← New search

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
77,000 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Structure

AFTER HEARING A SCRAPING NOISE, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A 6-INCH SECTION (APPROX.) OF METAL WAS HANGING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING AT THE AREA, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE FLOOR PAN UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED/RUSTED…

Read full complaint

AFTER HEARING A SCRAPING NOISE, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A 6-INCH SECTION (APPROX.) OF METAL WAS HANGING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING AT THE AREA, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE FLOOR PAN UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED/RUSTED/ROTTED. AFTER CALLING MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP, I WAS DIRECTED TO NISSAN CORPORATE, WHO THEN PASSED ME ALONG TO A REGIONAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS REP. THE BULLETIN NUMBER PROVIDED BY THAT REP WAS NTB15-059 (FLOOR PAN REPAIR). I WAS TOLD THAT THEY KNEW OF OTHERS ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THAT I SHOULD CALL AROUND FOR REPAIR ESTIMATES. AFTER GETTING SEVERAL ESTIMATES, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOOR PAN UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS EVEN MORE ROTTED OUT THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT CARPETING IN MY VEHICLE WAS ALREADY SLIGHTLY DAMP, DUE TO THE HOLES IN THE FLOOR PAN AND THAT THERE MAY BE A FUTURE ISSUE WITH MOLD. FLAKES OF RUSTED METAL CONTINUE TO FALL FROM UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE. ONE AUTOBODY SHOP EVEN STATED THAT THEY HAD ALREADY FIXED APPROXIMATELY 2 DOZEN OTHER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10936573

113,000 miles · Dec 12, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARD WAS COMPLETELY CORODDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARD WAS COMPLETELY CORODDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #10934737

83,450 miles · Nov 15, 2016
Structure

AS OTHERS HAVE STATED.. THE FRONT FLOOR PAN ON MY 2002 NISAN ALTIMA COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS $746.60.

NHTSA ODI #10926284

73,000 miles · Oct 6, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

CAMSHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT SENSORS HAVE FAILED AGAIN THOUGH SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED PER RECALL IN 2005. NOW MY CAR STOPS AND TURNS OFF MULTIPLE TIMES IN A SHORT QUARTER MILE TRIP. JUST SPENT $700 ON CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER & SLAVE CYLINDER. DEALER SAYS I MUST PAY AGAIN FOR THE SENSORS THOUGH THEY HAVE FAILED. NISSAN MUST COVER THIS. IT…

Read full complaint

CAMSHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT SENSORS HAVE FAILED AGAIN THOUGH SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED PER RECALL IN 2005. NOW MY CAR STOPS AND TURNS OFF MULTIPLE TIMES IN A SHORT QUARTER MILE TRIP. JUST SPENT $700 ON CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER & SLAVE CYLINDER. DEALER SAYS I MUST PAY AGAIN FOR THE SENSORS THOUGH THEY HAVE FAILED. NISSAN MUST COVER THIS. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. MANY DOCUMENTATIONS FROM OWNERS DENIED THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED A SECOND TIME AND OUTRAGED NISSAN WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WANT NISSAN TO FIX.

NHTSA ODI #10914292

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS TO WEAR I GOT IT FIX WITH REPLACING A STEERING RACK WHICH HAS NOT LASTED LONGER THEN A YEAR. 2015-2016 AND I CAN'T SEEM TO GET A REPAIR MAN TO FIGURE IT OUT. THIS HAS HAPPEN DRIVING, AND TURNING. I HAVE HAD EXHAUST PROBLEM TO WERE THE REPAIR MEN HAS TOLD THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH OF FIRE DU…

Read full complaint

MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS TO WEAR I GOT IT FIX WITH REPLACING A STEERING RACK WHICH HAS NOT LASTED LONGER THEN A YEAR. 2015-2016 AND I CAN'T SEEM TO GET A REPAIR MAN TO FIGURE IT OUT. THIS HAS HAPPEN DRIVING, AND TURNING. I HAVE HAD EXHAUST PROBLEM TO WERE THE REPAIR MEN HAS TOLD THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH OF FIRE DUE TO THE HEAT SHIELD SO THEY REMOVE ONE. WHICH STILL LEFT MY CAR DEALING WITH OIL SPILLAGE AFTERWARDS AFTER DRIVING IT ANYWHERE. MY OIL NEVER TOUCHES THE GROUND JUST SITS IN EXHAUST PIPE AND BLOW SMOKE SOMETIMES AND IT HAS STARTED BACK UP ONCE AGAIN AFTER PUTTING SO MUCH REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS START POPPING ON AND OFF, EVERYTIME I GET IT TESTED IT SAYS CRANK SENSOR THATS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR WHEN THE CAR MOVING. THEN SOME DAYS IT WILL DISAPPEAR. AND IT MESS WITH THE POWER OF MY ENGINE. AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES A WHILE TO CRANK THE CAR. NOW I HAVE TRIED REPLACING ANOTHER MOTOR IN THE CAR BUT THIS MOTOR THAT I HAVE NOW IS GIVING ME THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE FIRST MOTOR. AND I THINK THATS BECAUSE THE REPAIR MEN ARE NOT FIXING THE RECALLS ON THE MOTOR OF THE CAR, THEY ARE JUST REPLACING THE MOTOR LIKE MINES GOT REPLACED WITH ANOTHER MOTOR OF THE SAME YEAR MAKE AS MY CAR. BUT I FEEL THAT IF THESE RECALLS ON THESE YEAR MAKE OF MY CAR HAVE BEEN KNOWN THEN THE NISSAN SHOULD REPAIR THE DEFECTS SO PEOPLE WANT HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING SO MUCH MONEY INTO FIXING THE CAR AND ITS NOT THEIR FAULT ITS NISSAN. I HAVE PROBLEMS ALSO OUT OF MY MANIFOLD GASKET AND THE WHOLE PART ITSELF ALL THE TIME THAT CAN BURN ME AND MY CHILDREN UP WHILE DRIVING. AND I'M JUST SO SCARED SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AND THERE ARE RECALLS ON MY MAKE MODEL CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10899014

