Used Vehicle Review: Nissan Altima, 2002-2006

2002: On certain vehicles, the clockspring electrical connector may not be fully secured to the driver side air bag module squib pin connector due to the retaining groove in the module not having sufficient depth to hold the connector in the assembled position. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light will come on. However, the driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealer will install a retaining clip on the clockspring electrical connector.

Transport Canada Recall Number 2003060. Units affected: 30589.

2002-2003: On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road which could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Correction: Dealer will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. Also, certain operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they may score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis, engine damage may occur which could result in fire. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the engine control unit to prevent the possibility of the pre-catalyst overheating. If the conversion efficiency of the pre-catalyst has deteriorated, then the catalyst will be replaced. The original pre-catalyst will then be inspected for evidence of damage to the catalyst substrate. If damage is present, the vehicle engine will be replaced.

Transport Canada Recall Number 2003171. Units affected: 30132.

2002-2003: On certain vehicles at extremely cold temperatures, moisture in the fuel tank may freeze and form ice crystals. These ice crystals may obstruct the suction opening of the fuel pump which can prevent the supply of fuel to the engine and cause the engine to stop. Correction: Dealer will install a screen at the suction opening of the fuel pump.

Transport Canada Recall Number 20033267. Units affected: 74143.

2002-2003: On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. 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. Correction: Dealer will replace the crank position sensors.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006161; Units affected: 26,224

2003-2004: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to prevent stalling.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006155; Units affected: 6,300

2006: Certain vehicles equipped with a four-cylinder 2.5L engine may exhibit excessive oil consumption as a result of improper piston rings. If the oil level is not maintained, engine damage can occur and could result in an engine fire. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and, if required, replace the engine.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006040; Units affected: 32

2006: The die used for stamping the rear suspension subframe was out of specification during three days of production. As a result, the thickness of the attachment bracket for the rear lower link may be less than the minimum specification. This could result in a crack forming in the attachment bracket. If a crack propagates through the bracket, the rear lower link may separate from the bracket. Under certain severe driving conditions, stability of the vehicle may be compromised, leading to a loss of vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the rear suspension subframe.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007364; Units affected: 40,666

2002, 2005-2006 (includes other models): On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to prevent stalling.

Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.