NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,047 reports77,000 miles · Nov 3, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME OIL RAPIDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME OIL RAPIDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #10652058
140,000 miles · Oct 17, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER SUSPECTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROBABLY ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER SUSPECTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROBABLY ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10648503
131,000 miles · Oct 16, 2014
Engine
THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT BUT A MANUFACTURER FAULT. THE ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL TO THE TUNE OF 1 QT PER 200 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10645066
199,000 miles · Oct 7, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE RADIATOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS USING ONE QUART OF OIL PER TANK OF FUEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HE COULD SMELL SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE RADIATOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS USING ONE QUART OF OIL PER TANK OF FUEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HE COULD SMELL SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.
NHTSA ODI #10643137
54,048 miles · Sep 29, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System
- FAULTY INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE CIRCUIT POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - FAULTY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUI…
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- FAULTY INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE CIRCUIT POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - FAULTY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS IS OPEN OR SHORTED - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - FAULTY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (POS) SINCE THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE USES OIL FLOW TO CONTROL TIMING, DIRTY OIL CAN CAUSE THE VALVE TO STUCK OPEN OR CLOSE. BEFORE REPLACING THE VALVE, CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER AND RESET ENGINE CODE. WHEN THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN ANGLE OF TARGET AND PHASE-CONTROL ANGLE DEGREE, THE VALVE WILL STOP WORKING AND THE ECM WILL TRIGGER THE P0021 CODE. POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS - ENGINE LIGHT ON (OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT)- LACK/LOSS OF POWER- ENGINE ROUGH IDLE P0021 NISSAN DESCRIPTION THIS MECHANISM HYDRAULICALLY CONTROLS CAM PHASES CONTINUOUSLY WITH THE FIXED OPERATING ANGLE OF THE INTAKE VALVE. THE ECM RECEIVES SIGNALS SUCH AS CRANKSHAFT POSITION, CAMSHAFT POSITION, ENGINE SPEED, AND ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE. THEN, THE ECM SENDS ON/OFF PULSE DUTY SIGNALS TO THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE DEPENDING ON DRIVING STATUS. THIS MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE SHUT/OPEN TIMING OF THE INTAKE VALVE TO INCREASE ENGINE TORQUE IN LOW/MID SPEED RANGE AND OUTPUT IN HIGH-SPEED RANGE. THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE CHANGES THE OIL AMOUNT AND DIRECTION OF FLOW THROUGH INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL UNIT OR STOPS OIL FLOW. THE LONGER PULSE WIDTH ADVANCES VALVE ANGLE. THE SHORTER PULSE WIDTH RETARDS VALVE ANGLE. WHEN ON AND OFF PULSE WIDTHS BECOME EQUAL, THE SOLENOID VALVE STOPS OIL PRESSURE FLOW TO FIX THE INTAKE VALVE ANGLE AT THE CONTROL POSITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10639988
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10637221
70,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Engine
IF YOU GOOGLE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING FROM ABOUT 60K TO 100K ABOUT A DESIGN FLAW OF HAVING THE PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST VALVES. THE PRE-CAT WAS FOUND TO BE A PROBLEM OF BREAKING DOWN THE METALS INSIDE AND CAUSING THEM TO BE SUCKED INTO THE E…
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IF YOU GOOGLE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING FROM ABOUT 60K TO 100K ABOUT A DESIGN FLAW OF HAVING THE PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST VALVES. THE PRE-CAT WAS FOUND TO BE A PROBLEM OF BREAKING DOWN THE METALS INSIDE AND CAUSING THEM TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND RUINING THE PISTON RINGS AND ULTIMATELY BLOWING THE ENGINE. NISSAN HAD SAID MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL BUT LOW AND BEHOLD I EXPERIENCE THE SAME SYMPTOMS. 2 QUARTS A WEEK OIL CONSUMPTION, SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, NO HEAT UNTIL ABOUT 4K RPM. MANY CALLS AND COMPLAINTS WENT UPON DEAF EARS. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR THEM TO SEE THAT THEY MISSED SOME ON THIS RECALL. MANY WITH THIS ENGINE LIKE SENTRA'S WITH THE 2.5 ENGINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME HAVE REPLACED THE PRE-CAT JUST TO HAVE IT FAIL AGAIN AND RUIN THE ENGINE AFTER REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10637153
130,000 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Engine
THIS CAR ALMOST KILLED ME. WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED, THERE ARE NO POWER, NO STEERING, NO BRAKE, AND WILL NOT START AGAIN THIS TIME. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN EATING OIL AND COOLANT LIKE CRAZY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631988
221,947 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Tires
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP, TIRE LINE: SPORTS 7000, AND TIRE SIZE 215/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE SHIMMY AND SWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TIRES WAS FEATHERING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE TIRES HAD A BUMP IN T…
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TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP, TIRE LINE: SPORTS 7000, AND TIRE SIZE 215/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE SHIMMY AND SWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TIRES WAS FEATHERING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE TIRES HAD A BUMP IN THE TIRED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS 221,947. BT
NHTSA ODI #10630986
185,000 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA ODI #10628041
Official recalls
5Nov 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