2002 Nissan Altra Ev Problems
The 2002 Nissan Altra EV, with only 16 NHTSA complaints and no recalls, presents a very limited data set for buyer guidance. Based on 16 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2002 Nissan Altra Ev has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Nissan Altra Ev 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.
NISSAN ALTRA EV (2002) has 16 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (5) and brake system issues (4) most reported. There are no recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altra Ev
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Nissan Altra Ev problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Nissan Altra Ev?
With very few complaints and no recalls, the 2002 Altra EV may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low data volume means reliability is uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection.
Engine and brake complaints, though few, suggest potential reliability issues that could lead to costly repairs. The lack of recalls does not guarantee safety or dependability.
May Suit
This year may suit collectors or EV enthusiasts seeking a rare early electric vehicle, provided they are prepared for potential maintenance challenges.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those unfamiliar with vintage EV maintenance should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Nissan Altra Ev
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and electric drive components for signs of failure.
- Check brake system for leaks or reduced performance.
- Verify airbag system functionality and warning lights.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electric drive system.
- Check brake system for leaks, wear, and proper function.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Nissan Altra Ev, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Nissan Altra EV has 16 total complaints, with engine problems (5) and brake system issues (4) being the most reported. There are no recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: As the only model year, there are no lower- or higher-complaint years for comparison, making it difficult to assess relative reliability.
Recall context: With zero recalls, pre-purchase recall checks are not needed, but buyers should still verify any outstanding safety issues through NHTSA.
- Engine problems account for 5 of 16 total complaints.
- Brake system issues account for 4 complaints.
- There are no recalls for this model year.
- Engine Problems (5 complaints)
- Brake System (4 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2002 Nissan Altra Ev complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
DRIVING ON THE LONGBEACH FREEWAY WHEN BOTH AIRBAGS EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ONE TO HELP ME WITH THE PROBLEM THAT I COULD FIND, NOR COULD I FIND ANYONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. I GOT A NUMBER OF BRUISES TO MY FACE AND BODY. HAVE WITNESS AND DAUGHTER. WE WERE TO…
I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 88.000 MILES ON IT THIS CAR IT SHOULD BE JUST GETTING BROKEN IN JUST GOT DONE PAYING THIS CAR OFF IT COST ME AROUND 18,000 DOLLARS IN 2004 PAID IT OFF IN JUNE 2009 THINKING I COULD GET BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN BUT I SEE THAT WONT HAPPEN NOT WITH A BAD DE…
NISSAN ALTIMA - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON NOVEMBER 2006. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SENSOR COULD BE BAD AND NOT NECESSARILY THE PART. THEY SHUT THE LIGHT OFF AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO OFF AND ON OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YE…
SINCE 09/07 I HAVE PAID MORE THAN $2500.00 TO REPLACE, CHANGE, CHECK, AND MAINTAIN THE OIL IN MY CAR. I KNOW HAVE TO CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 1,500 MILES INSTEAD OF EVERY 3,000 SO IT WONT BURN OUT THE ENGINE. IT IS A 2002 ALTIMA BUT APPARENTLY THE "VIN" NUMBER IS NOT ONE THAT WAS IN …
MY NEW CAR WAS PERFORMING AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND MAINTENANCE WAS BEING COMPLETED ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO CUT OFF DURING OPERATION IN 2004/5. IT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY, EXPRESSWAYS, ETC. IT DIDN'T MATTER. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY CLAIME…
2002 NISSAN SENTRA SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE LIGHT ON. OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND CODE STILL REMAINED. CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL FOR THE ECM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL…
EXCESS OIL USE, CAR USING WATER, NOT STARTING THEN WHEN IT STARTS IT BLOWS BLACK SMOKE. *TR
I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM 12/03. I FOLLOWED UP AND HAD IT REPAIRED OR REPLACED , AT THIS POINT I'M UNCERTAIN WHAT HAPPENED. TODAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS INOPERABLE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 800.00 TO RE…
WITHOUT NOTICE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER & THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $80+ TAX TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I JUST HAPPENED TO CHECK FOR RECALLS AND THE RECALL HAS STATED THAT MY ISSUE IS DUE TO A DEFECT AND IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCID…
I'M THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN 6 MONTHS I'VE NOW SPENT $600 ($300 EACH INCLUDING LABOR) TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON MY AUTO ALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE A $6 BULB. THERE IS A SEVERE DESIGN F…
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PARTS ON THIS ALTIMA ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THE ACTUAL DEFECT CAUSED BY THE LIGHTS BEING TOO HOT AND THEN MELTING THE PLASTIC WAS NOT …
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TODAY AND THE BRAKES NOT WORKING HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT. AS I NOTICED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I APPLIED MY BRAKES ONLY TO FIND THAT IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I TRIED AGAIN (STILL ABOUT TO HIT ANOTHER CAR) AND THEY WORKED FINE. I AM WA…
I HAVE HAD REOCCURING BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH MY 02 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE BRAKES DO NOT ADEQUATELY STOP THE VEHICLE AND GRAB/RELEASE WHEN COMING TO A STOP MAKING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT AT TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE NISSAN DEALER THREE SEPARATE…
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS JUST 37000 MILES ON IT. IN THE PAST 2-3 WEEKS I NOTICED BRAKE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE METAL ON METAL GRIDING. I OF COURSE TOOK IT TO MY DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR SETS OF BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN SHORT, EVERYTHI…
AT APPROX. 36,400 MILES ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. II TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FRONT LEFT ABS SENSOR, $290.00 TO REPAIR, FRONT BRAKE PADS DOWN TO 10% AND ROTORS NEED TO BE RESURFACED. I INQUIRED ABOUT WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE SENSOR …
MY CONCERNS ARE ALSO REFLECTED IN 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALITMA 3.5L SE, STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS AT 57,000 MILES. IT STARTED WITH VERY HARD SHIFTING GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK FINE (ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS WAR…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev.
Safety recalls
2002 Nissan Altra Ev recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev. With zero recalls, pre-purchase recall checks are not needed, but buyers should still verify any outstanding safety issues through NHTSA. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Nissan Altra Ev buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. With very few complaints and no recalls, the 2002 Altra EV may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low data volume means reliability is uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. 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 Altra Ev?▾
#1: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #2: Brake System (4 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Nissan Altra Ev?▾
With very few complaints and no recalls, the 2002 Altra EV may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low data volume means reliability is uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. Engine and brake complaints, though few, suggest potential reliability issues that could lead to costly repairs. The lack of recalls does not guarantee safety or dependability. 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 VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altra Ev reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Nissan Altra Ev based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.