I WAS TURNING MY CAR ON THE CORNER OF MY BLOCK. MY PASSENGER WHO WAS ABOUT TO GET OUT THE CAR STEPPED ONE FOOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OTHER FOOT WENT THROUGH THE CARPET AND LANDED OUTSIDE OF MY CAR UNDERNEATH. I GOT OUT THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH WAS RUSTED AND HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT. I THAN LOOKED ON MY…
Read full complaint
I WAS TURNING MY CAR ON THE CORNER OF MY BLOCK. MY PASSENGER WHO WAS ABOUT TO GET OUT THE CAR STEPPED ONE FOOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OTHER FOOT WENT THROUGH THE CARPET AND LANDED OUTSIDE OF MY CAR UNDERNEATH. I GOT OUT THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH WAS RUSTED AND HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT. I THAN LOOKED ON MY DRIVER SIDE AND SEEN THAT SIDE WAS THE SAME BUT NOT AS BAD. I WENT TO GET AN ESTIMATE AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WOULD BE $800 TO FIX MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO GET MY CAR FIXED. I TRIED TO SELL IT BUT NO ONE WAS INTERESTED IN BUYING DUE TO THE HOLES. RIDING AROUND IN THE WINTER WAS VERY COLD AND WHEN IT RAINED IT WOULD SOAK UP THE CARPET THAT'S HANGING AND FELT LIKE IT MADE MY CAR RIDE HEAVY. I WOULD HOPE THAT NISSAN COULD LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND SEE HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO DRIVE A CAR WITH HOLES IN THE BOTTOM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704884
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2015
Structure
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER FLOOR BOARDS WERE ROTTED OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704815
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2015
Structure
WAS DOING WORK UNDER MY CAR AND NOTICED THE FLOORBOARD ON MY CAR ROTTED OUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND CRUMBLED IN MY HAND. HAD TO CUT OUT THE BAD SECTION THAT HAD RUST ON IT AND RIVET IN A PIECE OF GALVANIZED SHEET METAL TO REPLACE IT. WOULD LIKE TO SEE NISSAN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE SAFETY OF…
Read full complaint
WAS DOING WORK UNDER MY CAR AND NOTICED THE FLOORBOARD ON MY CAR ROTTED OUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND CRUMBLED IN MY HAND. HAD TO CUT OUT THE BAD SECTION THAT HAD RUST ON IT AND RIVET IN A PIECE OF GALVANIZED SHEET METAL TO REPLACE IT. WOULD LIKE TO SEE NISSAN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE DRIVERS WHO AREN'T AWARE OF THIS OR HAVE THE MEANS TO FIX IT THEMSELVES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704313
165,000 miles · Apr 6, 2015
Structure
I DISCOVERED AROUND THIS DATE THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTED OUT AND ALMOST HAVE HOLES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704008
82,000 miles · Apr 6, 2015
Structure
BODY AND FRAME OF CAR RUSTED OUT LEAVING A 6-INCH BY 10-INCH HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD. THE RUST HOLE IS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT, ON THE FRAME, AND AROUND THE JACK REINFORCEMENT. THE HOLE, DEEMED A STRUCTURAL FLAW, IS THE REASON THE CAR FAILED ITS SAFETY INSPECTION IN VIRGINIA. THE ESTIMATED PRICES TO REPAIR THE HOLE R…
Read full complaint
BODY AND FRAME OF CAR RUSTED OUT LEAVING A 6-INCH BY 10-INCH HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD. THE RUST HOLE IS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT, ON THE FRAME, AND AROUND THE JACK REINFORCEMENT. THE HOLE, DEEMED A STRUCTURAL FLAW, IS THE REASON THE CAR FAILED ITS SAFETY INSPECTION IN VIRGINIA. THE ESTIMATED PRICES TO REPAIR THE HOLE RANGED FROM $2,500 TO $5,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703906
96,000 miles · Apr 5, 2015
Structure
MY DAD RECENTLY INFORMED ME THAT HE SAW A STORY ON THE NEWS ABOUT NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND RUSTED OUT FLOORBOARDS. SURE ENOUGH, MY FLOORBOARDS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE IN BAD SHAPE. ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CAR LOOKS LIKE NEW OTHERWISE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO STATE LINE NISSAN FOR ALL…
Read full complaint
