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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Engine complaints

92 reports
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110,000 miles · Dec 13, 2012
Engine

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUSTSYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE ) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUSTSYSTEM: MANIFOLD/ HEADER/ MUFFLER/ TAIL PIPE ) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE SMOKE WOULD BLOW OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT NEED REPLACING AND THAT THEY HAD HONORED THEIR END OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AGREEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10488715

110,000 miles · Nov 24, 2012
Engine

SOON AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY WHEN STARTED OR WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRINGING IT TO THE PLACE WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE SHAKING STOPPED FOR A WHILE THEN WEEKS LATER IT BEGAN AGAIN AND ONLY GOT WORSE. NOW IT SHUTS OFF WHEN RUNNING OR WON'T TURN ON A…

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SOON AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY WHEN STARTED OR WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRINGING IT TO THE PLACE WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THE CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE SHAKING STOPPED FOR A WHILE THEN WEEKS LATER IT BEGAN AGAIN AND ONLY GOT WORSE. NOW IT SHUTS OFF WHEN RUNNING OR WON'T TURN ON AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10485894

150,000 miles · Nov 6, 2012
Engine

CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT AND DESTROYED ENGINE. NOW CAR USES 1 QT OIL EVERY 100 MILES. NISSAN CLAIMS ENGINE IS OLD AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. TOO MANY CARS HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM FOR IT TO JUST BE OLD ENGINES AND NOW THE OUT OF WARRANTY PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10483537

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP SIGNAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH A HESITATION. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE OIL AND THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL HAD BECOME EXTREME…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP SIGNAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH A HESITATION. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE OIL AND THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL HAD BECOME EXTREMELY LOW. IN ADDITION, BLACK AND GRAY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP TWICE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE CYLINDER SEAL WERE DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INELIGIBLE FOR REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10475991

189,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
Engine

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; HE STATED THAT THE EXHAUST AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE …

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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; HE STATED THAT THE EXHAUST AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM, 3RD SUCH REPAIR. OXYGEN SENSORS, A NEW ECM REFLASH AND A NEW ENGINE THE 1ST CATALYST HAD APPARENTLY CAUSE PARTS TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO THE FAILURE OF ADDITIONAL CONVERTERS AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING A REMANUAFACTURED ENGINE, CATALYST AND SENSORS REPLACED AT A COST OF NEARLY $3000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475750

180,000 miles · Sep 4, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE HAD AN OUTSTANDING RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER NONE FOR THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #10473809

65,662 miles · Aug 27, 2012
Engine

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I BOUGHT THE CAR IN THE FALL OF 2001. I RELIGIOUSLY CHANGE THE OIL ON TIME AND HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED THE CAR. THE CAR HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. I HAVE RECEIVED ALL OF THE NISSAN RECALLS. SINCE DECEMBER 2001, I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STALLING…

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I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND I BOUGHT THE CAR IN THE FALL OF 2001. I RELIGIOUSLY CHANGE THE OIL ON TIME AND HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED THE CAR. THE CAR HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. I HAVE RECEIVED ALL OF THE NISSAN RECALLS. SINCE DECEMBER 2001, I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING AND ALSO, AT TIMES, LOSING ALL POWER IN THE CAR, AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE TWO ACCIDENTS. AFTER FOUR RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING, THIS YEAR THE CAR IS AGAIN STALLING WITHOUT WARNING AND I AM TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED IN 2004 BY ONE OF NISSAN RECALLS. I AM TOLD A CRANK SENSOR SHOULD LAST OF THE LENGTH OF CAR'S LIFE. I AM ALSO TOLD THAT THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE 2009 VERSION OF THE SENSOR HAVE HAD NO SUBSEQUENT PROBLEMS ONLY THOSE WHO HAD THE OLDER SENSORS ARE APPARENTLY AT GRAVE RISK. I WAS IN THE CAR TRYING TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK OF CAR WHEN MY ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WHEN THE ENGINE DIES I AM WITHOUT POWER. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE LAST RECALL THAT THE CAR STALLED ON ME. THIS MAKES THE STALLING PROBLEM EVEN MORE DEADLY. PEOPLE THINK THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY THE EARLIER MULTIPLE RECALLS AND ARE INSTEAD DRIVING CARS THAT ARE TIME BOMBS. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472674

92,000 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Engine

MY CAR HAS BEEN BURNING OIL AT A VERY FAST RATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS TURNED ON, AND MY GAS HAS LOWERED. MY CHECK OIL LIGHT HAS NEVER TURNED ON, NOT EVEN ONCE IN THE 2 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471166

110,963 miles · Jul 15, 2012
Engine

ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE (1+ QT PER 2,000+ MILES). DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEGINNING DECEMBER 2011. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, IT SUCKS IN PIECES OF THE CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DURING THE NEGATIVE CYCLE. THE SMALL PIECES OF THE CONVERTER THEN SCORE THE CYLIND…

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ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE (1+ QT PER 2,000+ MILES). DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEGINNING DECEMBER 2011. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, IT SUCKS IN PIECES OF THE CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DURING THE NEGATIVE CYCLE. THE SMALL PIECES OF THE CONVERTER THEN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF THE DEALERSHIP MONITORING THE OIL CONSUMPTION, I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE CYLINDER COMPRESSION TEST INDICATED THE FIRST CYLINDER WAS AT ABOUT 82 PSI AND THE OTHER THREE CYLINDERS RANGED FROM 111 TO 118 PSI. BACK AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FIRST CYLINDER IS THE ONE THAT IS INITIALLY DAMAGED BY THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING. NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN GETTING A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE I DID NOT GET A WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND ALSO BECAUSE THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 90,000 MILES WAS NOT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP (NISSAN CASE # 8897586). THE CAR IS SUFFERING THE EFFECTS IDENTIFIED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V084000. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THE ENGINE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CAMPAIGN. I HAVE METICULOUSLY RECORDED ALL OF THE REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES TO THE CAR, ONLY TO HAVE NISSAN TELL ME THAT THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENTLY CASING GRAVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10465751

66,000 miles · Jul 12, 2012
Engine

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 OI…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10465402

Official recalls

5

07V527000 · 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

1

PE02078 · 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.

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