Nissan Altima / 2002
2002 Nissan Altima problems
Owners have filed 1,321 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Altima with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 50% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 9.8%.
Complaints1,321
Crashes41
Fires43
Injuries48
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 50.0% · 660
Structure 9.8% · 130
Engine 7.0% · 92
Electrical system 6.0% · 79
Exterior lighting 3.1% · 41
Power train 3.1% · 41
Fuel system, gasoline 3.0% · 39
Air bags 2.6% · 35
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 43 describe a fire and 48 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Nissan Altima in this data, 2002 sits 6th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 87,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) and took the vehicle to the dealer for repair. A technician stated that because his electronic control module already failed, the contact would have to replace the ecm at the cost of $500. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 99,359. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 99,359 miles
Many problems with the catalytic converter, check engine light remains on although vehicle has been serviced at the dealer properly. Engine rattles. There have been many complaints regarding the 2002 Nissan Altima catalytic converter. Although previous recalls with the engine coolant system have been honored Nissan fails to recognize there is a problem with the catalytic converter. Many consumers have complained. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 75 mph, the vehicle lost power and the vehicle would not accelerate above four mph. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall for the catalytic converter, however, they stated his vehicle was not included. The dealer replaced the engine. The failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 125,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 122,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Nissan Altima years
1999 110 complaints · 15.5% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 199 complaints · 25.6% engine and engine cooling 2001 202 complaints · 30.2% engine and engine cooling 2003 1,099 complaints · 43.1% engine and engine cooling 2004 334 complaints · 33.5% engine and engine cooling 2005 1,364 complaints · 26.0% structure