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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
68,000 miles · Oct 12, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO CAR FIRE. DEALERSHIP ADMITTED TO DEFECT IN ENGINE. SEE: HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/1106267/NISSAN/2002-NISSAN-ALTIMA-OIL-DROPPING-AT-108000MILES-I-W/INDEX.HTML. I HAD TO PAY $5,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245181

130,000 miles · Oct 10, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CATAL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE ONE MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA ODI #10245089

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, HE SAYS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE MIGHT BLOW UP ANY TIME. AND THEY ARE ASKING $6000 FOR FIXING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS TOTALLY SUCKING THE CUSTOMER OF ANYTHING …

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EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, HE SAYS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE MIGHT BLOW UP ANY TIME. AND THEY ARE ASKING $6000 FOR FIXING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS TOTALLY SUCKING THE CUSTOMER OF ANYTHING THAT ONE CAN LIVE OFF EVEN. AS A SMALL FAMILY WITH MEAGER EARNINGS, THIS IS GOING TO HIT OUR FAMILY IN A MAJOR WAY AS THIS KIND OF SPEND IS NOT SOMETHING WE CAN AFFORD. THIS PROBLEM IS BEING FACED BY THOUSANDS OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS ALSO. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP US OUT IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245005

171,000 miles · Oct 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

PRE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. CONVERTER COMES APART, GETS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, AND CAUSES ENGINE DAMAGE. CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD MINE WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244916

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS BEEN GIVING ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS . I HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED AND NOW IT NEEDS ANOTHER ONE . OIL IS BEING CONSUMED OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME IN 2006 HE SAID I NEED A MOTOR I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER TOO MANY TIMES TO THINK THEY…

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I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS BEEN GIVING ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS . I HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED AND NOW IT NEEDS ANOTHER ONE . OIL IS BEING CONSUMED OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME IN 2006 HE SAID I NEED A MOTOR I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER TOO MANY TIMES TO THINK THEY HAVE CLAIMED TO CHANGE THINGS EVERY TIME I'D TAKE IT . IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT I DON'T THINK THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM AT FIRST. EITHER THEY DIDN'T KNOW OR THEY DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER MY WARRANTY ENDED TO TELL ME THAT I NEEDED A MOTOR!! I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR. I FEEL THAT I PAID TOO MUCH FOR THIS CAR TO BE TRYING TO PAY OVER $5000 FOR A MOTOR. THE CAR IS NOW 6 YRS OLD AND THAT'S NOT OLD ENOUGH FOR A MOTOR. NISSAN SHOULD FEEL VERY BAD THAT THEY A RESPONSIBLE FOR PEOPLE PAYING TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THAT LEMON OF A CAR. I NEED TRANSPORTATION NOT A NEW CAR NOTE!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244755

74,987 miles · Oct 6, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH IS EXHIBITING THE SYMPTOMS VERY TYPICAL WITH 100'S OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS. ONE MONTH AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE IS CONSUMING LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL, POWER IS SLUGGISH ESPECIALLY AT STARTUP, COOLANT IS BEING CONSUMED ETC. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND THE FAULT CODE WAS FOR …

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I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WHICH IS EXHIBITING THE SYMPTOMS VERY TYPICAL WITH 100'S OF OTHER ALTIMA OWNERS. ONE MONTH AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE IS CONSUMING LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL, POWER IS SLUGGISH ESPECIALLY AT STARTUP, COOLANT IS BEING CONSUMED ETC. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND THE FAULT CODE WAS FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DEALER SUGGESTS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF LONG BLOCK. SINCE THE RECALL (NTB03-070C) HAD BEEN DONE ON MY CAR A FEW YEARS AGO, PREVIOUS TO ME OWNING THE CAR, THEY ARE "NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECALL". SEEMS UNFATHOMABLE THAT SO MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO DEFINITE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN FROM NISSAN OR BEING FORCED TO BE TAKEN FROM THE GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244583

103,000 miles · Oct 5, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CAT CONVERTER WAS BAD. CHECKED WEBSITE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THAT HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND AFTER REPLACING THE CAT CONVERTER, HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ENGINE. THE WEBSITE IS HTTP://FO…

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SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CAT CONVERTER WAS BAD. CHECKED WEBSITE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THAT HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND AFTER REPLACING THE CAT CONVERTER, HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ENGINE. THE WEBSITE IS HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/1106267/NISSAN/2002-NISSAN-ALTIMA-OIL-DROPPING-AT-108000MILES-I-W/INDEX.HTML. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT OR BE DIRECTED ON WHAT TO DO NEXT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244421

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA BECAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE A DEFECT IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH IS DAMAGING MY ENGINE. I HAVE TO GET IT REPLACE, BUT IT COSTS $1500. MY CAR HAS ONLY 84,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO, I TAKE IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT EVER…

