TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTIALLY CORRODED FROM ROAD SALT. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE REAR BODY AND CENTER FLOORS AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTIALLY CORRODED FROM ROAD SALT. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE REAR BODY AND CENTER FLOORS AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10336603
134,000 miles · May 26, 2010
Structure
HAD OIL CHANGED ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE AND NOTICE LARGE RUST SPOTS ON THE FLOOR PANELS UNDER BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE RUST HAD CREATED A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL - LIFTING THE CARPET, I COULD SEE THE ROAD BELOW. NISSAN DEALERS SAID THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY COULD DO …
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HAD OIL CHANGED ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE AND NOTICE LARGE RUST SPOTS ON THE FLOOR PANELS UNDER BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE RUST HAD CREATED A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL - LIFTING THE CARPET, I COULD SEE THE ROAD BELOW. NISSAN DEALERS SAID THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY COULD DO NOTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332425
98,000 miles · May 2, 2010
Structure
LUCKILY ANY INCIDENTS WERE OMITTED. MY MECHANIC DISCOVER THAT THE UNDERMOUNT IN MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA RUSTED SO BADLY THAT I HAVE TWO HOLES IN THE CAR. THE HOLES ARE IN THE UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT. THAT IS JUST AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328410
130,000 miles · Apr 19, 2010
Structure
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND IT HAS DEVELOPED A LARGE RUST HOLE UNDER THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PAN. THE CAR WAS RUST PROOFED WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS HAVE NOT HAD ANY LUCK WITH NISSAN TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM/DEFECT THAT NISSAN REF…
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I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AND IT HAS DEVELOPED A LARGE RUST HOLE UNDER THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PAN. THE CAR WAS RUST PROOFED WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS HAVE NOT HAD ANY LUCK WITH NISSAN TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM/DEFECT THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO CORRECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326482
105,000 miles · Apr 3, 2010
Structure
THE FLOOR PANEL ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY THE HOLE IS APPROXIMATELY 8X8 IT IS ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH I FIND VERY PECULIAR.
NHTSA ODI #10323625
100,000 miles · Apr 3, 2010
Structure
ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE ROTTED OUT. THERE ARE HOLES OVER 1 FOOT SQUARE ON EACH SIDE BELOW THE PASS AND DRIVERS FEET. THIS IS A WELL TAKEN CARE OF VEHICLE, PURCHASED NEW,WASHED EVERY MONTH (INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE). THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A FACTORY "UNDERCOATING", THAT IS STIL…
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ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE ROTTED OUT. THERE ARE HOLES OVER 1 FOOT SQUARE ON EACH SIDE BELOW THE PASS AND DRIVERS FEET. THIS IS A WELL TAKEN CARE OF VEHICLE, PURCHASED NEW,WASHED EVERY MONTH (INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE). THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A FACTORY "UNDERCOATING", THAT IS STILL INTACT BUT NO LONGER FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STRUCTURE, IT HOLDS THE WATER AGAINST THE METAL AND ROTS IT OUT, WITHOUT THE OWNER EVER BEING ABLE TO SEE THE DAMAGE BEING DONE UNTIL ITS TOO LATE! IVE NEVER SEEN THIS, EVEN HALF AS BAD, ON ANY CAR THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE (AND IVE BEEN WORKING ON CARS FOR 20 YEARS!) THIS SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN.
NHTSA ODI #10323614
72,000 miles · Jan 27, 2010
Structure
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO HAVE HER VEHICLE INSPECTED SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS, THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN…
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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO HAVE HER VEHICLE INSPECTED SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS, THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN UPDATED 05/20/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10302626
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2009
Structure
DEFECTIVE SHEET METAL DESIGN IN FLOOR PAN OF NISSAN ALTIMAS, BODY STYLE BEGINNING WITH MODEL YEAR 2002. DESIGN FLAW CAUSED LARGE RUST HOLES IN FRONT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT, SEEMINGLY BY TRAPPING MOISTURE. MY HOLES APPROX 12" EACH. I AM HEARING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS. PERFORATION WARRANTY WAS 5 YEARS,…
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DEFECTIVE SHEET METAL DESIGN IN FLOOR PAN OF NISSAN ALTIMAS, BODY STYLE BEGINNING WITH MODEL YEAR 2002. DESIGN FLAW CAUSED LARGE RUST HOLES IN FRONT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT, SEEMINGLY BY TRAPPING MOISTURE. MY HOLES APPROX 12" EACH. I AM HEARING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS. PERFORATION WARRANTY WAS 5 YEARS, AND DUE TO MY DEALERSHIP NOT NOTICING THE PROBLEM WITHIN THAT PERIOD, NISSAN CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY. THESE HOLES MAY ALTER THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE BODY FRAME IN CASE OF SIDE IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, WATER ENTERS THE CABIN AND REMAINS IN THE CARPET AND PAD. MY FLOOR PAN WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND AM PREPARING TO SCHEDULE THE WORK. NISSANS RECOMMENDED LOCAL BODY SHOP HAS ESTIMATED REPAIRS APPROX. $2300 US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10281326
42,000 miles · Jul 23, 2009
Structure
PA VEHICLE INSPECTOR FOUND LARGE RUSTED HOLES THROUGH FLOOR PAN IN OUR 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH WAS ALWAYS GARAGED AND HAD ONLY 42,000 MILES. BECAUSE EXHAUST FUMES COULD ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WE COULDN'T USE THE CAR. CALLS TO THE DEALER AND NISSAN WERE FRUITLESS. AN ONLINE SEARCH FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME…
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PA VEHICLE INSPECTOR FOUND LARGE RUSTED HOLES THROUGH FLOOR PAN IN OUR 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH WAS ALWAYS GARAGED AND HAD ONLY 42,000 MILES. BECAUSE EXHAUST FUMES COULD ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WE COULDN'T USE THE CAR. CALLS TO THE DEALER AND NISSAN WERE FRUITLESS. AN ONLINE SEARCH FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND A COUPLE HAD ESTIMATES OF OVER $2000 FOR REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278036
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2009
Structure
GAS DOOR WAS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. IT EVENTUALLY IS VERY CROOKED AND DOES NOT CLOSE AT ALL ANY MORE. I TALKED TO SEVERAL NISSAN ALTIMA OWNER SAME THING HAPPENED. *TR
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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