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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.

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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

15 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

first, I started to notice my car would loose power while driving, over a couple months, it started to stall and/or completely shut off while driving at low speeds or at red lights! When this first stared happening, the car would immediately fire back up when cranked, after about a month of this, I noticed, I could not drive at …

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first, I started to notice my car would loose power while driving, over a couple months, it started to stall and/or completely shut off while driving at low speeds or at red lights! When this first stared happening, the car would immediately fire back up when cranked, after about a month of this, I noticed, I could not drive at or above 45mph or it would shut down, or drive for more than 15 minutes and it would shut off…AND NOT START AGAIN! It would crank, but not start, I would have to wait 30 minutes or more and then it would start right up! This is dangerous due to the immediate- no- warning shut off, whenever and wherever! I’ve almost caused multi car pile up! Not to mention my kids in the back seat and on the interstate! We could have been slammed into, and pushed down the interstate and over into other lanes! There’s a recall on 2002 Nissan Altimas for THIS VERY ISSUE!!! Somehow, my vehicles VIN # does not qualify! INFACT….. My VIN# NEVER EVER qualifies for ANY recall, but yet, my vehicle has the exact same problems!!

NHTSA ODI #11477270

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

TOOK MY CAR TO EMISSIONS AND THEY PRINTED THIS PAPER OUT OF A RECALL ON MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11412914

79,000 miles · Oct 4, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I PROCEEDED TO TRY AND REACH THE SPEED LIMIT BUT THE CAR LOST POWER TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE CANNOT GO PAST 55 MPH, IT LOSES POWER DURING ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ODI #11266020

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER

NHTSA ODI #11182882

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

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL PUMP LEAKING GAS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION

NHTSA ODI #10972090

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…

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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

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

3 miles · Dec 16, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. JUST 98000 MILES ON IT DEALER CHARGED ME $900 FOR SET OF SENSOR AND LABOR. CAR WOULD STALL IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, NO WARNING, WE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER. WENT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAID NO ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10810728

205,176 miles · Jun 2, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

POWER VALVE SCREWS IN THEIR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE WITH VINS STARTING WITH 1N4AL11. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID FOR THIS PROBLEM IS P5202. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AFFECTS THE 2003 ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE, BUT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ADDED THE 200…

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POWER VALVE SCREWS IN THEIR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE WITH VINS STARTING WITH 1N4AL11. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID FOR THIS PROBLEM IS P5202. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AFFECTS THE 2003 ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE, BUT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ADDED THE 2003 YEAR MODEL TO THE RECALL. BOTH THE 2003S AND THE 2004S HAVE THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AND I AM A CASE IN POINT OF SOMEONE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER, NISSAN HAS OF YET NOT STATED WHETHER THEY WILL ADD THE 2003 TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. I WANTED TO FIRST LET OTHER 2003 ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE BECOME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. SECONDLY DON'T PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, IT NEEDS TO BE REPORTED TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THAT THE 2003 MODELS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. HERE IS THE KICKER: MORE THAN HALF THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR. PLEASE BE SURE AND NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND MY DEALERSHIP. MY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HONEST WITH ME AND IS WORKING WITH ME TO GET NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO ADD THE 2003-YEAR MODELS TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND HAD TO PAY FOR IT, OR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS, HEARING ENGINE RATTLE, UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATION, OR HEAR A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE TYPE NOISE OR MUFFLER TYPE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THAN YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER VALVE. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION SAVES SOMEONE OUT THERE BOTH MONEY AND TIME. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE THAN PLEASE LET ME KNOW. WE ARE CURRENTLY MOUNTING EVIDENCE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADD THE 2003 MODEL TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AS WELL AS ADDRESS THE DAMAGE. IF NOT WE WILL NEED TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10722927

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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