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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
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2005
Electrical System

2002 ALTIMA WITH 54 THOUSAND MILES ON IT JUST DIED TODAY WITH A BATTERY LIGHT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH. DEALER IS ACTING LIKE THEY DONT COVER THIS...BUT I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2003....THIS IS STILL A NEW CAR AND I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF IT!

NHTSA ODI #10126744

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2005
Exterior Lighting

I REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I REALLY RHOUGHT THAT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON EXPERIENCING THOSE HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. I HAVE CHANGED MY PASSENGER SIDE BULB 10 TIMES AND THE DRIVER SIDE 5 TIMES. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET TO AND IT IS VERY TIME CONSUMING. FROM READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT T…

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I REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I REALLY RHOUGHT THAT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON EXPERIENCING THOSE HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. I HAVE CHANGED MY PASSENGER SIDE BULB 10 TIMES AND THE DRIVER SIDE 5 TIMES. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET TO AND IT IS VERY TIME CONSUMING. FROM READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE DEALERSHIP WONT TAKE CARE OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR HAS 64000 MILES ON THERE. I AM FRUSTRATED AND I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY IN CHANGING THESE STUPID BLUBS, NOT TO MENTION TIME. ON THE 15 OF THIS MONTH WILL MAKE IT THE 11TH TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER BULB. ON THE 6 OF JUNE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OUT. I AM WONDERING IF IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10126370

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2005
Exterior Lighting

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *MR THE HEAT FROM THE HEADLIGHT MELTED THE TERMINALS WHICH CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION OF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10126873

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2005
Exterior Lighting

VIN#[XXX] MILES: 50,372 ON 15 MAY 2002, HE LOW BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WENT OUT. AFTER TRYING A COUPLE OF TIMES, LOW BEAM CAME BACK ON.(SOMETIMES IT WORKED, OTHER TIMES IT DIDN'T) A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WAS OUT AS WELL. THE ADVANCE AUTO STORE CLERK TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T REPLACE THE B…

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VIN#[XXX] MILES: 50,372 ON 15 MAY 2002, HE LOW BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WENT OUT. AFTER TRYING A COUPLE OF TIMES, LOW BEAM CAME BACK ON.(SOMETIMES IT WORKED, OTHER TIMES IT DIDN'T) A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WAS OUT AS WELL. THE ADVANCE AUTO STORE CLERK TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T REPLACE THE BULB FOR ME BECAUSE THE PARTS HAD TO BE REMOVED TO GET TO THE BULB. A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT I BRING THE CAR IN AND GAVE ME A QUOTE OF $45 EA. HEADLIGHT. HE ADVISED ME OF AN ONGOING DEFECT WITH THE 02 NISSAN ALTIMA HEADLIGHT THAT INVOLVED THE HEAT FROM THE BULB MELTING THE PANEL AROUND IT. HE SAID THAT IF THIS WAS THE CASE, THEN THE ADDITIONAL PART WOULD BE $85 PLUS. THIS PART WOULD PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. AFTER TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, I RECEIVED A CALL BACK ADVISING ME THAT THE DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE HEAT WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES. HE THEN GAVE ME A QUOTE OF OVER $700. (BEYOND BELIEF) I QUESTIONED AS TO WHY THIS WAS NOT A RECALL? HE DIDN'T HAVE AN ANSWER SO IMMEDIATELY I CALLED NISSANUSA AT 800-647-7261.TAMMY TOOK MY COMPLAINT, AND SHE GAVE ME A REFERENCE NUMBER [XXX]. SHE ASSURED ME THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK IN REFERENCE MY ISSUE BY COB 31 MAY 05. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CALL, HOWEVER, I COULD NOT GET THROUGH TO TALK WITH SOMEONE ABOUT THIS MATTER. MY CAR IS BARELY 3 YEARS OLD AND NOT LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL IN GETTING ALL OF MY SERVICES AS REQUIRED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS WASN'T TOLD TO ME WHILE MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONSIDERING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO PAY THE UNEXPECTED DISCOUNTED $617.71 THAT WAS ORIGINALLY QUOTED AT $45 EACH. THIS PAYMENT WAS INDEED A HARDSHIP. ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN GRANT ME IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED [XXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

NHTSA ODI #10123861

83,000 miles · Jun 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 CYLINDER HAD A RECALL THAT CERTAIN ENGINES MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF THE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS RESTULTING IN INCREASED OIL COMSUMPTION AND ENGINE FIRE THE PRE-CATALYST WAS TO BE TESTED AND IF THERE I…