MY DAD RECENTLY INFORMED ME THAT HE SAW A STORY ON THE NEWS ABOUT NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND RUSTED OUT FLOORBOARDS. SURE ENOUGH, MY FLOORBOARDS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE IN BAD SHAPE. ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CAR LOOKS LIKE NEW OTHERWISE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO STATE LINE NISSAN FOR ALL MAINTENANCE. NOBODY THERE EVER TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING UNDER MY CAR. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND QUITE A FEW NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS GO BACK 5 YEARS. IT IS CLEAR THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS DESIGN FLAW AND WANTS TO AVOID A COSTLY RECALL. I WENT TO HENDRICK COLLISION CENTER IN MERRIAM KANSAS WHO ARE IN THE NISSAN NETWORK FOR REPAIRS. IT WILL TAKE 10 DAYS AND COST $3,232.38. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO SANTA FE BODY INC. WHICH IS AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP. THEY HAVE ALREADY DONE SOME OTHER ALTIMA'S AND CHARGE $500 PER SIDE FOR $1000. THEY CUT OUT THE RUSTED AREA AND REPLACE IT WITH SHEET METAL. THIS WILL TAKE 1-2 DAYS. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO FORCE NISSAN INTO A RECALL AS IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY ISSUE. PEOPLE ARE DRIVING AROUND IN CARS NOT KNOWING THAT THE FLOOR BELOW THEM IS RUSTING ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. MY MOM LIVES 5 MINUTES AWAY AND HAS A 1995 NISSAN ALTIMA WITHOUT THIS FLOORBOARD PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703777
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2015
Structure
RUST PROBLEM UNDERNEATH DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE. FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTING OUT. NISSAN IS AWARE AND IS DOING NOTHING. I AM 61 YEARS OLD AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIX. I'M DRIVING EVERY DAY PRAYING NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO ME OR MY GRAND KIDS. NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIE FROM …
Read full complaint
RUST PROBLEM UNDERNEATH DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE. FLOORBOARDS ARE RUSTING OUT. NISSAN IS AWARE AND IS DOING NOTHING. I AM 61 YEARS OLD AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIX. I'M DRIVING EVERY DAY PRAYING NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO ME OR MY GRAND KIDS. NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT. I FOUND THIS OUT JUST BY ACCIDENT-WENT ON WEBSITE SEE IF MY CAR WAS ON THE LIST FOR RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS ISSUES. OVER 400 COMPLAINTS ON NISSAN WEBSITE UNDER COMPLAINTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10684181
80,000 miles · Feb 9, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BODY WAS RUSTING UNDER THE SEATS. UPDATED 04/14/15
NHTSA ODI #10682122
100,000 miles · Dec 8, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10662977
83,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Structure
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 I BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS 83000 MILES. LIKE OTHERS, MY FLOOR PANS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE RUSTED OUT. I FOUND THIS OUT ON 8/6/14. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT ALL THESE YRS. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY FROM THE HARSH WINTER AND SALT ON THE ROAD. IF THIS WAS TRUE ALL THE CAR'S IN NJ T…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 I BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS 83000 MILES. LIKE OTHERS, MY FLOOR PANS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE RUSTED OUT. I FOUND THIS OUT ON 8/6/14. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT ALL THESE YRS. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY FROM THE HARSH WINTER AND SALT ON THE ROAD. IF THIS WAS TRUE ALL THE CAR'S IN NJ THIS YEAR SHOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A NISSAN REP. THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE, THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON IT, IT WAS TOO FAR OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I LIVE IN AN AREA THAT HAS A LOT OF SNOW AND SALT. I THINK NISSAN NEEDS TO READ THEIR COMPLAINTS ON THEIR WEB SITE AND STOP SAYING THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. MY ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THIS IS $2800. I AM ALSO SCARED TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN I STEP INTO THE CAR IT FEELS LIKE I AM GOING TO END UP ON THE GROUND. I WAS ALSO TOLD IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT IT COULD BE BAD BECAUSE NORMAL FLOOR PANS HELP PROTECT YOU. PLEASE HELP ALL NISSAN OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. *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.
Illustration