← 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
180,000 miles · Apr 12, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

NO HEAT, OIL LOSS, COOLANT LOSS, CHECK ENGINE STATING MISFIRE, O2 SENSORS REPLACED, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, CURRENTLY CAR WILL NOT START. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224310

110,000 miles · Apr 12, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR MISFIRING ,TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER WAS TOLD THAT POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAME LOOSE IN TO ENGINE DAMAGING #3 SPARK PLUG HEAD CYLINDER AND PRECAT DEALER ESTIMATE REPAIR OVER $3,000 .CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH NO LUCK,RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 04 AND 05 BUT NOT FOR MINE 02 OR…

Read full complaint

CAR MISFIRING ,TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER WAS TOLD THAT POWER VALVE SCREWS LOCATED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAME LOOSE IN TO ENGINE DAMAGING #3 SPARK PLUG HEAD CYLINDER AND PRECAT DEALER ESTIMATE REPAIR OVER $3,000 .CONTACTED NISSAN CORP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH NO LUCK,RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 04 AND 05 BUT NOT FOR MINE 02 OR 03 ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE IS THE SAME,AND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224277

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY GETTING THE RECALL REMEDIED BECAUSE SHE LIVES IN A REMOTE AREA WITH THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER BEING 2.5 HOURS AWAY. SHE IS FEARFUL OF DRIVING…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY GETTING THE RECALL REMEDIED BECAUSE SHE LIVES IN A REMOTE AREA WITH THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER BEING 2.5 HOURS AWAY. SHE IS FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY DEFECT. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THEM TOW THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED HER MESSAGES. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

NHTSA ODI #10224198

58,000 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR A 60,000 MILE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, OIL WAS ABLE TO ENTER INTO THE ENGINE VALVE AND EVENTUALLY THE …

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR A 60,000 MILE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, OIL WAS ABLE TO ENTER INTO THE ENGINE VALVE AND EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND THE MANUFACTURER BUILT THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM A REGIONAL SPECIALIST. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10224196

95,000 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BURNED 1 QUART OF OIL PER MONTH. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO BURN 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE OIL WAS BURNING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO FLOW B…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BURNED 1 QUART OF OIL PER MONTH. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO BURN 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE OIL WAS BURNING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO FLOW BACK INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE OR SHOULD BE SOLD. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERVICE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE ERROR CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CODE APPEARED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A SERVICE BULLETIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER TO CHECK WITH THE DEALER TO FIND OUT IF THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SERVICE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE DEALER WANTED TO ASSIST, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT LET THE DEALER PERFORM THE SERVICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #10224190

85,000 miles · Apr 10, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED...I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LEVEL HAD DROPPED BUT DID NOT EQUATE IT INITIALLY WITH THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE FAILED CONVERTER ( CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE)....I BOUGHT A NEW CONVERTER AND HAD IT REPLACED WITHIN THE WEEK....AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE FROM . A FEW DAYS L…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED...I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LEVEL HAD DROPPED BUT DID NOT EQUATE IT INITIALLY WITH THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE FAILED CONVERTER ( CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE)....I BOUGHT A NEW CONVERTER AND HAD IT REPLACED WITHIN THE WEEK....AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE FROM . A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I AS I WAS CHECKING FLUIDS IN MY CAR I NOTICED MY OIL WAS VERY LOW......ADDING OIL ( SOON AFTER AN OIL CHANGE DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. I WENT TO NISSAN ( DEALER) AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THEY DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND DETERMINED THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT OTHER CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN DIFFERENT AREAS BUT THEY DECLINED TO FIX THE ENGINE, ONLY STATING THAT I NEEDED TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224041

85,000 miles · Apr 5, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WORK ON MARCH 16TH 2008 I NOTICED THAT IT WAS BUCKING SEVERELY ON THE FREEWAY AND THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY. MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TEMPE AND HAD IT LOOKED AT ON MARCH 17TH 2008. I WAS INFORM…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TO WORK ON MARCH 16TH 2008 I NOTICED THAT IT WAS BUCKING SEVERELY ON THE FREEWAY AND THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY. MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TEMPE AND HAD IT LOOKED AT ON MARCH 17TH 2008. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN IN THE ENGINE. AFTER HAVING MY WARRANTY COMPANY TAKE A LOOK AT IT I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD IN FACT NEED A NEW ENGINE IN MY CAR. APPARENTLY WHEN THE HEAD GASKET BLEW IT LEAKED COOLANT INTO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THAT HAPPENED AND THE COOLANT HEATED UP ENOUGH TO COMBUST IT STARTED TO DISINTEGRATED THE INSIDE OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MY ENGINE THEN INGESTED SOME OF THE SUB STRAIT OF THE CONVERTER. IN DOING SO I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE BECAUSE ALL OF THE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN A FINE SANDY MATERIAL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10223423

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE CONSUMING OIL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VIN AND PRODUCTION DATE IS NOT IN THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE THE DEALER TOLD HER THEY CANNOT FIX HER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE OIL AND THE V…

Read full complaint

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE CONSUMING OIL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VIN AND PRODUCTION DATE IS NOT IN THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE THE DEALER TOLD HER THEY CANNOT FIX HER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE OIL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A ROUGH IDLING SOUND. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD GONE BAD, AND BEING THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT OIL AND OTHER DEBRIS HAD EXTRACTED BACK INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED THE PISTONS TO GRIND ON BROKEN CONVERTER PIECES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10223934

85,000 miles · Apr 4, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. SHE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY ALL IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AS ELECTRICAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DEALER STATED …

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. SHE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY ALL IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AS ELECTRICAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED IT TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN TAKING HER VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE EVERY 3,000 MILES TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, AND HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINE FAILURE. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WOULD COST BETWEEN $6,000-$7,000 AND A USED ENGINE WOULD COST BETWEEN $3,000-$4,000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10223401

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY CAR UNTIL 1-/9/08 I TOOK MY CAR TO STEWART NISSAN IN FAYETTEVILLE TO DO A COMPUTER UPDATE AND TO SEE WHY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY DID THE UPDATE AND TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND SAID I MIGHT WIND UP NEEDING A CATALYST CONVERTER IF THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. IT CAME BACK ON BEFORE I EVEN GOT HOME. I C…

Read full complaint

I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY CAR UNTIL 1-/9/08 I TOOK MY CAR TO STEWART NISSAN IN FAYETTEVILLE TO DO A COMPUTER UPDATE AND TO SEE WHY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY DID THE UPDATE AND TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND SAID I MIGHT WIND UP NEEDING A CATALYST CONVERTER IF THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. IT CAME BACK ON BEFORE I EVEN GOT HOME. I CALLED THEM BACK AND ASK IF IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY THEY SAID THE ONE THAT TELLS THEM THAT WAS OFF AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TILL THAT MONDAY BUT I CALLED VESTER IN CLINTON. I TOOK IT TO THEM ON SATURDAY BUT THEY HAD TO GET ONE IN. PICKED MY CAR UP THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT IT STARTED SKIPPING AND MY OIL WAS A QUART LOW .DROVE A FEW MORE DAYS ANOTHER QUART LOW CALLED BACK TO CLINTON TOOK IT BACK IN THEY CHANGED PLUGS AND DID OIL CHANGE TOLD ME TO DRIVE A FEW DAYS AND KEEP A CHECK ON MY OIL I HAVE AND IT IS WORSE STILL SKIPPING AND USING OIL BUT CANNOT SEE A LEAK OF ANY KIND I JUST DO NOT UNDER STAND WHAT HAPPEN TO MY CAR I DID NOT HAVE ANY TROUBLE UNTIL THIS CATALYST CONVERTER I AM SUPPOSE TO TAKE IT BACK TO VESTER SATURDAY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS CLOSE TO THIS ONE ON THE INTERNET SO MAYBE YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET MY CAR BACK TO NORMAL AND WHY THIS HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE I REALLY FEEL LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CAME FROM THAT PART . I ONLY HAVE 81,000 THOUSAND MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10223325

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