79 of the
1,321 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Altima are about the
electrical system — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
63,000 miles.
I've owned my 2002 Nissan for about 6 months now the previous owner informed me prior to purchase about issues she was having and the reason she was selling the car, explain to me that her friend who has worked on cars 20+ yrs felt if cause could be found it was repairable but seems luck she had is now the luck I'm having. I have a couple ppl look over the car under hood and run diagnostics but nothing can be found.. I can't afford to junk the car my income budget is tight and doesn't allow much wiggle room to purchase a new ride a friend told me about the NHTSA website so we went exploring entering my VIN number comes back no recalls but looking over the recalls for saying make and model and year of my vehicle there's 12 to 15 recalls on it from headlights which I'm is an issue to engine stalls to catalyst issues but yet I'm told that no because we're done on my vehicle I know I'm not the first owner it's a vehicle that I just purchased but I want to speak to someone that can clarify or help me with finding out if my vehicle is actually supposed to be in recalls of these certain things because they were fitted the descriptions of what can take place fit what I'm experiencing and what the previous owner is experienced perfectly please contact me thank you for your time
NHTSA complaint #11580822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
first, I started to notice my car would loose power while driving, over a couple months, it started to stall and/or completely shut off while driving at low speeds or at red lights! When this first stared happening, the car would immediately fire back up when cranked, after about a month of this, I noticed, I could not drive at or above 45mph or it would shut down, or drive for more than 15 minutes and it would shut off…AND NOT START AGAIN! It would crank, but not start, I would have to wait 30 minutes or more and then it would start right up! This is dangerous due to the immediate- no- warning shut off, whenever and wherever! I’ve almost caused multi car pile up! Not to mention my kids in the back seat and on the interstate! We could have been slammed into, and pushed down the interstate and over into other lanes! There’s a recall on 2002 Nissan Altimas for THIS VERY ISSUE!!! Somehow, my vehicles VIN # does not qualify! INFACT….. My VIN# NEVER EVER qualifies for ANY recall, but yet, my vehicle has the exact same problems!!
NHTSA complaint #11477270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,500 milesDavenport, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DOORS ARE LOCKED SHUT ALL BUT ONE, CANNOT GET THEM TO UNLOCK AND WHEN I GET THEM UNLOCKED, THEY WON'T LATCH CLOSED. WILL NOT UNLOCK THEM EVEN WHEN I ATTEMPTED MANUALLY... I NEED A SOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #11395285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER
NHTSA complaint #11182882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR KEEPS STALLING WHILE I DRIVE IT
NHTSA complaint #11099883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownfield, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY BRAKES ARE GOING OUT FAST. MY HEATER TAKES FOREVER TO HEAT UP. MY FUSES KEEP BURNING OUT,CAR LIGHTER DON'T WORK. IT RUNS ROUGH. I THINK IT HAS A SHORT ON SOME WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #11053704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesMorgantown, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER LOCALLY BUT NO RESULTS. I ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY GAVE ME RUN AROUND SAYING THAT THEY NEEDED THE SOFTWARE WHICH THEY WILL MAKE IT AVAILABLE AND SOON AS IT'S AVAILABLE THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT I GET THE SAME RUN AROUND. IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR AND HALF SINCE I HAD CONTACTED THEM. BUT IT HASN'T BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10995431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
YES, I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT INTERLOCKS, I KNOW THE ARE TO DESIGNED TO SAVE LIVES OF OTHERS, BUT AT RISKING THE LIVES OF THE DRIVERS THAT HAVE THEM, IT IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING RETEST, I KNOW A RETEST IS TO ENSURE THAT THE DRIVER OF THE CAR HAS NOT DRANK SINCE DRIVING OR HAD SOMEONE ELSE BLOW TO START THE CAR, BUT IN MY OPINION IT'S HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER TO BE PUT IN THIS DANGER OF HAVING TO RETEST EVERY 30MIN, THERE IS A CAMERA PLACED IN THE CAR FOR A REASON, YES I BROKE THE LAW, I UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR MY INTERLOCK, YES I KNOW I CAN PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE FOR RETEST, BUT IN SOME CASES YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR THEM BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY ARE COMING, IT TOOK A CHILD TO POINT OUT THE UNSAFE WAY RETEST ARE. YES, I KNOW I COULD HAVE NOT HAD IT PLACED IN MY CAR, BUT I HAVE TO WORK AND PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY. ANOTHER THING I THINK INTERLOCKS ARE A MONEY GIMMICK FOR THE STATE AND DEALER THAT PUTS THEM IN. I WASN'T COURT ORDERED TO HAVE ONE, THE JUDGE IN MY CASE, SAID I COULD'VE HAD A RESTRICTED LICENSE, BUT THE STATE OF MOTOR VEHICLE SO SAID I HAD TO HAVE ONE TO KEEP DRIVING. WHEN IS THE JUDGES JUDGMENT NOT GOOD ENOUGH?
