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.
2002 Nissan Altima: sudden loss of power
51 of the 1,047 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Altima describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 51
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 79,000
- recalls
- 3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 24 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
I received a letter from the sapir your court of the state of california I am unable to find out what is going on with my car for what may happen with my car but this letter is telling me that I may have engine damage because if I lose power valves girl and that my car is unsafe to drive no one won't give me any true information or everyone is telling me they do not know what I am talking about please help me I drive this car I do not want to kill anyone or to die it will stop right in the middle of the freeway or wherever I am.
My 2002 nissan altima started to have problems with the car engine shutting off without any warning. Just 98000 miles on it dealer charged me $900 for set of sensor and labor. Car would stall in traffic on the highway, no warning, we would lose all power. Went to nissan and they said no one else had this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving up a ramp at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate and jerk. The rpms increased from 35 to 4,000. The speedometer started to fail and the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. This was a recurring failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Car would not start. Towed to mechanic and found out it was crank shaft positioning sensor. After repair was made I found the recall on this website. According to nissan service dept. Looking in nissan database this repair was made at 28k miles before I bought the car. I had to have the same thing repaired and nissan will not reimburse me for the repairs. According to the safety information posted about this recall the sensor can overheat and cause loss of power to the engine and cut off the engine completely. This happened to me a couple of years ago and luckily I was in a parking lot driving at a slow speed, but prior to that I was out on a country road and it was getting dark. If it had happened then I may have been hit by another car. Since this part is still defective or not redesigned it is putting other nissan owner's at risk of this happening again. There should be a second recall to replace this part again. This is not a simple "sensor" that causes your car to not start, this is life threatening! I am afraid to drive any distance for fear of this happening further from home and either causing me to get into an accident or having a huge towing bill. Nissan was very uncooperative in number one, not willing to reimburse me because I took it to my mechanic and not a dealer, I'm psychic like that, and two, not issuing another recall when the nissan service rep told me that these have been repaired more than once after the recall. I hope the federal safety agency department can see the urgency of this complaint to issue a second recall. Thank you.
Power valve screws in their 2003 nissan altima 2.5s. There is currently a recall on 2004 and 2005 altimas with the 2.5s engine with vins starting with 1n4al11. The recall campaign id for this problem is p5202. However, the same problem affects the 2003 altima with the 2.5s engine, but nissan north america has not added the 2003 year model to the recall. Both the 2003s and the 2004s have the exact same engine and I am a case in point of someone experiencing the exact same issue. However, nissan has of yet not stated whether they will add the 2003 to the recall campaign. I wanted to first let other 2003 altima owners with the 2.5s engine become aware of this issue. Secondly don't pay to have the problem fixed, it needs to be reported to nissan north america that the 2003 models are affected by this power valve screw issue. Here is the kicker: more than half the current value of the car. Please be sure and not let this happen to you. I have been on the phone with nissan north america and my dealership. My dealership has been extremely honest with me and is working with me to get nissan north america to add the 2003-year models to the recall campaign. If you have had a similar problem and had to pay for it, or if you are experiencing power loss, hearing engine rattle, unusual engine vibration, or hear a motorcycle engine type noise or muffler type sound coming from the engine, than you may be experiencing problems with the power valve. I hope this information saves someone out there both money and time. If you have already experienced this issue than please let me know. We are currently mounting evidence related to this issue in an attempt to make nissan north america aware of the issue and add the 2003 model to the recall campaign as well as address the damage. If not we will need to file a class action lawsuit related to this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the services light illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
- faulty intake valve timing control solenoid valve - intake valve timing control solenoid valve harness is open or shorted - intake valve timing control solenoid valve circuit poor electrical connection - faulty camshaft position sensor - camshaft position sensor harness is open or shorted - camshaft position sensor circuit poor electrical connection - faulty crankshaft position sensor (pos) since the intake valve timing control solenoid valve uses oil flow to control timing, dirty oil can cause the valve to stuck open or close. Before replacing the valve, change engine oil and filter and reset engine code. When there is a gap between angle of target and phase-control angle degree, the valve will stop working and the ECM will trigger the p0021 code. Possible symptoms - engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)- lack/loss of power- engine rough idle p0021 nissan description this mechanism hydraulically controls cam phases continuously with the fixed operating angle of the intake valve. The ECM receives signals such as crankshaft position, camshaft position, engine speed, and engine coolant temperature. Then, the ECM sends on/off pulse duty signals to the intake valve timing control solenoid valve depending on driving status. This makes it possible to control the shut/open timing of the intake valve to increase engine torque in low/mid speed range and output in high-speed range. The intake valve timing control solenoid valve changes the oil amount and direction of flow through intake valve timing control unit or stops oil flow. The longer pulse width advances valve angle. The shorter pulse width retards valve angle. When on and off pulse widths become equal, the solenoid valve stops oil pressure flow to fix the intake valve angle at the control position.
