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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

Structure complaints

128 reports
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98,026 miles · Oct 10, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS CORRODED NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,026.

NHTSA ODI #10547556

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FLOORBOARDS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10546514

107,000 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Structure

ON ABOVE DATE FOUNT THAT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RUST ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS. THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO CAR BEING GARAGE-KEPT AT HOME. RUST IS COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A FEW SMALL AREAS. COST TO REPAIR AT ONE BODY SHOP IS $2303.00. ESTIMATOR AT SHOP ST…

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ON ABOVE DATE FOUNT THAT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RUST ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS. THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO CAR BEING GARAGE-KEPT AT HOME. RUST IS COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A FEW SMALL AREAS. COST TO REPAIR AT ONE BODY SHOP IS $2303.00. ESTIMATOR AT SHOP STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A CAR THAT IS THIS OLD AND WITH THE MILEAGE IT HAS. HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALTIMAS FROM 2002 TO AT LEAST 2006 MODEL YEARS. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. NISSAN DEALER HAS BEEN USED FOR MULTIPLE REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES AND NEVER INDICATED THE RUST PROBLEM WHICH IS VISIBLE UNDER THE CAR (THEY DO A SAFETY INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AS PART OF THEIR NORMAL SERVICE PROCEDURE WHEN THEY HAVE POINTED OUT OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS). I TAKE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN CHANTILLY, VA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543163

118,200 miles · Aug 7, 2013
Structure

JUST PURCHASED THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER IN IL. CAR OVERALL SEEMED TO BE IN GOOD OVERALL CONDITION FOR IT'S AGE NO VISIBLE RUST OR ISSUES NOTED DURING TEST DRIVE OR MY BASIC OVERSIGHT OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING CHECKING FLUIDS, HOSES BELTS TIRES ETC... I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AS IT WAS IN NEED OF SOME ROUTINE MAINTEN…

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JUST PURCHASED THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER IN IL. CAR OVERALL SEEMED TO BE IN GOOD OVERALL CONDITION FOR IT'S AGE NO VISIBLE RUST OR ISSUES NOTED DURING TEST DRIVE OR MY BASIC OVERSIGHT OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING CHECKING FLUIDS, HOSES BELTS TIRES ETC... I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AS IT WAS IN NEED OF SOME ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FLOORBOARDS ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WERE COMPLETED ROTTED OUT IN SOME SPOTS THE CARPET IS THE ONLY THING COVERING THE HOLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION I WAS TOLD BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO FUMES IN THE VEHICLE OR POSSIBLY THE WHOLE PAN FALLING OUT, WORSE CASE WEAKENING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED I TAKE THE CAR BACK BUT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND "AS IS" I DID NOT THINK I HAD A RECOURSE. I CALLED THE DEALER ANYWAY WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM ABOUT THE ISSUE AND ASKED WHY THIS ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME HE SAID TOO BAD YOU SIGNED THE PAPERS IT'S A DONE DEAL SUE US IF YOU WANT YOUR MONEY BACK AND SAID HE HAD TO "GO". I AM NOW STUCK WITH THIS CAR AND TRYING TO GET IT FIXED.MY MECHANIC TELLS ME HE CANNOT GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT UNTIL HE TAKES THE SEATS, CARPET AND CENTER CONSOLE OUT TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED, TIME AND MATERIAL. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS REPAIR WILL COST BUT HE TOLD ME IT WILL TAKE 3 HOURS OF LABOR JUST TO GET TO THE FLOOR TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT NISSAN HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED FOR 2002-2006. THIS IS MY FIRST NISSAN MY NEXT NEW CAR WAS TO BE A NISSAN AS WELL, I DON'T THINK SO ANY LONGER. HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534155

150,000 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD AREA ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,0…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD AREA ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10525644

136,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO HOLES IN THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525476

110,000 miles · Jul 1, 2013
Structure

WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING PURCHASED IT IN 2008. ONE OF THE REASONS WE PURCHASED THE CAR WAS ITS REPUTATION FOR RELIABILITY AND FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS IT HAS LIVED UP TO ITS REPUTATION. RECENTLY, I NOTICED SOMETHING "HANGING FROM UNDERNEATH" THE CAR AND UPON EXAMINATION (AND TO MY UTTER AMAZEMENT) FOUND THAT T…

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WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING PURCHASED IT IN 2008. ONE OF THE REASONS WE PURCHASED THE CAR WAS ITS REPUTATION FOR RELIABILITY AND FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS IT HAS LIVED UP TO ITS REPUTATION. RECENTLY, I NOTICED SOMETHING "HANGING FROM UNDERNEATH" THE CAR AND UPON EXAMINATION (AND TO MY UTTER AMAZEMENT) FOUND THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH! WHAT I REALLY FIND INCREDULOUS IS THAT, AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS APPARENTLY AS PREDICTABLE AS THE SUN-RISE!! ADDITIONALLY, ALTHOUGH THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE CARS HAVE COMPLAINED TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, NISSAN CONTINUES TO DISAVOW ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM NOR ANY CULPABILITY. I FIND IT DISCONCERTING THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANY VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WOULD SHOW THIS EXTENT OF RUSTING. THOUGH NOT A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, I WOULD HAVE TO DEDUCE THAT THIS DEFECT WOULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES SEEING HOW BOTH THE FRONT SEATS AND SEAT BELTS ARE SECURED TO THE CAR IN THIS AREA. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS CAR AT THIS POINT. SHOULD I SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON? HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS ARE BEING DRIVEN BY AN OWNER WITH NO KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY ARE ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED INTO OBLIVION IF EVER IN ANY TYPE OF A CRASH. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY NISSAN AND THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522599

120,000 miles · Jun 27, 2013
Structure

DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE FLOOR BOARD, DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE, THE FLOORS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THERE WAS 2 DRAIN HOLES ON BOTH FLOOR BOARDS WHICH WELCOMED SAND/SALT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2005 FROM NISSAN OF MIDDLETOWN NY. THEY DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THE TIME. AT SOME POINT A…

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DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE FLOOR BOARD, DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE, THE FLOORS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THERE WAS 2 DRAIN HOLES ON BOTH FLOOR BOARDS WHICH WELCOMED SAND/SALT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2005 FROM NISSAN OF MIDDLETOWN NY. THEY DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THE TIME. AT SOME POINT A TAR TAPE OVERLAY WAS PLACED OVER THE HOLES TO DISGUISE THE HOLE FROM THE INSIDE. THIS SEEMS DECEIVING TO ME AND NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE. I FEAR THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. THESE HOLES COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND STILL BELIEVE THIS TO BE A ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT BE EXISTENT ON MANY 3RD GENERATION ALTIMAS IN THIS DAY AND AGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522025

120,000 miles · Apr 4, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FLOORBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FLOORBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507051

80,000 miles · Nov 27, 2012
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING AN OIL CHANGE PERFORMED, HE NOTICED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING AN OIL CHANGE PERFORMED, HE NOTICED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. .....UPDATED 01/14/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER STATED THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ANY FAILURES SUCH AS THIS. UPDATED 1/18/2013*JS

NHTSA ODI #10486269

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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