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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

594 reports
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100,351 miles · Feb 23, 2013
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS …

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THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WOULD OFTEN HESITATE TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO MY CAR IS LOOSING COOLANT AND DON'T KNOW WHERE THE COOLING IS GOING, TOOK IT TO NISSAN THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE EITHER. ALSO I SOMETIME SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR START UP AFTER A LONG STALL CRANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499757

100,000 miles · Apr 27, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 COMPONE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10456717

43,000 miles · Apr 12, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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.…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO RE-START RIGHT AWAY LEAVING DRIVER IN EMINENT DANGER OF BEEN REAR ENDED BY ON COMING TRAFFIC. NO CODES OR LIGHTS TURN ON DASHBOARD SIGNALING A MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE COOL OFF FOR ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MINUTES IT RE-STARTS AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE FAILURE BECAUSE NO LIGHTS ARE COMING UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND WHEN HOOKED TO A SCANNER NO FAILURE CODES WERE PRODUCED. MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS "REPAIRED" UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000( COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ) . THIS RECALL CALLS FOR CAM, CRANK AND VARIABLE TIMING SENSORS TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER ONLY THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43000 WHEN VEHICLE WAS FIRST TAKEN IN FOR RECALL BUT IT IS CURRENTLY FAILING AGAIN AT 160,000 MILES WITH ABOVE SYMPTOMS AND MANUFACTURER WON'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. THEY HAVE ADVICE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AGAIN AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP REPLACING PARTS UNTIL PROBLEM IS "FOUND". DUE TO LACK OF CODES THEIR TECHNICIANS WILL HAVE TO "GUESS" WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ALL THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE OF DIAGNOSIS, PARTS AND LABOR. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011 A DEALER PERFORMED A RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FROM MANUFACTURER CONCERNING VEHICLES STALLING. THIS RE-PROGRAM OF THE MAIN COMPUTER DID NOT FIX ANYTHING AND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK VEHICLE OUT OF THE DEALER IT STARTED STALLING AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AT HIGH SPEEDS (65MP), THERE ARE NO CODES GIVEN OUT AND MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO ASSISTANCE. AFRAID I AM GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED AS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10455018

148,295 miles · Mar 19, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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:…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10452232

43,000 miles · Mar 15, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 RE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10451770

102,000 miles · Mar 12, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 A…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10451286

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10450457

101,000 miles · Mar 4, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10450230

79,700 miles · Feb 28, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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

NHTSA ODI #10449625

92,156 miles · Feb 13, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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

NHTSA ODI #10447841

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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