Model year record

2002 Nissan Altima

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,323 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V527000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected: 653,910
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-11-14
Owners notified: 2007-12-31

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V455000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected: 630,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-11-17
Owners notified: 2003-12-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V251000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected: 377,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-07-14
Owners notified: 2003-08-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V084000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Component: Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected: 338,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-03-11
Owners notified: 2003-07-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V061000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected: 64,562
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-02-27
Owners notified: 2003-04-21

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Engine and engine cooling	229	86,225 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	164	85,139 mi
Engine	92	124,000 mi
Structure: body	92	104,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	91	94,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	69	90,000 mi
Electrical system	48	93,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	48	90,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	33	60,000 mi
Unknown or other	24	112,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	22	75,781 mi
Air bags	20	73,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	18	100,351 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	15	77,000 mi
Equipment	15	89,991 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	15	79,000 mi
Power train	14	120,000 mi
Structure	13	90,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	12	88,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	12	98,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	11	13,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	11	55,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	11	44,735 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	11	80,000 mi
Tires	11	48,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	10	58,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	9	49,639 mi
Steering	9	35,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	8	76,890 mi
Air bags: frontal	7	50,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)	6	75,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	6	30,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	6	16,208 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator	5	40,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	5	47,514 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	5	29,890 mi
Suspension: rear	5	55,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module	4	47,000 mi
Exterior lighting	4	115,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	4	15,691 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	85,500 mi
Power train: manual transmission	4	95,978 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	4	81,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	3	33,918 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	3	14,500 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	3	21 mi
Seat belts	3	81,000 mi
Service brakes	3	140,459 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	3	15,589 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	3	16,208 mi
Suspension	3	22,600 mi
Wheels	3	—
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	2	74,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	2	25,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	2	79,087 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	2	10,220 mi
Electrical system: wiring	2	7,800 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	2	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	2	20,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	2	15,691 mi
Equipment: other: labels	2	—
Exterior lighting: tail lights	2	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	2	3,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage	2	7,575 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	2	38,333 mi
Power train: driveline	2	139,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other	2	55,000 mi
Seats	2	20,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	2	—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	2	10,000 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut	2	16,000 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber	2	116,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	2	19,000 mi
Visibility/wiper	2	251,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	2	30,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	2	30,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	2	26,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	88,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay	1	79,087 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan	1	25,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	1	71,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	1	—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	58,100 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump	1	23,500 mi
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system	1	—
Interior lighting	1	33,918 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	1	—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	1	58,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly	1	3,511 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	1	—
Seats: front assembly: recliner	1	20,344 mi
Service brakes, air: supply: check valve	1	111,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	1	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	—
Steering: column	1	35,000 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	1	23,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	1	33,918 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	156,000 mi
Structure: body: door	1	140,000 mi
Suspension: front	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	85,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	1	85,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	21 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	—
Traction control system	1	205,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	—
Vehicle speed control: linkages	1	68,850 mi
Visibility	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	1	88,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	50,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	20,000 mi
Wheels: rim	1	—

The 2001 model has 7 times as many complaints as this one. The 2003 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.