96,000 miles · Aug 12, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY OTHER DRIVERS ARE PAYING ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE DOES START BACK UP. WE HAVE FOUND A RECALL BUT WHEN WE'VE CHECKED THE VIN # IT COMES UP WITH NO RECALLS. THERE IS A SENSOR ISSUE RECALL THAT DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT THE …

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY OTHER DRIVERS ARE PAYING ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE DOES START BACK UP. WE HAVE FOUND A RECALL BUT WHEN WE'VE CHECKED THE VIN # IT COMES UP WITH NO RECALLS. THERE IS A SENSOR ISSUE RECALL THAT DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT THE CAR IS DOING. IT HAS STALLED ON OFF RAMPS, CITY STREETS AND SUBURBAN ROADS. I HAVE FOUND THE FOLLOWING ONLINE: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINETHE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT. IF THE INTERUPPTION OF THE SIGNAL IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ECM ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE DOSE NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE VEHICLE MAY SHUT OFF CREATING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE NISSAN RECALL # IS R0606 NISSAN IS NO HELP THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 97,0000 MILES AND WAS BOUGHT USED FROM A LOT IN NH WHO WAS ALSO NO HELP

NHTSA ODI #10895390

120,000 miles · Aug 9, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PAN UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND CREATED HOLES IN THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO RUSTING OF THE FLOOR PANS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PAN UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND CREATED HOLES IN THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO RUSTING OF THE FLOOR PANS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 09/30/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10894516

125,000 miles · Jul 14, 2016
EngineExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

" TAKATA RECALL " . THE CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ENGINE PROBLEMS BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS UNTIL I SEARCHED IT ONLINE AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MANY COMPLAINT ON THE RECALL WEBSITE. THE ENGINE WHILE ON SLOW DRIVE OR WHEN ON A FULL STOP IT SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE OF TIMES ONCE I WA…

Read full complaint

" TAKATA RECALL " . THE CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ENGINE PROBLEMS BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS UNTIL I SEARCHED IT ONLINE AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MANY COMPLAINT ON THE RECALL WEBSITE. THE ENGINE WHILE ON SLOW DRIVE OR WHEN ON A FULL STOP IT SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE OF TIMES ONCE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY BUT THERE WAS TRAFFIC AND MY CAR SHUT DOWN. ANOTHER TIME I WAS AT A REGULAR CITY ROAD AND I WAS DRIVING SLOW LOOKING FOR PARKING AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN BUT THANKFULLY THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS FAR AND I TURNED MY BLINKERS ON, BUT THANKFULLY NO CRASHES AS OF YET. MANY OTHER TIMES IT HAS SHUT DOWN ON RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS ANYWHERE THAT IT HAS BEEN SLOW MOTION. RECENTLY AFTER SO LONG OF HAVING THESE TROUBLES, MY CAR WILL TAKE FOREVER TO TURN ON. IT STARTS BUT IT MAKES A WEIRD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND IT SHUTS DOWN. I AM A FULL TIME STUDENT AND IT WOULD BE GREAT TO FIX MY CAR AND ACTUALLY DRIVE TO SCHOOL WITH LESS WORRIES THAT MY CAR WILL SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROAD AND BE IN A FATAL CRASH. I HAVE ALSO TRIED MALECHANICS OR CHECK THE ENGINE WITH THE MACHINES AND EVERYONE IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE ENGINE AND I HAVE CHECKED THE ENGINE MYSELF, THE ENGINE IS HOT, SHAKES, MAKES NOISES.

NHTSA ODI #10884948

135,000 miles · Jul 14, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FRACTURED AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2003, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10884843

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL PUMP LEAKED UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND SPREAD THE GAS ALL AROUND THE SEAT

NHTSA ODI #10839680

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.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems