THERE IS A RUST HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR PAN ABOUT 5X10 INCHES THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND GOING TO BE A VERY COSTLY REPAIR THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Altima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
1,047 reportsPASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL WAS NOTED TO BE RUSTED THROUGH UPON INSPECTION AFTER SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED FROM INSIDE THE PANEL OUT AS THE BULGING OF THE RUSTED PANEL DOWNWARD TOWARD THE GROUND SUGGESTS. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS INSPECTED BUT FROM WHAT HAS BEEN SHARED THUS FAR, …
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PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL WAS NOTED TO BE RUSTED THROUGH UPON INSPECTION AFTER SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED FROM INSIDE THE PANEL OUT AS THE BULGING OF THE RUSTED PANEL DOWNWARD TOWARD THE GROUND SUGGESTS. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS INSPECTED BUT FROM WHAT HAS BEEN SHARED THUS FAR, NISSAN HAS NOT ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY (YET) FOR REPAIRS. I AM HOPING NISSAN WILL VOLUNTARILY INSPECT THIS MODEL TO DETERMINE A SUITABLE REMEDY, OTHERWISE THIS WILL BE THE LAST NISSAN I CHOOSE TO OWN.
POWER VALVE SCREWS IN THEIR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE WITH VINS STARTING WITH 1N4AL11. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID FOR THIS PROBLEM IS P5202. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AFFECTS THE 2003 ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE, BUT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ADDED THE 200…
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POWER VALVE SCREWS IN THEIR 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE WITH VINS STARTING WITH 1N4AL11. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID FOR THIS PROBLEM IS P5202. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AFFECTS THE 2003 ALTIMA WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE, BUT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ADDED THE 2003 YEAR MODEL TO THE RECALL. BOTH THE 2003S AND THE 2004S HAVE THE EXACT SAME ENGINE AND I AM A CASE IN POINT OF SOMEONE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER, NISSAN HAS OF YET NOT STATED WHETHER THEY WILL ADD THE 2003 TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. I WANTED TO FIRST LET OTHER 2003 ALTIMA OWNERS WITH THE 2.5S ENGINE BECOME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. SECONDLY DON'T PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, IT NEEDS TO BE REPORTED TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THAT THE 2003 MODELS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS POWER VALVE SCREW ISSUE. HERE IS THE KICKER: MORE THAN HALF THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR. PLEASE BE SURE AND NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND MY DEALERSHIP. MY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HONEST WITH ME AND IS WORKING WITH ME TO GET NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TO ADD THE 2003-YEAR MODELS TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND HAD TO PAY FOR IT, OR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS, HEARING ENGINE RATTLE, UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATION, OR HEAR A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE TYPE NOISE OR MUFFLER TYPE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THAN YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER VALVE. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION SAVES SOMEONE OUT THERE BOTH MONEY AND TIME. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE THAN PLEASE LET ME KNOW. WE ARE CURRENTLY MOUNTING EVIDENCE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADD THE 2003 MODEL TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AS WELL AS ADDRESS THE DAMAGE. IF NOT WE WILL NEED TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.