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THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA BECAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE A DEFECT IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH IS DAMAGING MY ENGINE. I HAVE TO GET IT REPLACE, BUT IT COSTS $1500. MY CAR HAS ONLY 84,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO, I TAKE IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT EVERY 3,000 MILES AND FOR REGULAR CHECK UPS. SO I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BELOW ARE THE LINKS TO SOME OF THE WEBSITES WITH COMPLAINTS FROM THE ALTIMA DRIVERS ON THEIR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. 1)HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2002/ENGINE/CATALYTIC_CONVERTER_FAILURE_CAUSED_ENGINE_DAMAGE.SHTML 2)HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/NISSAN_ALTIMA.HTML 3) HTTP://WWW.ALLWORLDAUTO.COM/COMMENTS/VIEWTHREAD.PHP?CID=638520 4)HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/REVIEW_105673.HTML 5)HTTP://WWW.CARAUDIO.COM/FORUM/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-222455.HTML 6)HTTP://FORUMS.CARANDDRIVER.COM/AUTO/BOARD/MESSAGE?BOARD.ID=NISSAN&THREAD.ID=158 7)HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/1106267/NISSAN/2002-NISSAN-ALTIMA-OIL-DROPPING-AT-108,000 MILES-I-W/INDEX.HTML 8)HTTP://ANSWERS.EDMUNDS.COM/QUESTION-NEGOTIATION-2002-ALTIMA-REPLACEMENT-ENGINE-28642.ASPX 9)HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_84045.HTML 10) HTTP://AUTOREPAIR.ABOUT.COM/B/2008/01/17/ALTIMA-OWNER-THINKS-HES-GETTING-THE-SHAFT.HTM I THINK NISSAN KNOWS THIS PROBLEM AND THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244388

119,474 miles · Oct 1, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

FILE #6258697 2002 ALTIMA MY COMPLAINT INVOLVES A QR25DE ENGINE INSTALLED IN MY ALTIMA. I LIKE TO GIVE YOU SOME BACKGROUND ON THE ENGINE AND THEN TALK ABOUT MY PROBLEM. THE QR25DE IS IN THE 2002-PRESENT NISSAN ALTMAN 2.5, 2.5S, 2.5SL 175HP, HYBRID 158HP. THE QR25DE SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A SIGNIFICANT N…

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FILE #6258697 2002 ALTIMA MY COMPLAINT INVOLVES A QR25DE ENGINE INSTALLED IN MY ALTIMA. I LIKE TO GIVE YOU SOME BACKGROUND ON THE ENGINE AND THEN TALK ABOUT MY PROBLEM. THE QR25DE IS IN THE 2002-PRESENT NISSAN ALTMAN 2.5, 2.5S, 2.5SL 175HP, HYBRID 158HP. THE QR25DE SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PROBLEMS IN ITS SHORT LIFETIME. A VARIETY OF MECHANICAL FLAWS HAVE LED TO NUMEROUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, RECALLS, REPAIRS, AND OUTRIGHT ENGINE REPLACEMENTS. VEHICLES WITH THE QR25DE MAY INGEST MATERIAL FROM A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. THE PRE-CATALYST WAS REPLACED AT 79,000 MILES AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER REALIZE THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING MORE OIL BUT NOTHING THAT SIGNIFICANT. I STARTED TO NOTICE MORE OIL BEING CONSUMED AT 117,000 CALLED NISSAN AND STARTED A FILE THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER AND CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. THE CAR BROKE DOWN AND I HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN AND THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND TOLD ME THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS GONE AT 118,151 MILES AND IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $825.65. AT THE SAME TIME THEY CHECKED FOR OIL LEAKS AND SAID THERE WERE NO LEAKS AND TOP OFF THE OIL AND TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN 1062 MILES BROUGHT IT BACK TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS DOWN 3 QUARTS. THEY FILLED THE OIL BACK UP AND AFTER 261 MILES THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON BROUGHT IT BACK TO NISSAN AND FOUND IT TO BE DOWN 4 QUARTS AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS GONE. UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMERS HAVE LET THE OIL RUN COMPLETELY DRY WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FIRE OR COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS REVIEWED THE CASE AND DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A POOR DESIGN AND NISSAN IS LETTING MANY CONSUMERS IN MY SITUATION PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. I LITTLE RESEARCH ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE WILL YIELD MANY MORE UNSATISFIED CONSUMERS. THE CAR HAD OIL CHANGES AT 3000 MILES INTERVALS.*TR

NHTSA ODI #10244140

90,000 miles · Sep 30, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 2002 IN 2006 MY CAR WAS USING 2 OR 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES. LUCKILY MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NISSAN AND THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WERE VERY RELUCTANT TO PROVIDE HELP. FINALLY AFTER MONTHS OF TESTING, TEN TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP, CALLS TO CORPORATE, AND A TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH…

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NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 2002 IN 2006 MY CAR WAS USING 2 OR 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES. LUCKILY MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NISSAN AND THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WERE VERY RELUCTANT TO PROVIDE HELP. FINALLY AFTER MONTHS OF TESTING, TEN TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP, CALLS TO CORPORATE, AND A TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY FATHER, THEY FINALLY REPLACED MY ENGINE. THEY WOULD NOT, HOWEVER, TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND WHY THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW, TWO YEARS LATER, I AM FACING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NEW O2 SENSOR. ANOTHER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS! AFTER RESEARCHING THIS CAR AND OTHERS WHO ARE FACING THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM CONVINCED NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATORY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244041

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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