IllustrationINTERMITTENTLY IGNITION WILL NOT START. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Altima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
7425–50K
12150–75K
23575–100K
239100–150K
60150K+
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
Electrical System complaints
77 reportsINTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE LOST POWER BETWEEN 10 TO 15 SECONDS. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY DIDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2004, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THEY WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS RESULT, CONSUMER ALMOST LOST CONTROL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES RELATED TO PROBLEMS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE (RECALL 03V-455 AND 04V-251). IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE CONSUMER HAD THESES RECALL DONE AND IF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THESE NOTIC…
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WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS RESULT, CONSUMER ALMOST LOST CONTROL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES RELATED TO PROBLEMS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE (RECALL 03V-455 AND 04V-251). IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE CONSUMER HAD THESES RECALL DONE AND IF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THESE NOTICES BEFORE OF AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER HAS RETAINED A LAWYER. *NM
THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND FUSE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE LEFT FRONT SEAT WAS LOOSE AND THE WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
MY CAR STALLED ON RT 9 AT A LIGHT AND DID NOT START RIGHT BACK UP. 6 WEEKS LATER IT STALLED ON THE MASS PIKE GOING 70 MPH HR. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHO HAS TOLD ME THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM SCARED FOR MY FAMILY (MY INFANT) AND I. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THEY…
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MY CAR STALLED ON RT 9 AT A LIGHT AND DID NOT START RIGHT BACK UP. 6 WEEKS LATER IT STALLED ON THE MASS PIKE GOING 70 MPH HR. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHO HAS TOLD ME THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM SCARED FOR MY FAMILY (MY INFANT) AND I. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THEY BUILT THIS CAR THEY REALLY SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT ITS MECHANICS!*AK
SCHEDULED RECALL WORK ON CAR ON FRIDAY, WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY THREE RECALLS ON MY CAR (WHICH I HAVE OWNED FOR ABOUT A YEAR, PURCHASED USED) THET NEEDED TO BE DONE AND THAT I NEED MY 30,000 MILE SERVICE DONE. $476 AND LATER THAT AFTERNOON, IGOT MY CAR BACK. I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKED SEEM A LITTLE TIGHT, BUT FIGURED…
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SCHEDULED RECALL WORK ON CAR ON FRIDAY, WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY THREE RECALLS ON MY CAR (WHICH I HAVE OWNED FOR ABOUT A YEAR, PURCHASED USED) THET NEEDED TO BE DONE AND THAT I NEED MY 30,000 MILE SERVICE DONE. $476 AND LATER THAT AFTERNOON, IGOT MY CAR BACK. I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKED SEEM A LITTLE TIGHT, BUT FIGURED THAT WAS PART OF THE SERVICE. THE NEXT DAY, SATURDAY, WHILE MERGING FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER AT ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR, CAR SOUNDED LIKE IT CAUGHT A PIECE OF THIN METAL UNDER FRONT RIGHT QUADRANT OF CAR, AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS NOISE STOPPED AND NOTHING IN ROAD BEHIND ME. I NOTICE MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES, I REALIZE I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING FUNCTION, THE BRAKES LAD LOOSENED UP (BUT FUNCTIONING) AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOW BLOWING HOT AIR. I REALIZE I HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE HAZZARD LIGHTS SWITCH WAS AND NIETHER I NOR MY PASSANGE COULD FIND IT. AFTER 2 MORE MINUTES PASSES GOING UP A SLOW INCLINE, THE CAR STARTED JERKING AT ROUND 55 MPH. AT THIS POINT THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON". WELL NO KIDDING, SERVICE ENGINE SOON! PULLED INTO THE EMERGANCY LANE AND DROPPED MY SPEED TO BELOW 25 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR STOPPED JERKING. FORTUNANTLY, I WAS JUST ONE MILE FROM HOME AT THIS POINT. LIMPED HOME AND CALL DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED TO CROWN NISSAN IN BIRMINGHAM. I WAS ANNOYED THAT THE SERVICE MAN THAT TOOK MY CALL SHOWED NO EMPATHY WHEN I TOLD HIM WHAT HAPPENED ON THE FASTEST FREEWAY IN TOWN . ADDITIONALLY, I WAS ANGERED BY THE RECEPTIONIST WHEN SHE CAME BACK TO ME FROM BEING ON HOLD AND KNOWING MY PERDICTMENT, LAUGHING AND ASKING WHO I WAS ON HOLD FOR. *AK
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH RECALL SERVICE WORK NOT CORRECTING THE MALFUNCTION THE RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT. SPECIFICALLY OF CONCERN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS : 03V455000 & 03V084000 & 03V251000. NOT RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES BY MANUFACTURER OR BEING INFORMED BY NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED NISSAN CORP CONSUMER …
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MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH RECALL SERVICE WORK NOT CORRECTING THE MALFUNCTION THE RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT. SPECIFICALLY OF CONCERN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS : 03V455000 & 03V084000 & 03V251000. NOT RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES BY MANUFACTURER OR BEING INFORMED BY NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED NISSAN CORP CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT RECEIVED NO RESOLUTION OR SUGGESTIONS. PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE PERFORMANCE, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST, AND STRONG BURNING SMELL ARE STILL PRESENT ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT REMAINING ON. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR OVER 6 VISITS IN LAST 5 MONTHS - VEHICLE IS STILL AT SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE OVER THESE PAST MONTHS WHILE THESE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE OR TO HAVE TRANSPORTATION TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS DECLINED ANY HELP - EVEN THOUGH ID # 03V084000 NISSAN RECALL NOTICE STATES IT SHOULD BE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE IF CUSTOMER MAKES THIS REQUEST. I AM GREATLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPT (PINE BELT NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE) AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS NOT ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS AND HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED FOR MONTHS. VEHICLE HAS HAD REDUCED POWER, HESITATION, PULLING AND VIBRATION, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST AND AN INCREASINGLY STRONG BURNING SMELL FROM ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
OCCASIONALLY WHEN IT RAINS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO, AT ANY GIVEN TIME (DAY OR NIGHT) THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN COMING ON AT ALL. THIS IS MY SECOND NISSAN ALTIMA PURCHASE. I WAS SO PLEASED WITH MY FI…
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OCCASIONALLY WHEN IT RAINS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO, AT ANY GIVEN TIME (DAY OR NIGHT) THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN COMING ON AT ALL. THIS IS MY SECOND NISSAN ALTIMA PURCHASE. I WAS SO PLEASED WITH MY FIRST PURCHASE I DECIDED TO GET ANOTHER ONE. I FEEL THAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE THAT I MADE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CARE TO ANOTHER CONSUMER. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THE LACK OF CONCERN THAT I RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED THEREFORE, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. *JB
COLD MORNING, CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE REACHED 45 DEGREES. DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY CRANK ANGLE POSITION SENSOR AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START DURING "COLD WEATHER", FIRST TIME THEY'RE WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. HOPE THEY WE'R…
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COLD MORNING, CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE REACHED 45 DEGREES. DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY CRANK ANGLE POSITION SENSOR AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START DURING "COLD WEATHER", FIRST TIME THEY'RE WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. HOPE THEY WE'RE CORRECT THIS TIME!*AK
Official recalls
507V527000 · 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
1PE02078 · 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.