5/31/2015 AT ABOUT 9:40PM. THERE WERE LINES OF CARS LEAVING STARFIRE SPORTS IN TUKWILA, WA OFF OF 405 EXIT 1 BECAUSE OF ADULT RECREATIONAL SOCCER GAMES AND THE WASHINGTON STATE HIGH LCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS. WHEN EXITING STARFIRE, IT WAS MY TURN AT THE STOP SIGN, SO I PROCEEDED. AFTER I PROCEEDED, THE BIG BLACK VEHICLE…
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5/31/2015 AT ABOUT 9:40PM. THERE WERE LINES OF CARS LEAVING STARFIRE SPORTS IN TUKWILA, WA OFF OF 405 EXIT 1 BECAUSE OF ADULT RECREATIONAL SOCCER GAMES AND THE WASHINGTON STATE HIGH LCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS. WHEN EXITING STARFIRE, IT WAS MY TURN AT THE STOP SIGN, SO I PROCEEDED. AFTER I PROCEEDED, THE BIG BLACK VEHICLE WAITING AT THE STOP SIGN ACROSS FROM ME WITH THE LICENSE PLATE AQG6472 STARTED TO TURN INTO ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS. HE SLAMMED ON HIS BREAKS AND THEN STARED AT ME. HE ALMOST COLLIDED WITH ME. HE IS A BLONDE-HAIRED SKINNY HIGH SCHOOL AGE BOY, AND THERE WERE 2-3 OTHER HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AS PASSENGERS. ALL PASSENGERS STUCK THEIR MIDDLE FINGERS OUT THE WINDOW AND HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND TAUNTED ME. THE LINE OF CARS ALL WERE BEEPING AT HIM. HE THEN DROVE ON, CONTINUING TO TAUNT ME. HE LEFT STARFIRE AND ENTERED 405 NORTH, AS DID I. I WAS STILL BEHIND HIM. HE BREAKED REALLY HARD AND PURPOSEFULLY TRIED TO GET ME TO CRASH INTO HIS CAR. THEN ONCE WE ENTERED THE HIGHWAY, HE PROCEEDED TO TAUNT MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. HE WEAVED IN BETWEEN CARS TO BE NEXT TO ME, HE GOT BEHIND ME AND FLASHED HIS BRIGHTS ON AND OFF, HE GOT IN FRONT OF ME AND BREAKED REALLY HARD, ETC. I WAS SCARED FOR MY LIFE. I DON'T KNOW HOW, BUT I WAS ABLE TO MERGE INTO AN AREA OF CARS THAT PREVENTED HIM FROM TAUNTING ME ANY FURTHER. I SUSPECT THAT HE AND HIS FRIENDS MIGHT HAVE BEEN INTOXICATED....OR JUST REALLY OBNOXIOUS HIGH SCHOOLERS.
STRUCTURE: BOTH FRONT FLOOR PANELS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES AND SAGGING OF THE FLOOR THAT HAVE WEAKENED THE OVERALL FLOOR STRUCTURE AND CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION. IT APPEARS THAT A DRAIN HOLE IN EACH FLOOR PANEL NEVER HAD A RUBBER PLUG INSERTED. OVER THE YEARS, WATER SPLASHED UP THROUGH THE HOLES AND WAS ABSORBED…
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STRUCTURE: BOTH FRONT FLOOR PANELS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES AND SAGGING OF THE FLOOR THAT HAVE WEAKENED THE OVERALL FLOOR STRUCTURE AND CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION. IT APPEARS THAT A DRAIN HOLE IN EACH FLOOR PANEL NEVER HAD A RUBBER PLUG INSERTED. OVER THE YEARS, WATER SPLASHED UP THROUGH THE HOLES AND WAS ABSORBED AND TRAPPED BY THE INSULATION MATERIAL BETWEEN THE CARPET AND FLOOR.THIS IS NOT THE RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IF THE DRAIN HOLES HAD BEEN PLUGGED, THIS NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!
OK 3 OR 2 WEEK AFTER I BROUGHT THE CAR IT START RUNNING HOT THE IT START TO GET TO THE POINT WHEN IT DO RUN HOT AND I HIT THE GAS THE CAR WANT GO IT WAS LIKE I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE CAR GO FAST BUT IT WAS GOING SLOW SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM AND HE DIDN'T DO MUCH SO I FOUND A MECHANIC AND HE RAN AT TEST O…
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OK 3 OR 2 WEEK AFTER I BROUGHT THE CAR IT START RUNNING HOT THE IT START TO GET TO THE POINT WHEN IT DO RUN HOT AND I HIT THE GAS THE CAR WANT GO IT WAS LIKE I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE CAR GO FAST BUT IT WAS GOING SLOW SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM AND HE DIDN'T DO MUCH SO I FOUND A MECHANIC AND HE RAN AT TEST ON ME AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOME RECALLS ON PART OF MY CAR AND THE PERSON HEAD IT BEFORE ME DIDN'T GET IT DONE LIKE THE CAM SENSOR ,CRANK SENSOR AND MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND A TIME THING THE I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM HE SAID HE CAN DO NOTHING AND SOMEONE TOLD ME TO TURN TO YOU ALL SO WHAT CAN I DO I PUT TO MUCH MONEY IN TO IT TO GET IT FIX I CHANGE THE WATER PUMP THE HOLES AND THE THERMOSTAT SO WHAT SHOULD I DO PLEASE HELP.... *TR
THE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS OF MY 2002 ALTIMA ARE RUSTING AND ROTTING AWAY. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS NOT ONLY THE OBVIOUS FLOOR ROTTING FROM BENEATH ME, BUT ALSO THE EXHAUST VAPORS THAT ARE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW THAT HAS CAUSED THE FLOORS TO RUST AND ROT ON VEHICLES IN THE NORTH EAST. BECAUSE TH…
