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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

What owners actually said

1,047 reports
125,000 miles · May 14, 2014
EnginePower Train

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 AUTO TRANSMISSION. NEARLY KILLED ME. CAR SUDDENLY WENT TO 20 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH 18-WHEEL 30 TON VEHICLE BEHIND ME. BURNS OIL LIKE CRAZY. PUT IN BETTER SYNTHETIC OIL, BURNS FASTER. HAD THE CAR DIE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH RIGHT IN FRONT OF AN 18-WHEELER. COULD HAVE DIED. COULD HAVE B…

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NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 AUTO TRANSMISSION. NEARLY KILLED ME. CAR SUDDENLY WENT TO 20 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH 18-WHEEL 30 TON VEHICLE BEHIND ME. BURNS OIL LIKE CRAZY. PUT IN BETTER SYNTHETIC OIL, BURNS FASTER. HAD THE CAR DIE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH RIGHT IN FRONT OF AN 18-WHEELER. COULD HAVE DIED. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY THE NISSAN CORPORATION. KNOW ANY GOOD LAWYERS? THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS, NISSAN SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THIS ENGINE. REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, O2 SENSOR, PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SPARK PLUGS, SOME OTHER RELATED STUFF. BURNS OIL EVEN FASTER THAN BEFORE. COMPLETELY RAN OUT OF OIL IN 300 MILES. I AM TRYING 10-40 OIL TO SEE IF THE OIL BURNING PROBLEM WILL SLOW DOWN. CAR ONLY HAS 125000 MILES ON IT. COMPLETE POS. NEVER BUY A NISSAN, I NEVER WILL AGAIN. THIS WAS MY FIRST, ONLY 125K ON IT. I AM USED TO SELLING PERFECTLY GOOD FORD AND VWS AT 250K MILES. ON THE INTERNET MOST PEOPLE FAIL THE PRE-CAT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BY 95000 MILES, THEN OVERHEAT AND BLOW THE ENTIRE ENGINE. CARS STOPPING SUDDENLY AT 75 MILES AN HOUR ARE GOING TO KILL PEOPLE. SINCE NISSAN IS WELL AWARE, THIS IS PRE-MEDITATED MURDER. OTHER SYMPTOMS: NO POWER, NO ACCELERATION, NO RESPONSE BY NISSAN DEALER. NISSAN "SERVICE" IS A JOKE. NEVER TAKE A CAR TO NISSAN FOR REPAIRS. UNRELATED SIGN OF REALLY REALLY BAD ENGINEERING: PAINT IS FALLING OFF CAR. NEVER HAD THAT HAPPEN TO A CAR BEFORE, I HAVE A 14 YEAR OLD FORD WITH 240K AND THE ORIGINAL PAINT JOB, EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT GARAGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588459

117 miles · May 12, 2014
Structure

THE VEHICLES FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER ARE RUSTING AND THERE IS A WHOLE THAT YOU CAN SEE THE GROUND. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES IN THE SAME YEAR AS MINE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. NISSAN CAN BLAME IT ON SALT ALL THEY WANT, BUT HOW IS IT THAT OTHER VEHICLES DON'T HAVE THIS ISSUE? I THINK …

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THE VEHICLES FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER ARE RUSTING AND THERE IS A WHOLE THAT YOU CAN SEE THE GROUND. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES IN THE SAME YEAR AS MINE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. NISSAN CAN BLAME IT ON SALT ALL THEY WANT, BUT HOW IS IT THAT OTHER VEHICLES DON'T HAVE THIS ISSUE? I THINK IT'S AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR ITSELF, IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587782

151,757 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, SHE HEARD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SPARK PLUGS, BOOTS, AND COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, SHE HEARD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SPARK PLUGS, BOOTS, AND COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,757.

NHTSA ODI #10584137

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING VEHICLE AT A LOW SPEED AND VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576121

105,000 miles · Mar 21, 2014
Structure

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR 100,000 BASIC TUNE-UP ESTIMATE. I HAVE HAD NO SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR, NOR WITH THE BODY OR RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE. I POINTED OUT TO THE MECHANIC A PIECE OF METAL WAS HANGING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY PASSENGER SIDE AND ASKED HIM IF IT WAS FROM MY EXHAUST. HE CHECKED FURTHER AND INDICATED WI…

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I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR 100,000 BASIC TUNE-UP ESTIMATE. I HAVE HAD NO SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR, NOR WITH THE BODY OR RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE. I POINTED OUT TO THE MECHANIC A PIECE OF METAL WAS HANGING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY PASSENGER SIDE AND ASKED HIM IF IT WAS FROM MY EXHAUST. HE CHECKED FURTHER AND INDICATED WITH SHOCK AND SURPRISE THAT "NO, IT WAS FROM MY UNDERCARRIAGE", "THE HOLE APPEARING BEFORE ME CONTAINED MY INTERIOR CARPET". I SCREAMED IN HORROR! LITERALLY, I DID YELL OUT OF FRUSTRATION AND FEAR AS I HAVE SMALL DOGS AND WHEN I TRAVEL, I HAVE ONE THAT DOES GET ON THE FLOOR AND SNIFF AROUND. HE COULD HAVE EASILY FALLEN THROUGH IF THE CARPET WAS NOT SECURE! I WAS IN SHOCK AND ACTUALLY STILL AM AND DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO WITH MY CAR. I AM SAD BECAUSE IT WAS A GOOD CAR. I WANTED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL 200,000 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE STILL HAS THE ABILITY TO GET UP AND GO! SINCE MONDAY I'VE FREQUENTED MANY WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MANY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS AND FIND IT VERY SAD THAT THE MOTOR AND BODY OF A CAR OUTSTAND THE ACTUAL FRAMEWORK. THIS MAKES ME FEEL REALLY SAFE ON THE ROAD TODAY. WHAT ARE WE PUTTING ON OUR ROADS IN THE WINTER, ACID? I KEEP MY CAR CLEAN TOO. I'M NOT A PERSON WITH A LOT OF MONEY SO I AM IN LIMBO RIGHT NOW. I'M HOPING YOU CAN HELP? THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10573988

