"PURE" GAS SMELL IN EXHAUST....VEHICLE FAILS TO RESTARTS AFTER BEING DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCES , TURNE OFF, AND RE-STARTED. HAS HAPPENED SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE....DEALERSHIP/REPAIR NEVER FINDS ANY PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME IT HAS HAPPENED OVER A YEAR. CAR WILL NOT RE-START, UNLESS I WAIT 2-4 HOURS & TRY AGAIN. DE…
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"PURE" GAS SMELL IN EXHAUST....VEHICLE FAILS TO RESTARTS AFTER BEING DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCES , TURNE OFF, AND RE-STARTED. HAS HAPPENED SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE....DEALERSHIP/REPAIR NEVER FINDS ANY PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME IT HAS HAPPENED OVER A YEAR. CAR WILL NOT RE-START, UNLESS I WAIT 2-4 HOURS & TRY AGAIN. DEALERSHIP/SERVICE SAID MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH WHERE I PURCHASE FUEL....BUT I FILL UP AT SEVERAL PLACES THROUGH OUT THE WEEK...SO I KNOW THAT'S NOT THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10033387
15,691 miles · Jun 19, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, THAT MY HUSBAND PURCHASE FOR MY 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, MAY 2002. IN OCT 2002, IT STARTED WITH LOSE BELTS THAT WASN'T REPAIRED UNTIL DEC 2002. WELL, IN MAR 2003, MY CAR WOULDN'T START. SO, THE SERVICE GUY TOLD ME TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRY TO START IT, NOTHING!! SO, WHEN THE TOW GUY ARRIVED TO TOW TO…
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I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, THAT MY HUSBAND PURCHASE FOR MY 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, MAY 2002. IN OCT 2002, IT STARTED WITH LOSE BELTS THAT WASN'T REPAIRED UNTIL DEC 2002. WELL, IN MAR 2003, MY CAR WOULDN'T START. SO, THE SERVICE GUY TOLD ME TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRY TO START IT, NOTHING!! SO, WHEN THE TOW GUY ARRIVED TO TOW TO DEALER, HE TRIED WITH NO SUCCESS. SO, MY CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR 4 DAYS, THE SERVICE DEPT SAID IT STARTED FOR THEM. SO, WHILE I WAS CHECKING OUT AT THE CASHIER, THE SERVICE MANAGER SO HAPPEN TO BE STANDING BY AND OVER HEARD ME TALKING TO THE CASHIER. SO, HE AND I WENT OUT TO MY CAR AND IT STARTED FOR HIM, BUT HE STATED THAT IT'S A DELAYED CRANKING AND THEY'VE GOTTEN A SERVICE COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ALTIMA'S NOT STARTING AND THEY BELIEVE IT'S HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL INJECTION, BUT BEFORE THEY CAN RECALL THE CAR, THEY MUST KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. SO, HE SAID WHENEVER IT DOES IT AGAIN, WHILE CRANKING THE CAR, PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND GIVE IT SOME GAS AND IT SHOULD START. WELL, IN APRIL, WHILE IN D.C., ON VACATION, COMING OUT TO START THE CAR, IT DIDN'T START. SO, I DID WHAT THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO DO AND IT STARTED, BUT I HAD TO END MY VACATION, BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO CHANCE IT FAR FROM HOME. WELL, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET THE OIL CHANGE AND I DID LET THE SERVICE DEPT KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. WELL, HERE IT IS JUNE 2003, MY CAR STALLED AGAIN AND MY HUSBAND WAS VERY UPSET, BECAUSE HE HAD DRIVEN IT TO WORK AND HE MANAGED TO GET IT BACK TO WORK AND WHEN HE GOT READY TO LEAVE WORK, IT WOULDN'T START AND HE HAD TO PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND GIVE IT SOME GAS FOR IT TO START. WELL, I'M TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2003 AND WHO KNOWS WHAT EXCUSE THEY'LL HAVE. AND TO MAKE IT SOO BAD, I'M GOING TO A REUNION, IN FLORIDA AND I WANTED TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL, NOW. WELL, I HOPE THOSE OF YOU GET SOME SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023431
5,100 miles · Mar 6, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
HAD A GAS LEAK IN MY DRIVE WAY AND CALLED DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF PROBLEM AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP FOR OBSERVATION. COULD NOT FIND LEAK. HAD A SECOND LEAK JUST YESTERDAY 5 MARCH 2003 AND THE SERVICE DEPT SUPERVISOR CAME TO MY LOCATION TO CHECK IT OUT, HE SAW THE LEAK AND CALLED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE SHOP FOR OBSERVATI…
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HAD A GAS LEAK IN MY DRIVE WAY AND CALLED DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF PROBLEM AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP FOR OBSERVATION. COULD NOT FIND LEAK. HAD A SECOND LEAK JUST YESTERDAY 5 MARCH 2003 AND THE SERVICE DEPT SUPERVISOR CAME TO MY LOCATION TO CHECK IT OUT, HE SAW THE LEAK AND CALLED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE SHOP FOR OBSERVATION. I AM STILL WAITING TO FIND OUT WHY MY NEW CAR IS LEAKING GAS. 8JB
NHTSA ODI #10008517
18,000 miles · Jan 22, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON DECEMBER 3, 2002 WHEN MY CAR ENGINE CEASED TO FUNCTION ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. ON JANUARY 15, 2003, AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT …
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THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON DECEMBER 3, 2002 WHEN MY CAR ENGINE CEASED TO FUNCTION ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. ON JANUARY 15, 2003, AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT CEASED FUNCTION AND THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED AND THIS TIME THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A MALFUNCTION WITH FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP AND GAS TANK ARE SCHEDULED TO BE REPLACED AND PIECES OF METAL WERE FOUND IN THE GAS TANK.
NHTSA ODI #10003164
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONCERN IS THE ABILITY TO HEAR THE GAS GUSHING IN THE GAS TANK--FEAR EXPLOSION IF HIT FROM THE SIDE OR REAR--TOLD THERE WAS NO PROTECTION PLACED BETWEEN THE GAS TANK AND CAR SIDES
NHTSA ODI #9007133
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY FAMILY. IT IS AN UNEASY FEELING TO HEAR THE GAS TANK SLUSHING AROUND, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. WHEN I FIRST REPORTED TO CARMAX, ONE OF THE TECHNICIANS DROVE WITH ME AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECT ALSO. CARMAX REPLACED THE GAS TANK, AND YOU CAN STILL HEAR THE GAS. I WAS TO…
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I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY FAMILY. IT IS AN UNEASY FEELING TO HEAR THE GAS TANK SLUSHING AROUND, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. WHEN I FIRST REPORTED TO CARMAX, ONE OF THE TECHNICIANS DROVE WITH ME AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECT ALSO. CARMAX REPLACED THE GAS TANK, AND YOU CAN STILL HEAR THE GAS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY TEST DROVE BOTH THE V6 AND V4 ENGINE CARS AND THEY BOTH DID THE SAME THING. YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. SINCERELY [XXX]. *JB PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****762556
NHTSA ODI #10009853
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #760378
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineFire
WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. FIRE DEPARTMENT THOUGHT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. HOWEVER, CAUSE OF FIRE HAS NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DETERMINED YET. NO INJURIES. *AK *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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