Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,020 of 1,047 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 784 of 1,047 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
752 complaint records24 fire reports8 crash reports
"THE CONSUMER NOTICED EVERY 1000 MILES THE ENGINE CONSUMED ONE QUART OF OIL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Body & structure
130 complaint records1 fire report
"AS OTHERS HAVE STATED.. THE FRONT FLOOR PAN ON MY 2002 NISAN ALTIMA COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS $746.60...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Electrical system
79 complaint records9 fire reports2 crash reports
"I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH THEN THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDDLE SEEMED STIFF LIKE SOMETHING WAS PREVENTING FROM GOING DOWN. PH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02078 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 03V084000 THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON OCTOBER 18, 2002 BASED ON THREE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT ANY... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07V527000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. | Normally free |
| 03V455000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... | Normally free |
| 03V251000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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,... | Normally free |
| 03V084000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. | Normally free |
| 03V061000 | Air Bags | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007364 2007-11-13 | Engine | 40,666 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. |
| 2003267 2003-11-05 | Engine | 74,143 | On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause... |
| 2003171 2003-07-15 | Fuel System | 30,132 | On certain vehicles at extremely cold temperatures, moisture in the fuel tank may freeze and form ice crystals. |
| 2003060 2003-03-10 | Engine | 30,589 | On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road which could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. |
| 2003045 2003-02-21 | Airbag | 4,487 | On certain vehicles, the clockspring electrical connector may not be fully secured to the driver side air bag module squib pin connector due to the retaining groove in the module not having sufficient depth to hold the connector in the... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081K Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028I Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-019H Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB22-095A Nov 2023 | Structure | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC926. | |
| PC926 04-08 Maxi Nov 2023 | Structure | Expiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year... | |
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB23-049 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. | |
| NTB23-053 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. | |
| NTB13-107F Apr 2023 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB16-003C Apr 2023 | Electrical System | INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Structure | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Visibility | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB08-097K Feb 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-126C Feb 2023 | Wheels | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| PC926 04-08 Maxi Oct 2022 | Structure | Maxima/Altima Floor Pan Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year 2002-2006 Nissan Altima and 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima vehicles due to possibility of moisture becoming trapped... | |
| NTB22-095 Oct 2022 | Structure | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA FLOOR PAN PC926 will expire on November 1, 2023. | |
| NTB99-001F Dec 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001e Feb 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB05-057c Sep 2020 | Exterior Lighting | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002 â 2003 ALTIMA; HALOGEN HEADLAMP GROUND PLATE KIT Service Campaign ID # PB135 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PB135. | |
| NTB09131B Apr 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. | |
| NTB13028A Nov 2015 | Visibility | SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. | |
| P5216 Aug 2015 | Equipment | To ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan extended the warranty for cracking of the rear sub-frame due to corrosion to a total of 13 years with unlimited mileage on all model year 2002-2005 Nissan Altima and 2004-2005 Nissan Maxima vehicles. | |
| NTB15059 Jul 2015 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION The Service Procedure provided in this bulletin is for the installation of Repair Plates on vehicles that have rust in the floor pan area. See this bulletin for further detail. | |
| NTB00042D Jan 2015 | Air Bags | SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. | |
| NTB-08-055-A Jan 2014 | Air Bags | NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE | |
| NTB08055C Jan 2014 | Air Bags | SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. | |
| NTB-03-074-C Nov 2013 | Exterior Lighting | NISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED). | |
| NTB92123D Aug 2013 | Wheels | Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. | |
| NTB00033E Jul 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. | |
| NTB04094A Jul 2013 | Steering | If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. | |
| NTB98018G Jun 2013 | Electrical System | As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. | |
| NTB-13-038 Apr 2013 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. | |
| P-5216 Jun 2012 | Suspension | NISSAN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/ BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *JB UPDATED 6/12/12. *PE | |
| NTB12-029 Mar 2012 | Steering | NISSAN: ALTIMA, MAXIMA, QUEST; POWER STEERING HOSE SERVICE PART CHANGE. THE HOSE NOW COMES WITHOUT THE PRESSURE SENSOR. DO NOT DAMAGE THE PRESSURE SENSOR UPON REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION. IF ONLY THE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, DO NOT REPLACE ANY HOSES. *JS | |
| NTB-11-080 Aug 2011 | Suspension | NISSAN: AXLE BOLT AND TORQUE INFORMATION. *RM | |
| NTB-09-101 Sep 2010 | Tires | NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB | |
| NTB-09-129 Sep 2010 | Equipment | NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW... | |
| NTB-09-030 Apr 2009 | Electrical System | NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| 05057 Mar 2008 | Exterior Lighting | CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING SERVICE CAMPAIGN NTB05-057 - LOW BEAM HALOGEN HEADLAMP BULB ILLUMINATION FAILURE DUE TO POOR GROUND CONTACT. *TT CSC WAS RECEIVED. UPDATED 3/21/08. *NJ | |
| 03030 Apr 2007 | Exterior Lighting | EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB | |
| 06009 Mar 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL ON WITH DTC U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *TT | |
| 06029 Mar 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET AVAILABLE. *TT | |
| 05114 Mar 2006 | Suspension | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *AK | |
| 05114B Mar 2006 | Suspension | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *AK | |
| 06018 Mar 2006 | Structure | REAR SIDE MEMBER REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 06009 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK | |
| 02120A Nov 2005 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 99022 Oct 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 03004 Jul 2005 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SELECTOR MAY BE HARD TO OPERATE. *TT | |
| 05053 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) STORED P0444, P0447, P0605, P1122, P1444, P1490. *TT | |
| 99063C May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE WILL NOT START. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM / NISSAN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (NVIS/NATS) DESCRIPTION KEY REGISTRATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 03060 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED COLD. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 04133 Feb 2005 | Visibility | AUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 03035 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0102/P1102 STORED. *SCC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0100 STORED AS WELL. *TT | |
| 02022A Sep 2004 | Equipment | AVAILABLE TOOL: ENGINE SUPPORT BAR (OTC #1724). *NM | |
| 04114 Sep 2004 | Equipment | ESSENTIAL TOOL: J-47242 ENGINE SUPPORT TABLE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 MURANO AND QUEST. *NM | |
| 02045 Sep 2004 | Power Train | A/T SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID CLICK NOISE. JG THIS BULLETIN REPLACES NTB02-045 DATED 04/15/2002. *TT |
Showing 60 of 132 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →