Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Nissan Altima
The 2002 Nissan Altima shows potential issues, primarily related to the engine. With 1,047 complaints and 12 recalls, engine and lighting problems are notably significant. Be cautious, as complaint data highlights possible serious issues, though specifics are limited without individual inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Nissan Altima has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,047 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V527000 CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE/ENGINE STALL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E074000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E063000 FMVSS 108/BROKEN AIMING MECHANISM NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E054000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E064000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E023000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V455000 NISSAN/CRANK/CAM POSITION SENSOR WELD NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V251000 NISSAN/FUEL TANK FREEZE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V084000 NISSAN/DEBRIS AND CATALYST SUBSTRATE/FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V061000 NISSAN/AIR BAG MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02I001000 NISSAN/AIR BAG SENSOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 594 complaints
- Structure 128 complaints
- Engine 92 complaints
- Electrical System 77 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 41 complaints
- Power Train 39 complaints
Of the 1,047 complaints on file, 29 report a crash and 28 a fire; across all 1,047 complaints, owners report 27 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crankshaft sensor overheating
How to check: Check for engine warning lights or rough running
Exhaust pipe hanger catching debris
How to check: Inspect undercarriage near exhaust for signs of debris
Driver airbag connector loosening
How to check: Ensure airbag light doesn't flash intermittently
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Knocking or excessive ticking
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Smoothness of acceleration without hesitation
Red flag: Jerking or power loss
- 03
During idling
What to check: Steady idle without fluctuations
Red flag: Rough or unstable idle
- 04
Low speed turns
What to check: Listen for suspension noises or clunks
Red flag: Clunking or rattling sounds
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Smooth transition and consistent power output
Red flag: Lack of power or misfires
- 06
Braking from speed
What to check: Even braking without pull or noise
Red flag: Pulling or grinding noise
- 07
Parking
What to check: Transmission engages smoothly into park
Red flag: Delayed response or clunks
- 08
Final idle
What to check: Temperature gauge reads within normal range
Red flag: Overheating or abnormal gauge reading
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the crankshaft sensor been replaced?
- Are there any recurring engine issues?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any issues with the airbag system?
- Has it been involved in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history
- Recall clearance report
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Emissions test report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Nissan Altima at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2002 Nissan Altima? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.