NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,047 reportsMileage unknown · Feb 8, 2012
Structure
I WAS UNDER MY ALTIMA DOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ON THE RIGHT FRONT FLOOR AREA, I NOTICED RUSTED METAL FLAKING OFF OF THE FLOOR PAN. INSPECTING THE AREA REVEALED THAT A LARGE AREA WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED NO OTHER INVOLVED AREAS OF THE FLOOR PAN. I THOUGHT THIS WAS VERY STRANGE INDEED, ESPECIALLY S…
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I WAS UNDER MY ALTIMA DOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ON THE RIGHT FRONT FLOOR AREA, I NOTICED RUSTED METAL FLAKING OFF OF THE FLOOR PAN. INSPECTING THE AREA REVEALED THAT A LARGE AREA WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED NO OTHER INVOLVED AREAS OF THE FLOOR PAN. I THOUGHT THIS WAS VERY STRANGE INDEED, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CAR IS RARELY DRIVEN IN THE WINTER AND ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS USED IN A SOUTHERN STATE FOR A LARGE PORTION OF ITS OPERATING LIFE. CHECKING ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10447187
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2012
Structure
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH JUST FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO RUSTED HOLES UNDER THE FRONT FLOOR OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA'S. I EXPECT NISSAN TO STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES AND COVER THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THESE HOLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE…
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I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH JUST FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO RUSTED HOLES UNDER THE FRONT FLOOR OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE NISSAN ALTIMA'S. I EXPECT NISSAN TO STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES AND COVER THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THESE HOLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BY NISSAN. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THESE VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10446917
160,000 miles · Jan 23, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10444883
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WILL NOT START,REPLACED CRANK AN CAM SENSOR NOTHING THEY ARE RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR LOTS OF PROBLEMS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD CAR FOR MY WIFE TWO DAYS LATER IT LEAVES HER AN MY DAUGHTER STUCK ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE DONE RESETS NOTHING WORKS IS THERE SOMETHING YALL CAN HELP ME WITH IM OUT OF POCKET CAUSE THI…
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WILL NOT START,REPLACED CRANK AN CAM SENSOR NOTHING THEY ARE RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR LOTS OF PROBLEMS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD CAR FOR MY WIFE TWO DAYS LATER IT LEAVES HER AN MY DAUGHTER STUCK ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE DONE RESETS NOTHING WORKS IS THERE SOMETHING YALL CAN HELP ME WITH IM OUT OF POCKET CAUSE THIS CAR. CAN I TAKE IT TO NISSAN DEALER AN THEY FIX IT FOR A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10444821
90,000 miles · Jan 19, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND DETECTED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO IN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND DETECTED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10444554
104,000 miles · Jan 18, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS CORROSION UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS CORROSION UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA ODI #10444389
59,000 miles · Jan 17, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHEN SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/06/12*BF
NHTSA ODI #10444121
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2011
Structure
BOUGHT CAR IN 2009, FROM A DEALERSHIP, IN 2010 UPON OBTAINING A INSPECTION, WAS ADVISED THAT IT FAILED BECAUSE THE FLOOR BOARDS ROTTING OUT!!! ON PASSENGER SIDE. NOW DRIVERS SIDE . IS NISSAN DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS???? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10441207
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY CONSUMING FOUR QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL IN UNDER A MONTH. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY CONSUMING FOUR QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL IN UNDER A MONTH. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10438781
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 KEEPS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS AND ONCE YOU REPLACE THEM A COUPLE MONTHS LATER YOU'LL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES YOUR CAR TO STOP RANDOMLY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT OR WORSE DEATH. NISSAN KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON …
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NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 KEEPS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS AND ONCE YOU REPLACE THEM A COUPLE MONTHS LATER YOU'LL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES YOUR CAR TO STOP RANDOMLY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT OR WORSE DEATH. NISSAN KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BUT THEY CHOOSE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH MANY DEALERS AND AUTO REPAIR TECHNICIANS AND THEY ALL AGREE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN ALTIMA. THIS IS SAD AND I REALLY WISH THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING IN MY CAR WITH MY NIECE WHEN MY CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC SCARED ME TO DEATH!!! BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY HURT AND THE SIMPLE FACT THAT I REPLACED THIS PART 3 MONTHS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED IS REALLY TERRIBLE. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH SENSOR AND I'M STILL HAVING AN ISSUE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO CORRECT BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURTS. THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IS A HORRIBLE CAR ITS JUST MANUFACTURED ALL WRONG AND IS CONSTANTLY GIVING ME ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438642
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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