Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 594 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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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

85,000 miles · Apr 8, 2004

Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING ONTO A RAMP AT 15 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND ALMOST COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER, HE DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10059805

56,000 miles · Apr 2, 2004

Engine And Engine Cooling

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I WAS DRIVING FROM MI TO IL ON THE DAY BEFORE MY STARTING MY NEW JOB IN ILLINOIS. THIRTY MILES OUT FROM MY DESTINATION, THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY AND WAIT OVER TWO HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) SENSOR WAS AT FAULT. ALTHOUGH THE MAF SENSOR WAS REPLACED, I DON'T BELIEVE IT WAS THE COMPONENT THAT DISABLED THE VEHICLE ON THIS DATE. THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT FIRST GOING INTO "LIMP" MODE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CPS). AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE CPS. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPLACED PRIOR TO MY DRIVE BECAUSE I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION. THE CPS WAS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE MAF. WHAT PROMPTS THIS COMPLAINT IS THE MAF SENSOR. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ON THE THIRD MAF. THE FIRST ONE WAS REPLACED ON 8/2003. THE SECOND MAF WAS REPLACED ON 1/14/2004, WHICH LASTED LESS THAN SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE MODE FOR THE FIRST MAF SENSOR ALLOWED WARNING: THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, BUT INSTEAD LIMITED THE ENGINE SPEED TO 2500RPM. FORTUNATELY, BOTH MAF SENSORS WERE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN ADDITION TO MAF SENSORS AND OPEN RECALLS, MY VEHICLE HAS A NEW ECM AND THROTTLE BODY (IACS). MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED, AND I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH NISSAN IN GETTING A NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY OUT OF GOODWILL FOR THESE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE LESS THAN TWO YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS NISSAN. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES WERE FORD PRODUCTS, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THOSE AS I HAVE WITH THIS NISSAN. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING DIFFICULTY IN HAVING NISSAN RETURNING MY COMMUNICATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10064381

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2004

Engine And Engine Cooling

MULTIPLE ENGINE FAILURES. *PH EVEN WITH A NEW ENGINE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE SERVICE MANAGER REPLACED PLUGS, AND GAVE CONSUMER A LOANER VEHICLE. ALSO, A NEW COMPUTER WAS INSTALLED AND STILL PROBLEM EXISTED. *LA *JB

NHTSA ODI #10066861

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2004

Tires

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CONTINENTAL TIRES ON HER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *PH THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A TRACTION PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES REGARDLESS OF THE ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10066818

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2004

Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER SMELLED A BAD ODOR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP. *AK *MR

NHTSA ODI #10061439

15,908 miles · Mar 31, 2004

Engine And Engine Cooling

NISSAN REPLACED THE RADIATOR/PARTS THREE TIMES BUT THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO SMELL ANTIFREEZE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *PH SEVERAL ATTEMPT BY DIFFERENT SERVICE DEALER HAVE BEEN MADE TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM, BUT NONE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10066611

9,400 miles · Mar 30, 2004

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH RECALL SERVICE WORK NOT CORRECTING THE MALFUNCTION THE RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT. SPECIFICALLY OF CONCERN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS : 03V455000 & 03V084000 & 03V251000. NOT RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES BY MANUFACTURER OR BEING INFORMED BY NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED NISSAN CORP CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT RECEIVED NO RESOLUTION OR SUGGESTIONS. PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE PERFORMANCE, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST, AND STRONG BURNING SMELL ARE STILL PRESENT ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT REMAINING ON. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR OVER 6 VISITS IN LAST 5 MONTHS - VEHICLE IS STILL AT SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE OVER THESE PAST MONTHS WHILE THESE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE OR TO HAVE TRANSPORTATION TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS DECLINED ANY HELP - EVEN THOUGH ID # 03V084000 NISSAN RECALL NOTICE STATES IT SHOULD BE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE IF CUSTOMER MAKES THIS REQUEST. I AM GREATLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. MY LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPT (PINE BELT NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE) AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS NOT ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS AND HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED FOR MONTHS. VEHICLE HAS HAD REDUCED POWER, HESITATION, PULLING AND VIBRATION, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST AND AN INCREASINGLY STRONG BURNING SMELL FROM ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10064144

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004

Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10064631

31,000 miles · Mar 13, 2004

Engine And Engine Cooling

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WELL, I FILED A COMPLAINT ON MARCH 12, 2003 REGARDING MY ENGINE ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WELL, I'VE NOTED SINCE 2002-2004, MY CAR HAS HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. WELL, HERE IT IS 2004, I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING AND THE AIR BAG HAD A DEFAULT. IT WAS TOWED ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO AND ONCE AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CENSOR FOR THE COMPUTER AND THE STARTER WENT OUT AS WELL. I'VE HAD IT AND I'M ABOUT TO SEEK A LAWYER. ALSO, EVERYTIME MY CAR DOESN'T START, IT'S ALWAYS BECAUSE OF A RECALL. EACH TIME I ASK WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS RECALLS, THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER CLAIMS NISSAN DOESN'T SEND OUT LETTERS. WELL, I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO BELIEVE. NOW I'M RIDING AROUND IN A 4 DOOR NISSAN SENTRA THAT IS LOANED TO ME BY THE DEALER. I WANT TO KNOW, DOES NISSAN SEND OUT RECALL LETTERS OR IS IT UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL DEALERS? I'M JUST FED UP WITH NISSAN AND I'M GOING TO GIVE THEIR MAIN OFFICE A CALL ABOUT THIS. PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THIS. THANKS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10062070

17 miles · Mar 5, 2004

Vehicle Speed Control

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AT ANY SPEED, MY SPEEDOMETER SHOWS A DIFFERENT SPEED THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED. MY ACTUAL SPEED HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY RADAR, GPS, MILE MARKERS AND TRAVELING ALONG SIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH AN ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER (BASED ON GPS AND RADAR). WHERE MY SPEEDOMETER IS SHOWING LESS THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED, I AM SUBJECT TO MAKE MENTAL ADJUSTMENTS TO INCREASE MY SPEED TO ACTUALLY TRAVEL THE DESIRED SPEED. WHEN I GET IN ANOTHER CAR THAT HAS AN ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER, BY HABIT, I TEND TO INCREASE MY SPEED IN THAT CAR, SUBJECTING ME TO POSSIBLE FINES FOR SPEEDING. NOTE: THE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES AND THIS PROBLEM EXISTED FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THIS CAR. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID THAT AS LONG AS THE SPEEDOMETER IS ACCURATE TO WITHIN 10%, IT'S WITHIN SPECS. THAT IMPLIES THAT IF MY SPEEDOMETER READS 70 MPH AND MY ACTUAL SPEED IS 77, NISSAN IS FINE WITH THAT! :( PLEASE INCREMENT THE INCIDENT COUNT FOR COMPLAINT # 10000521, AS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM/TREATMENT. I HAVE APPROACHED MANY ALTIMA OWNERS AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PERSISTENT PROBLEM.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10060508

Official recalls

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

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

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

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