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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

What owners actually said

1,047 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2014
Structure

A SECTION OF THE FLOOR-PAN UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER FEET RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. BOTH HOLES LOOK IDENTICAL A RECTANGULAR HOLE JUST FORWARD OF THE SEATS BETWEEN THE FRAME RIDGE AND THE ROCKER PANEL ABOUT 16 INCHES LONG.AND 4 INCHES WIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622525

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK…

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I HAVE A GENERAL QUESTION PLEASE. SOMEONE IN MY HOME PURCHASED ABOVE MENTIONED CAR RECENTLY FROM DEALER AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL OR THE PROBLEMS THESE CARS HAVE. WHEN MY FRIEND CALLED THE DEALER ASKING WHY THE OIL CONTINUED TO BE EATEN UP, THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. TONIGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK, IT ACTED UP, AND HAD "ENGINE OVER TEMP" ACCORDING TO MACHINE THAT GIVES CODES WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS, AND SAID OTHER CODES ABOUT RANDOM MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE RECALL YOU ISSUED ON THIS 2002 VEHICLE. ALSO WHAT CAN SHE DO TO ENSURE HER SAFETY. THIS PERSON WAS SOLD THIS WITHOUT BEING TOLD. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE COMPANY COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND "FIXED" SAFETY ISSUES?THE RECALL INFORMATION SOUNDS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618875

60,000 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HAZE COVERING THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLEANED THE HEADLIGHTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10617611

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2014
Engine

ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AFTER REPLACEMENT OF SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. CAR SHAKES AND STALLS. IDLES ROUGHLY AND WILL NOT "GO" UPON ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND AND RECENTLY VIEWED RECALLS ONLINE FOR FAULTY ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED. PROBLEM HAS P…

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ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AFTER REPLACEMENT OF SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. CAR SHAKES AND STALLS. IDLES ROUGHLY AND WILL NOT "GO" UPON ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND AND RECENTLY VIEWED RECALLS ONLINE FOR FAULTY ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED. PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND ONLY GOTTEN WORSE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615826

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2014
Structure

I BROUGHT MY CAR IN 2002 FROM NISSAN. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR NOW FOR 12 YEARS AND NISSAN IS THE ONLY PLACE I TAKE IT TO ALWAYS HAVE IT SERVICED. MY MILEAGE ON IT IS VERY LOW AS I DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING. I LOVE MY ALTIMA AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS WITH IT. ON JULY 8 2014, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICE WH…

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I BROUGHT MY CAR IN 2002 FROM NISSAN. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR NOW FOR 12 YEARS AND NISSAN IS THE ONLY PLACE I TAKE IT TO ALWAYS HAVE IT SERVICED. MY MILEAGE ON IT IS VERY LOW AS I DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING. I LOVE MY ALTIMA AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS WITH IT. ON JULY 8 2014, I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICE WHILE WAITING FOR IT THE RECEPTIONIST CAME AND ASKED ME HAD I CONSIDERED BUYING ANOTHER VEHICLE, I SAID NO I'M NOT ABLE TO AND MY CAR I DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL WITH IT. SHE SAID FOLLOW ME I NEED TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING. LORD AND BEHOLD MY CAR WAS UP ON THE LIFT AND WHAT DID THEY SHOW ME BUT THESE TWO HEAVILY ROTTED AREAS ON MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. ALL I COULD SAY WHEN I SEEN IT WAS THAT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD FOR NOT ONLY ME BUT ALSO A PASSENGER THAT SITS IN MY FRONT SEAT. YET NISSAN DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY FAULT FOR THIS AND THE MANY OTHER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT THIS IS AND HAS HAPPEN TO WITH THESE VEHICLES. I LIVE ON A LIMITED INCOME AND FEEL THEY SHOULD BE THE ONE TO REPAIR THE ROTTED FLOORINGS ON THE MANY VEHICLES THAT HAVE ROTTED FLOORING. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SEND A REPORT ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HEAVILY ROTTED FLOOR THAT THEY HAD NEVER INFORMED ME OF UNTIL IT IS NOW HEAVILY ROTTED AND MY FOOT OR A PASSENGER FOOT CAN NOW END UP AT ANY GIVEN TIME GOING RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR WHEN I AM SURE THAT THEY KNEW MUCH EARLIER THAT MY FLOOR WAS RUSTING OUT AND THEY JUST WAITED TILL NOW WHEN IT IS HEAVILY ROTTED. FEELING DISGUSTED AND VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609247

99,975 miles · Jun 30, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

PROBLEMS: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT, NO START CONDITION, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, STOPPED RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN STARTED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15000 RPM - WOULD NOT BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT RESTARTING IT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC FOR HIM TO CHECK …