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MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 CYLINDER HAD A RECALL THAT CERTAIN ENGINES MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF THE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS RESTULTING IN INCREASED OIL COMSUMPTION AND ENGINE FIRE THE PRE-CATALYST WAS TO BE TESTED AND IF THERE IS DAMAGE, A NEW ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN 11/04 TO BE CHECKED. SUPPOSEDLY NOTHING WAS WRONG. LAST MONTH, MY OIL LIGHT FLASHED AND WE CHECKED AND I WAS DOWN 2 QTS OF OIL. I BROUGHT IT IN LAST MONTH AND I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. ONE WEEK LATER, I WAS DOWN ANOTHER 2 QTS AND THEN THEY ADVISED ME THAT I NEED A NEW CATALYST CONVERTER. I BROUGHT IT TO NISSAN AND THEY ARE REQUESTING MY DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL MY OIL CHANGES EVEN THOUGH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT RUN BEFORE THIS PROBLEM STARTED. AUTOSPA IN MEDFORD, LONG ISLAND WHERE I BRING MY CAR HAD A COMPUTER CRASH AND LOST ALL COCUMENATION AND HAD TO GET NEW COMPUTERS. NISSAN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I ASKED THEM DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY CAR GOES ON FIRE AND THEY RESPONDED THAT IT WILL BE CHEAPER TO REPLACE AN ENGINE THEN TO CHECK IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. NISSANS VOICE SERVICE EVEN STATES THAT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 5/20/03 ARE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED MINE IN 1/02. I FEEL THE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR ARE MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS. MY OIL CHANGES SHOULD NOT DETERMINE IF MY CAR SHOULD BE LOOKED AT WHEN THE COMPANY IS ADMITTING TO HAVING PROBLEMS. I PULLED MY CAR OUT OF NISSAN AND HAVING MY PERSONAL MECHANIC PUT IN A NEW CATALYST CONVERTER. IF MY CAR GOES ON FIRE AND EITHER MYSELF OR MY SON IS INJURED, THERE WILL DEFINITELY BE A LAWSUIT.

NHTSA ODI #10123800

29,890 miles · May 16, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR WOULD NOT START. EXTREMELY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN CAR. LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR. GAS LINE CAME OFF GAS TANK. FITTING HAD VIBRATED LOOSE. REPLACED FITTING AND RECONNECTED GAS LINE. LUCKILY NO FIRE AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME. FRIENDS WITH SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE DR…

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CAR WOULD NOT START. EXTREMELY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN CAR. LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR. GAS LINE CAME OFF GAS TANK. FITTING HAD VIBRATED LOOSE. REPLACED FITTING AND RECONNECTED GAS LINE. LUCKILY NO FIRE AND THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME. FRIENDS WITH SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #10121062

84 miles · May 5, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

I AM VERY UPSET. JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN, I STARTED HEARING A NOISE THAT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR STORE FOR NEW TIRES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK OUT THE NOISE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND THAT IT WAS A VERY SERIOUS, DANGEROUS …

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I AM VERY UPSET. JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN, I STARTED HEARING A NOISE THAT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR STORE FOR NEW TIRES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK OUT THE NOISE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA'S AND THAT IT WAS A VERY SERIOUS, DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE 02 VALVE BACKED OUT OF THE CATALITIC CONVERTER AND BECAUSE THE CATALITIC CONVERTER AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WERE ONE PIECE, THEY ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADIVSED ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT ON THIS AND IT WAS VERY SERIOUS. IT COST ME $900.00 TO GET THIS FIXED AS I WAS IN FEAR OF MY LIFE TO DRIVE THIS ANY LONGER. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE WAS NOT RECALL ON THIS AND I AM REQUESTING MY MONEY BE REFUNDED. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING FOR A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. IF I DO NOT RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF CONTACT ON THIS COMPLAINT, I PLAN TO CONTACT THE BBB AND POSSIBLY AN ATTORNEY. IF THIS PROBLEM WARRANTED A SERVICE ADVISORY, IT CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE WARRANTED A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10120026

36,000 miles · May 5, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

DT: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD BANG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED IT AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. AS THEY ACCELERATED SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAS WALKING AWAY FROM IT TO CALL FOR HELP WHEN IT BURST INTO FLAMES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10119932

75,781 miles · May 4, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY CAR HEATING SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN MY CAR HAD OVERHEATED. MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO OVERHEAT CAUSING A CRACK IN MY ENGINE. CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH 75,781 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10119881

38,000 miles · May 4, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND THE CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. CAR WAS RESTARTED BUT QUICKLY SHUTDOWN AGAIN WHEN TRYING TO RETURN TO HIGHWAY SPEED. MANAGED TO PULL OVER, BUT WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO PARK THE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN REVERSE AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AND IS BEING LO…

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ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND THE CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. CAR WAS RESTARTED BUT QUICKLY SHUTDOWN AGAIN WHEN TRYING TO RETURN TO HIGHWAY SPEED. MANAGED TO PULL OVER, BUT WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO PARK THE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN REVERSE AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AND IS BEING LOOKED AT. CAR HAS A RECENT HISTORY OF STALLING 1 SECOND AFTER COLD START, INCLUDING AT LEAST ONCE WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AS IT STALLED WHILE STILL IN PARK. PRIOT TO THIS SHUTDOWN, THE DEALER WAS NOT VERY COOPERATIVE AND HAD ONLY FOUND TWO SETTINGS OUT OF SPEC IN THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND RESET THEM (TWICE, 2 DAYS APART).

NHTSA ODI #10119815

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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