NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
92 reportsClear category filter133,000 miles · Oct 16, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND BUCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE LATER EX…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND BUCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE LOCAL DEALER (SUMERIAN NISSAN IN FORT MYERS FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V4855000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA ODI #11033816
183,605 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (ANKER NISSAN IN NORTH SMIETFIELD, RHODE ISLAND) WHERE IT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (ANKER NISSAN IN NORTH SMIETFIELD, RHODE ISLAND) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,605.
NHTSA ODI #11025425
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
Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed ControlVisibility/wiper
OUR CAR HAS SHUT OFF AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS ALSO BEEN ON.
NHTSA ODI #11001957
132,000 miles · Jun 15, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER LOCALLY BUT NO RESULTS. I ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY GAVE ME RUN AROUND SAYING THAT THEY NEEDED THE SOFTWARE WHICH THEY WILL MAKE IT AVAILABLE AND SOON AS IT'S AVAILABLE THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I HAVE…
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I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER LOCALLY BUT NO RESULTS. I ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY GAVE ME RUN AROUND SAYING THAT THEY NEEDED THE SOFTWARE WHICH THEY WILL MAKE IT AVAILABLE AND SOON AS IT'S AVAILABLE THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT I GET THE SAME RUN AROUND. IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR AND HALF SINCE I HAD CONTACTED THEM. BUT IT HASN'T BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #10995431
213,000 miles · Jun 6, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. ALSO, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO GAIN SPEED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. ALSO, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO GAIN SPEED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000.
NHTSA ODI #10993429
225,440 miles · May 2, 2017
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESID…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,440.
NHTSA ODI #10983151
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2017
Engine
LETTER FROM SENATOR FRANKEN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE A RECALL 03V-084 REPAIR THAT YEARS LATER SEEMS NOT TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL, #03V-084, WAS PERFORMED ON OR ABOUT 01/15/04 BUT, WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING ENGINE DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE VEHICLE TO REPAIRED AGAIN UN…
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LETTER FROM SENATOR FRANKEN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE A RECALL 03V-084 REPAIR THAT YEARS LATER SEEMS NOT TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL, #03V-084, WAS PERFORMED ON OR ABOUT 01/15/04 BUT, WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING ENGINE DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE VEHICLE TO REPAIRED AGAIN UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ABOUT ONE QUART OF OIL PER TANK FULL OF GAS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10978428
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2017
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $1,000 FOR A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND $5200 FOR A NEW ENGINE WITH LESS THAN 90,000. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10965549
138,000 miles · Mar 10, 2017
Engine
RECALL CAMPAIGN R3022 / 03V455000 DUE TO DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER CRANKSHAFT / CAMSHAFT SENSOR, THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE TO COMPLETELY STALL AT 65 MPH ON THE CALIFORNIA 57 SOUTH FREEWAY. EXTREME DANGEROUS DRIVING EXPERIENCE HAD OCCURRED AND CAUSED UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION FOR THE SURROUNDING VEHICLES. VEHICLE HAD DIFFIC…
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RECALL CAMPAIGN R3022 / 03V455000 DUE TO DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER CRANKSHAFT / CAMSHAFT SENSOR, THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE TO COMPLETELY STALL AT 65 MPH ON THE CALIFORNIA 57 SOUTH FREEWAY. EXTREME DANGEROUS DRIVING EXPERIENCE HAD OCCURRED AND CAUSED UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION FOR THE SURROUNDING VEHICLES. VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING AND BRAKING WHICH LUCKILY AVOIDED ANY ACCIDENT. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS CONDUCTED ALONG WITH OTHER RECALLS IN THE PAST, BUT WHEN INSPECTED, THE CRANKSHAFT AND 2 CAMSHAFT SENSORS WERE NEVER REPLACED UNDER THE SAID RECALL. HOPEFULLY THE NHTSA CAN CONTACT NISSAN ON MY BEHALF TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION ON WHY THE ORIGINAL SENSORS DEEMED DEFECTIVE IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS NOT PROPERLY REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10959955
Official recalls
5Nov 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