Problems: service engine soon light, no start condition, reduced engine power, stopped running during vehicle operation. Car was parked and when started would not go over 15000 RPM - would not back out of the parking space. After several attempts at restarting it I was able to drive it to my local mechanic for him to check why the service engine soon light was on. Code he received did not give him any information so he turned the light off and I continued driving the car. On june 26, 2014 the engine stalled as I pulled up to a stop light. After putting the car in park and turning on my emergency blinkers it began running again. No service engine soon light came on. The next day the car failed to start. After several attempts it started and this has happened multiple times since then. A recall notice for all of these specific problems had been issued in december of 2003.for 2002 altimas manufactured between june 2001 and june 2002. My altima was manufactured in october 2001 and I purchased it in november 2001. I was told by nissan when I called on june 27,2014 that my vehicle was not included in that recall even though all of the consequences of the recall were documented on my car. I did receive a recall notice in february of 2009 at which time the local dealer reprogrammed the ECM (r0712). Not sure that worked because in july 2010 the service engine soon light came on - took it to repair shop which replaced the crank position sensor (which could have been defective also since all of these problems are occurring). I paid out of pocket for the same thing others are getting repaired by nissan for free. Recall no. R3022 and 03v‑455 describe these problems.
Tl * the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pre-catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle had excessive oil consumption, and was making the catalytic converter failure worst. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle had experienced the exact failure related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling)the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 85,655 and the current mileage was 86,100.
On 6/27/2013 I was driving about 30 MPH per hour. The car engine shuts off abruptly and I loss all power to the car. I was stuck and the cars behind me almost hit me from behind. I put the hazards on and tried to start the car. I sat for about 5 minutes, put the car in neutral and it started then shut off again. In previous years I had to start the car in neutral but it never shut off while in motion until today,6/27/2013 and the service soon engine light came on and also the tcs, slip. I am now seeing that there is a recall. Can you please help me to get nissan to fix this problem because this is a hazard and there is a recall. Thank you. I will also call nissan again and report this problem, and I hope that they fix this problem because I could have been injured also others and there is a product recall on the crankshaft, timing control sensors, etc...why was a product recall notice not mailed to me about this serious defect/ problem?
I am the original owner of my 2002 nissan altima and I bought the car in the fall of 2001. I religiously change the oil on time and have properly maintained the car. The car has extremely low mileage for its age. I have received all of the nissan recalls. Since december 2001, I have had the problem of the engine stalling without warning and also, at times, losing all power in the car, an extremely dangerous condition and that almost caused me to have two accidents. After four recalls for the same problem of the engine stalling without warning, this year the car is again stalling without warning and I am told by my mechanic that I need to replace the crank sensor, which was replaced in 2004 by one of nissan recalls. I am told a crank sensor should last of the length of car's life. I am also told that those who received the 2009 version of the sensor have had no subsequent problems only those who had the older sensors are apparently at grave risk. I was in the car trying to cross an intersection with my 5 year old son in the back of car when my engine stalled without warning and when the engine dies I am without power. This was the first time since the last recall that the car stalled on me. This makes the stalling problem even more deadly. People think the problem was fixed by the earlier multiple recalls and are instead driving cars that are time bombs. Nissan needs to address this problem immediately.
Service bulletins that may apply
- MIL on with DTC U1000 or U1010 stored in engine control unit
- Engine oil cooler gasket available
- Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code U1000 or U1010 stored in engine control unit
- Engine will not start
- Rattle noise when started cold
- After a cold soak, the engine cranks but does not start
- Essential tool - J-47010 tamper resistant torx plus 25IPR bit
- Alternator noise after engine shut off
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. Certain my 2006 altimas which have been previously remedied under recall campaign 06v223 (nissan r0606) are not included in this recall since the reprogramming for 06v223 also included this reprogramming. The recall began on december 31, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
- Risk
- This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.
Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate.
- Risk
- Either of these two conditions could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of poor or improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube. Owner notification began on july 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261. Nissan recall nos. R3007, r3014, r3015, r3016, r3017. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they could score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. The pre-catalyst will be tested to ensure it is working properly and replaced if necessary. If damage is found inside the pre-catalyst, it will be necessary to replace the engine.
Recall number 03V084000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Altima loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2002 Nissan Altima?
51 of 1,047 owner complaints about the 2002 Nissan Altima (5%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Nissan Altima?
There are 3 recalls and 24 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Nissan Altima
Check engine light 193Oil consumption 168Engine failure 148Stalling 143Won't start 56Overheating 50Headlights 43Fire or smoke 38Misfire 34Hesitation 22Jerking 16Knocking 15Fuel pump 12Airbag light 10Grinding brakes 9Fuel smell 9Power steering loss 9Tire blowout 9No deployment 8Brake failure 7Fuel leak 7
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