IllustrationDRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PAN RUSTED. HOLES ON BOTH SIDES. *TR
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
Structure complaints
128 reportsFLOOR PAN UNDER BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FOOTWELLS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. I'M NOT SURE WHEN THE RUST PERFORATION OCCURRED, AS I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN MAY 2012 AND NOTICED THE PROBLEM SHORTLY THEREAFTER. *TR
THE FLOORS IN THE ALTIMAS ARE ROTTING OUT, THIS IS 2002,2003,2004,2005,2006 AND MAYBE LATER MODELS. OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING, DESIGN DEFECT. JUST READ ABOUT THIS AND CHECKED MY DAUGHTERS 2002, JUST CARPET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVEN'T CHECKED DEEPER, BUT OTHER HAVE REPORTED ROTTED SEAT SUPPORTS. NISSAN BODY SHOP QUOTED 950.0…
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THE FLOORS IN THE ALTIMAS ARE ROTTING OUT, THIS IS 2002,2003,2004,2005,2006 AND MAYBE LATER MODELS. OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING, DESIGN DEFECT. JUST READ ABOUT THIS AND CHECKED MY DAUGHTERS 2002, JUST CARPET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVEN'T CHECKED DEEPER, BUT OTHER HAVE REPORTED ROTTED SEAT SUPPORTS. NISSAN BODY SHOP QUOTED 950.00 TO REPAIR/REPLACE ROTTED AREA. I AM LUCKY THAT I AM ABLE TO COVER THE COST OF HER REPAIR, OTHER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. THIS INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE AIRED IN THE NATIONAL PRESS BEFORE WE HAVE A SEAT FAILURE IN A CRASH THAT RESULTS IN DEATH. *TR
ON THE UNDERNEATH OF THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THE FLOOR IS RUSTING AND CREATING A HOLE. I HAVE BEEN TO DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS TO GET AN ESTIMATE AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM RECENTLY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN BODY SHOP THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE ALTIMA'S WITH THIS DEFECT…
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ON THE UNDERNEATH OF THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THE FLOOR IS RUSTING AND CREATING A HOLE. I HAVE BEEN TO DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS TO GET AN ESTIMATE AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM RECENTLY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN BODY SHOP THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE ALTIMA'S WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARD HAD RUST DAMAGE SO SEVERE THAT IT WOULD TAKE VERY LITTLE PRESSURE FROM HER FOOT TO COMPLETELY GO THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORBOARD HAD RUST DAMAGE SO SEVERE THAT IT WOULD TAKE VERY LITTLE PRESSURE FROM HER FOOT TO COMPLETELY GO THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT FLOOR PANS WERE RUSTED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND HAVE A PRICE QUOTED. THE FRONT FLOOR PANEL WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY COU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT FLOOR PANS WERE RUSTED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND HAVE A PRICE QUOTED. THE FRONT FLOOR PANEL WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY COULD PUSH THEIR FOOT THROUGH THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,834.
LIKE OTHER CUSTOMERS, MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA V6 DEVELOPED A RUSTED FLOOR BOARD IN BOTH THE FRONT AREAS WITH METALS FLAKING OFF EVEN AT AN EARLY TIME. I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WERE A LOT OF US HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL.. THIS IS THE ONLY PART OF THE CAR THAT IS VERY BADLY RUSTED, ALL OF THE OTHER PARTS HAVE BARELY ANY RUST…
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LIKE OTHER CUSTOMERS, MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA V6 DEVELOPED A RUSTED FLOOR BOARD IN BOTH THE FRONT AREAS WITH METALS FLAKING OFF EVEN AT AN EARLY TIME. I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WERE A LOT OF US HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL.. THIS IS THE ONLY PART OF THE CAR THAT IS VERY BADLY RUSTED, ALL OF THE OTHER PARTS HAVE BARELY ANY RUST. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT REALLY NEEDS INVESTIGATION. *TR
DISCOVERED RUST THRU IN PASSENGER FLOOR PAN DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. CAR WAS GARAGE KEPT MORE THAN 80% OF TIME. WELL MAINTAINED. NO DAMAGE TO THIS AREA FROM ACCIDENTS. NO IMMERSION. DISCOVERED ON THE INTERNET THAT THE PROBLEM COMMON TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL OVER MULTIPLE YEARS. HAVE NEVER HAD A FLOOR PLAN RUST THRU IN ANY VEHIC…
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DISCOVERED RUST THRU IN PASSENGER FLOOR PAN DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. CAR WAS GARAGE KEPT MORE THAN 80% OF TIME. WELL MAINTAINED. NO DAMAGE TO THIS AREA FROM ACCIDENTS. NO IMMERSION. DISCOVERED ON THE INTERNET THAT THE PROBLEM COMMON TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL OVER MULTIPLE YEARS. HAVE NEVER HAD A FLOOR PLAN RUST THRU IN ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS EXHAUST GASES MAY ENTER CABIN. *TR
MY 2002 ALTIMA, DRIVEN BY MY SON, WAS BEING CHECKED OUT FOR A PROBLEM WITH A BAD TIRE. WHILE UP ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED TWO HOLES IN THE FLOOR PAN. ONE IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND ONE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, EACH AT THE LOCATION OF A SEAT FLOOR MOUNT BOLT. NOT EXACTLY SAFE. THIS CAR WILL NOT PASS STATE OF PENNS…
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MY 2002 ALTIMA, DRIVEN BY MY SON, WAS BEING CHECKED OUT FOR A PROBLEM WITH A BAD TIRE. WHILE UP ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED TWO HOLES IN THE FLOOR PAN. ONE IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND ONE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, EACH AT THE LOCATION OF A SEAT FLOOR MOUNT BOLT. NOT EXACTLY SAFE. THIS CAR WILL NOT PASS STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA SAFETY INSPECTION AS IS. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED NISSAN, AS THAT IS MOST LIKELY FRUITLESS, BASED ON THE MANY COMMENTS I'VE ALREADY READ ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. NISSAN OBVIOUSLY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS DESIGN. EVEN IF THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, THE FLOOR PAN SHOULDN'T BE ROTTING AWAY. THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA OBVIOUSLY THINKS THIS IS NOT SAFE. WHY DOESN'T THE NHTSA AGREE? WHAT ARE YOU GUYS WAITING FOR? FATALITIES? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND BRAKE SERVICE WHEN THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO RUSTED AREAS ON THE FRONT FRAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO RESEAL THE RUSTED AREAS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND BRAKE SERVICE WHEN THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO RUSTED AREAS ON THE FRONT FRAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO RESEAL THE RUSTED AREAS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, PROVIDING NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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.