NHTSA complaint #10939700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesLake Charles, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING UP A RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND JERK. THE RPMS INCREASED FROM 35 TO 4,000. THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10761029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #10726965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,300 milesPetersburg, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FIRST ISSUE I HAVE ARE THE OXYGEN SENOR ARE BAD NO SPEED WHEN GETTING PASS 35 FEEL LIKE YOUR DRIVING IN 25. THE MAJOR ISSUE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH MY UNDER AGE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WHEN THE GEARS WAS IN DRIVE IT STOP AND WENT BACKWARDS THEN I PUT IT ALL THE WAY IN PARK AND IT STOP AND TOOK OFF AND SPEED WENT TO 60 THEN BACK DOWN TO IT NORMAL SPEED. JUST THE OTHER DAY ON 2/16/15 IT WAS PLACED IN DRIVE IT AUTOMATIC WENT INTO REVERSE INSTEAD OF DRIVE BUT THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10684209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDesert HOT Springs, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DID CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPAIR FIXED CRANK POSITION SENSOR . I DRIVE TO THE STORE CAR SHUTS DOWN TO 5MPH I PULL OVER RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN IT WORKS FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10681747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmingdale, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HARD STARTING.
NHTSA complaint #10652245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,975 milesBroken Arrow, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PROBLEMS: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT, NO START CONDITION, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, STOPPED RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN STARTED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15000 RPM - WOULD NOT BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT RESTARTING IT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC FOR HIM TO CHECK WHY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON. CODE HE RECEIVED DID NOT GIVE HIM ANY INFORMATION SO HE TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR. ON JUNE 26, 2014 THE ENGINE STALLED AS I PULLED UP TO A STOP LIGHT. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING ON MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS IT BEGAN RUNNING AGAIN. NO SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR FAILED TO START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT STARTED AND THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN. A RECALL NOTICE FOR ALL OF THESE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ISSUED IN DECEMBER OF 2003.FOR 2002 ALTIMAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 2001 AND JUNE 2002. MY ALTIMA WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER 2001 AND I PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER 2001. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN WHEN I CALLED ON JUNE 27,2014 THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL EVEN THOUGH ALL OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECALL WERE DOCUMENTED ON MY CAR. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2009 AT WHICH TIME THE LOCAL DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM (R0712). NOT SURE THAT WORKED BECAUSE IN JULY 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP WHICH REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE ALSO SINCE ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING). I PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE SAME THING OTHERS ARE GETTING REPAIRED BY NISSAN FOR FREE. RECALL NO. R3022 AND 03V-455 DESCRIBE THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10606942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGoldsboro, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND A FIRE EMERGED FROM THE HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/12/13
NHTSA complaint #10535091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON 6/27/2013 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH PER HOUR. THE CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY AND I LOSS ALL POWER TO THE CAR. I WAS STUCK AND THE CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME FROM BEHIND. I PUT THE HAZARDS ON AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. I SAT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. IN PREVIOUS YEARS I HAD TO START THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BUT IT NEVER SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION UNTIL TODAY,6/27/2013 AND THE SERVICE SOON ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO THE TCS, SLIP. I AM NOW SEEING THAT THERE IS A RECALL. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A HAZARD AND THERE IS A RECALL. THANK YOU. I WILL ALSO CALL NISSAN AGAIN AND REPORT THIS PROBLEM, AND I HOPE THAT THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED ALSO OTHERS AND THERE IS A PRODUCT RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT, TIMING CONTROL SENSORS, ETC...WHY WAS A PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE NOT MAILED TO ME ABOUT THIS SERIOUS DEFECT/ PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10522181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesTakoma Park, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 HAS MUFFLER RECALLS PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED WITH THE SMOKE ,ALL ALTIMAS HAS MISSFIRE PROBLEMS CAN GET KILLED WHILE DRIVING ,ELECTRICAL RECALLS PLEASE DO SOMETHING OR ARE THEY PAYING YOU SO YOU DON'T DO NOTHING ??????????
