← New search

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
Clear category filter
92,000 miles · Mar 12, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BEGAN AROUND 92K MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD TIMELY OIL CHANGES, SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS LOW ON OIL. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN, NY ON 2/22/07, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE …

Read full complaint

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BEGAN AROUND 92K MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD TIMELY OIL CHANGES, SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS LOW ON OIL. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN, NY ON 2/22/07, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ORDERED ON 2/23/07 (THIS WAS BACK-ORDERED). THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED ON 3/13/07, APPROX. $600. NOW THE CAR NEEDS ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTED AND THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING SEVERAL COURTS OF OIL A WEEK. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THIS SUDDEN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE ARE OTHER ALTIMA YEARS THAT HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THAT WERE RECALLED BUT NISSAN HAS NOT DONE THAT FOR THE 2002 MODEL. IT IS WIDELY KNOW THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE OIL RINGS AND THE FAULTY PRE-CATS AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. THIS CAR NEEDS APPROX. $8K IS REPAIRS IN ORDER TO STOP BURNING OIL AND TO CORRECT THE EMISSIONS. NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE FAULTY PARTS IN THESE CARS, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT THEY EFFECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261689

144,700 miles · Mar 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

RECENTLY TRAVELING TO NC AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WON'T START. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ENGAGED CONSTANTLY AND THE CAR BURNS OIL WITH NO ENGINE LEAKS. I PURCHASED BRAND NEW MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN PURCHASED AND CLUTCH WENT STRAIGHT TO FLOOR AFTER 1 MONTH. TOOK CAR TO …

Read full complaint

RECENTLY TRAVELING TO NC AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WON'T START. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ENGAGED CONSTANTLY AND THE CAR BURNS OIL WITH NO ENGINE LEAKS. I PURCHASED BRAND NEW MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN PURCHASED AND CLUTCH WENT STRAIGHT TO FLOOR AFTER 1 MONTH. TOOK CAR TO NISSAN DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE PRESSURE PLATE WAS BAD AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IN AUG. 2006 AT 115K MILES ($850). THEO2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL, HAD IT REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL, AND IT'S STILL CRAP! TO BOOT, THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE, AND NISSAN RECALLED. THEIR 'FIX' BROKE TOO. I WAS TOLD THAT I'LL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEIR 'RESOLUTION' FIXED BECAUSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, BETWEEN 6/08 AND 11/08, I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIATOR, OIL COOLER, ALL MOTOR MOUNTS, FAN BELTS, DRIVER'S AXLE, POWER STEERING BOX, VALVE COVER GASKET ($7K WORTH OF WORK). CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 145K MILES AND I BELIEVE THE CAR IS JUST A LEMON. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN NISSAN, BUT NOW DECLARE IT WILL BE MY LAST ONE. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER $5K TO PUT IN TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, SENSORS OR AN ENGINE. DON'T THINK SO. NISSAN NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261113

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR IS SUCKING UP OIL MAKES NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261110

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT. HEATER CORE WENT OUT, THEREFORE NO HEAT IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261093

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA 02 ON SEPT 08. AFTER THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THE OIL WAS LOW TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. ONE DAY MY WIFE CAME AND PICK ME UP AT WORK AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND THEY STILL CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WITH IT AND I AM SUSPECTING …

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA 02 ON SEPT 08. AFTER THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THE OIL WAS LOW TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. ONE DAY MY WIFE CAME AND PICK ME UP AT WORK AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND THEY STILL CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WITH IT AND I AM SUSPECTING BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME ONE TIME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD. NISSAN WILL NOT GET AWAY WITH IT AS A MATTER OF FACT MY MECHANICS TOLD ME THAT ALL NISSAN ALTIMA WITH THAT TYPE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261080

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

THIS ISN'T FAIR. 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. 5900 MILES. MAN THIS CAR IS JUNK, NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE PEOPLE ABOUT THAT, WORK CAR EVER. AND I NOTICE EVERYONE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR STALL, CAMSHFT PROBLEM.. SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE. ITS NOT SAFE WHEN U DRIVING AND CAR DIE ON YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260184

115,000 miles · Feb 23, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STARTED RUNNING SLUGGISH, AND TOTALLY RAN OUT OF OIL! MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I BOUGHT ONE - AND THAT ONE WENT ON THE FRITZ TWO DAYS AFTER FIXING IT. THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAID IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR. IT RAN OUT OF OIL. NOW I FIND OUT THE CAR IS A LEMON, …

Read full complaint

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STARTED RUNNING SLUGGISH, AND TOTALLY RAN OUT OF OIL! MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I BOUGHT ONE - AND THAT ONE WENT ON THE FRITZ TWO DAYS AFTER FIXING IT. THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST SAID IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR. IT RAN OUT OF OIL. NOW I FIND OUT THE CAR IS A LEMON, AFTER I BOUGHT A NEW ENGINE TO BOOT. TWO ENGINES ARE RUINED IN THIS CAR, AND I STILL DON'T HAVE IT PAID FOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259656