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PROBLEMS: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT, NO START CONDITION, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, STOPPED RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN STARTED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15000 RPM - WOULD NOT BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT RESTARTING IT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC FOR HIM TO CHECK WHY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON. CODE HE RECEIVED DID NOT GIVE HIM ANY INFORMATION SO HE TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR. ON JUNE 26, 2014 THE ENGINE STALLED AS I PULLED UP TO A STOP LIGHT. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING ON MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS IT BEGAN RUNNING AGAIN. NO SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR FAILED TO START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT STARTED AND THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN. A RECALL NOTICE FOR ALL OF THESE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ISSUED IN DECEMBER OF 2003.FOR 2002 ALTIMAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 2001 AND JUNE 2002. MY ALTIMA WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER 2001 AND I PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER 2001. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN WHEN I CALLED ON JUNE 27,2014 THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL EVEN THOUGH ALL OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECALL WERE DOCUMENTED ON MY CAR. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2009 AT WHICH TIME THE LOCAL DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM (R0712). NOT SURE THAT WORKED BECAUSE IN JULY 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP WHICH REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE ALSO SINCE ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING). I PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE SAME THING OTHERS ARE GETTING REPAIRED BY NISSAN FOR FREE. RECALL NO. R3022 AND 03V-455 DESCRIBE THESE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10606942

86,655 miles · Jun 27, 2014
Engine

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE OIL…

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TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, AND WAS MAKING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE WORST. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT FAILURE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING)THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 85,655 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,100.

NHTSA ODI #10606445

116,001 miles · Jun 13, 2014
Structure

PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. I BOUGHT MY CAR 2 1/2 YEARS AGO (PURCHASED IN 2012) FROM A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY PUT A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY CAR WHICH IT SHOULD OF NEVER GOT ONE. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE SALE BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY HOLES BECAUSE THEY POPPED RIVETED A PLATE TO COVER THE DAMAGE…

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PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. I BOUGHT MY CAR 2 1/2 YEARS AGO (PURCHASED IN 2012) FROM A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY PUT A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY CAR WHICH IT SHOULD OF NEVER GOT ONE. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE SALE BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY HOLES BECAUSE THEY POPPED RIVETED A PLATE TO COVER THE DAMAGE AND PAINTED IT SO IT LOOKED LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG. I JUST RECENTLY BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND THE PLATE FELL OFF AND YOU CAN SEE MY CARPET FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. GRANTED MY CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD BUT THE RUST IS SO BAD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A 30 YEAR OLD CAR. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10598092

Mileage unknown · May 28, 2014
Engine

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BELOW THRESHOLD LIGHT CAME ON THEN AFTERWARDS IT GOT SUCKED UP INTO ENGINE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL RIDICULOUSLY FAST CAUSING ME TO BUY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN OIL AND OIL CHANGES. NOW THE ENGINE DOESN'T RUN RIGHT IT SEEMS AND NEEDS TO REPLACED AMONG WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594459

97,876 miles · May 25, 2014
Structure

PURCHASED CAR USED FROM NISSAN DEALER IN 2005 WITH 33,936 MILES ON IT. ALTHOUGH I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND AM EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT, I VERY SELDOM DRIVE MY CAR IN THE WINTER, IF AT ALL. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS I'VE NOTICED "ORANGE" SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR WHERE I PARK. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUID LEAK, HOWEVER, WHEN…

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PURCHASED CAR USED FROM NISSAN DEALER IN 2005 WITH 33,936 MILES ON IT. ALTHOUGH I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND AM EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT, I VERY SELDOM DRIVE MY CAR IN THE WINTER, IF AT ALL. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS I'VE NOTICED "ORANGE" SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR WHERE I PARK. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUID LEAK, HOWEVER, WHEN MY HUSBAND WENT TO CHANGE THE OIL WE NOTICED A HOLE, 3-4" IN DIAMETER, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD, WHERE THE OPENER FOR THE FUEL COMPARTMENT IS LOCATED. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, WE OBSERVED A RUSTED AREA APPROXIMATELY 2FT X 1FT WAITING TO BREAK THROUGH. NOW, IF THIS IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. I CURRENTLY HAVE A RAG STUCK IN THE HOLE TO AVOID ANY ROAD DEBRIS FROM HITTING ME AND FUMES FROM ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 MODEL YEAR, BUT MINE IS A 2002. THIS MAY INDICATE NISSAN HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO SELL THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT FOR A MUCH LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES OVER MY LIFETIME, WHICH I KEEP AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED A SITUATION LIKE THIS. IT'S BEEN MY UNDERSTANDING THAT AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS HAD REMEDIED THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO ! PLEASE, SOMEONE, MAKE NISSAN ACCOUNTABLE ! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593964

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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