NHTSA complaint #10507429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSilver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING. DIAGNOSIS: THE CAM POSITION SENSORS WERE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT (REPLACED 2 SENSORS). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AFTER REPLACING THE SENSOR WITH PARTS OBTAINED FROM THE DEALER. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE WHICH WAS NEVER FULFILLED, HOWEVER, NISSAN CLAIMS IT DOES NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10495062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arab, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10444821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10438642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR USES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF ENGINE OIL AND LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON TO WARN DRIVER, CAN ONLY DETERMINE THAT IT IS LOW BY ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE.AVERAGE OIL CONSUMPTION ABOUT 1 - 2 QUARTS EVERY 300 MILES ALSO HEATER DOES NOT WORK WHEN CAR IS IDLELING ONLY WORKS WHEN DRIVING.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON CODE STATES CAT CONVERTER BAD.CONTINOUS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE CAR HAD ABOUT OUT 90,000 MILES.CAR ALSO TURNS OFF AFTER RUNNING AND WILL CRANK BUT DOES NOT START AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES.
NHTSA complaint #10427958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS ABOUT A YEAR OLD, MY VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTIES STARTING IN THE MORNING. I LIVE IN SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SO OUR COLDEST MORNINGS ARE IN THE HIGH 30S. AS A RESULT, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO MY VEHICLE NOT WANTING TO START. HOWEVER, THIS ISSUE NEVER OCCURRED IN THE WARM AFTERNOON. EVER SINCE THE INITIAL INSTANCE, IT HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES EACH YEAR. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASSIONS. OF COURSE THE PROBLEM NEVER AROSE WHEN I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, SO I DECIDED TO JUST DOP THE ISSUE, AS IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO BE OF MAJOR CONCERN TO ME. MORE RECENTLY; HOWEVER, MY CAR NEARLY STALLED ON MY WAY HOME FROM MY FRIEND'S HOUSE. I HAD TO THROW MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO PREVENT IT FROM DOING SO. EVER SINCE MY CAR NEVER WANTS TO START ON THE FIRST TURN OF THE KEY. IN FACT, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON, AND I HAVE TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THE CAR STARTED. I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE CHECKED AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAM POSITION SENSOR. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT NISSAN RECALLED THIS PART ON SOME 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS. AS A RESULT, I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT LOCAL NISSAN DEALESRHIPS AND GAVE THEM MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER SO THEY COULD SEE IF THE RECALL APPLIED TO MY CAR. OF COURSE IT DID NOT. I ALSO DISCOVERED THROUGH MY RESEARCH THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE ENCOUNTERING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND I WAS DIRECTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA WHICH IS WHAT BRINGS ME HERE TODAY. PLEASE HELP TO KEEP US SAFE FROM VEHICLES STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTIONS. NOT ONLY IS THIS A TERRIFYING THOUGHT, BUT IF AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT COULD BE A FATAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10392218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
RE: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THERE IS SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION IN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS DIRECTLY UNDER BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGERS SEATS AND FLOORS. THE CORROSION APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO TWO FACTORY HOLES IN THE FLOOR, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CORROSION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR CAR IS LESS SEVERE: A LARGE AREA OF RUST BUT A RELATIVELY SMALL HOLE (TENNIS BALL SIZE) THROUGH THE SHEET METAL. THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR HAS A LARGE HOLE (SOCCER BALL SIZE) IN THE FLOOR. THIS IS THE ONLY MAJOR CORROSION ON THE CAR (THE "REAR SUBFRAME" ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN 2006 DUE TO CORROSION UNDER A NISSAN WARRANTY PROGRAM). THE FUEL FILLER NECK IS ALSO RUSTY AND DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE ALERT WHEN THE FUEL VAPOR SEAL LEAK REACHES THE POINT WHERE THE ALERT IS TRIGGERED. THERE IS LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELLS OR FENDERS. BASED ON TWO BIDS FROM AUTO BODY SHOPS IN THIS AREA, THE COST TO REPAIR THE RUST DAMAGE WILL BE BETWEEN $2500 AND $3200. I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOGRAPHS OF APPROXIMATELY FORTY ALTIMAS IN THIS AREA. ALL BUT FIVE HAVE CORROSION IN THIS SPECIFIC AREA TO VARYING DEGREES. IT IS CLEARLY NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THE CAR WE OWN. NISSAN HAS A WARRANTY PROGRAM WHICH COVERS RUST PERFORATION FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT A DEALER IN THIS AREA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ON 2001 THROUGH 2005 ALTIMAS, BUT HAS CHOSEN NOT TO WARRANT IT DUE TO THE EXPENSE, PREFERRING INSTEAD TO REFUSE TO BE RESPONSIBLE. NISSAN WILL APPARENTLY TAKE THE CARS IN TRADE AND SELL THEM TO WHOLESALE AUTO OPERATIONS WHERE THEY ARE SOLD TO CUSTOMERS WHO MAY OR MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. UPDATED IVOQ 11/05/10 THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/22/10
NHTSA complaint #10358132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,700 milesFront Royal, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FRONT TWO WINDOWS IN MY NISSAN ALTIMA ROLL DOWN, BY THEMSELVES, EVERYTIME I TAKE MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION! I HAVE TRIED TAKING THE BATTERIES OUT OF BOTH OF MY KEY FOBS, THINKING MAYBE THERE IS A SHORT OR SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY KEY FOBS, BUT MY FRONT TWO WINDOWS STILL ROLL DOWN. I CALLED NISSAN TO ASK THEM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY SAID, THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO NISSAN YET TO GET IT REPAIRED, BECAUSE HONESTLY I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY 100 DOLLARS AN HOUR TO HAVE THE CAR SIT ON THE MACHINE TO TEST IT, THEN HOW EVER MUCH IT IS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, WHICH COULD RUN INTO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
NHTSA complaint #10340227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21 milesMatteson, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL NOT CIRCULATE HEAT. ALSO AFTER SERVICE THE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE LEVELS DEPLETES PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS COST $1600.00. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21. THE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A SENSOR WAS SOAKED IN OIL. THERE WAS NO OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO TELL THE CONSUMER WHERE THE OIL WAS COMING FROM. SOON AFTER, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE WHEEL BEARING AND ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER 2 1/2 YEARS, THE VEHICLE HAS NO HEAT AND ANTI-FREEZE WAS EVAPORATING, BUT THERE WERE NO LEAKS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE COULD SMELL COOLANT COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. UPDATED 02/01/10
NHTSA complaint #10297131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesEast Hartford, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS ON VACATION, DRIVING TO CLEVELAND, OH WITH MY WIFE & PARENTS ON 6-13-09, SAT IN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, 2.5 SL. AROUND 9.00 PM, ON I-80, APPRX 40 MIL FROM CLEVELAND, SUDDENLY SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE CAR HOOD, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. TEMP AND OIL LEVEL INDICATORS DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGN OF PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. AFTER NARROWLY ESCAPING CRASH WITH OTHER VEHICLES BY GRACE OF GOD, WE COULD STOP THE CAR WITH SMOKE STILL COMING OUT. BY THE TIME I MOVED EVERYBODY AWAY FROM THE CAR, THE SMOKE STOPPED. THIS SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE DISASTROUS, ENDANGERING PRECIOUS LIVES. ON CRANKING THE ENGINE, LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE MADE US BELIEVE THAT CAR WAS IN BAD SHAPE, SO CAR WAS TOWED TO NISSAN OF NORTH OLMSTED, OH (DEALER). AFTER INSPECTION ON MON, 6/15/09 I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CASTING HAD A BIG HOLE APPRX 2" BIG. WE WERE ASKED TO EITHER SCRAP THE CAR OR REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH ESTIMATED COST OF $4500. WE WERE NOT TOLD ANY GOOD REASON FOR THIS ENGINE FAILURE. BEING STRANDED WITH MY FAMILY FOR 3 DAYS AND DESPAIRED, I DECIDED TO REPLACE ENGINE HOPING TO GET COMPENSATION FROM NISSAN. INITIAL POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIRS BECAME VERY DISSATISFYING AND FRUSTRATING AFTER I PAID THE DEALER. IT WAS A SHOCK TO US THAT AFTER CALLING SO MANY TIMES NISSAN DID NOT TOOK ANY RESPONSIBILITY STATING ON 6/24 THAT "THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY" LATER I FOUND MANY PUBLICATIONS STATING THAT 2002, NISSAN ALTIMA-2.5L ENGINES HAVE FACED SIMILAR ENGINE FAILURES BUT NISSAN HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO AVOID SUCH INCIDENTS. IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR LIKE THIS IS NOT EXPECTED FROM SUCH A REPUTED ORG. THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE RECALLS ON MY CAR INCLUDING "ENGINE SENSOR KIT" AND " ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM". I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST YOU TO LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER SO AS TO CONTAIN FURTHER DAMAGE TO PRECIOUS LIVES OF PEOPLE AT LARGE. I FURTHER REQUEST YOU TO IMPRESS UPON NISSAN TO REIMBURSE US FOR TOTAL COST OF REPLACING ENGINE AND MENTAL AGONY.
NHTSA complaint #10275503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesTucson, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SPEEDOMETER REGISTERS 5 MPH FASTER THAN CAR IS ACTUALLY DRIVING AT. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS WITH A GPS SYSTEM, ALONG WITH A POLICE RADAR.
NHTSA complaint #10254982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10254208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
JUST COMMUTING TO WORK AND USING MY CAR FOR LEISURE; HOWEVER, EVERY OTHER MONTH I HAVE TO PUT OIL INTO MY CAR BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS WITH ME DOING MY QUARTERLY IF NOT EARLIER OIL CHANGES. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ONLY HAS 73000 MILES AND IS CONSUMING OIL AND NOW HAS BEGUN SHAKING WHEN AT A STOP AND SHAKES EVEN MORE WHEN THE A/C IS ON. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD IT NEED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE OIL HAS TO DO WITH THE ENGINE AND THE SHAKING THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE OWNERSHIP IN THIS MECHANICAL ERROR. I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AND I SEE THAT I'M NOT ALONE IN THIS COSTLY SITUATION. IT'S HARD FOR ME TO TRUST NISSAN WHEN I FEEL AS IF THEY REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THE CONSUMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10243779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TOO MANY ISSUES TO REMEMBER THAN ALL BUT I'LL TRY: - EXCESSIVE OIL USE - EXCESSIVE COOLANT USE - OVERHEATING TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUES - INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUES - FAILING AIRBAG - ELECTRICAL ISSUES - BROKEN SENSORS - CATALYTIC CONVERTERS GONE BAD - OXYGEN SENSORS GONE BAD - INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO START - INTERMITTENT CAR SHAKING AND SO ON.
NHTSA complaint #10240328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.