2002 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,063 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2002 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2002 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2002 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Nissan Altima has 1,063 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,063
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Nissan Altima?
The 2002 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for known issues such as excessive oil consumption or timing chain problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, structural, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and body condition.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for known issues such as excessive oil consumption or timing chain problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, structural, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and body condition.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Nissan Altima are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of reports. Structural issues and electrical faults also appear as recurring themes, though with lower frequency. The data suggests potential concerns with the engine and body integrity, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Engine problems dominate complaints with 691 reports, far exceeding other components.
- Structural problems are the second most reported issue with 128 complaints.
- Electrical faults and headlight/taillight failures are also notable, with 79 and 44 complaints respectively.
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2002 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 691 | 8 | 23 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 128 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 79 | 1 | 9 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 44 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 41 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 40 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 38 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 36 | 17 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 36 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 33 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 29 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 re…
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,…
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 se…
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…
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 …
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 REPLAC…
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 MECHANI…
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 VAL…
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 I…
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 CAUSE…
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 #R…
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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Nissan Altima.
2002 Nissan Altima Recalls
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Nissan Altima. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,063 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (691 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (128 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (79 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 30 crash-related reports and 28 fire reports out of 1,063 total complaints. 27 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2002 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.