Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
2002 Nissan Altima Problems
Camshaft Sensor Leaking Oil Into Connector
The Camshaft position sensor can leak oil into its electrical connector causing the Check Engine light to illuminate. The engine may also stall intermittently as a result.
Engine May Stall Due to Failed Crankshaft and/or Camshaft Sensor
The engine may stall at times due to a failed crankshaft position sensor and/or camshaft position sensor, These sensors can fail intermittently as they warm with the engine. Sensors on certain models have been recalled by Nissan and will be replaced as necessary. Please visit our recall section for this model to see if your vehicle is covered by this recall.
Check Engine Light and/or Engine Stall
Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors can leak oil into the connector causing Check Engine Light illumination. The engine may also stall as a result. Leaking sensors should be replaced. Certain 2002 models were recalled for a separate camshaft and crankshaft sensor issue. For more information on the recall please click here»
Overheating Due to Stuck Closed Thermostat
The thermostat may become stuck closed, causing an overheating condition. Replacement of the thermostat will be required to correct this concern.
Drivability Concerns Due to Corroded Ground Inside the Mass Air Flow Sensor
The ground inside mass air flow (MAF) sensor can corrode and possibly cause drivability problems. The corrosion is enough to affect the sensor data but not enough to create a trouble code. Diagnosing this can be difficult because it won't always illuminate the Check Engine light.
Rattle and/or Check Engine Light Due to Cracked Welds on Catalytic Converter Heat Shield
Welds on the catalytic converter heat shield can corrode causing a rattle during acceleration and possibly causing Check Engine Light illumination. The common repair for this issue is replacement of the catalytic damaged catalytic converter.
Check Engne Light, Misfire, Rough Idle
An engine vacuum leak from the intake manifold gasket may cause the engine to misfire or have a rough idle which may also illuminating the Check Engine Light.
AC Not Cold Due to Pressure Hose Leak
The AC system may blow warm air due to refrigerant loss caused by a leaking low pressure AC hose. These hoses commonly develop a leak at the hose crimp connection.
Knocking Noise From Front Suspension
The front struts can wear prematurely and create a knocking noise when driving over bumps.
Right Side Engine Mount May Wear and Cause Excessive Movement
The engine mount on the right side can wear prematurely and cause excessive engine movement.
Internal Engine Damage Caused by Screws From Intake Manifold
Screws inside the intake manifold can become loose causing internal engine damage if they fall out completely. Our technicians report that using a strong thread locker on the power valve butterfly screws can help prevent them from becoming loose.
Check Engine Light Due to Catalytic Converter Failure
The catalytic converter closest to the cylinder head can fail causing illumination of the Check Engine Light. Prompt repair of this problem is recommended because the catalyst material can be sucked into the engine and cause internal damage.
Check Engine Light/Loss of Power Due to Throttle Body Failure
The electronic throttle actuator (throttle body) can fail causing a loss of power and illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Failed External Seal on Engine Oil Cooler May Leak
The external seal on the engine oil cooler can fail and create an oil leak.