IllustrationDT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS INVOLVED TWO ACCIDENTS IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN NUMBER 02I001000; AIR BAGS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AFTER THE FIRST ACCIDENT. NOW, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN. THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
2002 Nissan Altima
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Altima years
Owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Altima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
7425–50K
12150–75K
23575–100K
239100–150K
60150K+
801 reports with mileage · 246 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 594 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
29 crash reports28 fire reports23 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
34 reportsDT: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE SENSOR FAILED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON BEFORE THIS. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. SHE WAS NINE MONTHS PREGNANT, AND HER 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER…
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DT: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE SENSOR FAILED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON BEFORE THIS. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. SHE WAS NINE MONTHS PREGNANT, AND HER 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AND WAS NOT HURT. ALSO, THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE NOT INJURED. *AK *JB
FIRST WAS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND OFF. THEN I NOTICED AS I ACCELERATE THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE, WHICH WAS GETTING MORE PRONOUNCED DAILY, FINALLY THE LAST TWO DAYS AS I WAS TRAVELING AND ACCELERATED TO GO FASTER IT WAS ALMOST LIKE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD OF INCREASING IN SPEED. THE NOISE ALSO IS OBVIOUS I…
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FIRST WAS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND OFF. THEN I NOTICED AS I ACCELERATE THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE, WHICH WAS GETTING MORE PRONOUNCED DAILY, FINALLY THE LAST TWO DAYS AS I WAS TRAVELING AND ACCELERATED TO GO FASTER IT WAS ALMOST LIKE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD OF INCREASING IN SPEED. THE NOISE ALSO IS OBVIOUS IN PARK NOW. I WENT ON-LINE AND NOTICED A RECALL (03V455000) FOR THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS SO I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD "NO THAT DOES NOT INCUDE YOUR VIN #, WE GO BY VIN#'S AND YOURS ISN'T LISTED. I SAID"BUT THIS IS WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR AND IT SAYS IT CAN STALL AT HIGH SPPEDS AND CRASH". SHE SAID SHE COULD CHARGE ME $85 TO HOOK IT UP AND CHECK IT OUT BUT IT IS NOT UNDER A RECALL NOR WARRANTY. PERHAPS THEIR RECALL IS NOT BROAD ENOUGH AND SHOULD INCLUDE MORE VIN#'S... NOT SURE WHAT TO DO FROM HERE, AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, AND THE DEALER IS 50+ MILES AWAY. ANOTHER RECALL (03V061000) IS FOR DRIVER AIR BAG INTERMITTENT WHICH IS ALSO WHATS GOING ON IN MY CAR. *AK
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE DAY ONE, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR ONE REASON OR THE OTHER, IT STARTED WITH THE CAR RUNNING HARD, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE BROKE THE CAR IN AND NOW THIS IS HOW THEY RUN, TOOK IT BACK AGAIN 3 TO 4 MORE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM,TOLD THEM CAR IDLES HIGH, SHIFTS BAD, RUNS BAD, THEY S…
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THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE DAY ONE, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR ONE REASON OR THE OTHER, IT STARTED WITH THE CAR RUNNING HARD, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE BROKE THE CAR IN AND NOW THIS IS HOW THEY RUN, TOOK IT BACK AGAIN 3 TO 4 MORE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM,TOLD THEM CAR IDLES HIGH, SHIFTS BAD, RUNS BAD, THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG, I DO ALOT OF HIGHWAY MILES AND AS SOON AS I WAS OVER THE MILES AND OUT OF THE WARRENTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE GONE ONLY 800 TO GET FIXED, I WAS THEN HIT BY A CAR HEAD ON AND REALLY HURT I SUFFERED MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS , COME TO FIND OUT I PROBABY COULD HAVE PREVENTED SOME OF THE DAMAGE TO MY SELF IF I HAD A SAVER CAR, MY AIR BAGS DIDN;T DEPLOY. I HAVE HAD EVERY RECALL TO THIS CAR , THE SERVICE MEN AT THE DEALSERSHIPS ARE THE RUDEST MEN I HAVE EVER DELT WITH. I WAS RIGHT THE WHOLE TIME !!!!! I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING WITH THE LIGHTS COST AROUND 800 TO FOX KEPT CHANGING THE LIGHTS NOT TO MENTIONS THE TICKETS I RECIEVED FROM THE COPS , I EXPLAINED TO THEM THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, THEY ARE LIKE THIS IS A 02 THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, IF THEY ONLY KNEW!!! I AM REALLY TIRED OF THIS CAR , NOW I WAS JUST TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS ANOTHER PROBLEM, IT OVER HEATS THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE THE THEROSTAT BUT THEY DON'T KNOW. HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THAT COST ME??? I AM ONE ANGRY PERSON WHEN IT COMES TO THIS CAR!!!!!!!*AK
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THE VEHICLE NOSED DIVED INTO A DITCH AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONSUMER WAS PINNED IN THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *SC *JB
THE DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR THE VEHICLE'S RECALL (RECALL NO. 03V061000) REGARDING ON DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS INFLATOR MODULE. DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED FIRST. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA *SC
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT GOING ABOUT 35 MPH IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CORNER AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH. VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. CONSUMER STATES THAT BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *CB
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, LOST CONTROL ,AND HIT A TREE. CONSUMER STATES NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING. WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THE IMPACT WAS NOT HARD ENOUGH , THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DID.*AK
Official recalls
507V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Nov 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Nov 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
03V251000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Jul 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
03V084000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Mar 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS 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 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.
03V061000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Feb 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE02078 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 18, 2002 · Closed Mar 25, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON OCTOBER 18, 2002 BASED ON THREE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ONE NON-BURN RELATED INJURY WAS REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE COMPLAINANT EXITING THE VEHICLE IN HASTE AFTER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.NISSAN DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE HANGER PINS WHICH HOLDS EXHAUST PIPE IN PLACE MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD.IF THE DEBRIS WERE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST, A FIRE COULD RESULT.THIS CONDITION IS ALSO PRESENT IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES BUILT THRU FEBRUARY 18, 2003.NISSAN ALSO STATED IN ITS DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT THAT ON MY 2002 ALTIMAS AND SENTRAS (EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE) THAT CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT, WHICH WOULD CAUSE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE.THESE PARTICLES CAN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS WHICH RESULTS IN INCREASE OIL CONSUMPTION.IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS LOW, ENGINE NOISE AND DAMAGE CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.THE RECALL INCLUDES 268,000 MY 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND 2002 SENTRAS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION NISSAN WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIN ON THE ALTIMAS.NISSAN IS DEVELOPING A CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE PRE-CATALYST.IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, NISSAN WILL INSTALL HEAT SHIELDS ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND THE SURROUNDING EXHAUST TUBING.NISSAN WILL BEGIN OWNER NOTIFICATION IN MAY OF 2003.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON OCTOBER 18, 2002 BASED ON THREE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ONE NON-BURN RELATED INJURY WAS REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE COMPLAINANT EXITING THE VEHICLE IN HASTE AFTER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.NISSAN DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE HANGER PINS WHICH HOLDS EXHAUST PIPE IN PLACE MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD.IF THE DEBRIS WERE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST, A FIRE COULD RESULT.THIS CONDITION IS ALSO PRESENT IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES BUILT THRU FEBRUARY 18, 2003.NISSAN ALSO STATED IN ITS DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT THAT ON MY 2002 ALTIMAS AND SENTRAS (EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE) THAT CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT, WHICH WOULD CAUSE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE.THESE PARTICLES CAN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS WHICH RESULTS IN INCREASE OIL CONSUMPTION.IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS LOW, ENGINE NOISE AND DAMAGE CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.THE RECALL INCLUDES 268,000 MY 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND 2002 SENTRAS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION NISSAN WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIN ON THE ALTIMAS.NISSAN IS DEVELOPING A CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE PRE-CATALYST.IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, NISSAN WILL INSTALL HEAT SHIELDS ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND THE SURROUNDING EXHAUST TUBING.NISSAN WILL BEGIN OWNER NOTIFICATION IN MAY OF 2003.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON OCTOBER 18, 2002 BASED ON THREE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ONE NON-BURN RELATED INJURY WAS REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE COMPLAINANT EXITING THE VEHICLE IN HASTE AFTER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.NISSAN DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE HANGER PINS WHICH HOLDS EXHAUST PIPE IN PLACE MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD.IF THE DEBRIS WERE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST, A FIRE COULD RESULT.THIS CONDITION IS ALSO PRESENT IN MY 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES BUILT THRU FEBRUARY 18, 2003.NISSAN ALSO STATED IN ITS DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT THAT ON MY 2002 ALTIMAS AND SENTRAS (EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE) THAT CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT, WHICH WOULD CAUSE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE.THESE PARTICLES CAN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS WHICH RESULTS IN INCREASE OIL CONSUMPTION.IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS LOW, ENGINE NOISE AND DAMAGE CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.THE RECALL INCLUDES 268,000 MY 2002-2003 ALTIMAS AND 2002 SENTRAS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5-LITER ENGINE.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION NISSAN WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIN ON THE ALTIMAS.NISSAN IS DEVELOPING A CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE PRE-CATALYST.IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, NISSAN WILL INSTALL HEAT SHIELDS ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND THE SURROUNDING EXHAUST TUBING.NISSAN WILL BEGIN OWNER NOTIFICATION IN MAY OF 2003.