129,000 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

NEW 2002 ALTIMA, WELL MAINTAINED, BUYING NISSANS SINCE 1992 RECEIVING MILEAGE OVER 260,000 MILES. LOOKING BACK CAR CONSTANTLY LOW ON OIL W/NO LIGHT REGISTERING THEN LIGHT NEVER CAME BACK ON FOR 3 YEARS, YET OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW. CHECKING OIL EVERY 2 WEEKS AND EVERY OIL CHANGE AT DEALERSHIP-OIL LOW AT TIP OF THE DIP STICK. HAD CAR …

Read full complaint

NEW 2002 ALTIMA, WELL MAINTAINED, BUYING NISSANS SINCE 1992 RECEIVING MILEAGE OVER 260,000 MILES. LOOKING BACK CAR CONSTANTLY LOW ON OIL W/NO LIGHT REGISTERING THEN LIGHT NEVER CAME BACK ON FOR 3 YEARS, YET OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW. CHECKING OIL EVERY 2 WEEKS AND EVERY OIL CHANGE AT DEALERSHIP-OIL LOW AT TIP OF THE DIP STICK. HAD CAR SERVICED-NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS; SEPTEMBER THE CAR SMELLED HOT; NOT REGISTERING OR SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF IT RUNNING HOT. CAR CONSTANTLY NOT STARTING, STALLING AS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD. GO TO DEALERSHIP, NEED A MOTOR REPLACED, WARPED HEAD GASKET COST $4,000 PLUS DOLLARS. THE DEALERSHIP OWNER ASKED HOW MANY CARS HAS COME IN (ALTIMA 2002) PER MECHANIC SEVERAL HUNDREDS FOR THE MOTOR AND/OR RADIATOR PROBLEMS (REPLACING MOTORS). HE HAS ORDERED A LARGE NUMBER OF NISSAN MOTORS FROM THE COMPANY TO REPLACE THE ENGINES. OWNER WAS SURPRISED OF THIS MOTOR HAVING TO BE REPLACED AND HAS KEPT MY CAR IN STORAGE UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. HE WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP ON A RECALL FOR THE ENGINES WITH THAT MANY CARS BEING REPAIRED. THIS HAS CHANGED MY MIND ON PURCHASING ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THE RUDENESS WHEN REPORTING THE PROBLEMS TO THEIR CUSTOMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE (PER THE REP). THIS NEED TO TAKE SOME PRIORITY WITH THE NUMBER OF ISSUES REPORTED AS COMPLAINTS ON ALL THE WEBSITES. II HAVE FOUND 114 HERE PLUS ONE MORE 115 PLUS I HAVE ABOUT 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THEN THE REPORT THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS FIXED OVER 200 CARS. PLEASE HELP US GET OUR MONEY AND/OR ENGINES REPAIRED. WITH THE STALLING AND SHUT DOWN OF THE MOTORS, THANKS TO GOD THE LOW DEATH RATES. CAR IS STILL IN STORAGE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT STALLED ON ROUTE 29 INTERSTATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259467

128,000 miles · Feb 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THEIR RECALLS BUT CAR STALLED ON A HWY WHERE SPEED LIMIT WAS 70 MY FAMILY & MYSELF COULD HAVE GOT KILLED. I PAID 1100 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON DID OIL CHANGE CAR KEEPS BURNING OIL EVERY DAY I HAVE TO CHECK IT AND ADD OIL THEN THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE HAVE CALLED OV…

Read full complaint

NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THEIR RECALLS BUT CAR STALLED ON A HWY WHERE SPEED LIMIT WAS 70 MY FAMILY & MYSELF COULD HAVE GOT KILLED. I PAID 1100 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON DID OIL CHANGE CAR KEEPS BURNING OIL EVERY DAY I HAVE TO CHECK IT AND ADD OIL THEN THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE HAVE CALLED OVER 50 TIMES & LEFT MESSAGES THEY TELL ME THEY CAN NOT GIVE ME A NEW ENGINE BUT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM & THEY KNOW ABOUT IT. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR & SAME PROBLEM THEY NEED A NEW ENGINE & NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SHOULD GIVE THEM A NEW ENGINE FOR FREE BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURE THESE CARS WRONG & ARE STILL MANUFACTURING CARS WITH PROBLEMS THEN THEY WONDER WHY PEOPLE AREN'T BUYING THERE CARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ANYONE WHO OWNS THIS CAR & UNTIL PEOPLE START GETTING KILLED THEY WON'T DUE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX THIS LEMON. THEY ALSO TELL YOU THAT YOU NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SEVERAL DEATH PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING IMMEDIATELY. ALL MY RECALLS ARE UP TO DATE SO THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259354

121,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ABNORMAL AMOUNTS OF OIL. SHE HAS A 2.5 LITER ENGINE IN HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V527000 (ENGIN…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ABNORMAL AMOUNTS OF OIL. SHE HAS A 2.5 LITER ENGINE IN HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $5,000. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

NHTSA ODI #10258947

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.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems