MyCarTSB

2002 Nissan Altima Electrical Problems

56 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

56
Complaints
1
Crashes
5
Fires
Jan 2017Dec 2017
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (56)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2022

Your car loses power while driving and stalls or shuts off completely at low speeds or at traffic lights, especially if you try to drive faster than 45 mph or for more than 15 minutes. After shutting down unexpectedly, the engine will crank but won't start again until you wait 30+ minutes. This unpredictable shutdown creates a serious safety hazard since there's no warning and you could be stranded on the highway. The issue likely involves the electrical or fuel system and may require diagnosis of the fuel pump, ignition system, or engine control components.

NHTSA #: 11477270
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2019

Your car may suddenly stop supplying fuel to the engine, causing the engine to shut off without warning while you're driving. This could result in a crash if it happens in traffic or on the highway. The issue involves the electrical and fuel system, and fixing it will likely require inspection and replacement of fuel system components or electrical connections.

NHTSA #: 11182882
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jun 2018

Your car is stalling unexpectedly while you're driving it. This could be related to the electrical system, the car's structure, or the electronic stability control system. A mechanic will need to diagnose what's causing the stalling and repair the underlying electrical or control system issue.

NHTSA #: 11099883
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2017

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 #: 11053704
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2017

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 #: 10995431
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Jan 2017

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? *TR

NHTSA #: 10939700
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2015

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 #: 10761029
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2015

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 #: 10726965
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2015

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. *JS

NHTSA #: 10681747
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2014

HARD STARTING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10652245
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2014

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. *TR

NHTSA #: 10606942
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2013

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? *TR

NHTSA #: 10522181
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2013

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 ?????????? *TR

NHTSA #: 10507429
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2013

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. *TR

NHTSA #: 10495062
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Mar 2011

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. *TR

NHTSA #: 10392218
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2010

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. *TR

NHTSA #: 10340227
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2009

SPEEDOMETER REGISTERS 5 MPH FASTER THAN CAR IS ACTUALLY DRIVING AT. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS WITH A GPS SYSTEM, ALONG WITH A POLICE RADAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10254982
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2009

ODOMETER ERROR 5% FASTER, SPEEDOMETER ERROR 5% FASTER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10254208
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE WINDOWS ARE IN THE UP POSITION, THE DOORS WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 01/03/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED 5-10 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED, THE WINDOWS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY ROLL DON AND THE INSIDE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, AFTER 5-10 MINUTES THE DOOR WOULD LOCK ON ITS OWN. UPDATED 12/31/07

NHTSA #: 10210209
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2007

I COULD HARDLY BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ REGARDING THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ONE WOULD THINK THAT NISSAN WOULD RECOGNIZE THESE COMPLAINTS AND SIMPLY RECALL THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN LATE 2001 IT WAS CALLED THE CAR OF THE YEAR. WOW! MY ALTIMA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN IN MY GARAGE IN THE LAST MONTH. THIS TIME THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR MORE THAN A WEEK AND STILL CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT WON'T START. YOU NAME IT -- EVERYTHING THAT CAN BE REPLACED, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MOTOR ITSELF HAS BEEN REPLACED. FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, THE ECM, THE THROTTLE POSITION ASSEMBLY -- AND STILL IT WON'T START. IT BEGAN WITH A "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" AND NOW THAT DOESN'T EVEN COME ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 152,400 MILES AND UNTIL SUCH TIME AS WE CAN GET IT STARTED WE CAN'T EVEN GET RID OF IT. I AM TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED AND WANT TO REPORT THIS TO THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL AND WHOEVER ELSE WILL LISTEN. NISSAN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING!!!!!! *JB

NHTSA #: 10206201
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2007

2002 NISSAN SENTRA SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE LIGHT ON. OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND CODE STILL REMAINED. CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL FOR THE ECM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS AN ERROR AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE HE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT FAILURE AS STATED IN THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10206086
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT TOOK HER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IN FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON 01/18/07, WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD THE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000) WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE SOMETIME IN 2006 AND IT WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM SHE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING. *JB

NHTSA #: 10179122
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HE TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP (ANDERSON NISSAN IN LOVES PARK, IL) ON 01/12/07. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT HAD HIS VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 ON 08/21/03 AND THE DEALER(MOLADI'S NISSAN CRYSTAL LAKE, IL ) STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY RE-PROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE DEALER DIDN'T PERFORM THE PROPER WORK WHEN THEY WORK ON IT FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE COPIES OF INVOICE REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA #: 10179071
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKED FOR FOUR HOURS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SUMMONED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER DOOR AND COULD BE ELECTRICAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

NHTSA #: 10171304
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2006

IN 2003, NISSAN CONDUCTED A RECALL OF 2002 ALTIMA'S, REF #03V-084, IN WHICH THEY WERE TO CORRECT A FIRE HAZARD RESULTING FROM ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. ON 9/8/03, A NISSAN DEALER COMPLETED REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL. OVER THE LAST YEAR, MY VEHICLE HAD VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES UNDER THE HOOD AND BEGAN CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. IN AUGUST 2006, THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR HAD FAILED AND WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER WHO PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN 600 MILES AND ADVISED ME THE ENGINE WAS MOST LIKELY DAMAGED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY REFUSED TO COMPLETE ANY DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR REPLACED AGAIN AND THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE CONVERTOR INSTALLED AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL ARE CLEARLY DISINTEGRATED. I HAVE THE OLD PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. THE REPAIRS NISSAN COMPLETED IN ITS RECALL DID NOT RESOLVE THE DEFECT AND ARE A CONTINUING SAFETY HAZARD. *JB

NHTSA #: 10167517
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO AND OIL HAS BEEN ADDED 8 TIMES. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #03V084000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK

NHTSA #: 10147629
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2005

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A RESIDENTIAL AREA FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE ENGINE LINE, BATTERY LIGHT AND ALL OTHER LIGHTS INCLUDING HEADLAMPS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING ERRATICALLY OR STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. I CALLED FOR A TOW AND ASKED THE TOWER TO CHECK THE BATTERY AND SEE IF A "JUMP" WOULD FIX IT. THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AFTER THE JUMP. I HEAD OFF TOWARDS HOME. THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER. LUCKILY, I MADE IT HOME AS THE CAR STALLED WHILE IN MOTION. IF THAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY, MY FIANCEE AND I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY SUFFERED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS SOMEWHAT OF AN UNUSUAL SMELL LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP WAS BURNED THROUGH, BUT THE SOURCE OF THE BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THERE APPEARED TO BE A SMALL FIRE, JUDGING BY THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING OFF FROM UNDER THE CAR, THAT MAY HAVE STOPPED SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR STALLED. *JB

NHTSA #: 10141201
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Sep 2005

I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM 12/03. I FOLLOWED UP AND HAD IT REPAIRED OR REPLACED , AT THIS POINT I'M UNCERTAIN WHAT HAPPENED. TODAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS INOPERABLE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 800.00 TO REPLACE IT. THIS IS A DEVICE THAT IS APART OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST RECALL THAT WAS DONE IN '03. BECAUSE 2 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE RECALL WAS DONE, I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM FORCED TO MAKE ANOTHER COSTLY REPAIR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE NUMEROUS RECALLS AND REPAIRS ON THE "NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR!" *NM

NHTSA #: 10136525
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2005

DT: THE WIRE TO THE ALTERNATOR LOOSENED TWICE. CONSUMER WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, AND FIRST SUSPECTED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND LATER DETERMINED IT WAS THE WIRING TO THE ALTERNATOR. HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM. AAA WAS CALLED , AND NOTED THE LOOSE WIRING. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. CONSUMER SIMPLY PLACED/PUSHED WIRE BACK INTO TO PLACE. *AK

NHTSA #: 10129689
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2005

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 #: 10126744
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2005

NISSAN ALTIMA 2002, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS A LATENT DESIGN DEFECT. *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MELTED WHICH WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL POWER SURGES. *JB

NHTSA #: 10115778
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
CrashFiled: Mar 2005

THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE DAY ONE, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP FOR ONE REASON OR THE OTHER, IT STARTED WITH THE CAR RUNNING HARD, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I HAVE BROKE THE CAR IN AND NOW THIS IS HOW THEY RUN, TOOK IT BACK AGAIN 3 TO 4 MORE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM,TOLD THEM CAR IDLES HIGH, SHIFTS BAD, RUNS BAD, THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG, I DO ALOT OF HIGHWAY MILES AND AS SOON AS I WAS OVER THE MILES AND OUT OF THE WARRENTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE GONE ONLY 800 TO GET FIXED, I WAS THEN HIT BY A CAR HEAD ON AND REALLY HURT I SUFFERED MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS , COME TO FIND OUT I PROBABY COULD HAVE PREVENTED SOME OF THE DAMAGE TO MY SELF IF I HAD A SAVER CAR, MY AIR BAGS DIDN;T DEPLOY. I HAVE HAD EVERY RECALL TO THIS CAR , THE SERVICE MEN AT THE DEALSERSHIPS ARE THE RUDEST MEN I HAVE EVER DELT WITH. I WAS RIGHT THE WHOLE TIME !!!!! I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING WITH THE LIGHTS COST AROUND 800 TO FOX KEPT CHANGING THE LIGHTS NOT TO MENTIONS THE TICKETS I RECIEVED FROM THE COPS , I EXPLAINED TO THEM THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, THEY ARE LIKE THIS IS A 02 THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, IF THEY ONLY KNEW!!! I AM REALLY TIRED OF THIS CAR , NOW I WAS JUST TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS ANOTHER PROBLEM, IT OVER HEATS THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE THE THEROSTAT BUT THEY DON'T KNOW. HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THAT COST ME??? I AM ONE ANGRY PERSON WHEN IT COMES TO THIS CAR!!!!!!!*AK

NHTSA #: 10114106
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2004

INTERMITTENTLY IGNITION WILL NOT START. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 10103155
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2004

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE LOST POWER BETWEEN 10 TO 15 SECONDS. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY DIDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2004, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THEY WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. *AK

NHTSA #: 10087478
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jul 2004

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS RESULT, CONSUMER ALMOST LOST CONTROL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES RELATED TO PROBLEMS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE (RECALL 03V-455 AND 04V-251). IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE CONSUMER HAD THESES RECALL DONE AND IF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THESE NOTICES BEFORE OF AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER HAS RETAINED A LAWYER. *NM

NHTSA #: 10076160
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEATS
Filed: Jun 2004

THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND FUSE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE LEFT FRONT SEAT WAS LOOSE AND THE WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB

NHTSA #: 10073661
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2004

MY CAR STALLED ON RT 9 AT A LIGHT AND DID NOT START RIGHT BACK UP. 6 WEEKS LATER IT STALLED ON THE MASS PIKE GOING 70 MPH HR. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WHO HAS TOLD ME THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM SCARED FOR MY FAMILY (MY INFANT) AND I. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THEY BUILT THIS CAR THEY REALLY SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT ITS MECHANICS!*AK

NHTSA #: 10075073
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2004

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 #: 10064631
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2004

OCCASIONALLY WHEN IT RAINS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO, AT ANY GIVEN TIME (DAY OR NIGHT) THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN COMING ON AT ALL. THIS IS MY SECOND NISSAN ALTIMA PURCHASE. I WAS SO PLEASED WITH MY FIRST PURCHASE I DECIDED TO GET ANOTHER ONE. I FEEL THAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE THAT I MADE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CARE TO ANOTHER CONSUMER. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THE LACK OF CONCERN THAT I RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED THEREFORE, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. *JB

NHTSA #: 10056349
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2003

COLD MORNING, CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE REACHED 45 DEGREES. DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY CRANK ANGLE POSITION SENSOR AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START DURING "COLD WEATHER", FIRST TIME THEY'RE WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. HOPE THEY WE'RE CORRECT THIS TIME!*AK

NHTSA #: 10045958
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2003

WHILE DRIVING INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD BLINK AND SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPLACED THE CLUSTER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *AK

NHTSA #: 10044633
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2003

VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY SPEED. NISSAN MECHANIC AT LOCAL DEALERSHIIP WITNESSED THE CAR STALLING. NISSAN ENGINEERS STATE THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE, CANNOT ACTIVELY DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THEREFORE HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE CAR. THIS CAR IS AN UNCALCULATING RISK NOT ONLY TO PASSENGERS, BUT TO ANYONE ON THE HIGHWAY. NISSAN SHOULD TAKE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE TO CONDUCT FURTHER TESTING AND REPLACE THIS VEHICLE FOR HIGHWAY USE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10039159
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2003

NO START - CAR TOWED FOR THIRD TIME - DEC. 30, 2002 ; FEB. 19, 2003 AND JUNE 9, 2003 - EACH TIME GIVEN A DIFFERENT REASON--RENTED CAR2 TIMES-REIMBURSED ONCE. ON 12/30-TOLD PROBLEM DUE TO COLD DAMP WEATHER;2/19 CHARGED $113. BY LEGEND NISSAN--SAID NO START MY FAULT BECAUSE I MOVED CAR FOR PLOW AND DID NOT RUN LONG ENOUGH BEFORE TURNING OFF; 6/9-RETURNED FROM 4 DAY VACATION-AGAIN NO START. *AK

NHTSA #: 10032868
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2003

ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, 08/07/03 BEING THE LATEST, MY CAR HAS STALLED, OR SHOWN POOR ACCELLERATION WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OVER 65 MPH, SOON AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE, AND A SMALL TIME PERIOD AFTER DRIVING IT. ON ONE OCCASION I EXITED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A BUSY TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ROAD, TO CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE AND IT STALLED WHILE THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS VERY RELUCTANT THAT THE TRAFFIC SPEED WASN'T HIGH, FOR THEY MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE TIME TO SLOW DOWN. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES TO MY DEALER, AND OTHER CAR MAINTENANCE SHOPS, AND THEY SAY THAT THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, AND IN ORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THEY MUST DUPLICATE IT. BUT THE PROBLEM THAT COMES FROM THAT IS, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ON A RECURRING BASIS. IT CAN HAPPEN HOURS APART TO 2 MONTHS APART. IT GIVES NO WARNING, AND IT GOES BACK TO RUNNING NORMAL AS IF NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AFTER.*AK

NHTSA #: 10032684
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2003

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTIFICATION 03 V 084 000. *JB

NHTSA #: 10032488
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2003

MY 2002 4 CYLINDER NISSAN ALTIMA HAS SUFFERED TWO COMPLETE STARTER MOTOR FAILURES. ONCE AT APPROX. 2000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 10,000 MILES VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON BOTH OCCASIONS. *NLM

NHTSA #: 10023778
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2003

CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO HAD NO SOLUTION. THEY USED A COLD START AND TOLD ME NOT TO LET THE GAS GO BELOW 1/4 TANK AND NOT TO PARK ON AN INCLINE. TWO INCIDENTS HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER 2002. IN APRIL 2003, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN AFTER SITTING ONE DAY AND NIGHT. I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER NISSAN DEALER WHO GAVE ME THE SAME ANSWER. ANYONE WITH A SIMILIAR PROBLEM? *TT

NHTSA #: 10020567
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2003

THE TIC-TOC SOUND FROM THE BLINKER IS MUTED, THEN COMES BACK DAYS LATER. FIXED ONCE BEFORE, PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA #: 10018442
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2003

I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH THEN THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDDLE SEEMED STIFF LIKE SOMETHING WAS PREVENTING FROM GOING DOWN. PH

NHTSA #: 10007562
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jan 2003

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS...*AK

NHTSA #: 10004603
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2003

WENT OUT IN THE MORNING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. TRIED ALL DAY TO GET IT TO START AND FINALLY HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM AND THE DEALER SAYS THEY COULD DO NOTHING AS LONG AS THE CAR STARTED. WE WERE TOLD IT COULD BE THE AIR TEMP., WHICH WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES THE MORNING THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. IF WE WOULD HAVE DREAMED OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR WE WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT!!

NHTSA #: 10000566
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2003

THIS EVENING I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR. THE TEMP. WAS ABOUT 32 DEGREES. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I DID WHAT THE SERVICE DEPT. AT THE DEALER SUGGESTED AND PUSHED THE GAS TO THE FLOOR AND TRIED AGAIN WITH NO LUCK. I WAS TOLD BEFORE THAT THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BEING COLD. WHY WOULD THEY SELL A CAR WHERE IT SNOWS IF IT WON'T START. MY WIFE IS EXPECTING A BABY IN 8 WEEKS AND WE NEED A RELIABLE CAR. THE DEALER DOES NOT SEEM ANXIOUS TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM. TODAY IS JAN. 6, 2003 AND I CANNOT REGISTER BELOW AS 2003 BECAUSE IT IS NOT OFFERED ON THE DROP DOWN BOX. THEREFORE I AM REGISTERING AS 2002.

NHTSA #: 10000568
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2002

ON 06-09-02 AND 09-23-02 ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. MR

NHTSA #: 767775
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2002

WHILE DRIVING AT 68MPH AND WITH NO WARNING ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. THEN,VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA #: 8018471
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2002

BATTERY BLEW UP WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, CAUSING SOME DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND ENGINE. THERE WAS 600 DOLLARS IN ENGINE DAMAGE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK JLG

NHTSA #: 8011373
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Jan 2002

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF - DEALER ORDERS NEW AIRBAG MODULE AND COMBINATION MUST BE REPLACED. HAS HAPPENED AT 600 MILE AND AGAIN AT 3700 MILES , STILL NOT REPAIRED- PARTS ARE ON NATION WIDE BACK ORDER - MAJOR SAFETY FACTOR: IGNITION NOISE AND STATIC IN RADIO FROM COILS. *AK

NHTSA #: 757011

Other 2002 Nissan Altima Issues