2002 Nissan Altima
The Verdict
The 2002 Nissan Altima has 1,062 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (717 complaints) and body (187 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Altima, consider the 2025 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 99% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Nissan Altima dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 7
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON CERTAIN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR...
Risk
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261, CONCERNING THE PROBLEM.
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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.
Risk
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 S...
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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, MINN...
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.
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...
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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.
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 RU...
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 RE...
Reported Apr 11, 2026
CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE RE...
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.
Reported Apr 11, 2026
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP RE...
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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...
Risk
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 TH...
Reported Nov 3, 2003
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 50 | 12 | 42 | 62 | 10 |
| 2001 | 58 | 5 | 35 | 69 | 5 |
| 2002 | 187 | 27 | 108 | 717 | 23 |
| 2003 | 175 | 8 | 90 | 590 | 20 |
| 2004 | 79 | 8 | 34 | 144 | 11 |
| 2005 | 455 | 31 | 104 | 419 | 82 |
| 2006 | 300 | 19 | 70 | 371 | 63 |
| 2007 | 198 | 71 | 92 | 87 | 50 |
| 2008 | 593 | 84 | 187 | 88 | 72 |
| 2009 | 806 | 37 | 493 | 125 | 86 |
| 2010 | 141 | 25 | 98 | 59 | 57 |
| 2011 | 82 | 12 | 40 | 47 | 60 |
| 2012 | 110 | 16 | 88 | 82 | 127 |
| 2013 | 663 | 38 | 956 | 198 | 443 |
| 2014 | 296 | 21 | 509 | 97 | 183 |
| 2015 | 252 | 21 | 446 | 86 | 136 |
| 2016 | 130 | 9 | 112 | 103 | 190 |
| 2017 | 107 | 17 | 92 | 56 | 109 |
| 2018 | 78 | 44 | 64 | 15 | 22 |
| 2019 | 82 | 29 | 46 | 58 | 8 |
| 2020 | 66 | 16 | 37 | 41 | 12 |
| 2021 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| 2022 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| 2023 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 24 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2002 Nissan Altima stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed the State Inspection because the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V251000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted for recall completion and informed the contact that the recall was not applicable to the vehicle because the contact did not reside in the States listed in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle registration could not be renewed due to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I purchased a 2002 Nissan Altima from Stone’s Automotive in Somerset, Kentucky on [XXX]. I was told by the dealer that the oil pressure light sometimes comes on and he thinks it may have a weak oil pump. A couple of days later, I brought it to the mechanic they use, and at first, they thought it was just the oil pressure sensor or old oil. I had the sensor and oil replaced, but the oil pressure light is still coming on. When I returned, the mechanic told me it likely is the oil pump and advised me not to drive the vehicle anymore, as low oil pressure will ruin the engine. I was never told how serious this problem actually is when I purchased the vehicle. I didn't know you’re not supposed to drive a car when the oil pressure light is on, but the dealer should have known. It’s unsafe and could lead to complete engine failure or a crash. I am reporting this because I believe a car in this condition should not have been sold in the first place, and I am concerned it may be a recurring issue with this model or dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
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!!
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
TOOK MY CAR TO EMISSIONS AND THEY PRINTED THIS PAPER OUT OF A RECALL ON MY CAR.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD MISFIRE AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR LIGHT SHUT OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 251,000.
MY ENGINE IS DESTROYED BECAUSE A SCREW CAME LOOSE FROM THE THROTTLE BODY IN THE PLENUM, GOT SUCKED INTO AN ENGINE CYLINDER AND DESTROYED THAT CYLINDER. THIS WOULD COST SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $3K TO $5K TO REPAIR, MORE THAN THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WORTH. IN TALKING TO A NISSAN MECHANIC AND DOING ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS IS APPARENTLY NOT AN UNHEARD OF PROBLEM FOR NISSAN CARS. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST ONE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST FOR SOME NISSAN 4 CYLINDER CARS BUT THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL FOR 6 CYLINDER NISSAN ALTIMA CARS (MY CAR IS A 3.5L 6 CYLINDER MODEL) THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I PARKED IT AT MY GYM AND WHEN I CAME OUT, STARTED IT UP. I WAS REWARDED WITH AN AWFUL NOISE AND ENGINE VIBRATION ALL OF A SUDDEN. I ONLY LIVED 1.5 MILES AWAY, SO I SLOWLY LIMPED THE CAR HOME. AFTER SOME MECHANICAL SLEUTHING AND BRINGING A MECHANIC TO MY HOME, WE DETERMINED THAT A SCREW HAD COME LOOSE AND GOTTEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. I CALLED NISSAN USA TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM AND SEE IF THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. BUT ALL THEY OFFERED WAS THAT THEY "WOULD TAKE A LOOK " AT THE PROBLEM IF I PAYED TO TOW THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY WOULD NOT MAKE ANY GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD THEN HELP ME IF THE PROBLEM TURNED OUT TO BE AS I HAVE DESCRIBED. IF THEY DIDN'T AGREE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THEN I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TOWING THE CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE. HERE IS ONE URL THAT LISTS 10 COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH NISSAN PATHFINDER AUTOS, WHICH USE THE SAME 6 CYLINDER ENGINE AS MY CAR. HTTPS://REPAIRPAL.COM/LOOSE-SCREWS-INSIDE-INTAKE-MANIFOLD-CAN-CAUSE-INTERNAL-DAMAGE-IF-THEY-FALL-OUT-448 WHAT MAKES THIS SO AWFUL IS THAT I HAD A RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE OLDER CAR (2002 WITH ONLY 95K MILES) AND THIS PROBLEM MAKES THE WHOLE CAR A JUNKER NOW DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN WITH NO RECOURSE FOR ME!
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA S WAS HIT ON DRIVERS SIDE (T-BONED) WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO THE HWY, DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER REAR DOOR IMPACT AT OVER 55 MPH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I PROCEEDED TO TRY AND REACH THE SPEED LIMIT BUT THE CAR LOST POWER TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE CANNOT GO PAST 55 MPH, IT LOSES POWER DURING ACCELERATION.
MY VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5L 4 CYLINDER CONSUMES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. I HAVE HAD TO ADD ROUGHLY 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 200 MILES. ENGINE HAS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAKS. NEW VALVE COVER GASKETS 500 MILES AGO, NEW SPARK PLUGS EVERY 10,000 MILES DUE TO OIL FOULING, NEW PCV VALVE 500 MILES AGO. THE CAR DOES MOSTLY CITY AND COUNTRY, 55MPH DRIVING AND UNDER.
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. CONSUMER STATES THAT ALL DOOR HANDLES ON VEHICLE ARE FRACTURED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN ALTIMAS IN HIS AREA. *DL
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF NO WARNING NO ENGINE LIGHT JUST DIED
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
I HAVE A BRAND NEW FIRESTONE T135/70/R16 TIRE IN MY TRUNK THAT HAVE NEVER HIT THE GROUND.I HAD A FLAT AND WENT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE THAT WAS BRAND NEW FROM FIRESTONE AND SEEN THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED IN THE MIDDLE WITH THE RUBBLE COMING OUT,THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS AND CAUSED ME MY LIFE,IF THE YOUNG MAN THAT WAS HELPING ME CHANGED MY TIRE WOULDN'T HAVEN SEEN THE RUBBER CIMING OUT OF THE TIRE,I THINK YOU ALL NEEDS TO CHECK ALL THE FIRESTONE DONUT TIRES THAT ARE IN NISSAN BEFORE SOMEONE LOSE THEIR LIFE.FIRESTONE DOESN,T WANT TO TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE PROBLEM I REPORTED ABOUTH THESE TIRES,THAT WHY I AM WRITING YOU ALL,MAYBE THEY,LL RESPOND TO YOU CAUSED THEY,RE DEFINITE NOT PAYING ME ANY ATTENION,I AM THE LITTLE FELLOW GOING AGAINST THE GIANT
THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO BIG HOLES IN EITHER SIDE OF THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE HOLES WERE DISCOVERED DURING A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. WE HAVE 12 DAYS TO REPAIR THE HOLES AT A LARGE COST. UNEXPECTED AND DISAPPOINTING ISSUE.
THE CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THE CAR STOPS WHILE DRIVING ON STREET AND HIGHWAYS. THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR'(S), CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR'S AND THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR'(S) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. RECALL #R3021 AND R3022 WAS LISTED ON THE RECALL FROM NISSAN.
THE CAR KEEPS STALLING WHILE I DRIVE IT
MY CAR WAS HIT BUT NOT HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE AIRBAG DEPLOY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE . IT SHOULD NOT BE SO SENSITIVE .WITCH MADE MY TCS AND ABS LIGHTS COME ON . JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THE CAR WAS IN MOTION BUT FROM A STANDSTILL AT A LIGHT . UNKNOWN
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