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THE FRONT FLOOR BOARDS OF MY 2002 ALTIMA ARE RUSTING AND ROTTING AWAY. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS NOT ONLY THE OBVIOUS FLOOR ROTTING FROM BENEATH ME, BUT ALSO THE EXHAUST VAPORS THAT ARE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW THAT HAS CAUSED THE FLOORS TO RUST AND ROT ON VEHICLES IN THE NORTH EAST. BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL, THE DEALER CANNOT HELP ME. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SPECIFIC TO THE NORTH EAST AND NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE FAULTY SPRAYING OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE WHICH WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMBAT A NORMAL NORTH EAST WINTER. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND IT HAS LOW MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS FOR THIS VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO PASS THIS CAR ON TO MY 16 YEAR OLD SON AS A RELIABLE FIRST CAR. I CANNOT DO THAT IN GOOD FAITH KNOWING THE SAFETY ISSUE ALTIMA AND THE NHTSA HAS ALLOWED. MASSACHUSETTS IS A DIFFICULT STATE FOR SAFETY STANDARDS ON OWNERS OF VEHICLES AND I AM FEARFUL THAT IF I HAVE GALVANIZED SHEET METAL WELDED TO MY UNDERCARRIAGE, IT COULD POSSIBLY BE CONSIDERED NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE STATE'S STANDARDS AND CAUSE ME MORE FINANCIAL BURDEN. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ALTIMA RECTIFY THIS SAFETY ISSUE. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO THERE REALLY NEED TO BE IN ORDER FOR THE NHTSA TO HELP? AS OF 4/23/15 I HAVE COUNTED ALMOST 500 COMPLAINTS SPECIFIC TO THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE 2002 ALTIMA. ADD THOSE TO THE COMPLAINTS TO THE 2003, 2004, 2005, ETC. OF FLOOR BOARDS ROTTING IN THE NORTH EAST AND YOU CAN SEE THESE COMPLAINTS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED. I WILL ALSO FILE COMPLAINTS WITH MY LOCAL ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE. SAFETY STANDARDS SHOULD BE A PRIORITY OF CAR MAKERS AS WELL AS CAR OWNERS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OIL WAS CONSTANTLY LOW AND HAD TO BE REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V251000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OIL WAS CONSTANTLY LOW AND HAD TO BE REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE 02 SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE TRAVELING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRE-CATALYST OVERHEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYLINDER WALLS FAILED CAUSING OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH LEAKED INTO THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING DAMAGES. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 10/06/2017*CN
FLOOR BOARD RUSTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ...APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM THAT OTHER NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE RUNNING INTO ... THE HOLE IS ABOUT 20" IN DIAMETER AND THE CARPET IS FALLING THRU THE BOTTOM AT THIS POINT ... THERE HAS BEEN A SEGMENT ON NBC NEWS ABOUT THE ISSUE. *TR
MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS VERY BADLY RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM STARTED BACK IN APPROXIMATELY 2010. I WAS WALKING AWAY FROM THE CAR AN LOOKED BACK AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING BELOW THE CAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. IT APPEARED TO BE A SURFACE SHEET OF METAL SO I WASN'T TOO WORRIED …
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MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS VERY BADLY RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM STARTED BACK IN APPROXIMATELY 2010. I WAS WALKING AWAY FROM THE CAR AN LOOKED BACK AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING BELOW THE CAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. IT APPEARED TO BE A SURFACE SHEET OF METAL SO I WASN'T TOO WORRIED ABOUT IT AND FIGURED I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAPPENED TO GET A BAD CAR. BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES THAT GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. I HEARD ABOUT THE NEWS STORY ON NBC AND WANTED TO BE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM AND HOW MANY PEOPLE CARS ARE AFFECTED. I WOULD APPRECIATE BEING UPDATED IF THERE IS ANY NEWS ON THIS APPARENTLY COMMON PROBLEM OR HOW I CAN RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR
Official recalls
507V527000 · 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
1PE02078 · 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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