NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,047 reports117,000 miles · Aug 26, 2012
Structure
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
NHTSA ODI #10472533
115,000 miles · Aug 26, 2012
Structure
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
NHTSA ODI #10472515
122,000 miles · Aug 23, 2012
Structure
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.
NHTSA ODI #10472063
70,460 miles · Aug 21, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PANS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,460.
NHTSA ODI #10471767
92,000 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Engine
MY CAR HAS BEEN BURNING OIL AT A VERY FAST RATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS TURNED ON, AND MY GAS HAS LOWERED. MY CHECK OIL LIGHT HAS NEVER TURNED ON, NOT EVEN ONCE IN THE 2 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471166
110,000 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SPECIALIST TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE TWO HOLES LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SPECIALIST TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE TWO HOLES LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10468765
130,000 miles · Jul 27, 2012
Structure
FLOOR PANS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ARE RUSTED THRU TO THE POINT OF THE ONLY BARRIER BETWEEN THE ROAD AND DRIVER/PASSENGER IS THE FLOOR UPHOLSTERY. IN VIEWING NISSAN FORUMS ONLINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467990
98,000 miles · Jul 24, 2012
Structure
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS 98,000 MILES UPON LIFTING THE CAR THE FLOOR BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS SHOWING RUST ON BOTH THE DRIVER`S AND PASSENGER`S SIDE. IT IS AN EXCELLENT CAR BUT IT IS BASICALLY TRASH NOW. NISSAN IS SO IRRESPONSIBLE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL ALTIMA`S WITH THIS PROBLEM. T…
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I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS 98,000 MILES UPON LIFTING THE CAR THE FLOOR BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS SHOWING RUST ON BOTH THE DRIVER`S AND PASSENGER`S SIDE. IT IS AN EXCELLENT CAR BUT IT IS BASICALLY TRASH NOW. NISSAN IS SO IRRESPONSIBLE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL ALTIMA`S WITH THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA IS WAY MORE RESPONSIBLE WHEN THEIR CAR`S HAVE A PROBLEM THEY ARE QUICK TO RECALL,IT IS RIDICULOUS. NISSAN IS RIDICULOUS!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467579
80,000 miles · Jul 16, 2012
Power Train
WAS DRIVING AND THE CLUTCH SANK TO THE FLOOR. COULDN'T GET INTO GEAR SO I HAD TO PULL OVER. ONCE I PARKED MY CAR, THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. COULDN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT GET INTO GEAR. WAITED ABOUT 20 MINS AND IT CAME UP 1/4 OF THE WAY AND WAS ABLE TO GET INTO GEAR. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE SUMMER …
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WAS DRIVING AND THE CLUTCH SANK TO THE FLOOR. COULDN'T GET INTO GEAR SO I HAD TO PULL OVER. ONCE I PARKED MY CAR, THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. COULDN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT GET INTO GEAR. WAITED ABOUT 20 MINS AND IT CAME UP 1/4 OF THE WAY AND WAS ABLE TO GET INTO GEAR. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE SUMMER AND IT HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE OR TWICE EVERY OTHER WEEK AND IF IT HAPPENS WHILE IT'S PARKED, THE CAR IS INOPERABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465822
110,963 miles · Jul 15, 2012
Engine
ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE (1+ QT PER 2,000+ MILES). DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEGINNING DECEMBER 2011. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, IT SUCKS IN PIECES OF THE CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DURING THE NEGATIVE CYCLE. THE SMALL PIECES OF THE CONVERTER THEN SCORE THE CYLIND…
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ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE (1+ QT PER 2,000+ MILES). DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEGINNING DECEMBER 2011. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOES OUT, IT SUCKS IN PIECES OF THE CONVERTER SUBSTRATE DURING THE NEGATIVE CYCLE. THE SMALL PIECES OF THE CONVERTER THEN SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF THE DEALERSHIP MONITORING THE OIL CONSUMPTION, I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE CYLINDER COMPRESSION TEST INDICATED THE FIRST CYLINDER WAS AT ABOUT 82 PSI AND THE OTHER THREE CYLINDERS RANGED FROM 111 TO 118 PSI. BACK AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FIRST CYLINDER IS THE ONE THAT IS INITIALLY DAMAGED BY THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING. NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN GETTING A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE I DID NOT GET A WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND ALSO BECAUSE THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 90,000 MILES WAS NOT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP (NISSAN CASE # 8897586). THE CAR IS SUFFERING THE EFFECTS IDENTIFIED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V084000. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THE ENGINE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CAMPAIGN. I HAVE METICULOUSLY RECORDED ALL OF THE REPAIRS AND OIL CHANGES TO THE CAR, ONLY TO HAVE NISSAN TELL ME THAT THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENTLY CASING GRAVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465751
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 ↗
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