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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.

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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

594 reports
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133,000 miles · Jun 17, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (E…

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The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

NHTSA ODI #11469825

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2017
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $1,000 FOR A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND $5200 FOR A NEW ENGINE WITH LESS THAN 90,000. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10965549

135,000 miles · Jul 14, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10884843

123,000 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER HAVING REPLENISHED THE ENGINE WITH OIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER HAVING REPLENISHED THE ENGINE WITH OIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #10744428

119,500 miles · Jun 26, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other

PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED,SELLER APPEARED HONEST & TRUTHFUL ABOUT THE VEHICLE,HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP I NOTICED HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION,PROBABLY ABOUT A QUART A WEEK,,DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT,EXCEPT THAT I PROBABLY HAVE BAD RINGS,OR LEAKING INTAKE VALVES/SEALS AND WOULD REQUIRE COSTLY ENGINE REPAIR.MY DAUGHTER C…

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PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED,SELLER APPEARED HONEST & TRUTHFUL ABOUT THE VEHICLE,HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP I NOTICED HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION,PROBABLY ABOUT A QUART A WEEK,,DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT,EXCEPT THAT I PROBABLY HAVE BAD RINGS,OR LEAKING INTAKE VALVES/SEALS AND WOULD REQUIRE COSTLY ENGINE REPAIR.MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME ONE DAY AND MENTIONED THE CAR WOULDNT GO OVER 15 MPH,SO I TOOK IT FOR A RIDE & AS SHE SAID,INTERMITTANTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO 15-20 MPH,RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,,WHEN I GOT BACK WITH THE CAR I OPENED THE HOOD ONLY TO SEE THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS GLOWING BRIGHT ORANGE AND NO EXHAUST EXITING THE TAILPIPE,,,I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO KNOW THAT CAN ONLY MEAN THE CONVERTER IS CLOGGED SOLID,,,,INQUIRED AT A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHAT THE WARRANTY WAS ON THE THE CAT AND THEY SAID IT WAS 8 YRS,80K MILES,,,DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FIND OUT THERES A RECALL ON IT,THE CAT COMING APART & PIECES OF IT GETTING SUCKED UP INTO THE INTAKE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE,,,NISSAN WAS REPLACING THE CATS,INSTALLING HEAT SHIELDS,AND REPLACING ENGINES TO TO THE DEFECT OF THE CAT,,,,,DEALER SAYS HE CANT HELP ME,,,,,CHECK THE WEB,ITS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ALTIMAS AS WELL AS THE SENTRAS,,,THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN KNOWS IS AN ISSUE AND SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS..

NHTSA ODI #10731083

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK…

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I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK, IT ACTED UP, AND HAD "ENGINE OVER TEMP" ACCORDING TO MACHINE THAT GIVES CODES WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS, AND SAID OTHER CODES ABOUT RANDOM MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE RECALL YOU ISSUED ON THIS 2002 VEHICLE. ALSO WHAT CAN SHE DO TO ENSURE HER SAFETY. THIS PERSON WAS SOLD THIS WITHOUT BEING TOLD. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE COMPANY COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND "FIXED" SAFETY ISSUES?THE RECALL INFORMATION SOUNDS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618875

100,000 miles · Aug 13, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND A FIRE EMERGED FROM THE HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND A FIRE EMERGED FROM THE HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/12/13*CN

NHTSA ODI #10535091

187,000 miles · Jul 15, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 09/06/13*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10524974

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2013
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521066

89,000 miles · May 16, 2013
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V45…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512405

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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