEATING ISSUES (WHICH PERSIST)IN THE WAY THAT IT WILL ONLY GIVE OFF HEAT IF CAR IS MOVING AT 2RPMS OR HIGHER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON PROBABLY WITHIN FIRST 6 MONTHS AND HAS ONLY NOT BEEN ON SINCE THEN WHEN A MECHANIC "RESETS" IT--AND THAT LASTS SHORT PERIOD(LIKE WEEK). THIS CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WINTER OF 2009. IT WAS FOUND TO NEED NEW ENGINE. REPLACEMENT WITH USED ENGINE APPROX $4,000.00. THIS ENGINE PROMPTLY DIED IN LESS THAN A MONTH AND YET AGAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A 2005 MOTOR WAS THEN PUT IN MY CAR, BUT GUESS WHAT?? SAME PROBLEM WITH OIL MYSTERIOUSLY VANISHING AND NO LEAKING ON GROUND AND NO LEAK TO BE FOUND. SPRING OF 2010 ALL RECALL WORK DONE, INCLUDING SENSOR 03V084000 WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. NOW FIND OUT CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS BAD. ALSO THROUGH WEB-BROWSING THAT THIS CAN CAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO BE ON ALL THE TIME, IS RELATED TO THE RECALLED SENSOR, AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE COLD AIR ISSUE APPEARS UNRELATED TO THIS AND IS CAUSED BY AIR IN THE HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM, HOWEVER THIS TOO IS VERY COMMON NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT NISSAN IS PUTTING BANDAID ON BIGGER ISSUE BY RECALLING ONLY SENSOR AND NOT ADDRESSING THE FACT THAT THIS IS CAUSING BIGGER, MUCH COSTLIER PROBLEMS FOR THE CONSUM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 4, 2011101,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRE-CATALYST CONVERTER OVERHEATED AND SHATTERED INTO PIECES, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE ENGINE WOULD ALSO EXHIBIT A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RUINED THE ENGINE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 4, 2011103,000 milesCA

I GOT A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON AND TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS MY ENGINE, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER(BURNING OIL AND DEBRIS GOING INTO THE ENGINE) AND I NEEDED TO REBUILD IT. HE REBUILT IT AND AFTER ABOUT 7,000 THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED BURNING OIL CONSUMPTION. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE HE SAID THAT NISSAN SHOULD HAVE A FIX FOR THIS AND HE ISN'T FIXING THE PROBLEM EITHER. IT'S SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WITHOUT A FIX. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 2, 2011123,000 milesIN

FLOOR PANS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE RUSTED THROUGH ENGINE DIES RANDOMLY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 29, 201180,000 milesNC

CAR USES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF ENGINE OIL AND LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON TO WARN DRIVER, CAN ONLY DETERMINE THAT IT IS LOW BY ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE.AVERAGE OIL CONSUMPTION ABOUT 1 - 2 QUARTS EVERY 300 MILES ALSO HEATER DOES NOT WORK WHEN CAR IS IDLELING ONLY WORKS WHEN DRIVING.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON CODE STATES CAT CONVERTER BAD.CONTINOUS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE CAR HAD ABOUT OUT 90,000 MILES.CAR ALSO TURNS OFF AFTER RUNNING AND WILL CRANK BUT DOES NOT START AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 24, 201193,000 milesMN

MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BELOW RECALL AS MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AND RECOMMENDED I BRING TO NISSAN TO FIX. BUT PER THERE RECALL MY CAR VIN IS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH BE AS CAMPAIGN # 03V084000. PLEASE SEE CAMPIAGN NOTICE BELOW TO REFERENCE. WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE NISSAN DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX UNDER RECALL. RECALL NUMBER: 03V084000 SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. REMEDY: 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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 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. NOTES: 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 L

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 22, 201199,450 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS ALSO UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,450.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 22, 201199,450 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE) AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,450. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling1 injured
Filed Sep 20, 201178,883 milesNE

WE HAD STOPPED AT THE SIGNAL AND ONCE THE SIGNAL TURNED GREEN WE TRIED TO MOVE, BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE AT ALL, SEEMED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. WE THOUGHT OF GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND THUS WE PUT ON THE WARNING FLASHER SWITCH AND TRIED TO PUT INTO PARK BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFTED THE SELECTOR LEVER FROM D (DRIVE) TO P (PARK). DURING THIS PROCESS THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED ON TO THE BUSY TRAFFIC (THE TRAFFIC WAS ON BY THEN ON THE OTHER SIDE). THIS MAJOR ACCIDENT INVOLVED A TOTAL OF 5 CARS AND 3 CARS WERE TOWED AND TOTALED INCLUDING OURS AND INJURING ONE OF THE PASSENGERS. OUR 1 YEAR SON WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT, BUT LUCKILY HE WAS NOT INJURED, THANKS TO THE STABLE CAR SEAT. MY FATHER ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES. ABOVE ALL, THE CAR WAS FULLY SERVICED FROM NISSAN DEALER (COSTING AROUND $900) DAY BEFORE THE CRASH OCCURRED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 6, 2011120,000 milesAZ

BLOWN HEAD GASKET DETERMINED BY MECHANIC AFTER PROPER MAINTENANCE USED ON THE CAR FOR PAST 9 YEARS. CAUSES LOSS OF COOLANT, AND THUS CAR CAN OVERHEAT AND ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. CAR ALSO HESITATES WHEN STARTING AND IDLING. CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTION AND THUS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Nissan Altima → · Every Altima year → · How the figures are calculated →