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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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70,000 miles · Aug 27, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

VARIOUS SERVICES PERFORMED BY DEALER DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM---SUCH AS THROTTLE BODY CLEANING, CHECKING SPARK PLUG COILS, CRANKCASE SENSORS, O2 SENSORS---AFTER 6 MONTHS DEALER DECIDED HEAD GASKET BLOWN WHICH I TOLD THEM FROM BEGINNING PLUS OIL USAGE AND ANTIFREEZE USAGE---HEAD GASKET REPLACED ON "EXTENDED WARRANTY" WHICH I DID N…

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VARIOUS SERVICES PERFORMED BY DEALER DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM---SUCH AS THROTTLE BODY CLEANING, CHECKING SPARK PLUG COILS, CRANKCASE SENSORS, O2 SENSORS---AFTER 6 MONTHS DEALER DECIDED HEAD GASKET BLOWN WHICH I TOLD THEM FROM BEGINNING PLUS OIL USAGE AND ANTIFREEZE USAGE---HEAD GASKET REPLACED ON "EXTENDED WARRANTY" WHICH I DID NOT PURCHASE WITH CAR- SO THERE IS SOME ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PROBLEM---CURRENTLY OIL CONSUMPTION ABOUT 1 QT FOR 400 MILES, PROBABLY THE RESULT OF HEAD GASKET AND PRE CAT CAUSING DAMAGE TO OIL SWEEPER RING ON PISTON WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL INTO CYLINDER---THUS A REASON FOR ROUGH RUNNING AT LOW IDLE PLUS SMOKE ON ACCELERATION---NO SMOKE ON NORMAL RUNNING SINCE CAT CONVERTER IS COOKING---BUT SURE WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER CAT CONVERTER FAILURE- THIS PROCESS STARTED WITH DEALER 01/07. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200861

68,000 miles · Aug 24, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE CATALYST WAS SCORCHED AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REMOVED THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE CATALYST WAS SCORCHED AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REMOVED THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10200670

88,000 miles · Aug 21, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

AT 6:30 PM I TURNED LEFT OUT OF A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME TO CROSS TRAFFIC AND ENTER THE VACANT TURN LANE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA LOST POWER LEAVING ME IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE APPROACHING TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO BRAKE BEFORE HITTING ME BROADSIDE. IN THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS THE CAR HAD B…

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AT 6:30 PM I TURNED LEFT OUT OF A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME TO CROSS TRAFFIC AND ENTER THE VACANT TURN LANE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA LOST POWER LEAVING ME IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE APPROACHING TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO BRAKE BEFORE HITTING ME BROADSIDE. IN THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS THE CAR HAD BRIEFLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THESE OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. THIS WAS THE SAME PART RECALLED IN 2005. IT WAS REPLACED THEN ALSO. THERE WAS ALSO A NEAR ACCIDENT BEFORE THE FIRST REPLACEMENT. THIS PART HAS FAILED TWICE, WITH NEAR ACCIDENTS. BOTH WERE POTENTIALLY FATAL. *TR THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A EXHAUST HANGER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200400

29,000 miles · Aug 21, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL AFTER EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT WOULD NOT SELL THE CONTACT A WARRANTY. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND FAIL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL AFTER EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT WOULD NOT SELL THE CONTACT A WARRANTY. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

NHTSA ODI #10200257

74,432 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 50MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING INTERMITTENTLY. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE OCTOBER 5, 2006. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY; HOWEVER, THAT DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE COST OF $42.00 TO HAVE THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 50MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING INTERMITTENTLY. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE OCTOBER 5, 2006. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY; HOWEVER, THAT DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE COST OF $42.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE RE-SET DUE AN IDLE ERROR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS GIVEN THE CONTACT FIVE AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS; HOWEVER, THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE.THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HIS TWO TOP TECHNICIANS ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS CHARACETISTIC OF THE CATALYST THROTTLE ON THE EXHAUST. THE FUEL PUMP AND CATALYST THROTTLE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAS DETAILED INVOICES REGARDING REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VIN IS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,432 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #10200162

109,800 miles · Aug 2, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON JULY 23, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 110,000 MILES. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS CAUS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON JULY 23, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 110,000 MILES. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,800.

NHTSA ODI #10198247

116,000 miles · Jul 31, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED OR STATIONARY HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED OR STATIONARY HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER; HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR SHOCKS WERE BAD. UPDATED

NHTSA ODI #10197972

60,000 miles · Jul 27, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING AND CONSUMED LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND COOLANT. THE DEALER CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE FAILURES BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,400 AND FAILURE M…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING AND CONSUMED LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND COOLANT. THE DEALER CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE FAILURES BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10197649

109,432 miles · Jul 23, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR CONSUMING LOTS OF OIL. NO OIL LIGHT EVER CAME ON LEADING TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 4 QUARTS OF OIL COMPLETELY GONE WITH NO TRACE (NO OIL SPOTS IN GARAGE, NO SMOKE, ...NOTHING) IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. ALSO A PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR SPLIT.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10197261

230,667 miles · Jul 23, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" DASHBOARD LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS SOMETIMES FLASHING. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE CAR AT LESS THAN 80 KPH (PER OWNER'S MANUAL RECOMMENDATION) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, DEALER ADVISED THAT "POWER VALVE" (PART OF INTAKE MANIFOLD) CAME APART ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, RESULTING IN METAL PARTS …

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CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" DASHBOARD LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS SOMETIMES FLASHING. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE CAR AT LESS THAN 80 KPH (PER OWNER'S MANUAL RECOMMENDATION) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, DEALER ADVISED THAT "POWER VALVE" (PART OF INTAKE MANIFOLD) CAME APART ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, RESULTING IN METAL PARTS ENTERING THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. DEALER MADE REPAIRS, BUT NOW THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY (HAVE HAD TO ADD 2.5 L OVER 1400 KM). THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2.5L ENGINE FOR THE 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHICH APPARENTLY HAS IDENTICAL ENGINE TO THE 2002 MODEL. CAR HAS 230,000 KM SO IS BEYOND WARRANTY. DEALER NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197217

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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