2002 Nissan Altima: brake failure

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · IL

Nissan altima '02-05 2.5/3.5 models have a known issue with a valve check assembly in a brake vacuum tube. When the car is exposed to extreme cold temperatures for prolonged periods of time, like those experienced this past winter in il, the valve freezes up and prevents proper operation of the vacuum and thus complete brake failure. It fixes itself after pumping of the brakes several times. I experienced this problem 3 times within a 2 week period. Imagine rolling up to a stop sign only to pump your brakes to the feeling of a brick stuck under them, no stopping action, helplessly coasting right into the intersection. I researched the problem and stumbled on to a nissan enthusiast forum where it was apparently a known issue to them. They said that nissan won't even acknowledge this to be an issue and to just order the redesigned part and replace it yourself as it was a dye job. The factory part replacement number is #47430-8j100 (3.5 model) or #47430-8j000 (2.5 model). Why did nissan redesign the part in '06 if they didn't know there was an issue with it? When I called the nissan dealership where I bought the car, sure enough they wouldn't acknowledge any problem with that part and even went as far as to claim that they have never even ordered that part. They have either never diagnosed the issue correctly or they outright lied to me. I called a different nissan dealership, ordered the part and installed it myself and have not had the problem despite the subzero temperatures that have occurred since. I'll conclude with the fact that I have zero automotive/mechanical experience. I am a computer systems engineer so I'm used to replacing parts in small spaces on a different type of machinery. But yet I was able to research, diagnose, and fix my own car problem, caused by a known defect in a factory part, with the help of the guys in that forum. How many other people are out there driving ticking-timebomb altimas that don't have the knowledge to do that??

Filed Jan 16, 2009 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY

On extremely cold days (5 degrees f or lower) I have had several instances where the brakes do not stop the car when the car is first driven. The cause is due to apparent malfunction of a check valve in the vacuum line to power brake booster. The pedal remains hard (I.e. - the pedal does not go to the floor). Usually after a few subsequent attempts to brake, the boost function returns and the brakes function normally. Many people have experienced and reported this problem on internet forums such as http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/2002-2006-nissan-altima-discussion-2-5-3-5/256153-cold-weather-braking-issue.htmline. This is very dangerous and it is only by luck that I haven't been in an accident since it has resulted in being unable to stop at an intersection. This should definitely be the responsibility of nissan to repair as a safety recall. Nissan has redesigned the part and it is very inexpensive (about $28) and the new hose/check valve assembly can be replaced in about 5 minutes. The part number for the redesigned vacuum hose/check valve is 47430-l31002 for the 3.5l v6 engine. For the 2.5l 4 cylinder engine the part number is 47430-l31001. It's called a "tube-vacuum". I purchased and installed the part myself. Some people reported that some dealers mistakenly think the power brake booster itself is the cause of the problem and have replaced it at a cost of up to $500 (and did not replace the hose) only to have the owner continue to experience the brake failure on the next extremely cold day.

Filed May 14, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 143,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a bumping sound from outside the vehicle and noticed that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle lost power and the brakes failed. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle was stopped, she was unable to place the vehicle into park. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the front end caught fire. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 143,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2007 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · MN

I left my 2002 nissan altima sit out overnight (temps dropped below 10 degrees). When I drove the car in the morning, the brakes failed. I pushed down on the break pedal, but it would not go down and the brakes did not work. Fortunately, the brake failure did not cause or result in an accident. I contacted the dealership. They said they believe it is a "check sensor" and are replacing it at my expense later today. This has happened to me about 4 times. It always happens when it is below 10 degrees outside.

Filed Oct 25, 2007 · Engine · 138,490 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine shut off. There was a loss of steering power and the brakes failed. The vehicle was restarted after two or three attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated and the weather was not a factor. The duplicate failure is related to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling), which was repaired two years ago. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer has not diagnosed the cause of the failure; however, they advised the contact to call the federal safety agency regarding a recall. The current mileage was 138,890 and failure mileage was 138,490. Updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07

Filed Jul 24, 2005 · Brakes · 15,589 miles · OH

The right rear brake failed with only 15,589 miles. Car is only 3 years old. There was no bad consequences due to this failure. Dealer replaced brake, rotor, and pads, but said problem was due to not driving car enough. He conveyed that mileage was too low for 3-year old car. I don't think so.

Filed Sep 9, 2003 · Engine · CA

The cam sensor located in the engine compartment without warning . The light appear on the dashboard while driving she heard a poppying noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle shut down no power no brakes, steering. Please fill in additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem