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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

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
35 miles · Jun 4, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Structure

THE CAR KEEPS STALLING WHILE I DRIVE IT

NHTSA ODI #11099883

18 miles · Nov 6, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion SystemCrashInjury

NISSAN ALTIMA 4 DOOR. MY DAUGHTER [XXX]. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH, OIL, COOLING, COIL PACK CAUSE A MAJOR CRASH, TOTALING A COMPLETE WRECKAGE. [XXX] SUSTAINED, SERIOUS MEDICAL ATTENTION, TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. I STARTED A SERIES OF COMPLAINTS WHICH NISSAN FAILED TO COMMENT OR INVESTIGATE. INFORM…

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NISSAN ALTIMA 4 DOOR. MY DAUGHTER [XXX]. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH, OIL, COOLING, COIL PACK CAUSE A MAJOR CRASH, TOTALING A COMPLETE WRECKAGE. [XXX] SUSTAINED, SERIOUS MEDICAL ATTENTION, TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. I STARTED A SERIES OF COMPLAINTS WHICH NISSAN FAILED TO COMMENT OR INVESTIGATE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11043748

167,850 miles · Aug 25, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

I HAVE A 2002 ALTIMA BUT I ONLY PURCHASED IT ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO. SOMEWHERE AROUND 2 MONTHS AGO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID IT WAS A CRANK SENSOR CODE, SO I HAD IT REPLACED. DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM FOR LONG. THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THROWING THE SAME CODE. WELL THEN A WEEK LATER MY CAR COMPLET…

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I HAVE A 2002 ALTIMA BUT I ONLY PURCHASED IT ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO. SOMEWHERE AROUND 2 MONTHS AGO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID IT WAS A CRANK SENSOR CODE, SO I HAD IT REPLACED. DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM FOR LONG. THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THROWING THE SAME CODE. WELL THEN A WEEK LATER MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN I BEGIN TO RESTART IT, NOTHING. IT TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE IT WILL START. SINCE THAT INCIDENT I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT I OR MY CHILDREN WILL BE IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!

NHTSA ODI #11019514

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…

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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

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 …

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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

134,000 miles · Jun 16, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteering

CAR WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT IT WAS CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. AFTER REPAIR WAS MADE I FOUND THE RECALL ON THIS WEBSITE. ACCORDING TO NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. LOOKING IN NISSAN DATABASE THIS REPAIR WAS MADE AT 28K MILES BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE SAME THING REPAIRED AND NISSAN WILL NO…

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CAR WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT IT WAS CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. AFTER REPAIR WAS MADE I FOUND THE RECALL ON THIS WEBSITE. ACCORDING TO NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. LOOKING IN NISSAN DATABASE THIS REPAIR WAS MADE AT 28K MILES BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE SAME THING REPAIRED AND NISSAN WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIRS. ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY INFORMATION POSTED ABOUT THIS RECALL THE SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT AND CAUSE LOSS OF POWER TO THE ENGINE AND CUT OFF THE ENGINE COMPLETELY. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, BUT PRIOR TO THAT I WAS OUT ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND IT WAS GETTING DARK. IF IT HAD HAPPENED THEN I MAY HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. SINCE THIS PART IS STILL DEFECTIVE OR NOT REDESIGNED IT IS PUTTING OTHER NISSAN OWNER'S AT RISK OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. THERE SHOULD BE A SECOND RECALL TO REPLACE THIS PART AGAIN. THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE "SENSOR" THAT CAUSES YOUR CAR TO NOT START, THIS IS LIFE THREATENING! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE ANY DISTANCE FOR FEAR OF THIS HAPPENING FURTHER FROM HOME AND EITHER CAUSING ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT OR HAVING A HUGE TOWING BILL. NISSAN WAS VERY UNCOOPERATIVE IN NUMBER ONE, NOT WILLING TO REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND NOT A DEALER, I'M PSYCHIC LIKE THAT, AND TWO, NOT ISSUING ANOTHER RECALL WHEN THE NISSAN SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT THESE HAVE BEEN REPAIRED MORE THAN ONCE AFTER THE RECALL. I HOPE THE NHTSA DEPARTMENT CAN SEE THE URGENCY OF THIS COMPLAINT TO ISSUE A SECOND RECALL. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #10725591

76,890 miles · Mar 25, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THE DAY BEFORE, ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED ON A FIVE LANE HWY IN CENTER LANE DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC AT SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH. MY SON AND I WERE STRANDED HELPLESS IN THE MIDST OF CARS HEADING RIGHT TOWARDS US. AN HOUR LATER GEICO SENT A TOW TO TAKE US TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE STALL W…

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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THE DAY BEFORE, ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED ON A FIVE LANE HWY IN CENTER LANE DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC AT SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH. MY SON AND I WERE STRANDED HELPLESS IN THE MIDST OF CARS HEADING RIGHT TOWARDS US. AN HOUR LATER GEICO SENT A TOW TO TAKE US TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE STALL WAS DUE TO A RECALL ON THE ENGINE SENSOR ISSUED IN 2006. DEALER HAD DENIED RECALL MULTIPLE TIMES PRIOR BUT HAD FINALLY RECOGNIZED IT. LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT TO HAVE ECN REPROGRAMMED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED DIAGNOSTIC FOR $192.14. I STATED I WANTED TO TAKE IT ELSEWHERE AND WAS CALLED THE NEXT MORNING TO COME PICK UP MY CAR. GOT THERE CAR WAS RUNNING, ASKED IF THERE HAD EVER BEEN ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND TOLD NO. GOT 1/2 OF MILE AND LOUD NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED WHILE DRIVING AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. TO AVOID GOING INTO NEXT LANE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I SWERVED OTHER WAY INTO TELEPHONE POLL. ENGINE COMPLETELY DEAD SINCE THEN AND HAS BEEN PROCLAIMED AS TOTALED DUE TO LOCKED ENGINE. ENGINE QR25DE WAS TAKEN OFF SALES FLOOR IN 2006 AND I RECEIVED NO INFORMATION AT ALL. DEALER TOLD ME HE NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. ON RECEIPT FROM DEALER IT STATES CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BUT DEALER NEVER GAVE ME RECEIPT TO SIGN AND NEVER EVEN ELUDED TO CAR DOING SAME THING IT HAD DONE LESS THAN 24 HOURS PRIOR. SAID HE PUT OIL IN CAR AND IT STARTED UP AND WAS READY FOR ME TO PICK UP. I HAD JUST HAD OIL CHANGE AND HAD NO OIL LEAKS WHATSOEVER. MY SON IS TRAUMATIZED AND CAN'T SLEEP NIGHTS FROM FIRST INCIDENT AND I HAVE NO VEHICLE AND CAN'T GET TO DOCTOR FOR MY BACK, LEG, AND KNEE INJURY I SUFFERED IN THE CRASH. NISSAN SAYS 6 WEEKS UNTIL THEY SEND AN INSPECTOR TO SEE CAR AND I'M PAYING FOR EACH DAY IT SITS ON THE LOT OF MECHANIC. STILL HAVE NOT EVEN DISPATCHED ORDERS AND IT IS NOW 9 DAYS LATER. MY LIFE AND MY SON'S WERE KNOWINGLY PUT IN DANGER TWICE DUE TO CORP & DEALER NEGLIGENCE.

NHTSA ODI #10322204

90,000 miles · Oct 9, 2009
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING UP AND PIECES DESTROY ENGINE. ONGOING BATTLE NEVER RESOLVED CAN'T GET HELP STILL OWE 3700 ON VEHICLE WITHOUT VEHICLE NOW. ENGINE WON'T CRANK HAVE TO PUMP GAS PEDAL EVEN THEN LIKE NOT GETTING GAS BUT MECHANICS ALL SAY THE SAME YOU GOT A BAD CAR,…

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2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING UP AND PIECES DESTROY ENGINE. ONGOING BATTLE NEVER RESOLVED CAN'T GET HELP STILL OWE 3700 ON VEHICLE WITHOUT VEHICLE NOW. ENGINE WON'T CRANK HAVE TO PUMP GAS PEDAL EVEN THEN LIKE NOT GETTING GAS BUT MECHANICS ALL SAY THE SAME YOU GOT A BAD CAR, DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. PLUS NISSAN REFUSES TO DO RECALLS NEVER EVEN DONE THAT WERE ECM RELATED AND REAR SUSPENSION. ALL ONGOING SINCE APRIL 2006. HAVE RECORDS/EVIDENCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286853

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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