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2014
Engine

I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW IN 2002 AND THERE WAS A SERIES OF RECALLS FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT KEEPING A CLEAN IDLE AFTER ABOUT 69,000 MILES IN 2010 SO I HAD TO HAVE IT COMPUTER TESTED DUE TO MAINTAIN LIGHTS ETC. I GOT P0420 CODE FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE STAR…

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I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW IN 2002 AND THERE WAS A SERIES OF RECALLS FOR DIFFERENT ITEMS. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT KEEPING A CLEAN IDLE AFTER ABOUT 69,000 MILES IN 2010 SO I HAD TO HAVE IT COMPUTER TESTED DUE TO MAINTAIN LIGHTS ETC. I GOT P0420 CODE FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE STAR NISSAN DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THERE WAS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAT OR PRE CAT WHICH WAS A LIE! SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE BEEN LOSING ABOUT 2 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN THE ENGINE QUIT ON ME AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS A EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO ANSWER AND THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE!!! NISSAN JUST TOLD ME OH WELL!~ IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS I HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER CONSUMERS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565192

93,000 miles · Dec 8, 2013
Structure

FRONT FLOORBOARDS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE ENTIRELY RUSTED AWAY. AREA ADJACENT TO THE OUTER SILL ABOUT 14 INCHES IN LENGTH AND 9 INCHES IN WIDTH HAS NO STRUCTURE REMAINING. AFFECTED AREA APPEARS TO HAVE CONSISTED OF TWO THIN SHEETS OF MILD STEEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10555221

89,000 miles · Nov 30, 2013
Engine

MY CAR KEEPS CONSUMING OIL 2QTS EVERY COUPLE HUNDRED MILES. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND THE VEHICLE I HAVE. NOT ONLY THIS BUT ALSO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED!!! PLEASE HELP!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10554225

94,385 miles · Nov 23, 2013
Structure

WHILE INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I NOTICED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ROT UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING FURTHER AND LIFTING THE CARPET FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS IT HAS ROTTED THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I'VE FOUND THIS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE OVER TH…

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WHILE INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I NOTICED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ROT UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING FURTHER AND LIFTING THE CARPET FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS IT HAS ROTTED THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET I'VE FOUND THIS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE OVER THE YEARS AND WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553530

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2013
Structure

WHILE MY MECHANIC WAS REATTACHING THE BUMPER GUARD THAT HAD COME LOOSE, HE NOTICED THE RUST ON THE FLOOR PANS UNDER BOTH FRONT SEATS. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO FLAKE OFF LARGE PIECES OF RUST. HE PULLED BACK THE CARPET AND IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. HE SAID HE HADN'T SEEN THIS KIND OF RUST ON VEHICLES THAT ARE DOUBLE THE…

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WHILE MY MECHANIC WAS REATTACHING THE BUMPER GUARD THAT HAD COME LOOSE, HE NOTICED THE RUST ON THE FLOOR PANS UNDER BOTH FRONT SEATS. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO FLAKE OFF LARGE PIECES OF RUST. HE PULLED BACK THE CARPET AND IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. HE SAID HE HADN'T SEEN THIS KIND OF RUST ON VEHICLES THAT ARE DOUBLE THE AGE OF MINE. THE REMAINDER OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUST FREE. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE NISSAN DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND THE MANAGER SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SALT/CHEMICALS USED ON THE ROADS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY (APPARENTLY HE WAS NOT INCLUDING NEBRASKA). THE MANAGER STATED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN IN AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY THAT USES CORROSIVE MATERIALS ON THE ROADS. THE FUNNY THING IS THAT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE SAME MAN SAID HE KNEW THE PREVIOUS OWNERS AND THEY TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE VEHICLE, ALWAYS SPOTLESS AND IN FOR EVERY MAINTENANCE CHECK!! WHICH TIME WAS HE LYING!!! COME TO FIND OUT, THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A NISSAN DEALER HERE IN OMAHA, AND STAYED IN OMAHA THE ENTIRE TIME. THE NISSAN DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX IT, AND THEY GAVE ME A BUSINESS CARD FOR A BODY SHOP!!! IT WOULD COST ABOUT $300, HE TOLD ME, BUT I HAVE FOUND IT WOULD BE CLOSER TO $2000. AT THAT TIME, I HADN'T EVEN HAD THE CAR A YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO KNOW ABOUT THE RUST WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO ME, WHICH MAKES ME VERY ANGRY!! THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE! I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I'LL FALL THROUGH THE FLOOR, AND OF COURSE, I WILL BE KILLED, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!! ALSO, EXHAUST FUMES COULD BE GETTING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE MY CAR BECOMES A "FLINTSTONE" CAR AND/OR I AM KILLED. NISSAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553102

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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